Sloka 163
Sloka 163
Original Text:
ज्ञानेन्द्रियाणि च मनश्च मनोमायाः स्यात् कोशो ममाहमिति वस्तुविकल्पहेतुः । संज्ञादिभेदकलनाकलितो बलीयांस् तत्पूर्वकोशमभिपूर्य विजृम्भते यः ॥ १६७ ॥
- Transliteration:
jñānendriyāṇi ca manaśca manomāyāḥ syāt kośo mamāhamiti vastuvikalpahetuḥ। saṃjñādibhedakalanākalito balīyāṃs tatpūrvakośamabhipūrya vijṛmbhate yaḥ॥ 167॥
- Translation:
The mind along with the sensory faculties is considered the 'Manomaya Kosha'. It causes distinctions such as 'mine' and 'I' through the variety of objects. Influenced by concepts and distinctions like names, it pervades the preceding sheath and expresses itself more powerfully.
- Word Meanings:
* jñānendriyāṇi - the sense faculties or organs of knowledge * ca - and * manaḥ - mind * ca - and * manomāyāḥ - of or constituting the mental dimension/sheath * syāt - is considered * kośaḥ - sheath * mama - mine * aham - I * iti - thus * vastu - object * vikalpa - distinction * hetuḥ - cause * saṃjñā - name * ādi - etc. * bheda - differences * kalanā - perception or consideration * kalitaḥ - affected or conditioned * balīyāṃs - more powerful * tatpūrvakośam - preceding sheath * abhipūrya - infusing into * vijṛmbhate - manifests or expresses itself * yaḥ - which
- Commentary:
This verse delves into the concept of the 'Manomaya Kosha', one of the five sheaths or layers that cover the Atman (Self) as conceived in Vedantic philosophy. The 'Manomaya Kosha' pertains to the mind and its composite faculties, including the sense organs. It becomes the basis for identifying oneself with notions of 'mine' and 'I', producing the sense of individuality and attachment to objects. The verse highlights how this mental sheath is stronger and more dominant than the 'Pranamaya Kosha', the preceding sheath associated with vital energies. By creating distinctions and associations with names and forms, the Manomaya Kosha weaves the perception of duality and enhances the illusory sense of self-identity. Through this awareness, Vedantic teachings suggest a pathway to transcend these layers and recognize the true, unchanging essence of the Self beyond mental constructs. Understanding the role and influence of the 'Manomaya Kosha' is crucial for spiritual aspirants aiming to move beyond the limitations of the mind to achieve self-realization.
Further Readings: