There are four levels of the self; all four aspects should be in alignment for healing. The four aspects of the self are: spiritual, physical, mental and emotional can be aligned with yoga and mindfulness practice. According to the hidden knowledge of yoga, there are 114 chakras in the body, and they store energy in the body.
With yoga and spiritual knowledge, we can unlock our power centres of the body. The different words for these aspects of life in the Vedas are: Sharira, Mana, Bhava, and Atman. The basic need for this alignment is a spiritual connection with the self. In different forms of yoga, like Ashtanga yoga and Hatha yoga, there are methods of balancing and getting a higher state of consciousness.
How to Lead a Balanced Life?
What is balance in life? Balance never means that there are no worries, but the way of handling them can be known with balance. Living in harmony with emotional, spiritual, physical and mental levels is balance, and all aspects are guided by Dharma and Sattva. Living a healthy and satisfying life while harming no one is a simple way to define balance in life.
Human beings are mentally, physically, and spiritually vulnerable to fear, which is a reason for imbalance in life. We will define other aspects later; here are some ways to lead a balanced life:
- Two words, Dharma and Sattva, make it easy to balance the four aspects of life. Doing what is right according to Dharma can balance the four aspects.
- Being detached from every aspect of life, especially from emotional ones, frees us from Karma entanglement.
- Some behavioural aspects like being empathetic, expressing gratitude, and living with non-violence are also helpful in leading a balanced life.
- Analysing our behaviour mentally physically emotionally.
- Practising mindfulness meditation and yoga daily is also a very helpful technique.
- Building a connection with the higher self, the universe or god.
- Getting up early in the morning and having satvik food, and following a routine.
The Four Levels of Self
The four levels of the self are defined in the Vedas and the yoga philosophy; in simple words, they are also known as sheaths. Another word written for sheath in the Vedas is ‘koshas’, so there are four Koshas of the self. So these four Koshas work as emotionally, physically spiritually. In the section below, you will find a correct explanation of the four koshas.
1. Physical Self- Annamaya Kosha
This is the body through which we can feel and see things; it is made up of food that we eat per day. The Annamaya kosha needs resources, rest and nurturing, and it can be balanced with yoga and exercises. A healthy lifestyle and proper purification of the body are necessary.
2. Manomaya Kosha or Mental Self
The second layer is of thoughts, beliefs, and planning, which is also known as the brain. Its health is maintained by pranayama and meditaion. Otherwise it is prone to disturbances in the form of worries and fail of planning.
3. Emotional Self of Intellect- Vijanmaya Kosha
It is layer o feeling towards the invisible world and gratitude balances it. Intuition, empathy, and decision making comes under this section. Also, decision making, self reflection and chakra balancing helps in balance on this layer.
4. Spiritual Self or Annandmaya Kosha
Eternal sttae of body which is unaffected from external sufferings and desire is Annadmaya kosha. It is also known as ultimate bliss layer and it is balanced with self inquiry. The other methods of balancing it are bhajan, Kirtan and Satsang. It is a natural devotion satte of the body.
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How to Balance and Heal the Four Levels of the Self?
The eight limbs of yoga which is known as Ashtanga yoga is designed in the similar way to balance all the four levels of the body. We atrat from Yama and Niyama in our life and after reaching to Anandmaya Kosha we attain Samadhi in this method . To go on this particular path there is need of devotion, determination and surrendering our thoughts.
At Om Shanti Om Yoga Ashram we are preparing you or the basic state of devotion and wants you to know more about inner self. You can visit us or contact us for more guidance of Ashtanga Yoga.
Conclusion
Blancing the four levels of the body is necessary but it could be a long procedure for some people. With the guidance of Guru and Yog, any person can balance the four self. There is small guidance of balancing the four levels, you can understand and make a deeper connection with us. The ultimate way is yoga, self relection, healing, and devotion.
