Page 268 - The Path of Grace

PATH OF GRACE
2. PRANAMAYAKOSA
Earlier while studying the nature of Annamaya Kosa we have had occasion to specify broadly the difficulties in sadhana we counter due to the nature and binds of that Kosa. The Pranamaya Kosa is really the main layer that gives maximum difficulties for performing effective sadhana. While the body (Bhoutika Sarira) imposes its limitations in sadhana, the vital plane (Prana Sarira) poses formidable obstacles in the path.
Even as the Annamaya Kosa is the product of Tamas or Matter the Pranamaya Kosa or the vital sheath is the product of Rajoguna (Drive, Passion, Dynamism etc.,) this also has a beginning and an ending and therefore is also called a Sarira. Tradition holds that since this is also a body it is not our true nature.
This Kosa is also called Kamamaya Kosa by some. The Kamamaya Kosa is the crude mind. It is related to the ordinary conscious mind and the neo- cortex. It has three functions, 1) to sense external stimulate via the indriyas, 2) to form desires
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