Page 275 - The Path of Grace
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APPENDIX I - KOSAS
such a persons outlook to difficulties in life is apathy, passive indifferent resignation and many times only simple avoidance and escapism.
As compared to the above mentioned ways in which a person suffering from the binds of the Annamaya Kosa, one who is bound by the fetters of the Pranamaya Kosa behaves more actively. Prana is the life force in Matter and is the active principle operating in the field of torpor and inertia. It propels the Jiva (living being) to action and is also the source from which the energy emanates for self preservation (called as Kama) and propagation (called as Krodha).
In traditional systems of Raja Yoga the aspirant is asked to put in his best efforts to control these basic urges and it was considered that total control (bordering on suppression/repression) was considered absolute must for any progress to be made in the spiritual path. Austerities, penances, stoic discipline and segregation from the world of men and matters were also prescribed in varying degrees by different systems. This has effectively
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