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=== Vijnanamaya kosha ===

=== Vijnanamaya kosha ===

Vijnanamaya means composed of [[vijnana]], or intellect, the faculty which discriminates, determines or [[will (philosophy)|will]]s. [[Chattampi Swamikal]] defines vijnanamaya as the combination of intellect and the [[five sense organs]]. It is the sheath composed of more intellection, associated with the organs of perception. Sankara holds that the [[buddhi]], with its modifications and the organs of knowledge, form the cause of man’s [[Reincarnation|transmigration]]. This knowledge sheath, which seems to be followed by a reflection of the power of the [[Cit (consciousness)|cit]], is a modification of [[prakrti]]. It is endowed with the function of knowledge and identifies itself with the body, organs etc.

The next of the koshas is Vijnanamaya kosha. Vijnana means knowing. Buddhi or intellect with its modifications and the five organs of knowledge, having the characteristics of the agent constitutes the Vijnanamaya Kosha or the knowledge-sheath. It knows, decides, judges, and discriminates between this and that, between useful and not useful.  

This knowledge sheath cannot be the supreme self for the following reasons;

Man generally says: I am the agent. I am a man of firm determination. I am a man of intelligence. I am a learned man. I can understand everything beautifully. I can remove the doubts of others. I know the Vedas. I am a wise man. This knowledge-sheath cannot be the self-effulgent pure Atman, because it is subject to change, it has a beginning and an end; it is an effect of Sattva-Guna; it is Jada or insentient; it is not self-luminous; it is a limited thing; it is an object; it is not constantly present; it gets involved during deep sleep. An unreal thing cannot therefore be taken for the eternal, real Atman. You are not the Vijnanamaya Kosha. You are the Knower of this sheath and as such are entirely distinct from it.

*It is subject to change.

*It is insentient.

*It is a limited thing.

*It is not constantly present.

=== Anandamaya kosha ===

=== Anandamaya kosha ===