2 - The Cosmos - The Three Worlds

Question 1

How is the universe perceived in Sanskrit literature?

Answer 1

In terms of space, the physical and the non-physical worlds make up the cosmos.

In terms of time, the universe exists in a beginningless and endless cycle.

Question 2

How many levels of consciousness are there?

Answer 2

Within the illusion of creation, there are three levels of consciousness:

1. waking
2. dream
3. deep sleep.

Question 3

How many worlds/bodies are there in creation?

Answer 3

Since there are three levels of consciousness, the whole creation can be considered as having three worlds or bodies:

1. physical (waking state)
2. subtle (dream state)
3. causal (deep sleep state)

Question 4

How many bodies does each individual have?

Answer 4

Each individual within creation can be thought of as having these three bodies as well.

The three bodies are all composed of brahman or consciousness but at different levels of density, just as water can appear as vapour, liquid and ice

Question 5

Describe the causal body.

Answer 5

The causal body, or the deep sleep state, is the finest.

It holds the seed of the subtle and physical bodies.

It is difficult to describe because it is a mass of undifferentiated consciousness.

Question 6

What is the subtle or mental body?

Answer 6

The subtle, or mental body is a vast world.

Its basic material is composed of five great elements (mahaabhuutaani) in their original, unmixed forms.

Question 7

What are the properties of the primal elements?

Answer 7

These primal elements each have a special property of their own.

1. aakaasza (space) has the property of szabda (sound.)
2. vaayu (air) has the property of sparsza (touch.)
3. agni / tejas (fire) has the property of ruupa (form.)
4. jala (water) has the property of rasa (taste).
5. prrthivi / bhuumi (earth) has the property of gandha (smell.)

When the mahaabhuutaani are mixed together then we get the physical elements that are evident to the physical senses.

Question 8

What is the subtle body made up of?

Answer 8

The subtle body contains:

1. inner organ of mind, or antahhkaran-a.
2. two sets of senses (indriyas)
3. praan-a, the breath of life that animates all
   things.

Question 9

What is the antahhkaran-a made up of?

Answer 9

It is made up of:

1. Buddhi (intellect)
2. Aham-kaara (ego)
3. Manas (thought)
4. Citta (heart)

Question 10

Describe the Buddhi (intellect)

Answer 10

The buddhi is the organ of reason.

Its function is distinguishing between what is true and false, eternal and transient, good and bad, etc.

Buddhi is said to be like a mirror that reflects the light of the aatman.

Hence the seeming wisdom of a creature is dependent on buddhi.

If the creature’s buddhi is still and clean, then the creature is able to correctly perceive the light of the aatman.

However, if the buddhi is agitated and dark, then the opposite is
true.

Question 11

Describe the Aham-kaara (ego)

Answer 11

The aham-kaara gives each being its separate sense of ‘I’ and
identifies the aatman (Self) with the body or some other aspect of the creation.

The whole universe can be perceived as a single whole known as samaswtti.

However, within it are individuals called vyaswtti, each of who think of themselves as separate.

This apparent separation is due to aham-kaara.

This separation and identification of one’s self with something in the creation leads to binding with sam-saara, the endless round of rebirths.

Question 12

Describe Manas (thought)

Answer 12

Manas is the lower level of mind and is the organ of thought.

Manas has two main aspects: sanmkalpa (opinion or belief) and vikalpa (doubt or objection.)

Using these two functions, manas considers the pros and cons
of an issue.

Buddhi then decides which side is right.

Question 13

Describe Citta (heart)

Answer 13

The citta is the seat of emotions and memory.

Question 14

What are the two sets of senses (indriyas)

Answer 14

The senses of knowledge (jñaanendriyas)
The senses of action (karmendriyas)

Question 15

Describe the jñaanendriyas

Answer 15

The senses of knowledge (jñaanendriyas) correspond to the five senses.

Each of these works through a primal element:

• hearing (ears) works through aakaasza (space)
• touch (skin) works through vaayu (air)
• seeing (eyes) works through agni / tejas (fire)
• taste (tongue) works through jala (water)
• smell (nose) works through prrthivi / bhuumi (earth)

Question 16

Describe the karmendriyas

Answer 16

The senses of action (karmendriyas) correspond to five bodily functions:

• speaking (mouth)
• grasping (hands)
• procreation (genitals)
• excretion (anus)
• moving (feet)

Question 17

What are two verses from Manusmrrti about the ten indriyas?

Answer 17

Question 18

Describe the functions of Praan-a?

Answer 18

Praan-a has five functions in the body:
* Praan-a is the breath in the mouth and nose.
* Apaana is the breath that excretes.
* Vyaana is the breath that permeates the whole body.
* Udaana is the breath that leaves the body at death.
* Samaana is the breath that digests.

Question 19

Describe the physical body?

Answer 19

The physical body is the world apparent to the senses.

This is inert and motivated by the subtle body.

This world is formed from the mixing of the five mahaabhuutaani (great subtle elements).

It is characterised by birth, old age, and death.