VA I DYA , Part Two, Koshas And Approach

Ancient Vedic healing applied three healing principles. They are (1) mani or gems, (2) mantra or sacred sound formulas, (3) and aushadha or medicine, which could be either herbal or mineral. These three healing principles each relate to one of the koshas or sheaths, which together constitute the embodiment of the human being. They are the Ananda Maya Kosha or causal body; the Manomaya Kosha or astral body: and the Anna Maya Kosha or physical body. We can also relate these three Koshas to the three planes of being, respectively the transcendental of pure consciousness. The subtle or astral of intellect and thought. And the gross of the emotional and physical body. Each of these planes will be affected in their own way by an imbalance or disease. And we will have to apply the healing process to each if we intend to effect a complete and total healing.

The Ananda Maya Kasha can be called the sheath of bliss. It forms the karana sharira, or causal frame. It constitutes the transcendental plane of being, the higher self or super consciousness. It is most likely to be vulnerable to imbalances relating to the transcendental or divine plane. These express themselves on the human plane through the influences of the planetary forces, which can be read through the analysis of a person's horoscope. Negative planetary influences hr eve been traditionally subsided with the help of appropriate gemstones. Each planetary power has its fitting gemstone, according to color and crystal character. It should be worn fitted in the right metal as a ring or pendant. According to the individual case the wearing of a particular stone should be advised for certain periods, or on a permanent basis.

The Manomaya Kosha is called the sheath of intellect or will. It forms the sukshma sharira, or subtle frame. It can be identified with what in the West is sometimes called the astral body. It acts as it were as a bridge or connection between the transcendental and the physical planes of existence. It is therefore intimately connected with the power and functioning of the principle of mantra, or sacred sound formula. The word mantra literally means 'instrument of thought or mind'. In mantra three power principles are integrated or synthesized. These are sound, metre and meaning.

Over the past few decades the vibrations of sound have been extensively researched in a scientific context for both their positive as well as their negative influences. It has become established fact that for instance plant growth can be either positively or negatively impacted through certain types of music. Classical Indian music based on Ragas has been shown to have to most positive influence. Classical Western music also has a positive influence although less notable, whereas modern Western rock music has an altogether negative impact on plant growth. Sound vibrations are momentarily also used for pest control in biological gardening and farming. And even for the expulsion of rats in situations where they form a plague.

Sound, the first power principle working in the instrument of mantra, is called shabda in the Vedic tradition, which means both sound, word, as well as the cosmic vibratio
OM. In the mantra shabda or sound takes on several aspects. First of all the mantra's functioning as an instrument for the influencing of consciousness in general, and as an instrument of healing in particular is based in the svara or the pitch and the melody of the chanting. Here it is the distance between the tones or notes, which creates the impact. The svara or pitch relates to the functioning of geometrical space through frequency and wavelength. These affect a mysterious energy for healing.

The second aspect of sound lies in the actual phonetics of the syllables and words as sound entities. Each syllable of the Sanskrit alphabet has its particular deity or power as the principle behind it’s functioning.

The second principle which gives power to a mantra is that of meter or chandas. Meter creates rhythm, expressing the functioning of time. Long and short syllable, as well as, once again, the space in between, together bring about particular changes in states of consciousness, producing the healing energy.

The third principle lending its power to mantra is that of meaning. Mantras are not purely physical sound vibrations such as the ones used for the repelling of insects, or the testing of large constructions. Besides the principles of svara and chandas the principle of artha or meaning creates a special higher dimension to the functioning of the power of mantra. Meaning functions as the connection or bridge between the field of matter (sound, vibration) and the field of consciousness.

It must be understood that mantra as a carrier of power through sound, meter and meaning is always accompanied by ritual action. We will come back to the meaning and functioning of ritual action a little further in this article.