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One's experiences in life indicate the realm of consciousness to which one has evolved. However, blockages in other koshas still exist despite the focus of consciousness in a particular kosha. For this reason, an integral path of yoga is advised. The time spent on each limb of yoga will vary from individual to individual, depending on the kind of blockages and the level of evolution one has attained. Expert guidance is essential to ascertain the correct practices for each kosha, which will in turn influence the other koshas.
Perception of prana in different koshas The aim of the practitioner who focuses on pranayama and prana vidya is to work with the pranamaya kosha until the activation and perception of prana becomes subtle enough to penetrate the other koshas. The techniques of prana vidya train one to perceive and experience prana directly at different levels of subtlety. After the awakening of prana, its how, form, colour and quality are experienced at all levels.
At the level of annamaya kosha, prana is experienced in the form of nervous energy. The awareness of prana shakti in the other sheaths develops through pratyahara or sensory withdrawal, by transcending the gross body and external environment. The perception of prana in manomaya kosha can be compared to a house at night with the lights switched on. The quality and luminosity of that light depends on the purity of the mind. Some people experience manomaya kosha as a sheath of light, having a shape and form, others as light emanating cyclically from a central source.
A systematic and sustained period of practice at the level of manomaya opens the door to vijnanamaya kosha. The inner visions, smells, sounds and sights perceived in deeper states of meditation are the manifestations of prana in vijnanamaya kosha. The first glimpse of psychic experience, however, does not indicate that the practices have borne fruit or can be dispensed with. As the koshas begin to function more coherently, a slight nudge here may cause a little experience there. So, one must persevere until complete
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