Peeling Back the Layers: Unveiling the True Self to Handle Adversity with Grace
Discover how to detach from life’s illusions and become un-fuckwithable by understanding the five Koshas and uncovering your true self. By Dr. JC Doornick
The Illusion of What We See
Most of us live under the impression that what we perceive as reality is the ultimate baseline truth. Our life experiences, shaped by our MFTPSE (Mother, Father , Teacher, Preacher, Society and Evolution) form a lens through which we navigate the world. Make Sense?
But what if I told you this lens is further clouded by layers of illusion? What if the reality we cling to is nothing more than a projection influenced by these layers, veiling our true self?
In ancient Vedic teachings, the concept of koshas, or sheaths, offers a roadmap to peeling back the layers of illusion to uncover the truth of who we really are: the seer, unaffected, untainted, unpersuaded and free.
Let’s explore these five koshas, what lies beneath them, and how you can apply this knowledge to detach from worry and adversity, embracing life with resilience and grace.
The Five Koshas: Layers of Illusion
The koshas represent layers of human existence, starting from the physical and moving inward to the spiritual. These layers veil the true self, or Atman, which is pure awareness.
1. Annamaya Kosha (Physical Sheath)
This is the outermost layer—the body made of food, muscles, and bones. While it’s easy to identify with our physical form, it’s merely a container, not the essence of who we are.
Putting it into play: Practice gratitude for your body through mindful movement (yoga, walking) and healthy nourishment, while remembering: you are more than your physical form.
2. Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Sheath)
This sheath represents the life force (prana) that flows through you, energizing your body and connecting your physical and mental layers.
Putting it into play: Use breathwork (pranayama) to cultivate balance and calmness, reminding yourself that your energy is yours to direct.
3. Manomaya Kosha (Mental Sheath)
The mind—thoughts, emotions, and conditioning—resides here. This layer is heavily influenced by upbringing and societal norms.
Putting it into play: Develop mindfulness practices to quiet the mental chatter. Journaling or meditating can help you observe your thoughts without identifying with them.
4. Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Sheath)
This layer encompasses intuition and discernment, helping you align with your higher purpose.
Putting it into play: Engage in self-inquiry by asking, “Who am I beyond my roles and thoughts?” This helps you uncover deeper truths about yourself.
5. Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Sheath)
The innermost layer, Anandamaya Kosha, reflects pure bliss—a state of joy untainted by external circumstances. However, it is still a sheath, meaning it is not the ultimate reality.
Putting it into play: Practice surrender through gratitude and connection with the present moment to touch this state of bliss.
Beyond the Koshas: The True Self
In the Vedic teachings it is said that beneath these layers lies the “Atman”, or, the “true self”. The Atman is said to be eternal, pure awareness, untouched by the illusions of the koshas.
When you identify with the Atman, rather than the layers, you become free from the worries and adversities tied to the external world. As you now see them simply as illusions.
Detaching from Illusions: 5 Practical Steps
Here are 5 powerful steps, to free yourself from the worries and concerns rooted in illusion:
1. Change the way you look at things:
Remind yourself that adversity is part of the illusion, shaped by your perceptions and conditioning. When faced with challenges, pause and ask, “Does this truly have power over me, or just an illusion caused by one of my layers?”
Reference: What Are the Five Koshas? (Yoga Journal) - https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/the-five-koshas/
2. Using Breathwork as a Reset Button:
Breathwork can help you navigate stress and stay present. Practice the art of “box breathing”: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. Box breathing is beneficial for situations where calmness is needed, like before a presentation or during moments of high stress.
Reference: (The Power of Pranayama) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6148403/
3. Practice Non-Attachment (Vairagya):
Reflect on the things you cling to, whether they’re roles, possessions, or outcomes. Acknowledge their transient nature and practice letting go. You can look at the things you cling to as clouds passing by in the sky. Or perhaps practice saying “this too shall pass”
Reference: (The Concept of Maya in Hindu Philosophy) - https://www.britannica.com/topic/maya-Hinduism
4. Identify the Seer:
Detach from focusing only on your thoughts and feelings. Spend some time in meditation asking, “Who is observing my thoughts and emotions?” This practice aligns you with your true self, beyond the koshas. Further revealing their deceptive existence.
Reference: (Self-Inquiry Meditation) - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-matters/202202/self-inquiry-practice-your-inner-truth
5. Embrace the Present Moment:
The present moment is where reality actually unfolds. Free from the illusions of past and future. Develop a mindfulness and gratitude practice like observing your surroundings or savoring each bite of a meal.
Reference: (The Science of Mindfulness) - https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner
Becoming Unfuckwithable:
When you understand that life’s adversities are tied to layers of illusion, you gain the ability to detach from them. The storms of life may swirl, but your true self, the Atman, remains unaffected. This realization allows you to handle challenges with grace, becoming unfuckwithable: no longer capable of being fucked with, from the outside in.
Seeing Through the Veil
Life’s worries and concerns are like shadows cast by illusions. By peeling back the layers of the koshas and identifying with your true self, you can transcend the chaos and live with peace, purpose, and resilience. The next time adversity strikes, pause and remind yourself: **what you see is what you get, but not what truly is**. Beneath it all lies the seer, unbothered and free.
Make sense?