SHRI GURUBHYO NAMAHA
Today, I’m going to touch on one of my favorite and important foundational topics of YOGA:
“ANTAHKARANA – ANTAH + KARANA”
Part -1 : Introduction:-
Let’s understand!
What is the simplest meaning of “ANTAHKARANA”?
How crucial is it in shaping our lives?
What is its practicality and essence?
How does it help us maintain a balanced approach to life and influence our daily decisions? More importantly, How does it guide us on a path of revival, change, and self-transformation?
Here’s how!
Answer Key:-
The ‘Antahkarana,’ referred to in ancient Indian scriptures as the intricate framework of our mind comprising four compartments, is the “scientific foundation and complex framework of our brain, consisting of four compartments of the inner mind”; ‘Antahkarana’ is the vital guiding force of our lives. It serves as the foundational basis of our entire existence.
By gaining a deep understanding of this concept of inner instrument, and engaging in a regular inner dialogue —‘Antahkarana,’ the wheel of our mind that constantly rotates— we can transform ourselves immensely. This awareness profoundly influences our entire perception of life, every single thought, leading us to greater satisfaction and acceptance of our outlook on our life as ~ is.
Having an awareness of the intricate concept of ‘Antahkarana’ leaves little to no time to focus on the lives or problems of others. Instead, it invites us to explore the vast universe within ourselves, encouraging deep introspection and self-discovery. 🙏
“ANTAHKARANA – ANTAH + KARANA”
The ‘Antahkarana’ represents our inner vital guiding force or inner mechanism that helps us function in our day-to-day life with smoothness. It comprises four compartments of our brain or inner core mind:
1. Manas – (Our Entire Mind)
2. Buddhi – (Our Intellect)
3. Ahamkara – (Our Ego)
4. Chitta – (Our Subconscious)
‘Antahkarana’ is the functionality of these four vital forces. The functional wheel of our entire mind governs all our sensory organs, senses, every single thought that arises, second thoughts, feelings, emotions, and decisions — whether they hold us back or help us elevate. Ultimately, it determines our state of happiness or sadness, good or bad, success or failure, love or hate, fulfillment or resentment, calmness of our mind, peace, joy, and bliss.
Mastery of “Antahkarana” is crucial for realizing our true potential and nature. It is a powerful tool for achieving higher consciousness.
It holds the key to answering a few fundamental questions about our existence, life’s purpose, and how to use our life energy (Prana) for our benefit and ultimately that of others.
Questions like “WHO am I? HOW? WHY? WHERE? WHAT? Will be answered automatically and come to an absolute standstill, these questions can be self-explored, and contemplated through inner dialogue to rediscover our ownself.
‘Antahkarana – The intricate functional process’ – The ‘KARANA’ behind every step of our action, but we feel everything is I’ ME’ Myself’ I’m doing!
By refining, and reviving our understanding of ‘Antahkarana’ even the practice of Yoga~abhyasa becomes evenly smoother, leading us to profound self-awareness and personal transformation.
Part 1: Introduction
“ANTAHKARANA: The Four Lotus Petals of Life’s Perennial Joy”
To be continued… Part 2
Written by
Maddy
OJASWIN_JoyfulLiving
Your Own Space or Joy & Inner Peace