Brihadaranyaka Upanishad Ch.2.5.1 Lecture 71 on 26 September 2026 Q&A

Discussion on Interdependence of the Three Bodies, Five Koshas, and Three States

Question 1: Interdependence at Different Levels

Participant: Maharaj, in last class you talked about interdependence at different levels – the three bodies, panchakosha, and then the three states.

Models of Interdependence: Shariratraya, Panchakosha, and the Chakras

Response (Maharaj): I said I will give you other models. So Shariratraya is one model. Panchakosha is another model. In fact, we can also take the seven chakras also – another model. Expand.

So what happens when you move from Muladhara to Manipura, Swadhisthana. Swadhisthana includes both Swadhisthana and Manipura. When you go to Manipura, it includes Swadhisthana and Muladhara. It doesn't give it up. We should never think like that.

When a person identifies with Pranamaya Kosha, Pranamaya Kosha is not discarded. Yeah. It is merged in Pranamaya Kosha as its part, integral part. That's why Aravindo called it integral yoga. So you merge the gross body in the subtle body, subtle body in the causal body, and causal body is an effect actually. It is a causal body only to these two effects, but in its turn it is an effect of the Turiya. So this is how we have to understand: everything is moving from separatedness to unity. Okay.

Question 2: Are the Waking State and Deep Sleep Interdependent?

Participant: Okay, Maharaj. Particularly in the case of three states, Maharaj – waking state. When we say waking state and deep sleep are interconnected – yes, or interdependent, correct. Can I understand that when the person is active in the waking state, he gets a good sleep; the deep sleep quality is better. When he gets good rest, then he is able to act better in the waking state.

Everything Starts from the Karana Sarira

Response: Yes, all the three states are dependent. Let me briefly explain, but everything starts from the Karana Sarira – you have to understand, because karana means cause.

You had a wonderful, restful sleep – deep sleep. You wake up fresh, isn't it?

Participant: Yes, Maharaj.

Response: And when you are fresh, you are full of energy or not?

Participant: Yes.

Response: And when you are full of energy, joy is there or not?

Participant: Yes.

Response: Then you can drive better. Otherwise, many accidents happen because last night – not much sleep.

Participant: Not. Yes.

Response: By sleep you don't mean. So the person does whatever is to be done in the waking state in a much better way when he has full rest. Is it not?

Participant: Yes, ma'am.

Samskaras and the Dream State

Response: And what we do in the waking state creates samskaras.

Participant: Yes.

Response: Those samskaras are what we create as a dream state. And we modify them.

Participant: Yes.

Response: Depending upon wakeful experiences. So perhaps I could do this, then I can at least – what is called – get better ideas.

Participant: Yeah.

The Order of States and Pervasiveness of Effects

Response: So this way we are all – every state is first causal state, then that causal state. The krama is not very clear actually. So they say from causal state to dream state, because that is how we entered there. So we come back to the dream state. Suddenly we don't wake up from – unless somebody wakes up rudely or whatever. So from dream state we come to the waking state, and the effect is percolating.

So you see, somebody has bad sleep, and it percolates through the dreams, and then it percolates to the waking state. The person gets up all rumpy, dumpy, grumpy, and he starts worrying. Whatever he does, it takes longer time because his mind is disturbed, and his driving is erratic. So this way everything is interconnected.

Good Waking Actions Lead to Good Dreams and Good Sleep

Response: And when we do everything nice in the waking state, our mind becomes satisfied, isn't it?

Participant: Yes.

Response: Then we have good dreams, isn't it?

Participant: Yes.

Response: Not disturbing dreams. And that leads to what?

Participant: Good sleep.

Swami Vivekananda's Visions

Response: You see, everything is interdependent. You dream good dreams, and they will become tomorrow's facts. That's why, if you remember, Swamiji used to go into – before falling asleep, he used to have two visions.

Participant: Light.

Response: Light is one. Another is: "I am a monk wandering all over the world, totally dependent upon God." And those dreams became realities. Realities.