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Panchadashi Lesson - C0409: Functions of the Sheaths

Panchadashi
Module - C
Unit - C04
Lesson - C0409:
By Raja Subramaniyan

In order to explain the functions of the five sheaths, they are compared to a corporate environment:

Physical Sheath - The Corporate Entity
Physiological Sheath - The Infrastructure (Office building, communication instruments etc) that facilitate the functioning of the organization.
Psychological Sheath - The entire work force of the organization
Intelligence Sheath - The Managing Director (MD) of the corporate entity.
Happiness Sheath - The owner (shareholder) of the corporate entity

The role and functions of the five sheaths are very similar to the above comparison.

Physical Sheath: The entire interaction in the external world is done from this sheath. The world sees only the corporate entity - not the infrastructure/ workers/ MD / Owner - for all practical purposes. This entity is just an artificial personality that exists only in the eyes of law.

Similarly, although our physical sheath appears to be real, it is not. It is just an instrument to do the transaction.

Physiological Sheath: Without the infrastructure, it is impossible for the corporate entity to function. Similarly, this sheath is vital for the functioning of our entire body. The body is declared dead only when it becomes cold and not when the pulse stops!

Psychological Sheath: Just like the work force in a corporate entity, which executes all the functions in the organization, this sheath is responsible for carrying out all the actions of the body. Only the workforce interacts with the external world.

Intelligence Sheath: Like the MD of the corporate entity, the intelligence sheath holds the position of doer. All actions of the corporate entity originate from the MD. Suppose the company is involved in an illegal activity, the police will arrest the MD. Similarly, for all our actions (and non-actions) the Intelligence Sheath is responsible. Like MD, Intelligence Sheath deals with the next level internally. Psychological Sheath deals with the external world through Physical Sheath.

Happiness Sheath: The owner of the corporate entity is not involved in the working. Nevertheless, the operating results of the organization (profit or loss) belong to the owner. Similarly, the Happiness Sheath is the enjoyer of all the fruits of the action. In order to keep the owners happy, the MD gets involved in action. If the intelligence does not have the correct picture of the environment it will drive the body in the wrong direction in the search of happiness.

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