"In the body there are five kosha or sheaths – anna-maya, prana-maya, mano-maya, vijñana-maya, ananda-maya, or the physical and vital bodies, the two mental bodies, and the body of bliss. In the first the Lord is self-conscious as being dark or fair, short or tall, old or youthful. In the vital body He feels alive, hungry, and thirsty. In the mental bodies He thinks and understands. And in the body of Bliss He resides in happiness. Thus garmented with the five garments, the Lord, though all pervading, appears as though He were limited by them."

How does the 5 sheaths of physical body effect the way we give and receive pleasure? How does it temper our ability to reach ecstatic moments? How does our intellectual habits toward the 5 sheaths disable or enable our ability to find our perfect pairing?

"Although all pervading, he appears limited by them.. " When I was reading through the texts last night I took pause at this and let my mind wander on how it relates to the people around me as well as myself. I thought of how the physical attributes of the body are discussed at length as a means of attraction. How often do we admit the stranger in the street ignites our sexual fire because they are of the right 'type'. I have talked at length with people who are stymied at their current sexual drought despite being paired with a SO who 'is a 10/10 and matches me in every way'. Or cannot find the right lover but only seeks a narrowly defined kosha type.

But what of the other 4 ( prana-maya, mano-maya, vijñana-maya, ananda-maya), do we think about our own/their vitality, ability to think and understand, ability to communicate freshly of determination, consciousness, selfhood , and finally awakened bliss. These are just the physical sheaths, the primary 5.

Where do the 5 sheaths play a role in the growth of a pairing? When we see our lover struggle in communicating do we not attempt to enter into the void to fill the gap? As a woman, if my lover is struggling with prana or health, does he not receive from my strength to fill his weakness? However, where does this go wrong. Do we allow our pairings to be like rivers, flowing in one direction or are we oceans that move back and forth tidally first giving to the shore then taking from it.

If we cannot get past the 5 sheaths we cannot cultivate the higher arts. So, on first blush, how do these concepts effect your current or past experiences. How do they hinder or help. What are your thoughts on mental habits trained by society having effects on your ability to accept other physical facets you may never have considered.

please don't be afraid of the terminology.. let the concepts and ideas guide you.. words are just cobblestones on a path, it's ok when a half a dozen are misfitted along the way.. <3