Ashok Alexander
ForewordWe all battle with conflicts between our external and internal worlds, and scriptures tell us that it is because we don’t know who we 'really are' (referred to as the Self or Atman in Hindu scriptures), and once we realize the Self, all misery will vanish. As a child, I heard grownups at home discussing about the formless and non-changing Self, and that we are all that Self, in reality. But all I saw around me was nothing but change. My brother who did not have a moustache the previous year grew one the next year. It was then that I got introduced to the dialogue between Sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka about human existence. Ashtavakra says that names and forms cloud the ignorant person’s vision, but the wise only sees the Self. But the external world seems to be filled with names and forms, and we seem to be always swimming in the kaleidoscope of names and forms. And then we are told that what we see is all Maya (illusion). How can it be illusion? We can feel a tree with our hands and see with our eyes. And where does Self come in all this? But there is so much written about Self in the Indian scriptures by realized sages. They can’t be wrong.... Luckily, deep in my adulthood, I got introduced to the book Panchamaya Kosha - A Path to Unveiling the Self by Ashok Alexander, that put everything in perspective for me. What I liked about Ashok and his book is you can tell that he went through the same roller coaster as many of us. But he persisted in his journey and succeeded, and the outcome is this interesting, engaging, and insightful book.Panchamaya Kosha discussed by Ashok in this book is a yogic model explaining our existence. We are not just our physical body and mind but made up of several interactive levels. Pancha (five) and Kosha (sheaths) is explained in the philosophical treatise Taitriya Upanishad in great detail and provides a holistic framework to work within the various dimensions of human existence. Each of the sheaths mentioned above interacts with each other and defines our existence. The way to reach the Self, according to Taitriya Upanishad, is to peel each of the sheaths one by one. But how do you peel the sheaths? What are the characteristics of these sheaths? How do these sheaths interact with each other and influence our existence? If you are struggling with these questions like I do, this book will help you get the answers. His book also provides you with a framework and a set of tools you will need to navigate the journey to Self.As you will see, Ashok’s writing is personal and insightful. The genius of Panchamaya Kosha - A path to unveiling Self is that it is not just a book. It is built on the author’s own practical experience, rather than theoretical rhetoric. He deftly shifts the reader’s focus from the external world to the inner world, sheath by sheath. Not only were specific exercises suggested to help the reader peel the sheaths, but the author also provides pointers to recognise and track the progress as you go through the journey, making it an experiential exercise. While knowledge provided in this book gives a broad perspective and ability to communicate the concept, experiencing it offers a deeper understanding, skill development, and personal growth. As a novice traveller on this journey, I found this book extremely helpful, and I am positive, you will too.I love the idea that Ashok has written this book in a manner that everyone can use - From a budding spiritualist like me to advanced seekers, from children to adults through youth. Everyone will find this book applicable and approachable. How often does that happen? So, dive into the book and find your true Self! Vasantha Reddi
