Body - Mind - Soul

The Mechanics of Human Existence: Consciousness, Mind, Layers of the Body, Soul, and Spirit

By Mukadam Olaitan Ajetunmobi

Who are you? Are you just the body? The mind? Or something much deeper?

Understanding human existence is not merely a philosophical inquiry—it is the key to transcending suffering and unlocking the true potential of life. According to Sadhguru, the human system is an intricate mechanism consisting of different layers, each playing a distinct role in shaping our experience.

At the core of our being is Consciousness, the infinite source from which all life emerges. This consciousness interacts with the Mind, moves through the five layers of the body, expresses itself as the Soul, and ultimately seeks union with the Spirit, which is the unbounded, all-pervading existence.

Let us explore the mechanics of being from the deepest level of existence to the most physical, and understand how we can transcend our limitations to experience life in its highest dimension.

Before we go further I will recommend this book: The Kingdom-Consciousness Blueprint | Human Transformative Education

1. Consciousness – The Infinite Source

Consciousness is the fundamental reality—the source from which everything arises. It is not something you "have"; it is what you are.

In yogic science, this supreme intelligence is referred to as Chit—an all-pervasive field of awareness. Unlike the mind or body, it is not a thing you can grasp; it is the very fabric of existence itself.

Most human beings remain unaware of their true nature because they are identified with their limited experiences. However, when one awakens to the truth that they are pure consciousness, they become free from suffering and limitations.

Key Insight: Consciousness is not personal; it is the universal intelligence that animates all life.

2. The Mind – The Instrument of Perception

The mind is the processing mechanism that interprets reality. However, it is not a singular entity—it functions in multiple dimensions:

1. Manas (Memory): The storehouse of all impressions and past experiences.

2. Buddhi (Intellect): The logical, analytical, and decision-making aspect.

3. Ahankara (Identity): The sense of "I"; whatever you identify with defines your experience.

4. Chitta (Pure Intelligence): The dimension of the mind that is untouched by memory and conditioning—an entry point to the infinite.

Most people live trapped in Manas and Ahankara, which means they are functioning based on past impressions and false identities. True mastery happens when one moves beyond thought and memory to experience the silent intelligence of Chitta.

Key Insight: The mind is meant to be a tool, not a master—observe it, but do not get lost in it.

3. The Five Layers of the Body – The Koshas

The human system is not just a physical structure; it is composed of five layers of existence, known as the Pancha Koshas in yogic science. Each layer has a specific function and determines how we experience life.

1. Annamaya Kosha – The Physical Body

This is the most tangible aspect of who we are—the body made of food. It is constantly renewed through what we eat and is entirely dependent on external nourishment.

Realization: If you identify too strongly with the physical body, you live in constant fear of disease, aging, and death.

2. Pranamaya Kosha – The Energy Body

This is the subtle energy system that powers the physical body. It consists of 72,000 nadis (energy channels), and when energy flows freely, one experiences vitality and well-being.

Realization: Blocked energies lead to disease and mental distress. Yogic practices like pranayama and kriya help balance this layer.

3. Manomaya Kosha – The Mental Body

This is the layer of thoughts, emotions, and mental impressions. Everything we experience is filtered through this mental body.

Realization: If you are caught in compulsive thinking, your mind becomes your prison. Mastering the mind through meditation and awareness leads to liberation.

4. Vijnanamaya Kosha – The Wisdom Body

This is the dimension of higher intelligence and intuition. When activated, one gains clarity and perception beyond ordinary intellect.

Realization: Accessing this layer means moving beyond logical thinking into direct knowing.

5. Anandamaya Kosha – The Bliss Body

This is the deepest layer, where one experiences unconditional joy and unity with existence. It is not happiness dependent on external circumstances, but an inner ecstasy beyond the mind and body.

Realization: Bliss is not something to seek—it is your natural state when you align with life’s deeper intelligence.

4. The Soul – The Individualized Expression of Consciousness

Many people misunderstand the term "soul" as a separate entity floating inside the body. In reality, what we call the soul is simply a unique expression of the universal consciousness.

A simple analogy:

• The ocean represents universal consciousness.

• A wave rising from it represents an individual soul.

• The wave may seem separate, but it is never truly apart from the ocean.

If you experience yourself as a limited identity, you believe you are just the wave. But when you expand beyond identification, you realize that you have always been the ocean.

Key Insight: The soul is not separate from consciousness—it is just a temporary expression of it.

5. The Spirit – Merging with the Infinite

Spirit is not a "thing" but the unmanifested reality beyond form. It is the pure potential from which all existence arises.

In yogic science, the ultimate goal is Moksha (Liberation)—the dissolution of the limited self into the infinite. This is not about "going" somewhere but about realizing that you were never separate in the first place.

The journey from body to spirit is not an external quest—it is a shift in perception. When one moves beyond physical and mental identifications, they experience life in its purest, boundless form.

Key Insight: Spirit is not something to attain—it is the eternal presence that has always been.

How to Transcend and Align with Higher Dimensions

Mastering human existence means moving beyond limitations and aligning all these aspects—body, mind, soul, and spirit—towards a state of higher consciousness.

Here’s how:

1. Expand Your Consciousness

• Practice meditation and stillness to experience pure awareness.

• Let go of rigid beliefs and embrace direct experience.

• Shift from intellectual understanding to experiential knowing.

2. Purify and Elevate the Mind

• Observe thoughts instead of reacting to them.

• Move beyond identification with emotions and past conditioning.

• Tap into Chitta, the pure intelligence beyond thought.

3. Strengthen and Align the Body’s Energy

• Keep the body healthy through proper nourishment and movement.

• Practice yoga, pranayama, and kriya to balance the energy body.

• Align the physical with the subtle, ensuring optimal function.

4. Dissolve the Ego and Experience Oneness

• Realize that you are not just the body or mind but the awareness beyond them.

• Drop personal identity and embrace the universal nature of your being.

• Move from a limited individual self to an expansive presence.

Final Thought: You Are Beyond Form

Most people live trapped in the body and mind, unaware of their true nature. But the moment you awaken to the mechanics of your being, you gain access to an existence beyond limitations.

You are not just a physical being with a temporary existence—you are consciousness itself, experiencing the play of form.

Who you are is not the body. Who you are is not the mind. Who you are is beyond both. You are the infinite, manifesting in human form.

Are you ready to step beyond the mind and body, and experience the infinite nature of who you truly are?