Neti-Vidya

Neti-Vidya (knowledge through negation) is Shankara's systematic method of removing ignorance through precise discrimination. While similar to neti neti, it is more structured, involving careful analysis of the five sheaths (koshas) that seem to cover the Self.

The five sheaths are: the physical body (annamaya kosha), the vital energy (pranamaya kosha), the mind (manomaya kosha), the intellect (vijnanamaya kosha), and the bliss sheath (anandamaya kosha). Each is examined and negated: "I am not this."

Through this systematic negation, the practitioner discovers that the Self cannot be any limited thing. What remains when all sheaths are negated is the witnessing awareness—pure, unlimited, eternal. This is not nothing but rather the fullness of being itself.

Investigate each sheath in turn. The body: Can you observe it? Then you are not it. The breath and energy: Can these be witnessed? Then you are not them. Continue with mind, intellect, and even bliss. Whatever can be observed is not the observer. Rest in what cannot be negated—the witnessing Self.

The main obstacle is treating this as intellectual exercise without experiential investigation. Each negation must be seen, not just thought. Another is stopping at a subtle identity (like "I am the witness") rather than resting in pure awareness that has no position.