nasika

Nasika is a term in Indian philosophy, particularly in the context of Advaita Vedanta, which is a school of Hindu philosophy. The term translates to "nose" in English, but it is used metaphorically to refer to the sense of smell. In Advaita Vedanta, nasika is one of the five koshas, or sheaths, that constitute the physical body. The other koshas are annamaya kosha (body of food), pranamaya kosha (body of life), manomaya kosha (body of mind), and vijnanamaya kosha (body of knowledge).

The nasika kosha is responsible for the sense of smell and is located in the nasal cavity. It is one of the grosser koshas, meaning it is more tangible and physical than the subtler koshas. The nasika kosha is also associated with the element of air (vayu) and the sense of touch (sparsha).

In Advaita Vedanta, the koshas are seen as temporary and impermanent, and the ultimate reality is Brahman, which is eternal and unchanging. The koshas are seen as illusory and maya, or the power of illusion, is responsible for their existence. The study of the koshas is part of the broader study of the self (atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

Nasika is also mentioned in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, where it is one of the five senses (indriyas) that must be controlled and purified through yoga practice. In this context, nasika refers to the sense of smell and its associated mental impressions (vritti). The practice of controlling the sense of smell is part of the broader practice of controlling the mind and purifying the senses.