what are the 19 Dosh of kausag?
Answer
The 19 Dosh of Kāusagga / Kāyotsarga are the faults to be avoided while performing Kāyotsarga, so that the practice remains steady, respectful, and spiritually focused.
They are traditionally listed as:
- Ghoṭaka Dosh – moving or shaking the body like a horse
- Latā Dosh – swaying like a creeper
- Stambha Dosh – standing stiffly like a pillar without proper awareness
- Kuḍya Dosh – leaning against a wall or support
- Mālinya Dosh – impurity or uncleanliness of body, clothes, or place
- Aṅga-saṅkoca Dosh – contracting or bending the limbs
- Aṅga-prasāra Dosh – stretching or spreading the limbs
- Śira-kampa Dosh – shaking or moving the head
- Dṛṣṭi-vikṣepa Dosh – wandering or distracted vision
- Mukha-vikāra Dosh – making facial movements or expressions
- Vācā Dosh – speaking during Kāyotsarga
- Hāsa Dosh – laughing or smiling carelessly
- Kāsa Dosh – coughing unnecessarily
- Kṣavathu Dosh – sneezing carelessly
- Nidrā Dosh – sleepiness or drowsiness
- Ālasyā Dosh – laziness or lack of alertness
- Citta-vikṣepa Dosh – mental distraction
- Bhaya Dosh – fearfulness or anxiety
- Ārtadhyāna Dosh – sorrowful, worldly, or painful thought-stream during the practice
Explanation
Kāyotsarga means “giving up attachment to the body.” During Kāusagga, one remains still and alert, withdrawing attention from the body and focusing on the soul.
These 19 dosh mainly relate to:
- Body faults – shaking, bending, leaning, stretching, moving.
- Speech faults – talking, laughing, making unnecessary sounds.
- Mind faults – distraction, fear, laziness, sleepiness, sorrowful thoughts.
Spiritual Understanding
The purpose of avoiding these dosh is not merely physical stillness. The deeper aim is:
- to reduce attachment to the body,
- to increase awareness of the soul,
- to develop discipline and equanimity,
- to purify the mind from carelessness.
Takeaway
The 19 Dosh of Kāusagga teach that true Kāyotsarga is not only standing still, but remaining awake, calm, detached, and soul-focused.