The Koshas

Koshas

 Flower mandala by Margot

What are they?  

 In Yogic philosophy the kosha system refers to the nature of being human and encompasses physical and psychological aspects functioning as one holistic system. The body is seen as being made up of five koshas/sheaths/layers. The sanskrit word kosha can be transalted as 'sheath' and refers to one of the five coverings of the self. It has been described or can be visualised as being like layers of an onion.

All sheaths are interdependent and interpenetrating, reaching from the outer to the inner core. The layers range from gross to subtle: the dense physical body to the more subtle psychological levels of mind, emotion, and spirit. Together, all aspects make up our subjective experience of being alive. 

The Five Koshas

Annamaya Kosha  

(Physical or food body)

This is the food body of blood, fat, bone and skin as perceived through the senses. This is the grossest layer or level of human manifestation. Level of awareness is on the physical plane.

Pranamaya Kosha

(Energetic body)

Pranamaya means composed of prana or life force - the vital principle that vitalizes and holds the body and mind together. It pervades the whole organism and its one physical manifestation is the breath.

Manomaya kosha

(Emotional Body)

The emotional or psychological body is composed of both the mind and emotions. This involves cultivating an emotional fitness whereby you expand your tolerance of a wide range of emotions and maintain our centre. It is the cause of diversity of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ and a sense of person hood. Similarly, a person‘s bondage or liberation is caused by the mind

Vijnanamaya Kosha

(Intellectual body)

This sheath is the dimension of intellect and is often seen as the intellect combined with the five senses (organs of knowledge). It is endowed with the function of knowledge and identifies itself with the body, organs etc. Mental core stability is gained through differentiating between the patterns of the mind and the unchanging grounds of consciousness (from where they arise) returning to the stillness of original mind.

Anandamaya Kosha

(Spiritual body)

Anandamaya means comprised of ananda or bliss. Supreme bliss, is regarded as the innermost of all. The bliss sheath normally has its fullest play during deep sleep: while in the dreaming and wakeful states, it has only a partial manifestation. This can be manifest in our ability to follow our dharma or core spiritual purpose.

How to use them?

Start your yoga practice or your day with the following questions

1. Where am I today?

2. How am I physically? 

3. How am I energetically?

4. Are my emotions strong?

5. Did I wake up with an active or busy mind/ a problem? 

Finding a way to balance

1. Which kosha is the most dominant?

2. How can I use this information to shape my practice or day?

3. What can I do today to support myself? 

4. What needs nourishing?

 

Star mandala by Margot

Light and laughter,

Margot