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

Beginning yoga this year!

Is yoga for me?

Can I do yoga?

Yoga is generally suitable for all ages and fitness levels because it is self-regulatory. Bodies come in many different sizes, shapes and conditions and you must determine which practices you do and how far you take them. 

What if I am really unfit?

Many of the exercises stretch the body in ways it may not be used to it and it can take some time for the body to adjust and for a degree of flexibility to develop. Be patient with your body and do not force it. If a practice feels uncomfortable ease off and pursue it only to a point you are comfortable with. Some practices depend on muscle tension, however, it is important to understand the difference between muscle tension and muscle strain. In general tense less, bend less, stretch less, and breathe less.

How will I benefit?

The benefits of yoga seem endless. Typically people report improvements in strength, balance, flexibility, circulation, coordination, digestion, posture, concentration, discipline, stress reduction a greater sense of tranquility and well being. However, the benefits of yoga are very individual and depend on the nature of your being, your areas of need, the way in which you practice yoga and even your intentions during practices.

In the beginning feelings of calmness and relaxation are often the most tangible to new students because of the contrast between our busy, stressful lives and the feelings generated by yoga. In the longer term, increased self-awareness becomes the most valuable asset to the student as it provides the means to recognize improvement and guide further development.

How should I prepare?

·      Wear comfortable and stretchy clothing

·      Do not eat a big meal within 2 hours of the class

·      Remove unnecessary jewellery e.g. watches, necklaces, bracelets or large earrings.

·      If you have physical Injuries or a medical condition, check with your health practitioner

     before commencing classes

·      Bring a water bottle 

Relax. Enjoy!

Bali Retreat July 6-12th 2014

Bali retreat July 6 -12th, 2014

A retreat with a difference

Small group - flexible schedule

Make this your kind of yoga retreat!

 Accommodation: 7 nights, breakfast, taxes and surcharges all included. Price in Australian dollars*.

View the accommodation here: Honeymoon Guesthouse

Choose your accommodation type - Queen, Double, Twin (share with a friend). 

We have accommodation put aside so you can bring a partner, your family, a friend - there are activities for everyone: swimming, cultural tours, yoga, massage and spa treatments.

* Airfares, food and activities are not included in the price.

Yoga classes - daily morning yoga classes 7.30 - 9 with Wayan* Ketut* $7; 3 evening yoga classes $12. Pay as you go, pay for the week $78, pay for morning classes only $42 or evening classes only $36 - your choice. Yoga studio available for your own practice.

* See retreat page for details

The Yoga studio at Honeymoon Guesthouse

Catch a yoga class at the Yoga Barn later in the day. A selection of amazing international teachers.
Start the day with a massage (from $4.50) 
Relax in and around the gorgeous swimming pool.

The swimming pool

Other meals lunch, dinner, snacks not included in the price - great local restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.    

Note: You need to organise and pay for your own airfare.

To book!

Margot Porter  at prasannayoga@hotmail.com or (03) 5157 5589

Moira Jarm at moirajarm@icloud.com

Inspiration

Yoga makes the soul sing...time to get into the flow and experience the song of the spirit.

Yoga is not about being perfect but rather effort - daily effort and it is daily effort that leads to transformation. 

Is this your year for transformation?

Roll out your mat and simply try... do a little, do your best and be happy with what you've done.

Om shanti

NEW Wednesday day class

  Evening class fully booked

Can you make it during the day? Then this may be for you...

YOGA DAY CLASS

Margot and I would like to offer a second yoga class

Starting:
Wednesday 5th February

Time: 12pm till 1:30pm

Cost:
$200 or take advantage of the early bird discount of only $162 if paid by Thursday 30th January

Class details:
9 x 90 minute classes and includes 5% discount on any massage or facial treatment conducted in the spa during the 9 week block

We must secure a minimum of ten people for this class to go ahead.
No refunds, however if the class is cancelled due to lack of numbers a full refund will be given

All equipment supplied and classes are designed with the beginner in mind

To book and pay call 5153 0690