Pancha Koshas: A look into ancient wisdom to increase our health with Ayurveda and Yoga in a modern age – By Jill Palmer The Five Koshas (Layers) of Existence The Taittiriya Upanishad describes human beings as having five sheaths or layers of existence, each one being internal to the next which are akin to several components that make up one whole body. Yet in this case, each component is perceived as a body or layer in and of itself. Still, all five Koshas are interconnected and constantly interacting with one other. “To be free from bondage the wise one must practise discrimination between self and non-self. By that alone she will become full of joy, recognising herself as Being, Consciousness and Bliss.” This is verse fifty-two of Vivekachudamani (The Crest Jewel of Discrimination) by Adi Shankaracharya, discussing the Upanishad on Pancha Koshas 1200 years ago. What is bondage? What is self? And what is non-self? This is the subject matter of most Vedic scriptures that are 1000-3000 years old, yet are not the subject matter of general society today. Why should we be concerned about these ancient concepts if so few are talking about them in today’s world? To understand deeply and clearly what bondage, self and non-self mean and why that understanding is key to a life of lasting joy, health and peace – let’s look at another quote from the same book about the 5 Sheaths (Pancha Koshas) or layers of our existence: “When the five sheaths have been removed, the supreme light shines forth, pure, eternally blissful, single in essence, and within.” -verse 51 What are these layers? What are these layers or sheaths and why does removing them clarify the self? Think of the self as that part of your existence which is eternal and never dies. Think of the non-self as attributes of our humanness that are temporary and will not continue forever. Think of the layers as layers of an onion. And once we peel through and understand the functions of these different aspects of being human, we gain an overall understanding and experience of who we are as the soul. With that experience we then become free from fears, mistaken beliefs, delusions, projections and assumptions – or in other words – free from bondage. These layers are called “koshas” in Sanskrit. Each layer is denoted by an aspect of human existence. These koshas are: Annamaya kosha – your physical layer. Pranamaya kosha – physiological or energetic layer. Manomaya kosha – psychological or the mind layer. Vijnanamaya kosha – wisdom body or layer. Anandamaya kosha – bliss body or layer. It is not an easy contemplation to understand the Pancha Koshas. Rishis who wrote about them long ago spent a lifetime in meditation to understand them. So for now, let’s explore how we can make the awareness of these layers practical in the science of living life. In Sanskrit, the word life is “Ayur” and the word science or knowledge is “Veda.” So to make use of the teachings of the Pancha Koshas we will look at them through the lens of Ayurveda…the science or knowledge of life which also includes Yoga, the integration of the whole. The practices of these two allow us to create healthy balance throughout the five layers via balanced healthy diet, practices, habits and life-style. Annamaya Kosha – The Physical Layer or Body The first layer is called Annamaya Kosha. This literally means “sheath made of food, which is impermanent”. The physical is created and sustained by food, rest, fresh air and sunshine. Sufficient sleep and daily routine are key for sustaining the balance of the physical body. Also, if the quality of your food and water is high, the temporary nature of the body is more easily perceived. This is why fresh and seasonal food such as fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and vegetables are recommended as a yogic diet. Eating fresh food increases vitality available to nurture this “food body”. When we eat overcooked food, stale food, or animals the food body then becomes devitalized and has difficulty refining the food into a fuel necessary for the needs of the second body… Pranamaya Kosha – The Energetic Body Internal to the physical body is the second layer translated as the “sheath made of Prana which is impermanent” or the vital sheath. Prana is quite similar to electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, photonic, ocular, thermal and mental energies layered within the physical Anamaya Kosha body. So as you can see, these sheaths or layers are not separated from one another in physical space. They are intrinsically woven into one another like electrical circuits and wires throughout a house or vehicle. This subtle body’s anatomy is made of energy channels called nadis, slightly akin to nerve pathways and endings, which terminate in energy centres where the body’s most vital organs are functioning. This more subtle sheath is also composed of our senses and emotional states. The energy flowing through these channels is sensory input from the five gross senses and the subtler senses associated with the mind. These vortices and channels are always active during our waking state seeking sensory and emotional stimulation. When we are fed beautiful sense impressions such as art, nature, music, live vibrant colorful aromatic food, fresh air, sunlight and healthy community/relationships – they can be converted into the”prana” which keeps the body healthy. The strength of the prana is also the strength of the body. If the prana is weak, the body will also be weak. The prana energises the sense organs as well. Clarity of vision, clarity of hearing, and clarity and ability of the other sense organs are also caused by the energy quantum of the prana, the vitality in us. With negative input such as toxic relationships, violent or stress-inducing media, lack of fresh air and sunlight, and chemical food there is less vitality available to be converted to prana and less vitality for stimulating positive thought… 🙌 The 13th of
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