The Five Koshas represent a fundamental concept in yogic philosophy describing the five interconnected layers or sheaths that comprise the human being. Often visualized as nested dolls these layers progress from the gross physical body to the subtlest spiritual essence.
The kosha model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding human existence and forms the basis for holistic yoga practice. Each layer must be addressed for complete wellbeing and spiritual development. The five koshas are:
- Annamaya Kosha (Food Body): The outermost sheath composed of physical matter sustained by food. This includes bones muscles organs and all physical structures. Yoga asanas primarily work at this level.
- Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body): The vital energy layer containing our life force (prana) that flows through nadis (energy channels). Pranayama practices directly influence this sheath regulating the body’s subtle energies.
- Manomaya Kosha (Mental Body): The layer of thoughts emotions and sensory processing. This kosha governs our psychological experiences and is addressed through meditation concentration practices and mindfulness.
- Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Body): The intuitive discernment layer housing our higher intellect conscience and wisdom. Self-study (svadhyaya) and deep meditation help purify and develop this sheath.
- Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body): The innermost layer consisting of pure joy and spiritual bliss untouched by external circumstances. Advanced meditation experiences provide glimpses of this kosha.
In yoga therapy the koshas offer a diagnostic model to identify which layer(s) need attention for healing. For example chronic pain might originate in the physical kosha but anxiety about the pain affects the mental kosha while disrupted energy flow manifests in the pranamaya kosha.
A complete yoga practice addresses all five koshas: asanas for the physical body pranayama for the energy body meditation for the mental body self-inquiry for the wisdom body and devotional practices for the bliss body.
