The Sanskrit word ‘Pancha Koshas’ refers to five sheaths or five layers that exist in the human framework. Kosha is a sheath that covers the ‘atman’ or self, according to traditional Vedanta philosophy. It is believed that it is through these five layers that one goes through all experiences. 

Yoga goes beyond asanas and other practices to help us develop a relationship with the self, understand our true nature and tap into our highest potential. Yoga, eventually over years of practice, helps us unite our own consciousness with the universal consciousness. This happens by going from the gross to the subtle body. Each Kosha goes from the gross to the subtle, starting with the physical body. In a certain sense, the Pancha Koshas provide us with a framework of physical, psychological and spiritual development. 

The Pancha Koshas or five sheaths are

Annamaya Kosha or physical body

‘Anna’ means food. The Annamaya Kosha is fueled by the food that we eat. This is the physical body, the densest of all koshas. It includes everything from our bones and the skeletal system to the muscles, organs and tissues. It represents the gross body, which allows us to ‘touch, see and feel’. It is the lowest vibration of ourselves. It is made up of the five elements of nature, with earth being the dominant one. Food that we eat is converted into energy and energy is solidified into matter. It is how we identify with this Kosha that leads to suffering. For example, you would have heard many say ‘I am too skinny’ or ‘I have put on weight’. Substituting these statements with ‘my body is skinny’, for example, identifies the difference between the inner self and the physical body. When you say ‘my body’ you are drawing the difference between the body and the real self. 

Pranamaya Kosha or energy

The Pranayama Kosha refers to ‘Prana’, that is life force or energy. It is the vital life force that moves through the Nadis (energy channels) in the body. It consists of the five pranas, that is Prana, Apana, Udana, Samana and Vyana. Each of these Prana are responsible for various functions within the physical body, without which the body would be lifeless. The Pranamaya Kosha takes care of all the physiological functions in the body such as breathing, digestion, blood circulation, heart-beat, smooth communication between the brain and the cells, and regulates all hormonal functions. It acts as a protector and guiding force in the body. When Prana is not flowing freely, it leads to diseases and disorders. Prana is also responsible for making the blood flow, carrying nerve impulses through the nerves, from our body to the brain and back. Prana exists in the vital, mental, psychic and spiritual form, and allows us to move from gross to subtle and causal bodies. 

Manomaya Kosha or mind

‘Mana’ refers to the mind. This layer makes up our thoughts, feelings and emotions. It is through the mind that we perceive the world, likes and dislikes. All of this takes place through the sensory organs. We experience things we like and dislike, which causes pain and happiness, and sometimes, even creates havoc in our mind. The mind functions on three levels. The conscious mind, subconscious mind and unconscious mind. And consciousness is the art of being connected to the outer world through our senses. To reach this dimension or sheath, withdrawal from the senses (Pratyahara) is required. Even Pranayama practices are helpful. 

This Kosha transmits information to and from the various parts of the body, and with the external world. It relays external world experiences and sensations to the rest of the body. It helps regulate decisions and controls the activities of prana and the physical body.

Vijnanamaya Kosha or wisdom

This sheath refers to knowledge or wisdom. In this Kosha one reaches the intuitive place of knowing and tapping into higher levels of consciousness. Here awareness of body and mind is let go, and there is only awareness of the higher mind. We turn within, towards the soul, surpassing the area where we decide, judge or discriminate. It permeates the Manomaya Kosha as it is much more subtle and creates a link between the conscious mind, the higher mind and the universal mind. When one closes the eyes and relaxes during meditation, the effect of the Manomaya Kosha becomes relatively lesser. Vijyanmaya Kosha gets active and acts as a bridge between the universal mind and the individual- empowering the individual directly with the elements of universal energy. 

Anadmaya Kosha or bliss

‍The sheath that is pure bliss, is the spiritual and causal body where you finally become one with the ‘divine spark’ that is the soul. It is the innermost Kosha and the first to surround the atman. This sheath is connected to the unconscious or superconscious mind. A sense of connection to all is established and it is the highest level of vibration in this life. The ‘I-ness’ disappears here. This Kosha is peace, joy and love. It goes beyond the mind, free from sensory perceptions and external stimuli. According to yoga philosophy, it is said that this is where you reach ‘Mukti’ or liberation. Very few people reach this place and it takes decades of practice. It is otherwise known as the state of Samadhi. 

Experiencing the different Pancha Koshas takes years of practice. Basic levels of introduction to the five sheaths happen through the Pancha Kosha meditation. But of course, it takes time and practice. Practitioners should not try to force this experience, but rather commit, listen and allow the experience to happen on its own.