The Subtle Bodies
Karin 
The Panchamaya Kosha System and how it relates to the 8 Limbed Path of Yoga
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In my last podcast I talked about the 8 Limbed Path of the Yoga to reach enlightenment. A quick recap: the 8 sections written down by Patanjali that need to be practiced and experienced are:
- Moral vows (Yamas)
- Observances (Niyamas)
- Postures (Asanas)
- Breath (Pranayama)
- Turning inward (Pratyahara)
- Concentration (Dharana)
- Meditation (Dhyana)
- Enlightenment (Samadhi)
Today I would like to dive even deeper into Yoga concepts and introduce the Panchamaya Kosha System, talk about what it is and how it relates to the 8 Limbed Path of the Yogi.
As westerners many yoga practitioners are drawn to the asana practice. Yoga and Fitness Studios alike advertise this area of Yoga and for good reason: These poses and movements help to keep the body healthy, as well as unblocking energy channels so that after a yoga practice we feel strong, healthy, vibrant, and peaceful.
But what actually is happening to make us feel this way? Through Asana practice, we fine-tune our awareness for the body. We become more aligned and aware of what signals our bodies give us about the overall state of our health. This is the beginning of a process of fine-tuning that starts with the body, and grows ever more subtle though layers of our being. When we talk about the Panchamaya Kosha System, we talk about the subtle bodies of our being.
The Panchamaya Kosha System is a specific way to consider the human system, also used in Yoga Therapy.
Similar to the eight limbs written down in the yoga sutras, the layers of the Kosha System range from the densest part of our being (the body), to the most subtle (inner joy and peace). These layers are interconnected and we can help bring our lives into balance on all the levels of the Kosha System, which makes it a great tool for Yoga Therapy.
Panchamaya Kosha is first referred to by Taittirīya Upaniṣad – 6 th century before Christ. It consists of 5 layers or energetic sheaths, also referred to as bodies. So let´s dive right in. The first Panchamaya Kosha body I will introduce is the Anamaya Kosha.
Annamaya Kosha
Annamaya Kosha – is the physical material body, fuelled by the food we eat. It consists of muscles, bones, joints and so on. Asana and Praṇayama as well as a healthy diet help to keep this physical layer in optimal condition so that we can experience life through our bodies with ease, free from dis-ease.
Praṇamaya Kosha
Praṇamaya Kosha is the “Energetic Body”, the vital energy which flows in and around the body. It is generally known as the aura and the life force which flows through the system of nāḍis or meridians. Pranamaya Kosha is fuelled through breath, food, and from the cosmic universal lifeforce around us.
Physically it is associated with the metabolic functions: the respiratory system, the digestion & elimination system, the endocrine system, the lymph & immune system and the cardiovascular system. The Yogic Tools to maintain the Pranayama Kosha are Praṇayama techniques, Asana in service to praṇayama & Āyurveda to reduce pain, manage symptoms, improve functions and self-image. Chronic diseases like for example asthma and chronic fatigue typically manifest here.
Manomaya Kosha
Even more subtle than the first two koshas is the Manomaya Kosha. It is called the “Mind” Body and refers to the ability to think and feel. The thoughts and emotions we experience affect the energy flow in and around us, which in turn affects our energetic and physical health. So, by becoming aware of our thoughts, judgements, and emotions as they arise is the first step. Then you can sooth these mental fluctuations and keep your mind open by practicing sense-withdrawal and one-pointed concentration. This can also be applied to the asana and pranayama practice and ideally to everyday life. A healthy Manomaya Kosha will enhance the overall wellbeing.
Vijnanamaya Kosha
Vijnanamaya Kosha is the home of our inner knowing and wisdom. It describes the higher aspects of the mind like conscience and will. Morals, ethics and values reside here and define your character and personality. The Yogic tools to access the “Wisdom” Body are meditation & commitment to the moral code of interaction with yourself and the world given by the Yamas & Niyamas. Through the practice of asana, pranayama and meditation your mind becomes still and you can truly hear what life speaks to you, through all that exists. Free from the influence of thought, emotion and experience, you can realign with your true nature, your deepest purpose or calling in life.
Anandamaya Kosha
Anandamaya Kosha is the “Bliss” Body. This is your capacity for spirituality and happiness, your relationship to the eternal. We recognize this sheath as a deep inner peace and joy. It represents the final and thinnest veil standing between our ordinary awareness and that of our higher Self. The Yogic tools to strengthen this layer are ritual & prayer – as it is rooted in faith.
Enlightenment, a sense of oneness with the everything, is a passive awareness that transcends all energetic sheaths— the experience of union between body, mind, and soul. A vibration felt in all five of the koshas in relation to and with the universe.
The 8 Limbed Path of the Yogi could be seen as a toolkit to keep your subtle bodies healthy, which in tern brings you closer to the state of bliss.
The Panchamaya Kosha System offers you a different perspective and maybe even perception of your existence, your being.
I hope you found this interesting.
I invite you now to join a short meditation to strengthen your awareness for “what you like about yourself”. Enjoy.
MEDITATION at 9:15
In my next blog & podcast I will dive into the YAMAS – the first limb of the 8 limbed path of the yogi.
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Thank you so much for your time, have a wonderful rest of your day.
Categories: : Yoga & Meditation
