Koshas: The Five Layers of Human Experience

There are several models of how we might view the human experience and the practice of yoga. The Kosha model is one way we might consider ourselves, where a ‘Kosha’ is literally a covering (from the Sanskrit word ‘kosa’) – or layer. With the ‘thing’ being covered is our innermost self (according to ancient yoga philosophy).

We may experience ourselves in many ways, of course – there is the physical body, the energy within the body, our emotions, feelings and deep within that part we call our Self. This is the basis for the kosha model.

There are five koshas – we could visualise them as layers of an onion for ease of description.

Anandamaya Kosha        the blissful layer – the Inner Self

Vijnanamaya Kosha         thought layer

Manomaya Kosha            emotion layer

Pranamaya Kosha            physiology layer

Annamaya Kosha             physical body

The five koshas

Whilst all of these can be analysed in depth, my aim here is to give an overview of the concept and how this relates to your Dru Yoga experience.

 

Anandamaya Kosha        the blissful layer – the Inner Self

At the centre of every human being sits the Self – silent and still – beyond the labels we place on ourselves. Often, we lose sight of this sense of self as life takes over – but it is from here that all decisions about life occur.

 Vijnanamaya Kosha        thought layer

Both conscious and unconscious thoughts fit at this layer. Our thoughts – in our awareness or otherwise – direct our actions – which in turn lead us towards the desires of our Inner Self.

Manomaya Kosha            emotion layer

The layer of emotion and feeling. The actions from our thoughts arise here. Motivation, enthusiasm, fear – all arise here. The challenge can be aligning the desires of your Inner Self with the reality of the outside world. In order to maintain harmony between these sometimes-contradictory ideals there is a need for emotional maturity and clarity. Awareness is key – all change comes from awareness.

Pranamaya Kosha            physiology layer

The energy sheath – life processes. Although this sheath is given a place, it transcends all the sheaths because without efficiency there can be no balance. Prana – or life force, if you will – is the key to good health and wellbeing.

Annamaya Kosha             physical body

That part of the self which is made up of the body you can see and touch as well as the food we eat. Here is where we act in the world.

Of course, how we see ourselves may be just one part of this – perhaps just the physical. But we know that making a change in any of these layers will influence the other layers.

 

NOTE

There are two ways of looking at the koshas and both are correct as they are reflections of each other.

As described above the layers are describes moving inwards from the physical body to the Inner Self – a point within.

Interestingly, as we meditate, we increase our expansion outwards – and the layers appear the other way around. Our awareness can extend infinitely.

Dru Yoga and the Koshas

In Dru Yoga we speak to all layers of the self. From the physical body (with directions to hold and move the body) through the physiology of breathing and moving energy around the body – as well as offering optimism and joy through affirmations as we work through the lovely flowing sequences which underpin our practice. As we enjoy (what may develop for some to be) the meditation in movement and enter deep relaxation we may touch our innermost layer.