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Pancha Kosha - the Subtle Energy Body or 'Five Sheaths'

The subtle anatomy of the humans is divided into five energetic sheaths known as ‘pancha kosha’. Pancha, meaning five and kosha, meaning layer or sheath. This idealogy describes the human being “as multi-dimensional, with the source or foundation in a spiritual dimension.”

The so-called ‘spiritual dimension’ is pure consciousness which is hidden by the other four koshas, the outermost layer being the most dense, physical body. Each kosha can be thought of as energy vibrating at a different frequency. The physical body therefore vibrates at the slowest rate and the ‘inner light of consciousness’ or ‘atman’, vibrates at fastest rate or frequency. Although all five layers interpenetrate one another.

1. Annamaya Kosha (Food Sheath) - This describes the physical body composed from the five elements but mainly from food and water. Any malfunction in this kosha is noticed as illness or disease and changes to diet and exercise regime can offer remedies.
2. Pranamaya Kosha (Pranic or Energy Sheath) -The Pranic or Energy Sheath, comprises the prana vayus , nadis and the chakras . Hence it is also called the "vital sheath" or "vital body". Prana , the vital breath which man lives by, is the bridge between the gross and subtle bodies as well as between the other koshas. Any malfunction in this sheath is noticed as afflictions of the breath, sensory issues and nervous problems, therefore, pranayama is the most effective remedy.
3. Manomaya Kosha (Mental or psycho-emotional Sheath) - The third sheath is concerned with the metabolism of emotion as it is mainly concerned with feelings and imagination. If emotion is either over-indulged or surpressed, the imbalance in this sheath will have a knock-on effect upon the pranamaya kosha and the annamaya kosha. Imbalance is signified by difficulties in relationships, worry and psychological issues. Remedies include visualization, meditation and mantra chanting.
4. Vijnyanamaya Kosha (Intellectual Sheath) - There are two levels to this sheath, one relating more to manomaya kosha and being concerned with mental calculation and thought and the higher aspect relating more to anandamaya kosha and being concerned with our perception and will. This sheath is the seat of the ego or in Sanskrit, ‘ahamkara’ and malfunctions can include poor memory, confusion, communication issues, lack of will-power and a loss of reality. Mental exercises including mantra, meditation and spiritual study can harmonise the functioning of this sheath.
5. Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Sheath) - The ‘bliss sheath’ is the seat of the inner essence or Atman and is where we metabolise our experience of Samadhi. The mind is said to rest in its intrinsic natural state which is pure bliss. There are no malfunctions at this level as the mind is free from ‘chitta vrittis’ or mental confusions and distractions

These five sheaths can be divided into three bodies:

1. Sthula Sharira / Physical Body - Annamayakosha
2. Sukshma Shariria / Astral Body - Pranamayakosha, Manomayakosha, Vijnanamayakosha
3. Karana Shariria / Causal Body - Vijnanamayakosha, Anandamayakosha

Of all these, the anandamayakosha is not bound by time or space and does not die. When the practitioner resides in this sheath, they have remembered or realized their true nature, reached enlightenment and health will pervade on all layers.

Bibliography
Muktibodhananda S., (1993), Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Bihar School of Yoga
Satchidananda S., (1978), The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Integral Yoga
Mascaro J., (1965), The Upanishads, Penguin Group
BWY Handouts

Written by Justine Aldersey-Williams 09/02/2008

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