Kosha means "sheath" in Sanskrit. In yoga, the term is used to describe metaphorical layers within the human body.
This beautiful illustration of the Koshas was done by my good friend Dixie Ewings daughter Lorna for my recently published book: Creativity Reborn - Intelligence Having Fun: Seeing Everything Through the Lens of Birth. Thank you Lorna!!! :-)
The Anandamaya Kosha - the layer of BLISS
“When life is out of balance, we must identify the kosha that is in trouble and determine practices to help it come back to harmony. Exploring and integrating each layer brings us closer to the Anandamaya Kosha and the state of BLISS.”
The 5 Koshas
Annamaya Kosha: The most gross layer/ sheath is that of the body —This includes the muscles, bones, skin, organs. Anna means food, which is why they say that "you are what you eat". Yoga/Asana and other movement practices, as well as what you put into your body/diet keeps this kosha healthy and can be used to treat problems that arise in the body.
Pranamaya Kosha: The next more subtle layer/sheath is that of the breath or life force/energy. This includes the breath and the flow of energy through the body. Breathwork/Pranayama practice is prescribed to address this layer.
Manomaya Kosha: The next more subtle layer/sheath is the mind or mental/emotional sheath. It has to do with feelings (like hot/cold) and emotions (like happy/sad). Practices to deal with feelings and emotions include embodied movement practices, safe containers for the physical expression of these emotions, talk therapy, etc.
Vijnanamaya Kosha: The next more subtly layer/sheath is that of the intellect/ knowledge.. This kosha is comprised of your wisdom, intuition, and perception - and anytime you are experiencing thoughts cross through your subtle body - you are experiencing the Vijnanamaya kosha. Experiences such as iRest Yoga Nidra can help explore the thoughts that are invading the psyche. Pratyahara (withdrawal of sensory input can help to calm the thoughts) - and eventually - meditation is the key to removing this veil/layer to expose oneself to the Anandamaya kosha.
Anadamaya Kosha: The most subtle layer/sheath is unwavering bliss. The Anandamaya kosha represents unending joy, love, peace, and complete happiness.
Samadhi
"The Anandamaya Kosha and Beyond.”
Samadhi is a state achieved through meditation. This is achieved by lifting each of the veils of the Koshas - and recognizing one's true self.
A quote from my book
Father, forgive them - for they know not what they do.
Mother, forgive them - for they know not who they are ~ Eva Ambika Livingston
Private Sessions Available
For more information or to join me for a private session of iRest Yoga Nidra & Breath Work in order to explore and begin to embody the Koshas, feel free to email me for an appointment at: slomotionyoga@gmail.com
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