Five Sheaths
Pancha Kosha
Introduction:
Pancha is Five & Kosha is Sheath
This is mentioned in 2nd chapter of Tittary Upanishad explains the Brahmananda Valli journey to go from gross to subtle.
Varuna (Guru/Father) teaches Brigu (Son/Disciple) that the Brahma is true knowledge and infinity.
Brigu invented
Explanation:
Below are 5 Pancha Koshas:
Annamaya Kosha
Pranamaya Kosha
Manomaya Kosha
Vidnyanamaya Kosha
Anandmaya kosha
Now I would go into each Koshas in detail:
Annamaya Kosha (Food Sheath) thru Asana & ShudiKriya
Anna is food.
Annamaya Kosha is the body made up of Food.
The body is maintained through Food only.
But mere physical body can not function.
Body, not functioning is dead body.
Physical body structure: (no need to go in details mention one or 2 only)
Bone & Muscle System
Circulatory System
Respiratory system
Digestive System
Excretory System
Reproductive System
Nerves System
Endocrine System
Physiology of Functioning
Major part of food is converted to glucose.
The Oxygen is received through breathing.
Every cell of the body takes this Glucose and Oxygen from blood and burns the glucose with the help of Oxygen (oxidation) to generate heat and energy.
Every cell survives and functions on this energy.
Pranamaya Kosha (Vital Sheath) thru Pranayama
Pran is the energy which stimulates the oxidation process in every cell.
Oxidation can not take place without Pran
Nothing functions in dead body.
Because there is no Pran.
Pran functions differently in different organs. (Like electricity)
There are five main and five subordinate Pranas
Panch Prana ( Main)
Prana: Heart & Respiration.
Apana: Excretion (Urine, Stool)
Udana: Brain (Nervous System)
Vyana: Bones & Muscles.
Samana: Digestion System.
Panch Prana (Subordinate)
Naga: Voice
Kurma: Eye Movements.
Krukal: Hunger & Thirst
Devadatta: Yawning
Dhananjay: Body Cells
Manomaya Kosha (Mind Sheath) thru Dharana
Mind stimulates Pran and then Pran further stimulates the body organs.
Mind is a system to control Pran.
Every cell of the body has physical structure, Pranic energy and also the mental energy to function.
Components of mind (no need to go in details just mention names)
Man – mind (Conscious mind)
Buddhi – Inteligance
Ahankar – ego
Chitta – memory (Subconscious mind)
Vidnyanamaya Kosha (Intellect Sheath) thru Dhyana
Mind functioning on higher level.
Extra Sensory Perceptions. (E.S.P.)
Knowledge without Sense Organs.
This is called awakening of Pradnya or Kundalini.
This is possible with high level practice of Yoga.
Anandmaya kosha (Bliss Sheath) thru Samadhi
Anand is Bliss.
Anandmaya Kosha is the state of Total Bliss.
Happiness is the experience through sense organs.
Bliss is inherent experience and it is beyond sense organs.
This can not be explained in words, as it is to be experienced individually.
Interlink between different koshas and their qualities.
All koshas are inter linked to each other:
Kosha | Linked to Kosha? | If Impurity, then | Purified by |
Annamaya | Manomaya | causes the physical pain and discomfort | Asana and shudhi kriyas. |
Pranamaya | Annamaya & Manomaya | low stamina and Shivering | Pranayama practice: KapaBhati, Anuloam Vilome, Brhamari etc.. |
Manomaya | Pranamaya | Very hard to control and hence can be easily corrupted | By Dharana, Bhakti, Karma yoga and follow Yama and Niyamas. He/She remains patient in ups and downs of life |
Vidnyanamaya | Manomaya | Ego, pride, jealousy, greed and attachment | By Dhyana, Jnana Yoga, Selfless service |
Anandmaya | All other koshas | First all other Koshas to be awakened. Even first four koshas awakened then you will be the best of yourself | By Samadhi. Can’t be explained but should be experienced. |
