The Five Sheaths of Existence

The Five Sheaths of Existence, or Pancha Kosha in Sanskrit, explain the different layers of our being as described in Ashtanga Yoga. Sometimes called envelopes instead of sheaths, these are the different parts of consciousness that lie between the part and the whole of the Cosmos.

Consciousness: The Part vs. The Whole

Our fullest self, the uniquity of our individual soul, in Sanskrit is called “atma.” While this is the main goal of Ashtanga, there are many different ways to connect with our Source through meditation, yoga, and other techniques. 

The whole of the Universal consciousness is called “Brahman.” This Universal Consciousness connects us with that which is larger than us, while still allowing us to experience the gift of the physical realm, through our atma. 

The Pancha Koshas, or Five Sheaths, map out an auric system of the being from individuality to mass consciousness. This is meant to help us understand the different parts of ourselves and come to greater awareness with peace and unconditional love. 

What are the Five Sheaths?

These “sheaths” are the classifications of the Five layers of our experience in the “maya.” In Sanskrit, maya refers to the illusion of the physical realm. This illusion separates our atma (truest self) from our Brahman or Source Universal Consciousness. Through this separation, we are able to experience things through five lenses. When integrated, one experiences a larger sense of being with the Cosmos and a deep, innate sense of bliss, unconditional love, and inner peace.

The Koshas maintain a similar structure to the layers of our aura.

Beginning with the physical body, we expand to the energetic body. From there, we perceive the wisdom body, and finally, the bliss body, which connects us to the Cosmos. This auric structure can help us categorize our experiences to gain further clarity and understanding. 

When we see past each Kosha of experience, we can connect with our atma- our truest self. 

Annamaya Kosha: The Earth Sheath

The first sheath, Annamaya Kosha, includes all physical matters of the Earthly realm. Through annamaya kosha, we have awareness of our physical body. This layer of our being holds our DNA, cells, tissues, organs, bodily systems, etc. When we tune into the Earth Sheath, we feel grounded in our human body and physical experience.

Pranamaya Kosha: The Energy Sheath

The second sheath, called the Pranayama Kosha, is made of Vital Air Energy, otherwise known as Prana. Learn more about the Five Types of Prana here. Through pranamaya kosha, we experience sensations and breath. This is where we get most of our physical energy, as this is the layer of our being that holds our chakras, nadis, and subtle energy body.

Manamaya Kosha: The Mind Sheath

This sheath contains our mind and the input from our five sensory organs. Through the Manamaya Kosha, we make tangible decisions and identify with other energies practically. This allows us to form our ego or sense of self. This layer of the being also tunes us into our instincts and perception. Mananaya Kosha connects us with our emotions, preferences, and fears, or lack thereof. 

Vijnanamaya Kosha: The Knowledge Sheath

The fourth sheath, called the Vijnanamaya Kosha, holds our greater sense of wisdom. This sheath connects our tangible mind with our greater consciousness. Our inner knowing, intuition, and past/future lives (sometimes known as our Akashic records) exist within the layer of the being. Vijnanamaya Kosha indicates the higher mind and guides us through spiritual processes and confusing situations. Essentially, this kosha remains unlimited by our perception of time-space. Learn more about time-space here!

Anandamaya Kosha: The Bliss Sheath

The fifth and final layer, the Anandamaya Kosha, connects us with the fullest essence of being, bliss, and the cosmos. Through Anandamaya Kosha, we connect fully with nature as well as all living beings and their consciousnesses. This sheath unites us with bliss and unconditional love, connecting us entirely with the Source. When we connect with this layer of our being, we are no longer a part within a whole, but feel instead that we are the whole of which there are parts. 

With awareness of the different parts of our being, we can identify our flow of energy and learn more about ourselves and the cosmos. Meditation can help us to connect with each of the sheaths. To learn more about the Eight Limbs of Yoga, click here!