In the system of Ayurveda, it is understood that the physical body, and all matter, is manifested from consciousness, or light. This can be compared to psychological ideas about how our perception informs our experience, and to concepts in physics about atoms behaving both like particles (matter) and waves (light). Like the fine layers that combine to establish a seashell, the Koshas are layers that together manifest the human body.
The way in which consciousness manifests nature can be organized into different layers, based on their frequency. Similar to the way in which light manifests in different frequencies, or wavelengths, and appear as separate colors, the body’s frequencies can be organized in layers called koshas.
The first kosha is the most dense, and is called Annamaya kosha. It relates to survival and the most gross, or physical aspects of the body. Because it deals with grounded, physical nature of the body, food is essential for its functioning. So, in Ayurveda, it’s referred to as the Sheath of Food.
The second kosha is Prānamaya kosha. This layer governs prāna, or the subtle energy that is accumulated in the postures and breathing practices in yoga. It is subtler than the physical body. Prānamaya kosha may not be perceived directly by the five senses, but is perceivable in its relationship to physicality. For instance, self-esteem, identity and procreation exist in Prānamaya kosha. It is refered to as the Sheath of Vital Essence.
The third, Manomaya kosha, connects to ambition, achievement, power, and control. It is still more subtle — less dense than Prānamaya Kosha. You might recognize the Sanskrit word Man in its name, which means “to think.” It is the Sheath of Mind.
The fourth is Jñānamaya kosha, and is all about love — not sexual, or romantic necessarily, but about the depth of the emotional world. This layer vibrates higher than mind, as it is less dense. The center of one’s being resides here, as does empathy, compassion, intuition, and compassion. It is the Sheath of Knowledge.
The fifth is Ānandamaya kosha, where the two fundamental energies meet, and realization happens. This layer is known as the Sheath of Bliss.
If you’re familiar with the chakara system, note that the Koshas can be understood in correspondance to the chakaras.
1/17/25
Article by Luisa R.
References
Lad, Vassant. Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles. The Ayurveda Press, 1996.
