The Five Sheaths of the Human Being: Pancha Kosha

Who are you beyond your name, job title, and physical appearance? Yoga philosophy teaches us that the human being is not just a physical body of flesh and bones, that there are several layers encasing your true self.

So "Pancha Kosha" ( kosha can be translated as ‘sheath’ or ‘envelope;’ pancha is the word for ‘five.’) can be translated as the ‘five sheaths’ or ‘five envelopes’ and refers to five layers in the spectrum of our being, from the surface of our physical body to the depths of the unconscious mind.

The koshas represent layers of being, starting from the physical body and moving inward to the more subtle aspects of existence. Exploring these layers through practices like yoga, meditation, and self-inquiry can lead to a deeper understanding of one's true nature beyond the superficial layers of identity.

Briefly describing the koshas moving from the gross to the more subtle: 

Anna-maya kosha corresponds to the physical body and all the organs and functions within it. The word anna means food, implying that this kosha is nourished by the substances and energy found in the food we eat. It can be balanced and harmonized through a variety of methods, including a wholesome diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Prana-maya kosha "Prana" means life force or vital energy and Maya means "made of",

So, Pranamaya Kosha means "the sheath made of vital energy." It is manifested through the breath and it's responsible for physiological functions like respiration, circulation, digestion, etc.

It connects the physical body (Annamaya Kosha) to the mind and emotions (Manomaya Kosha).

To keep this kosha balanced and flowing harmoniously we can practice breathing techniques, follow a wholesome, sattvic diet or spend time in nature and fresh air.

Mano-maya kosha  "Mano" means mind, and it is the third of the five koshas in yogic philosophy. It is composed of thoughts, emotions, sensory impressions. It governs how we perceive and react to the world, often influenced by external stimuli and inner conditioning. This layer is responsible for forming likes, dislikes, judgments, and emotional patterns, making it central to our daily experience of reality. When imbalanced, it can lead to overthinking, anxiety, or emotional turbulence. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, mantra chanting, journaling, and consuming uplifting content help to calm and purify this sheath, leading to greater inner peace and mental clarity.

Vigyana-maya kosha, the fourth kosha, is the intuitive sheath, the source of insight and intuitive perception.  Unlike the reactive mind of the Manomaya Kosha, Vijnanamaya is the quiet, observing intelligence that guides us with clarity and insight. When this kosha is balanced, we feel connected to our higher purpose, make wise choices, and act with integrity. It can be nourished through practices like self-inquiry, study of spiritual texts, meditation, and living a life of truthfulness and awareness.

Ananda-maya kosha, the fifth and last of the koshas, is the blissful sheath, and it relates to the Joy that bubbles up from the depths of our essential Being. All forms of Yoga help us get in touch with the Ananda-maya kosha so that we experience the thrill and bliss of underlying Consciousness. The knowledge and experience of this kosha gives meaning to our life and to existence. Unlike the other koshas, it is not shaped by thought, emotion, or effort—it simply is. When Ananda maya Kosha is touched, there is a profound sense of peace, wholeness, and connection to all that is. It can be accessed through deep meditation, devotion, selfless service, and a life aligned with truth and inner stillness.

The 5 Koshas

The koshas are not really separate, but inextricably tied up with each other. They are considered separate only for the sake of explanation and conceptual understanding. Energies flow continually from one kosha to another.

THE SCIENCE IN IT

Interestingly, modern science supports this holistic approach. Studies in psychoneuroimmunology show that our thoughts and emotions (Manomaya Kosha) directly impact our immune system and overall health. Similarly, research on breathwork and vagus nerve stimulation highlights how controlled breathing (Pranamaya Kosha) can reduce stress and improve heart rate variability, a key marker of well-being.

How do we work in yoga therapy with the koshas?

As yoga therapists, we work with people facing various challenges and conditions. Clients may come to us for stress relief, while others seek help for back pain, headaches, or even cancer. But human beings are not simple—we are incredibly complex. A seemingly simple back pain is rarely just that; it is influenced by how we use or overuse our muscles, how we think, feel, eat, sleep, and rest. Are we able to acknowledge—and even touch—the essence of who we truly are?

Yoga therapy, through the lens of the koshas, offers a holistic and deeply personalized path to healing. By addressing each layer of our being—body, breath, mind, wisdom, and spirit—we support the client in unlocking their own innate potential. As guides on this journey, we help them rediscover balance, resilience, and wholeness. In doing so, we honor the profound complexity of human existence and the limitless possibilities for well-being.

"The journey inward is the journey home."

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The philosophy of the 5 Bodies and Yoga Nidra will be central part of the program during our time in Italy in July 2025. Welcome to all students joining our next NJY retreat!