The Koshas: A Cosmic Landscape
A significant portion of yoga philosophy revolves around subtle energy, with the concept of the koshas playing a central role. These layers of energy are where soul care occurs —encompassing the nadis, prana, chakras, and the calming of the chitti vrittis. All of this resides within the Pancha Kosha system. The koshas are five energetic layers, often referred to as sheaths, though sometimes the term “bodies” is used, which can be confusing since they are housed within one of three main bodies.
More figurative than literal, the koshas are where “yoga” happens. This is where prana flows, chakras spin, and samadhi is experienced. The koshas represent an alignment of mind, body, and spirit, and though they are distinct in their functions, they are never separate. Instead, they form a unified energetic whole that remains constant—even during sleep.
The five koshas are:
Annamaya Kosha – The Physical/Body Layer
Pranamaya Kosha – The Energetic/Breath Layer
Manomaya Kosha –The Mental/Mind Layer
Vijnanamaya Kosha – The Intellectual/Wisdom Layer
Anandamaya Kosha – The Bliss Layer
The Three Bodies of the Pancha Kosha System
The five koshas are like Russian nesting dolls, with one kosha residing in another and down the line–starting with the annamaya kosha, the physical layer, as the outermost layer and the anandamaya kosha, the bliss layer as the innermost layer. The koshas reside within the three bodies, known as shariras in Sanskrit, which make up the Pancha Kosha system (3). The three bodies are the gross body (physical), the subtle body (energetic) and the causal body (bliss).
The Gross Body – The Physical Body
Sthula in Sanskrit
Houses one kosha:
Annamaya Kosha - The Physical/Body Layer
Includes the muscles, bones, organs, the physical process of the body
In yogic philosophy, the gross/physical body is composed of five primary elements: earth (prithvi), fire (agani), air (vaayu), water (jal), and ether (akasha)
The Subtle Body – The Energetic Body
Sukshma in Sanskrit
Houses three koshas:
Pranamaya Kosha, The Energetic/Breath Layer
Manomaya Kosha, The Mental/Mind Layer
Vijnanamaya Kosha, The Intellectual/Wisdom Layer
The subtle body is where prana flows through the nadi system, spinning the chakras and bringing them into balance.
It is also where the chitti vritti (mental fluctuations) reside, including the cultivation of right knowledge.
The Causal Body – The Bliss Body
Karana in Sanskrit
Houses one kosha:
Anandamaya Kosha, The Bliss Layer
The causal body connects us to the divine or higher self.
It holds the deeper elements of karma, soul, free will, and samskara.
The Koshas: Where the Prana Flows, the Chakras Spin, and the Chitti Vritti Run Wild
Annamaya Kosha – The Physical Layer
Sanskrit – “anna” means “food”; “maya” means “full of”
Resides in the Gross Body
Nourished by food, drink, clean air, light, even safe environment
This layer is where the experience of yoga begins
Practice that supports kosha: yoga asanas and nutritional diet
Pranamaya Kosha – The Energetic/Breath Layer
Sanskrit – "prana," means “life force or vitality”; “maya” means “full of”
Resides in the Subtle Body
Nourished by prana–infinite life force, energy of breath and the breath itself
Acts as a bridge, connecting the gross body to the subtle and causal bodies
The connection between the gross and subtle bodies occurs through the respiratory and circulatory systems
The prana-vayu move and flow in the pranamaya kosha
This is where the nadis and chakras reside
Practice that supports kosha: pranayama and breathwork
Manomaya Kosha – The Mental/Mind Layer
Sanskrit – “manos” means “mind”; “maya” means “full of”
Resides in the Subtle Body
Informed by right knowledge through the five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound
Associated with brain and nervous system
The breath connects the mind to the body “when we sense when mental strain compromises breathe and wellness or when the breath leads to a sense of oneness between body-mind and a sense of inner peace”(3)
Supported with mindfulness practices, including Yoga Nidra
The fifth limb of yoga, pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), is manifested in this layer
Practice that supports kosha: the yamas and niyamas
Vijnanamaya Kosha – The Intellectual/Wisdom Layer
Sanskrit – “vijnana” means “wisdom”; “maya” means “full of”
Resides in the Subtle Body
Associated with the organs of perception: eyes, ears, tongue, skin, and nose
Also associated with third-eye chakra
This is where gut feelings and intuition arise
This layer gives us our “sense of individuality”
The sixth and seventh limbs of yoga, the practices of dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation) occur here
Practice that supports kosha: self-study (svadhyaya) and meditation
Anandamaya Kosha – The Bliss Layer
Sanskrit – “ananda” means “wisdom”; “maya” means “full of”
Resides in the Causal Body
Associated with crown chakra
“The consciousness that is always there, that always has been there, and always will be there, even when the mind, senses, and body are sleeping”(3)
The final limb of yoga, samadhi, is experienced in this kosha
Practice that supports kosha: deep meditation to reach samadhi, may be best with guidance of a teacher
The Koshas and The Eight-Limb Yoga Path
When we practice yoga, our goal is to integrate the five layers—the body, breath, senses, mind, intelligence, and higher self—with all of existence, ultimately reaching samadhi or bliss, the final limb of the yoga path. This integration is achieved only through dedicated practice.
The koshas align with the eight-limb path of yoga. Our first point of contact with yoga is the Annamaya Kosha, the physical layer, where we experience the asanas (yoga postures). To support our yoga asana practice, we focus on discipline and a healthy diet—both of which correspond to the niyamas, tapas (discipline) and saucha (cleanliness).
Next is the Pranamaya Kosha, the breath or energetic layer. Here, prana flows along the nadis, balancing the spinning chakras. Our breath naturally connects to this layer, and when we practice pranayama (breath control), we strengthen and tune that connection. By synchronizing our inhales and exhales with the contraction and relaxation of yoga poses, we deepen our practice and enhance its benefits.
Beyond the physical, the Manomaya Kosha is where the mental activity takes place, and where the chitti vritti (mental fluctuations) occur. One of the best ways to support this kosha is by following the guidance of the yamas and niyamas. The yamas offer principles for how we interact with the world, while the niyamas guide us on how to care for ourselves.
The Vijnanamaya Kosha, the wisdom layer, is best supported through the niyama of svadhyaya (self-study) and through the practices of pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), and dhyana (meditation). These practices help us cultivate deeper wisdom and enhance our ability to focus and meditate.
The final layer, Anandamaya Kosha, is where we can experience samadhi, the ultimate state of oneness with the universe, or bliss. Deep meditation practices, including pratyahara, dharana, and dhyana, are essential for reaching this state. You may find that working with a meditation teacher can help guide you on this deeper journey into the yoga experience.
Concluding Thoughts
As we travel along the eight limb path of yoga, the layers of the experience are felt in the koshas. This is where the effects of soul care are felt—through mindfulness, meditation, prana, chakras, and much more. By understanding the cosmic landscape of yoga, your practice will deepen, your meditation will improve, and you will move closer to samadhi and bliss. While the subtle energy of the koshas may seem mystical or cosmic, they represent real, tangible experiences—it’s where yoga truly happens.
Bibliography
1- Barrett, Hannah. Yoga Happy, 36. Hardie Grant Quadrille, 2022.
2 - Jain, Dr. Ram, PhD. “The 5 Koshas & 3 Bodies: All You Need to Know.” Arhanta Yoga International, April 14, 2023.
3 - Stephens, Mark. Teaching Yoga Book, 48-50. North Atlantic Books, 2010.
4 - Young, Michelle. “Subtle Body Practices.” My Vinyasa Practice, June 8, 2022.
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