The Five Koshas, sometimes referred to as the Five Sheaths or Five Layers, are an idea found in Hinduism and yoga philosophy that describes the various facets of human existence. These five koshas serve as a road map for comprehending the nature of reality and symbolize the various facets of the self. There are five koshas:
Annamaya Kosha: This is the body's physical layer, which is composed of the physical form and material components including flesh, bones, and organs. It is the layer of the ego that is the most visible and external.
Pranamaya Kosha: The energy layer, is made up of the breath, prana, and the life force that sustains the physical body. It frequently relates to how the nerve and circulatory systems work.
Manomaya Kosha: This is the mental layer, which consists of the intellect, feelings, and mind. Reasoning, cognition, and perception are all controlled by it.
Vijanamaya Kosha: The wisdom layer, commonly referred to as the "psychic" layer, we are able to comprehend and feel the environment on a level beyond of our bodily and mental levels thanks to the layer of awareness.
Anandamaya Kosha: Also referred to as the "soul" layer, this is the bliss layer. The deepest layer of the self, it stands for unadulterated consciousness and the core of existence.
The five koshas offer a framework for comprehending the various facets of the human experience as well as the path to self-realization. One can learn more about themselves and eventually encounter the supreme reality of pure consciousness by studying and engaging with each layer through techniques like yoga, meditation, and self-reflection.