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Writer's pictureNithyaji

Containing The Five Sheaths

There are Pancha Kośhas or 5 layers to our human existence, according to Darshana ṡastras of Bhāratā.


1. Annamaya Kośa (the Food Sheath) In the gross physical body, it is composed of the elements of the physical world. Made of food, it will go back into the food cycle after death. Existence, birth, growth, change, decay and death are its qualifications.


2. Prāṇamaya Kośa (Vital Sheath) In the subtle body, it is composed of the five vital energies: prāṇa, apāna, samāna, udāna, vyāna, plus the five organs of action (karmendriyas): mouth, hands, feet, anus and genitals. It experiences hunger, thirst, heat, and cold.


3. Manomaya Kośa (Mental Sheath) In the subtle body, thinking, doubting, anger, lust, exhilaration, depression, delusion are its workings. It constituents are:

  • Manas (mind) : thinks and doubts

  • Citta (Subconscious mind) : Storehouse of memories

  • Jñāna Indriyas ( organs of perception or organs of knowledge) - eyes (sight), ears (sound), nose (smell), tongue (taste) and skin (touch).


4. Vijn̄anamaya kośa (intellectual Sheath) In the subtle body, it consists of the Buddhi (intellect) which analyses and determines the true nature of any object and ahaṅkara (ego) the self-assertive principle, working with the five Jñāna Indriyas. Discrimination and decision-making are its functions.


5. Ānandamaya Kośa (Blissful Sheath) : In the causal body, it experiences bliss, joy, calmness and peace.





Bodies and the Pancha Koshas



HARI OM TAT SAT!


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