Pancha Kosha
In Sanskrit, Pancha means "five" while Kosha means "sheath" and is referring to a covering of the Atman meaning "Self." The Taittirya Upanishad describes Yoga as Jivatman meaning the "individual soul" uniting with the Supreme soul or Brahman.
It also describes the human makeup as being made of five sheaths or bodies that vibrate at different rates and surround the Atman.
The Koshas can be seen as hiding our true nature and when they are removed, a void is created which reveals the Atman, also known as the True Self or the Higher Self. As we practice Yoga we are effecting the five bodies.
The material body or physical body and presents three qualities Sattvic meaning "harmony," "balance" and "tranquility." Rajas meaning "dynamic" and "active." Tamas meaning "dull" and "inert." It is through this sheath that we are able to experience the physical body. With the practices of Shatkarma, a Sattvic Annamaya Kosha can be developed.
The bioplasmic or energy body and is composed of Prana. In Sanskrit, Prana in this case means "movement," "motion" or "vibration." Prana pervades all living creatures, from you and I to our pets, wild creatures, insects, plant life as well as viruses, bacteria and fungus.
Prana is what allows life to be and is always in constant motion throughout life. This Prana is different from Prana meaning "life force energy." This Kosha is developed through the practice of Pranayama.
The mental body. In Sanskrit Manas means "mind." The mind is Consciousness and is a field of energy itself. It is through this sheath that we see and accept the illusion of the separation of people through our differences.
Because this Kosha is governed by our thoughts, it can over power the first two Koshas, Annamaya and Pranamaya Koshas. With the practice of Yoga Nidra we are given the ability to surpass the first two sheaths as we work with this sheath.
Using this practice to correct negative thought patterns as well as to allow the programming to the mind to be dissolved. This Kosha is developed through the practices of Yoga Nidra.
The wisdom body or intellect body. In Sanskrit Vijnana means "external science" or "inner experience." During Meditation, times of concentration, while reciting a Mantra as well as dreaming, this is a projection of this Kosha. All experiences that are subjective in nature are a result of this Kosha. This Kosha is developed through the practice of Tantra.
The transcendental or bliss body. In Sanskrit Ananda is untranslatable but is seen as a state where there is no happiness or sadness. Instead there is just one single experience with no fluctuations in how the experience is experienced.
This body is the inner most layer, referred to as the True Self and relates to Samadhi meaning "liberation" where different levels of bliss are experienced. This Kosha is developed through the practice of Meditation.
This practice is also referred to as
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