Today I’d like to begin an exploration of yogic anatomy by introducing the five bodies – also referred to as “sheaths or koshas.” Because of their numinous nature, I think of them as “dimensions”, dimensions being a way that science conceptualizes that which we believe to exist but cannot see or measure. The classic yogic anatomy maps (of which this is one) provide analytical tools that we can use to assess and refine our practice in a very personal way — without being dependent on external validation. When learning, external validation is helpful. But through these maps we can come to know our yogic anatomy and create protocols for self-healing and growth through self-assessment. I encourage you to observe how these dimensions or bodies of you are continually transformed by your commitment to practice, your receptivity to expansion and the new levels of understanding that awaken day to day. I encourage you to go beyond conventional wisdom in working with these ideas, exploring how you experience them in life and practice.
The sheaths or koshas are a multidimensional mapping of energy and consciousness of the individual which were observed in deep meditation practices by the rishis – the original wise persons who cultivated the practices of yoga. In simple two-dimensional images they can be depicted like the featured image above. Five rings within or around the body. These two ways of understanding are important: Some folks experience their awakening coming from deep within themselves. Some folks experience it coming from outside themselves. As you grow and deepen your yoga practice I anticipate that the division between inner and outer will dissolve, and you will understand within and without in a way that encompasses both in a unique and tangible way! The bodies are parts of us, and more than we can imagine about ourselves at the same time.
The sheaths are identified as follows:
- Anandamaya Kosha is the tangible dimension of sacred joy. It’s not an endorphin high, nor is it bound by physical limitations. It’s ever present, but frequently obscured by clutter in the other denser bodies.
- Jnanamaya Kosha is the dimension of knowledge or wisdom. We experience this dimension when we awaken into numinous, wholistic insight or understanding. Connecting with this dimension yields the power of true knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Opening into it is often experienced as a shift in perception – an aha!
- Manomaya Kosha is the sheath of mind which holds within it time and space bound ideas, constructs, beliefs and thoughts. While the concepts Einstein brought forth in the world or science were sublime and no doubt and born of transcendent wisdom–the communication of this wisdom required the concrete form we know as the famous equation e=mc2 . When this sheath is clear – uncluttered – we experience precise and accurate clarity.
- Pranamaya Kosha is the breath body – the dimension of subtle energy. Like electricity – it’s invisible, powerful, and when operational it moves. We can all feel prana – although sometimes training is required. Stagnant prana can contribute to dis-ease conditions. In it’s unadulterated state prana, like electricity, flows. Flowing prana has a healing effect on all the koshas.
- Anamaya Kosha or food body is composed of the dense physical elements that we consume. Food, supplements, drugs, even surgical implants are things that impact the food body. The argument could be made that even watching television impacts the food body as it effects the physical neural circuits in the brain.
All the koshas are impacted by what we ingest, digest and eliminate, and working with them is about cultivating mastery over what we ingest, digest and eliminate both in quality and quantity.
Ideally the yogi seeks balance. Sometimes an extreme is required to create the balance. Sometimes scaling back is required to create balance. A good way to begin to work with the sheaths is to contemplate where you are right now, and what you are feeling.
How do you sit with this information? Do you have a wisdom dimension of your practice? Do you have a blissful dimension of your practice? Do you have a physical body practice? Is the food you eat part of your practice? How and why? Do certain aspects of your practice take up more space and time than others? That may be just what you need right now. Is it serving you, or just a habit?
Understanding yogic anatomy can refine the way we work through obstacles in our practices. Am I breathing? What am I thinking day to day? What kinds of TV am I watching and what music I am listening too? Do I feel different when I practice before or afterwards. What am I eating and drinking and when am I doing it? What am I reading? Does it impact my experience on the mat? Consider days where it takes more effort to achieve something ordinary. Were you ingesting anything out of the ordinary?
Coming next time: deeper reflections on the individual dimensions.
Natalie Ullmann 