• Posted by: Aparna
• 12 February 2024

Is our existence wrapped in five layers or sheaths?

Sounds a little crazy doesn't it?!

Yes indeed but there is a much deeper meaning to this definition. What we see of our body as a physical existence is an illusion just like this physical world. The truth is “We are pure consciousness”!

Traditional definition of Matter is - “Anything that has mass and volume ( occupies space)” Our physical body is space infused with matter and energy. It is proven in modern science that matter can be converted to energy which is invisible and incomprehensible by the five senses. What exists is pure energy in vibration and creating the appearance of solidity.

In Sanskrit Illusion is “Maya” - The root word Ma means “Which is not”. Ya means “What is” hence Maya means - “What we see is what which is not”

Taittiriya Upanishad which is amongst the earliest texts embedded as three chapters of Yajurveda explains the concept of having five layers within our body. They are referred to as Sheaths or casing ( In Sanskrit Kosha) They exist nested within each other.

These five layers of awareness begin with the physical body moving from the grossest to subtle into core self.

“Tat Tvam Asi” a famous quote from ChandYoga Upanishad meaning “ You are Existence itself” which is further analyzed through these five layers ( Panchkosha) and are considered different from the Soul.

1. Physical Body - The outermost sheath is called Annamaya Kosha which is nourished by the gross food. It is this layer which consists of the five elements we read earlier or body is constituted of - Space, Earth, Water, Fire and Water. Masses of atoms form various chemicals in our body, their different permutations/combinations form packets of energy forming organs, cells and tissues.
2. Etheric Body - This second layer internal to the physical body called the Pranamaya Kosha ( Energetic Field), where the Prana (what we breathe as the vital life force) flows through subtle channels called Nadis chakras and keeps each cell alive and healthy in the body. The body’s existence is dependent on Prana, it exists both inside our body as well outside as the infrastructure of the Universe. creating our aura/bio magnetic field. Prana is also known as Chi in Chinese medicine. If we activate or control the flow of Prana it opens the gateway to mental, psychic and spiritual dimension. Pranayama or breathing exercises influence this Kosha or Sheath.
3. Astral Body - Third layer which is more subtle called Manomaya Kosha ( Daily Mind) responsible for emotions, feelings, likes/dislikes, fear and phobias. This is sustained by subtle elements of our diet. It is our emotional library where perception, memory, and ego function. This is where mass thoughts accumulate and respond to the inputs from our sense organs - perception, memory decryption giving rise to “I’ or “ME”
4. Cosmic Body - Inner to astral body is the subtler fourth layer called Vijnanamaya Kosh ( Wisdom. Higher Mind) - the abode of inner conscience, inner voice, intellect,values and belief system. This guides the Manomaya kosh or the mind to do the right thing. For example - the mind deciphers the painting on the neighboring wall is beautiful and desires to have it, that's when this inner conscience tells - this doesn't belong to us, its the ability of positive discretion, continuously telling us to make judicious choices. This is the link between individual and universal consciousness. Meditation and self analysis nurture this layer.
5. Causal Body - Known as Anandmaya Kosha the innermost and most subtle sheath of our existence where it is pure bliss and union with self. This is also called the Bliss body, the highest state of evolution in the manifested existence. There is only silence and perfect harmony. Here is experienced the union with the soul, composed of unconditional love, supreme bliss, oneness with all beings beyond any emotional or physical awareness.

Lots to absorb, take your time to soak all this in while another interesting topic is on the way!