Pancha Maya Kosha: The 5 Bodies

PRACTICE WITH US:365 Sadhana Sangha https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharmahttps://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-otoBali Retreathttps://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025300 Hr India & Berwickhttps://omsom.yoga/300-hour-advanced-hatha-yoga-training-2025200 Hr Berwickhttps://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025On today's episode: THE KOSHAS"Pancha" (पञ्च) = five"Maya" (मय) = that which consists of"Kosha" (कोश) = layer or sheath“Pañcakośā vivekena, śuddha tattvaṁ prapaśyati”(Through discernment of the five koshas, one realises the pure essence.) — Taittirīya Upaniṣad 2.4WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?TheKoshas provide a framework for understanding the layers of human existence—physical, energetic, mental, intuitive, and blissful.Helps navigate challenges in health, energy, and clarity.Bridges yoga practice with holistic well-being.Encourages deep self-inquiry and spiritual growth.“Annaṁ brahmeti vyajānāt”(The physical body is food; it is Brahman itself.) — Taittirīya Upaniṣad 2.2THE FIVE KOSHAS1. Annamaya Kosha (Physical Body)The outermost layer, nourished by food (anna)Cared for through asana, detox, relaxationStrengthens the parasympathetic nervous system“Annaṁ hi bhūtānām jyeṣṭham”(Food is the eldest of all beings.) — Taittirīya Upaniṣad 2.22. Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body)The body of prana (life force)Supported by pranayama, kriya, and mudrasRegulates energy flow & mental stability“Prāṇo hi bhūtānāṁ āyatanam”(Prana is the dwelling place of all beings.) — Taittirīya Upaniṣad 2.33. Manomaya Kosha (Mental Body)The layer of thoughts, emotions, and memoriesSupported by meditation & mindful awarenessFunctions of the mind:“Mana eva manuṣyāṇāṁ kāraṇaṁ bandha-mokṣayoḥ”(The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation.) — Amṛtabindu Upaniṣad4. Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Body)The layer of intuition & higher knowledgeHelps in spiritual discernment & clarityFunctions as the inner teacher“Vijñānaṁ yajñaṁ tanute, karmāṇi tanute'pi ca”(Wisdom performs the sacrifice and directs all action.) — Taittirīya Upaniṣad 2.55. Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body)The deepest layer of joy & divine connectionExperienced through surrender & samadhiTranscends duality & mental fluctuations“Ānando brahmeti vyajānāt”(Bliss itself is Brahman.) — Taittirīya Upaniṣad 2.7HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO YOUR PRACTICE?Mindful eating (Annamaya)Breathwork (Pranamaya)Meditation (Manomaya)Intuition & self-inquiry (Vijnanamaya)Joy & surrender (Anandamaya)Each kosha is an access point to deeper self-awareness.SHARE & CONNECT:If you got something out of today’s episode, share it with someone who could benefit.Follow us on Instagram:instagram.com/omsom.yogaVisit our website:omsom.yogaWe own a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops & Yoga Teacher Training programs.We would love to connect with you, no matter where you are on your journey.OM