Kosha
Our soul is enveloped by five Koshas (sheaths). The mind has to penetrate these five layers to reach the individual consciousness or the soul. A human being is a congregation of the five great elements, each of which predominates one kosha as shown in the table below.
Three bodies
Five sheaths
Element that predominates
Physical Body
Annamayi Kosha
Prithvi (Earth)
Subtle Body
Pranamayi Kosha
Ap (Water)
Manomayi Kosha
Tej (Fire)
Vijnanamayi Kosha
Vayu (Air)
Causal Body
Anandamayi Kosha
Akash (Ether)
For achieving the goal of Yoga, the aspirant should try to understand all these sheaths that envelope the soul so as to experience the core of his being – Atma.
Three bodies
Five sheaths
Element that predominates
Physical Body
Annamayi Kosha
Prithvi (Earth)
Subtle Body
Pranamayi Kosha
Ap (Water)
Manomayi Kosha
Tej (Fire)
Vijnanamayi Kosha
Vayu (Air)
Causal Body
Anandamayi Kosha
Akash (Ether)
For achieving the goal of Yoga, the aspirant should try to understand all these sheaths that envelope the soul so as to experience the core of his being – Atma.
