The philosophy of Yoga talks about the Self which has 5 sheaths or layers of the body. Although in ultimate sense, the spirit or the soul cannot be broken down and is without division, the understanding of the sheaths and its integration can help us discover our life system and purpose a little better.
The first layer forms the Physical body called the Stula Sharira.
Annamaya Kosha:- The first most superficial layer is called the Annamaya kosha or the gross body which goes through process of birth, growth, change, decay and death. This is the tangible layer made up of what we consume. A balanced diet plays an important role in enjoying this layer of the self in the best way it was created to be in. If you remember your first yoga class, the awareness is mostly on the alignment of the structure and engagement of the muscles. The bodily sensations are the first step to recognize the first layer.
The next 3 layers form the Astral body and are called Sukshma Sharira.
Pranamaya Kosha :- This is the experiential part of the yoga practise through the breath . Once you’ve got your alignments figured out, the focus on the breath makes the awareness of this subtle body stronger. You begin to feel the pose. You may have heard yoga instructors saying – it how the pose feels, not looks. Its components are the 5 different types of prana circulating throughout the body plus the 5 different organs that experience hunger, thirst, cold and heat.
Manomaya Kosha :- This mental sheath revolves around 3 concepts namely; the “manas”- the thinking and doubting mind; the “chitta”- the subconscious and lastly the sensory organs being eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin. Whilst holding a pose, alignment and breath work proper, the withdrawal of activity of the thinking mind in the composure of that pose is what defines enhances this subtle body.
Vijnanamaya Kosha :- The astral body has its intellectual sheath which consists of the “buddhi” – the intellect which analyses, and the “ahamkara”-the ego which is the self-asserting principle. This is where we draw our courage from in our Warrior poses; this is where we re-enforce our goals, our visions, our focus, our inner strength and confidence while balancing in an eagle pose or a warrior 3.
The last layer forms the causal body called the Karana Sharira.
Anandamaya Kosha :- This is when the body surpasses witnessing and simply experiences bliss, joy, calmness and peace.
These sheaths are not un-attainable. By proper diet, practise of pranayama (breathing), right attitude and positive thinking, these can be experienced. However eventually, to attain “Samadhi”-liberation, one must transcend all the 5 sheaths.