The 5 Kosha Bodies (Levels of Consciousness)

For most, the journey to self realization is a quest for answers of the unknown, knowledge of the infinite, wisdom of the ancestors and ultimately ascension to Enlightenment through the realization of Atman, Pure Self, Pure Awareness or Bliss. 

This exploration is a process of diving into the various layers of Self which encompass your physical, mental and spiritual being. True enlightenment is the mastery of harmony between the mind, body and soul. There are five (5) Bodies or Layers of Consciousness to be exact; beginning with the outermost, densest layer, moving inward to the subtlest, they are:

Defining Kosha - In Eastern culture, kosha (also kosa; Sanskrit कोश, IAST: kośa), is a Sanskrit term usually rendered as "sheath", a covering of the Atman, or Self according to Vedantic philosophy.

Annamaya Kosha (Earth element) - This layer is the physical sheath or gross body, composed of your blood, bones, tissue, organs and fat. The Annamaya, which sustains your other koshas, is governed by the substances you eat and drink. For this reason, many seekers experience holistic, intrinsic changes in diet, fitness and overall wellness as their spiritual journey unfolds.   

Pranamaya Kosha (Water element) - This layer, the energy sheath, is received most readily through the breath and is the mystical, vital life force which regulates all of our conscious and unconscious bodily functions. Prana energy is constantly flowing through, within and around us. 

Manomaya Kosha (Fire element) - This mental sheath, comprised of the mind, is best described as instinctual awareness, ACTIVE thoughts and perception. Within the Manomaya body lies the concepts of personality and ego, which creates the illusion of “I” “me” “mine” and “you”.  

Vijnanamaya Kosha (Air element) - This layer is the intuition, intellect and wisdom body; knowledge at this level is considered supramental - above and beyond normal, active thoughts. Identified as a combination of intellect and the five senses, this kosha is said to govern one’s will, discernment and determination. 

Anandamaya Kosha (Ether/space element) - This innermost sheath is also defined as the Bliss Body wherein deeply spiritual experiences that transcend space, time and the concept of "me" reside. The subtlest of the five layers, it is here where pure consciousness or awareness is obtained by peeling back the illusions of the outer layers and shedding the identity which separates oneself from other spiritual beings.

Altogether, these five sheaths or layers, represent the individual levels of consciousness we must each honor, understand and master to reach our highest vibrational self, our Bliss Body.

RESOURCE!

Wanna dig a bit deeper? In my UNLOCKING ASCENSION IG Live series, I explore each level of consciousness - or Kosha Body - in greater depth and with personal commentary (of course ><). Be sure to check it out if you're interested in learning more.

• Click the 'check it out" link above for my IG profile
• Navigate to Reels > Series > UNLOCKING ASCENSION