Just as reptiles shed their many layers of skin human beings have a similar potential to shed layers our spirit and self realization as we become more enlightened. These layers we have are a part of us united at the core by spirit. Each layer is distinct spiraling out from the center connecting our body, mind, spirit, and intelligence. The 5 Koshas are these spiraling layers that make us who we are surrounding our true spirit.
PHYSICAL~ ANAMAYAKOSHA- Ana means food. Food is neccesary for the physical body. This is the first layer respecting the physical body, digestion, and assimilation. This Kosha helps give the others form.
ENERGY~PRANAMAYAKOSHA- Prana means breath. Breath creates energy and life force to the body. The vital airs within the body (vayus) affect the functioning of the whole body.
MENTAL~MANOMAYAKOSHA- All that rises from the mind; thoughts, reasoning, and emotions are part of this layer. Disruption of this layer can affect the previous 2 layers in breath and the physical body.
WISDOM~VIJANANAMAYAKOSHA- Underneath the processing, thinking aspect to the mind but more specific in knowing. It knows, discriminates, judges between this or that, between useful and not useful. Being very close to our center core it guides us on deeper levels. Again, all Koshas need each other for the other to function properly.
BLISS~ANANDAMAYAKOSHA- This is the total absorption of bliss, joy, and happiness. This Kosha is the interior of all the Kosha’s closest to the true self (Atman). It is a different reality from mind it is a genuine feeling of joy without distractions from the body and mind. Again, all the other Koshas are necessary to lead us to our innermost sanctuary
