A Unique Learning Program to Develop Pancha Kosha
Derived from the Sanskrit terms pancha, meaning “five” and kosha meaning “sheath” pancha kosha refers to the concept in yoga philosophy that there are five layers of awareness through which all experience is filtered.
At the center of these five layers is atman, otherwise known as the true self. An individual’s unique perspective of reality is believed to come from identification with each of the five koshas, and the path of yoga can help to heighten understanding and awareness of these sheaths.
Since these layers encompass all aspects of existence, from gross to transcendental, pancha kosha also provides a model through which physical, psychological and energetic imbalances can be addressed.
Wellbeing is said to arise when all five sheaths are integrated and balanced, a state in which the veil of maya (illusion) is lifted and any sense of separation between atman and brahman (universal consciousness) is dissolved.
The concept of pancha kosha originated from Taittiriya Upanishad, a Vedic era Sanskrit text embedded within the Yajurveda. The classical Upanishads were concerned with addressing the nature of the self and one’s relationship to the universe, and pancha kosha is thought to be one of the earliest conceptualizations of the human being.
The description of pancha kosha in Taittiriya Upanishad is highly symbolic; the fuller exposition as taught in the yoga tradition comes from later Vedantic texts such as Sankara’s Vivekacudamani or Vedantasara of Sadananda.
Central to Vedantic philosophy, the concepts of brahman and atman had a key influence on the development of the kosha model. A gradual process of moving inward through the five sheaths and resolving imbalances is believed to reveal a true understanding of the nature of the self as one with universal consciousness.
The five sheaths or the “Pancha Kosha” are:
The five sheaths or the “Pancha Kosha” are:
The outermost Kosha, referring to the physical body which needs food and nourishment to thrive. Asana practice, dietary changes and sleep quality all impact the Annamaya Kosha.
Pranamaya Kosha or the Energy Sheath:
Pranamaya Kosha is composed of prana (life force energy) and is greatly influenced by “Pranayama” (breathwork).
Manomaya Kosha or the Mental Sheath or Psychological Sheath:
Manomaya Kosha is where one’s sense of Self develops, along with the habits of thinking that influence behaviour.
Vijnyanamaya Kosha or the Intellectual Sheath:
This sheath is the seat of intuition, connected to inner wisdom and deeper states of consciousness. It is also responsible for inner growth and authenticity, and is impacted by all aspects of yoga.
Anandamaya Kosha or Bliss Sheath:
Otherwise known as the bliss body, this Kosha is the closest to Atman. It transcends the logical, thinking mind, providing an experience of unity with universal consciousness. Daily meditation can help to connect practitioners with Anandamaya Kosha.
A Unique Learning Program to Develop Pancha Kosha
These five Koshas are interconnected as well as interdependent on each other. Conscious development of all these Koshas along with practicing Yoga (Asanas, Pranayama & Meditation as recommended to particular age of child) in every student by the means of specially designed activities, programs at Fun Gurukul Preschool helps in strengthening and accelerating the process of Learning. It also helps teachers in his/her own professional and personal development.