Many people think that to have a healthy life they need to take care of their physical bodies. It is true, we do need to keep physically fit and yet we have so much more to work with. All too often, we only pay attention to the physical body and forget the subtle bodies, falling short of reaching our greatest potential. If we truly wish to reach an optimum level of vitality, then we must also tend to the finer layers. Yogic vidya/science proclaims there to be five bodies — layers or sheaths. Four of these five sheaths cannot be seen yet can be felt and experienced. Panchakosha is Sanskrit for (five layers). The koshas exist on a scale of energy from gross physical to the more subtle spiritual.
Enhancing our understanding of all the layers that make up the human being, and how they work together, will help shift each layer into a place of balance. This is a major step toward awakening our true nature. Living day to day with heightened awareness of self, we move in alignment from a place of centeredness. Moving from this center creates a balanced life and healthy magnetism, as opposed to endlessly grasping after the carrot on a stick. Through the practice of yoga we can establish a sattvic/harmonious quality in each layer and in turn the whole of our being.
I have been putting together a kosha concentration exercise, which I would like to offer to Canadian Yoga Alliance once this panchakosha series is finished. This article explores the first of the five layers called annamaya kosha.
Annamaya Kosha
We are all familiar, to a certain degree, with the first kosha called annamaya kosha (physical body). Maya means “made up of” and anna means “food stuffs or physical matter”. With the approach of Hatha yoga we begin to purify, refine and experience this kosha on a new level. Hatha yoga prescribes shatkarmas/cleansing techniques, asanas, mudras and bandhas to highlight the entire physical sheath and breath new life into the body along with its subtle layers. This new awareness and clarity allows for us to move from a place of alignment, which is sure to increase our quality of life. Through purifying the physical body and increasing our receptivity, we discover how to move our skin, muscles, joints, organs and every cell in the most harmonious way. The Pancha Kosha Dharana/Five Layer Concentration that I offer expresses a way to understand the human condition along with encouraging self-found steadiness and relaxation. Establishing balance and peace in the physical body sets the stage for an improved daily experience and a deeper level of practice.
I so look forward to sharing with you the next four koshas in articles to come and the practice of Pancha Kosha Dharana.
hari aum, namaste, tat sat
Jaromir Kynl