A Glimpse over the ‘Pancha Kosha’ in the ...

A Glimpse over the ‘Pancha Kosha’ in the light Yoga

Author Name : Dr. Goutam Patra

ABSTRACT

Panchakoshas or the five sheaths, (Five body Seaths) are discussed in the Brahmanandavalli a Chapter of Taittiriya Upanishad which is a part of the Taittiriya Samhita of the Krishna Yajur Veda likely composed during 6th century BC and in which the particular chapter is discussed over the ways and means to achieve Brahman giving a detailed description of the dimensions of human personality or the dimensions of the Self. The concept of the five koshas was originally given in the Taittiriya Upanishad to help us understand what is ‘self’ and what is ‘non-self’. The lack of ability to distinguish between self and non-self is termed "avidya" (ignorance) which is the main cause of human suffering ("klesha") According to the yoga tradition, every one of us has five bodies, each made of increasingly finer grades of energy. Once we develop an understanding of the five koshas, it helps us slowly peel off these layers and bring us closer to our true identity. In this discussion, we will also apply these concepts to our Yoga practices. If we intend to live a fully balanced and healthy life, ‘Pancha Kosha’ will tells us, the secret of five illusionary energy states that could be developed through the practice of Yoga.

Key words: Panch-bhuts, Pruthvi, Jal, Tej, Vāyu, Ākāsh. Pruthvi, Tej Ākāsh.  Jal, Tanmātrā, Shabda, Sparsh, Rup, Roop, Ras, Yuj, ajar, klesha, kshetragna, virāt, sutrātmā,  avyākrut