Episode # 44- Koshas, the Layers of the Body

Today I am teaching about some ancient yogic wisdom, not neuroscience.  But remember, science has it's limitations.  We can only observe and quantify certain things we can perceive.  

Listen with an open mind, and maybe find a new perspective to look at your body and mind connection.

The Koshas are 5 layers, or sheaths, that cover the light we have within us.  When the layers are dense, our light can not shine out. Our goal with the Koshas is to work to become more transparent at each layer.  Then, like Saran Wrap over a light bulb, our light can still shine brightly.  

And then we have layers, or "koshas",  that cover that light.

These layers are made of "Maya", which means illusion

So when the layers over the light are thick and dense, the

 light can not shine out.  You are locked in the illusion

 

There are 5 layers- KOSHAS

Starting with the outermost layer- ANNAMAYA KOSHA 

(Food Layer)

The part of the body that is fed and nourished by food

-represents the physical structures of the body -bones, the muscles, the skin, the organs

And you could take some things and intervene at the food level

Maybe eating certain foods or taking supplements to help with healing.

But remember too that the problem could originate from a 

deeper level and be radiating out.

So it is always good to look at all of the levels, because there can be a reverberation in the body

The food layer can become more or less transparent by what we eat or drink or how we treat the physical body.

Asana or the yoga practice has some effect on the Food layer,

 

But it primarily works on the next layer in, which is the PRANAMAYAKOSHA- Pranic layer 

Prana is LIFE FORCE.

This layer is composed of the physiological structures in the body of blood, lymph, the breath , the respiratory system, the circulatory system, and the endocrine system, like the thyroid.

So if you have ailments in any of these areas, your primary work is here on the Pranic level.

And your primary remedy is the “asana”- yoga movements to promote flow of this life force.

And the other remedy is through Pranayama- which is the breath work.

 

The third layer, is the MONOMAYA KOSHA  (Mind layer).  It is what we sometimes call the MONKEY MIND,  the irrational mind, the layer of mental chatter and the emotional level of the mind

Ailments of this layer include anxiety and depression

The remedy, the way to feed and nourish this layer, is through devotional practices, keeping good company, and performing selfless service to others.  Karmic yoga practices- like caring for someone else.  Or Bahti yoga which is chanting, or singing helps at this level.

 

 

The next layer is the VINJNANAMAYA KOSHA (knowledge layer)

This is the wisdom,  intuition, and the perception.  The layer that can figure things out, plan and study.  It represents the intellectual level of the mind.

The affliction of this level is boredom

So if this is you- the way to feed and nourish this layer is by studying, and staying engaged in learning, and in growing.

The final, innermost layer is the ANANDAMAYAKOSHA (Bliss layer)

This represents the highest, innermost self (which is made of bliss!).  Its is the layer closest to the true self

And so it is the layer that can cause the deepest affliction.

The ailment of this layer is disconnection.  Disconnection from others, from yourself or from Source

This layer is fed and nourished by devotional practices, and maintaining connection to a higher power- whatever that is for you.

 

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