Panch Kosh
Panch means five and kosh means attributes or layers. Panch Kosh are five personalities or layers over subtle consciousness. There is a five layered existence within every individal. There may be some overlap of these.
Panch Kosh are:
- Annamay Kosh
- Pranmay Kosh
- Manomay Kosh
- Vijnanmay Kosh
- Anandmay Kosh
Annamay Kosh:
It is matter based physical layer and is made up of elements. It is nourished by the food we consume.
Its original state is relaxation. If disturbed then there is tension.It is the physical body or matter. Diet, asans, and kriya yog practices keep this kosh in perfect condition.
Pranmay Kosh:
This is the layer of life force or energy. Pran is the energy from which the physical body manifests itself. A uniform, harmonious flow of pran to each and every cell of the physical body keeps one alive and healthy.
Its original state is slow. When disturbed it becomes fast. This kosh is pran or vital energy or life source. Pranayam practice keeps this kosh in perfect condition.
Manomay Kosh:
It is Maan, Chitt, and Ahankar.Emotions are in this kosh. It engages with the emotions that are the root cause of all human joy and distress. It is our mental and emotional library, a subtler layer of our existence. The original nature of this kosh is calmness. When disturbed, the person becomes agitated. It is the mind or mental state of a person.Reasoning and logics happen here. Imbalance of activities starts in this kosh. Meditation, Bhajans and Karm yog can keep this kosh in perfect condition.
Vijnana Kosh:
It is the layer of intellect.It guides manomahay kosh to gain mastery over basic instincts. This layer has power to discern and discriminate.
Its original state is balance and wisdom. In disturbed state there is imbalance and confusion. It is the intellectual or emotional state of a person. This can be used to control mind. Discrimination occurs here. There is activity in this kosh but these activities are channeled in right direction resulting in positive and ethical actions. Jnana yog and Bhakti yog can help in making it perfect.
Anandmay Kosh:
Its original state is harmony and balance. When this is disturbed, there is disharmony. It is the consciousness. A person in this kosh has sustained blissfulness.
Sthul Sharir is the Annmay kosh or physical body.
Sukshma Sharir is subtle body and includes Pranmay, Manomay, and Vijnan Koshas.
Karana Sharira is the Anandmay kosh.
Bharti Raizada
