Koshas

Question 1

Explain what the Koshas are

Answer 1

• energetic layers/sheaths that move from the outermost layer of skin to the deep spiritual core (atman)
• there are three bodies (gross, subtle, causal) which include the five koshas
• all the koshas are interactive and depending on each other
• based on Vedic philosophy

Question 2

List the five pancha koshas

Answer 2

Annamaya kosha (“foodstuff”, physical body)
Pranamaya kosha (“energy”)
Manomaya kosha (“mind stuff”)
Vijnanamaya kosha (“wisdom”)
Anandamaya kosha (“bliss”)

Question 3

Which kosha is the physical body?

Answer 3

Annamaya kosha

-> Anna = food

Question 4

Which one is the wisdom sheath?

Answer 4

Vijnanamaya kosha

-> vijnana = wisdom

Question 5

Which one is the energy kosha?

Answer 5

Pranamaya kosha

-> prana =energy

Question 6

Which one is the bliss sheath?

Answer 6

Anandamaya kosha

->ananda=bliss

Question 7

Which one is the mind kosha?

Answer 7

Manomaya kosha

-> manas=mind

Question 8

Describe the annamaya kosha

Answer 8

• sheath of physical self, physical body
• nourished by food
• mass of skin, flesh, fat, bones, skin, filth
• gross body
• can be transcended and cleansed by physical yoga practice, diet, relaxation

Question 9

Describe the Pranamaya kosha

Answer 9

• energy, vital sheath
• vital layer of the body that contains energy -> life force energy within annamaya kosha
• subdivided into vayus: prana, Apana, samana, udana, vyana
• this layer contains the chakras and nadis
• cleansed by pranayama, asana, diet