Koshas & The Gunas Flashcards
What are the Koshas?
The five layers or sheaths which envelop the Atman, the Divine Self.
Name the 5 Koshas in order from gross to most fine.
- Annamaya Kosha 2. Pranamaya Kosha 3. Manomaya Kosha 4. Vijnanamaya Kosha 5. Anandamaya Kosha
What is Annamaya Kosha related to and which layer is it?
It is related to the physical body, food or material and is the first outer layer. This can be seen as thinking the body and physical things are of the utmost importance, to get past this sheath we see our body only as an instrument. i.e. judging someone only by their appearance.
What is Pranamaya Kosha related to and which layer is it?
It is related to the vital energy, or air sheath, and is the second most outer layer. This can be seen as relating only to the vitality which experienced, which is not the Atman or Divine Self.
What is Manomaya Kosha related to and which layer is it?
It is related to the mental body and is the middle sheath. This sheath is seen as the source of I, me, and mine, also as being “trapped in your own head”.
What is Vijnanamaya Kosha related to and which layer is it?
It is related to the psychic mental body or intelligence and is the second most inward layer. This kosha will reflect the know it all attitude.
What is Anandamaya Kosha related to and which layer is it?
It is related to as the blissful or transcendental body and is the final sheath. This sheath can be seen when someone cannot handle painful experiences, but only the happy times.
Name the 5 major Pranas in their correct order.
- Prana Vayu 2. Apana Vayu 3. Udana Vayu 4. Samana Vayu 5. Vyana Vayu
Where is Prana Vayu located and what does it govern?
Between the larynx and the diaphragm and is the faculty of perception. Responsible for drawing breath into the body.
What is Apana Vayu and where is it located?
It is the faculty of excretion and is located below the navel. Downward flow of energy (waste).
What is Udana Vayu and where is it located?
This is the faculty of thought absorption which allows thought. Circulates through the head and throat.
Where is Samana Vayu and what does it govern?
Between the heart and navel, and is the faculty of digestion and distributing nutrients throughout the body.
Where is Vyana Vayu and what does it govern?
This is throughout the whole body and regulates and controls all movement and coordinates the other pranas.
What are the Gunas?
The qualities of universal nature.
Name the 3 Gunas in both English and Sanskrit.
Tamas - ignorance, darkness
Rajas - passion, energy
Sattvic - truth, light
