Koshas of Human Body

By Shubham Sharma

Self-discovery through "Koshas of the Human Body," in these pages, we explore the layers of our existence, from the physical to the spiritual, drawing from ancient wisdom and modern insights. The concept of koshas, or sheaths, serves as a guide. Starting with the outermost layer of the physical body and progressing inward, we unravel the dimensions that make us who we are. This book is more than words on pages—it's an invitation. An invitation to understand, experience, and embrace the subtle layers within us. It's a simple guide to unlocking the potential for higher states of consciousness and stepping into the world of Samadhi. The book gives 112 meditation techniques in a simple way assembled from the Vigyan Bhairav meditation techniques.

• Language: English
• Publisher: shubham sharma
• Release date: Jan 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224788026

Book preview

About The Author

SHUBHAM SHARMA IS AN entrepreneur and a dedicated author embarking on the initial stages of his writing career. A distinguished graduate in Mechanical Engineering, he secured the top position at the university in 2022. Despite his academic excellence, the Author’s exploration of spirituality, literature, and art commenced during his formative years in school. The author’s aspirations to delve into research and writing crystallized towards the conclusion of his collegiate journey.

Motivated by the conviction that embracing writing as a vocation would be advantageous, the Author seeks to contribute his unique perspectives on diverse subjects. His commitment to sharing profound insights is evident in this book and foreshadows the depth of knowledge and extensive research that will characterize his forthcoming works.

Foreword

Self-discovery through Koshas of the Human Body, in these pages, we explore the layers of our existence, from the physical to the spiritual, drawing from ancient wisdom and modern insights.

The concept of koshas, or sheaths, serves as a guide. Starting with the outermost layer of the physical body and progressing inward, we unravel the dimensions that make us who we are.

This book is more than words on pages—it’s an invitation. An invitation to understand, experience, and embrace the subtle layers within us. It’s a simple guide to  unlocking  the  potential  for  higher  states  of consciousness and stepping into the world of Samadhi. May this journey bring clarity, peace, and a deeper connection to the profound aspects of your own being.

Shubham Sharma

Author of the Book

Acknowledgments

I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE support and inspiration that have shaped this journey. First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to the ancient sages and spiritual traditions that have paved the way for our understanding of the self. Their timeless wisdom serves as the foundation upon which this exploration stands.

To MY GURU, my family, and my friends, and thank you for your unwavering support and understanding during the moments when I disappeared into the depths of this project. Your patience and encouragement have been a source of strength.

To the scientists and researchers who have made a bridge to understanding spiritual concepts with scientific data and a special thanks to the readers and fellow seekers who venture into these pages. It is my sincere hope that the insights shared within resonate with you on your journey of self-discovery.

Introduction

"The most fundamental element of life, the koshas,

after soul which creates unwanted membranes for

liberation"

The word kosha describes a covering or coating that protects the Atman, also known as the true Self or soul, which is the foundation of who we are. For the human body, kosha is a layer or sheath that is thought to envelop the physical body and contribute to overall health and well-being.

The human body is divided into five koshas, or levels, by Ayurveda. Each of the five koshas is referred to as a layer of consciousness that surrounds the soul, with each layer standing for a distinct component of who we are.

The human body’s outermost layer, known as the Annaymaya kosha, is made up of the physical body’s organs, tissues, and cells. It oversees the body’s maintenance and operation and is fed food and water. This kosha is physical, physical in the sense it is visible to physical naked eye.

Pranmaya kosha, this layer has to do with the life force or vital energy that permeates the body. It is made up of the body’s breathing, circulation, and energy flow.

Manomaya kosha, the mind and emotions are involved in this stratum. It is made up of mental processes, emotions, and thoughts.

The intellect and wisdom are associated with the Vigyanmaya kosha layer. It is made up of wisdom, judgment, and intuition.

Anandmaya kosha, is the layer of the body that is closest to pure consciousness and happiness, and it is the innermost layer of the human body. It is thought to be the origin of all contentment and happiness in life.

These five koshas are interrelated and have an impact on one another, by Ayurveda. Physical, mental, or emotional ailments might result from an imbalance or disruption in one kosha that affects the others. As a result, for optimum health and well-being, Ayurveda emphasizes the significance of balancing and nurturing all five koshas.

We store everything single thing in our koshas, food in Annaymaya kosha, air in Pranmaya kosha, thoughts in Manomaya koshas, ideas in Vigyanmaya kosha, happiness, and blissfulness in Anandmaya kosha. It is the reason for the person to rebirth and sometimes in reincarnation.

Upanishads on Human Koshas

The Upanishads give a thorough explanation of the koshas, their function in the human experience, and the significance of discovering the true essence of the self that lies behind these layers.

Hindu philosophy is built upon a group of historic books known as the Upanishads. The concept of the koshas, or levels of the self, as well as the nature of reality and the human experience are all described.

Taittiriya Upanishad

OM, THE KNOWER OF BRAHMAN attains the Supreme. Concerning that is the following hymn recited: Brahman is the truth, knowledge, and infinity. He who knows it as existing in the cave of the heart in the transcendent Akasa realizes all his desires along with omniscient Brahman. From that (Which is ) this Atman is space born; from Akasa, air; from air, Fire; from fire, water; from water, earth; from the earth, herbs; from herbs, food; and from the food, man.

The five koshas, also known as the pancha koshas, are discussed in this Upanishad. The five koshas are the physical body (Annaymaya kosha), breath (Pranmaya

kosha), thought (Manomaya kosha), intellect (Vigyanmaya kosha), and Anandmaya kosha (the blissful or spiritual sheath). They have all the shape human body but in different aspects.

Annamaya Kosha, the physical body consists of ‘food’. Food is his head. Food is his right wing(side). Food is his left wing (side). Food is his trunk. Food is hind part of forming his support and foundation. All beings that exist on earth are born of food. They, thereafter, live by food; again, they ultimately go back to it and merge to become food. Food is the eldest of all the creatures. Food is that which is eaten by the beings and also that which in the end eats them; therefore, food is called annam.

Other than that (soul) made up of the essence of food there is an inner soul (Sheath) made of the Prana. With it, this is filled. This (Pranamaya Kosha) is of the same form as the previous. Its human form is exactly like the human form of the former. Of that, Prana is the head, Vyana is the right side, Apnana is the left side, Akasa is the trunk, and earth is the tail or the support.

Different from this Pranamaya – Self-made up of the Pranas, there is another self-constituted of the mind. With that self-made mind (Manomaya Kosha), the

Pranamaya is full. This also is of the form of man. Its human form is according to that of the former. Of it, Yajus is the head, Rk is the right side, Saman is the left side, the scriptural injunction (Adesa) is the trunk and the group of hymns of Atharva-Vada is the tail and the support.

Different from that made up of mind (Manas) is another inner soul made up of intelligence (Vijnanamaya Kosha) and by that this (Manomaya-self) is filled. It also has the shape of a Man. According to the human shape of the Previous, is the human shape of this one. Faith (Sraddha) is its head, righteousness (rtam) is its right side, truth (Satyam) is Its left side, Yoga is the trunk and total intellect (Mahah) is the tail and the Support.

Of that, of the former, this one verily is the embodied self. Different from this self-made up of intellect (Vijnanamaya) is another self within, formed of bliss (Anandamaya Kosha). By this, that is filled (By Anandamaya the Vijnanamaya is full). It also has the shape of a man. According to the human form of that is the human form of this. Of it, Joy (Priya) is on the right side, Rejoicing (Moda) is on the left side, and Bliss (Pramoda) is the trunk. Brahman is the tail support.

Mandukya Upanishad

THE ATHARVAVEDA’S MANDUKYA Upanishad stands out among the ancient Indian Upanishadic writings for its succinct yet comprehensive investigation of the nature of consciousness and the profound symbolism of the sacred syllable Om (Aum). It is only twelve verses long, but it contains layers of philosophical ideas that have left an indelible effect on Hindu thought.

The Mandukya Upanishad digs into the symbolism of Om, dividing it into four unique components, each signifying a different state of awareness. These components are A, U, M, and the subsequent quiet, known as Turiya. The waking state (Jagrat) is represented by the letter A, which stands for the sphere of outward experiences and actions. Swapna (dreaming state) corresponds to the sound U, which represents the internal domain of ideas and dreams. Susupti (deep sleep) is related with the sound M, which represents rest and oblivion. The Mandukya Upanishad, in particular, provides the concept of Turiya, the fourth stage that surpasses the waking, dreaming, and profound sleep states. The quiet that follows the utterance of Om represents Turiya, pointing

to a level of pure consciousness beyond the three conventional states.

Turiya is the ultimate reality, the substratum of