Contemplating the relevance of theory of Pancha Kosha in the present era

Abstract

Pancha kosha is the concept in Yoga philosophy that there are five layers of awareness through which all experiences are filtered. The concept originated from Taittiriya Upanishad, a vedic era Sanskrit text embedded within Yajurveda. According to Yoga Philosophy, our physical body is divided into three bodies and five layers of self being. Each person has a Sthula sharira (Physical body) made of organs and systems, Suksma sharira (Astral body) constituting mind and intellect, Karana sharira (causal body) constitutes quality of spirit. The five layers are called the Pancha koshas or sheaths. These layers move from the outermost physical body to the deep spiritual core. In this article we intend to contemplate the practical applicability of these koshas, how to try to heighten them to experience the spiritual form of oneself, with the proper practice of Yoga and Ayurveda and ultimately assist one proceed towards moksha.