hostmelissa
02-23-2009, 11:39 AM
In yoga we are ultimately working towards uncovering our true self and enlightened state. There are many ways of thinking about how we do this. The 5 Koshas are one such roadmap.
The 5 koshas or layers of the body are:
1) Physical Body Annamaya
2) Energy Body Pranayama
3) Lower Mind or Mental Body Manomaya
4) Higher Mind or Wisdom body Vijnanamaya
5) Bliss Anandamaya
Physical Body
The physical body is where we begin in most hatha yoga classes. We start by bringing awareness to our bodies, our muscles, bones and organs. The idea here is to take care of our bodies as the temple for our soul. When our body functions optimally and is free from dis-ease then we are able to go more deeply into ourselves.
Energy Body
The energy body reaches within and also expands outward of the physical body. In Sanskrit the word for energy is prana. In yoga classes we practice pranayama, or breath practice to cultivate life force energy in our bodies. Not only does the breath give us energy to move out into the world, but the capacity to connect inward with our true self.
Lower Mind or Mental Body
At the level of the mental body we become aware of the thinking noise in our brain. Here we are constantly processing our thoughts and emotions. We become attached to and follow the dialogues of our stories. We mistake ourselves for our stories. Here we train ourselves to come into the present moment instead of engaging in fears about our past and future. Mantra or chanting is a way to focus the mind.
Higher Mind or Wisdom Body
Vijna means knowing. At the level of the wisdom body we connect with a way of knowing that is much deeper than the thinking mind. Here we practice discrimination and judgment. We connect with our intelligent insight. Here we cultivate awareness and develop the quality of the witness. Meditation is a useful technique to connect with the higher mind.
Bliss
Ananda means bliss and at this layer of the energy body closest to the Atman or Self, we come to experience the peace, joy and love that is beyond the mind. That is simply enjoying being outside of any external stimulus that might cause a happy reaction. Here the mind, body and emotions drop away and we become aware of our limitless consciousness.
Self/Atman
Under all the layers of the energy body lays the Atman or Self. This is the soul, the spirit, and essential self. All the other energy bodies are like veils of energy that mask the God within. The God you are looking for is already looking out from your eyes. Through the practice of asana, pranayama, mantra and meditation we reveal that which we have been searching for.
Join me March 3, 2009 from 9-10 p.m. EST for Yoga off the Mat Telecourse (http://www.melissawest.com/index-15.html) where we will be discussing the 5 koshas more deeply and with interactive exercises. E-mail me at info@melissawest.com to join the call.
During my March 6-8th yoga retreat (http://www.melissawest.com/index-10.html) we will be lifting the 5 koshas through asana, pranayama, chanting and meditation. Register here (http://www.melissawest.com/index-10.html).
The 5 koshas or layers of the body are:
1) Physical Body Annamaya
2) Energy Body Pranayama
3) Lower Mind or Mental Body Manomaya
4) Higher Mind or Wisdom body Vijnanamaya
5) Bliss Anandamaya
Physical Body
The physical body is where we begin in most hatha yoga classes. We start by bringing awareness to our bodies, our muscles, bones and organs. The idea here is to take care of our bodies as the temple for our soul. When our body functions optimally and is free from dis-ease then we are able to go more deeply into ourselves.
Energy Body
The energy body reaches within and also expands outward of the physical body. In Sanskrit the word for energy is prana. In yoga classes we practice pranayama, or breath practice to cultivate life force energy in our bodies. Not only does the breath give us energy to move out into the world, but the capacity to connect inward with our true self.
Lower Mind or Mental Body
At the level of the mental body we become aware of the thinking noise in our brain. Here we are constantly processing our thoughts and emotions. We become attached to and follow the dialogues of our stories. We mistake ourselves for our stories. Here we train ourselves to come into the present moment instead of engaging in fears about our past and future. Mantra or chanting is a way to focus the mind.
Higher Mind or Wisdom Body
Vijna means knowing. At the level of the wisdom body we connect with a way of knowing that is much deeper than the thinking mind. Here we practice discrimination and judgment. We connect with our intelligent insight. Here we cultivate awareness and develop the quality of the witness. Meditation is a useful technique to connect with the higher mind.
Bliss
Ananda means bliss and at this layer of the energy body closest to the Atman or Self, we come to experience the peace, joy and love that is beyond the mind. That is simply enjoying being outside of any external stimulus that might cause a happy reaction. Here the mind, body and emotions drop away and we become aware of our limitless consciousness.
Self/Atman
Under all the layers of the energy body lays the Atman or Self. This is the soul, the spirit, and essential self. All the other energy bodies are like veils of energy that mask the God within. The God you are looking for is already looking out from your eyes. Through the practice of asana, pranayama, mantra and meditation we reveal that which we have been searching for.
Join me March 3, 2009 from 9-10 p.m. EST for Yoga off the Mat Telecourse (http://www.melissawest.com/index-15.html) where we will be discussing the 5 koshas more deeply and with interactive exercises. E-mail me at info@melissawest.com to join the call.
During my March 6-8th yoga retreat (http://www.melissawest.com/index-10.html) we will be lifting the 5 koshas through asana, pranayama, chanting and meditation. Register here (http://www.melissawest.com/index-10.html).