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Home , Anandamaya kosha, Kosha, Subtle body, The Subtle Body, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICAL JOURNAL

Review Article ISSN: 2320 5091 Impact Factor: 5.344

THE PANCHA : KEYS TO UNVEIL OUR TRUE SELF

Aiswarya. H. N1, Sowmya C. Nair2

1MD Scholar, 2Guide - Assistant professor, Department of Swasthavritta, V P S V College, Kottakkal, Kerala,

Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT , an ancient cultural heritage of India, understands health and well- as a dynamic continuum of human nature and not a mere ‘state’ to be attained and maintained. Understanding the principles of Yoga on the basis of quantum physics which is currently the highest form of science available to mankind help us get a clear pic- ture of what exactly the sages wanted us to understand in the process of healing. Yoga conceptualizes the human being as a multi layered, conscious being, possessing three bodies or Sharira (Sthula-gross, Sukshma -subtle and Karana -causal) and having a five layered (Pancha ) consisting of our anatomical, physiological, psychological, intellectual and universal existential layers. Yoga as a way of conscious living enables the individ- ual to attain and maintain a dynamic sthanam that may be defined as a dynamic of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Development of an integrated self and a sound personality requires awakening and bal- ancing of all these five layers and treating the imbalances in the correct way by using different modalities of treatment mentioned in Yoga and Ayurveda. This is a conceptual review to understand and integrate different mo- dalities of treatment on the basis of pancha kosha concept.

Keywords: Pancha Kosha, Quantum Physics, Yoga, Ayurveda.

INTRODUCTION Multilevel cosmological models have emerged from mutual inter-relationship of everything in this uni- Indian tradition which provides structural frameworks verse. One of the earliest and greatest fundamental to understand the relationship between consciousness discoveries of Ayurveda was the law of uniformity of and creativity.1 In yogic there are various nature or loka- samanya, this was based on concepts which help us to understand the nature of the the observations of the intimate relationship between human being. One such conceptual system is that of the micro and macrocosms. The Pancha Kosha con- the Pancha kosha.2 As per quantum physics every- cept explains the various dimensions of human per- thing in the universe is interrelated and a change in sonality and helps us to explore the unknown regions one part of the system will be reflected in the other of our own being.3 part as well. This quantum world view is entirely con- This article emphasizes the importance of understand- sistent with the Vedic concept of ‘innate unity’ and ing the multidimensional nature of human being and Aiswarya. H. N & Sowmya C. Nair: The Pancha Koshas: Keys To Unveil Our True Self the need for a multidimensional approach for the ducting through channels called Nadis. A maintenance of health. Uniform harmonious flow of to each and AIM AND OBJECTIVES: every cell of the Annamya Kosha keeps them alive  To understand the concept of Pancha Kosha and and healthy. Pancha Prana or Panchavayu is the its role in the management of physical and psy- five dimensions of this Mughya Prana, its flow chological ailments. resulting in activities of different areas of the  To understand the role of Ayurveda and Yoga in body. When they are functioning harmoniously, the management of physical and psychological they assure the health and vitality of the body and ailments by incorporating the concept of Pancha .10 Kosha.  Manomaya Kosha is the sphere of mind, which is REVIEW OF LITERATURE closely tied to the physical body. Patterns of The concept of Pancha Kosha is described in thinking, attitudes, and beliefs are all aspects of Taittareeya Upanishad, where the human being is de- our Manomaya Kosha. Fixed ways of thinking tailed through five levels of subtlety varying from the and rigid responses leads to most of our emotional gross layer, Annamaya Kosha, to the subtlest layer responses which is expressed through the .4 Pancha Kosha is the five Pranamaya and Annamaya Koshas. When the sheaths of man arranged from the surface level of our emotions become powerful, they start governing physical body to the depths of the unconscious mind. our actions, this leads to imbalances called Aadhi At every moment and in every situation koshas deter- or stress. Long standing Aadhis get pushed into mine our thoughts, emotions, words and deeds.5 As Pranamya and Annamaya Kosha causing Vyadhis 11 per tradition these Pancha Koshas are said to or diseases. be residing in Trisareera i.e., Sthula sareera or gross  Vijnanamaya Kosha is the sheath of intellect and body which constitutes the Annamaya Kosha and part intuitive . In western , the (physical manifestation) of Pranamaya Kosha; Vijnanamaya Kosha is known as the higher astral Sookshma Sharira or comprises the body. (intellect) is the quality of discrimi- Pranamaya Kosha, Manomaya Kosha and nation which comes after knowledge, after the Vijnanamaya Kosha; Karana sharira or removal of ignorance. This ability is more in hu- comprises the Anandamaya Kosha.6 man race that differentiates man from animals. It  Annamaya Kosha is outermost of the koshas, is also the repository of transpersonal faculties named from the fact that it is nourished by food. It such as telepathy, clairvoyance, thought reading is the only directly perceivable component of our and other so called psychic or paranormal phe- self and therefore we incorrectly identify our- nomena.12 This process is well explained in the selves with it. This sheath has the most dense and ‘Morphogenetic Field Theory’ proposed by bio- slow vibrational frequency. This kosha cannot ex- chemist Rupert Sheldrake.13 ist without contact with the other koshas.7  Anandhamaya kosha is the bliss layer of our ex-  Pranamaya Kosha is the energy sheath and is istence, is the most subtle aspect of our existence concerned with network of vital energy which which is devoid of any form of emotions. It is a regulates the growth, shape and function of physi- state of complete silence and a state of complete cal body together the decay of cells, tissues and harmony and perfect health. It is the highest stage organs. In western mysticism, it is known as the of evolution in the manifested existence. It is the , lowest layer in the human energy subtlest among five layers of existence. They are field or .8 This energy fields are also corre- the resultant drive of the seed of residual poten- sponds to Bio-plasmic energy of Kirlian.9 As per cies or impression of previous birth i.e. Beeja 14 Yoga tradition the energy in these koshas are con- Samskara.

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Aiswarya. H. N & Sowmya C. Nair: The Pancha Koshas: Keys To Unveil Our True Self

The Koshas make up a spectrum of energies which of Yoga in the management of Manodosha. All the comprise our whole being, our perceptions and our three main modalities of treatment in Ayurveda i.e. capacity to act in the world.15 Starting from the Daivavyapasraya chikitsa (Divine therapy), Annamaya Kosha which is solid energy, all these Yukthivyapasraya chikitsa (Rational treatment), koshas exist at different levels of energy at increasing Satvavajaya chikitsa (Trance therapy or Psychothera- subtlety and vibration frequency. The koshas com- py)20 can be incorporated into Pancha Kosha level prise our personality and yet they reach out far beyond management. our personality. The five koshas are the five sheaths of Discussion on Annamaya Kosha human personality. Each sheath has its own character- Annamaya Kosha is gross, physical body. It includes istics. The theory of Pancha Kosha is a way of trans- Pancha Jnanedriya (five organs of perception) and formation or transcendence from lower self to higher Pancha Karmendriya (five organs of action).This lay- self and change in personality. There are many ways er of the body can be rendered healthy by different to achieve this transformation like Ashtangayoga of means of treatment like Aushadha (drugs), Ahara . Harmony of all these koshas leads to per- (Food), Upavasa (Fasting), (physical pos- fect health, otherwise illness.16 tures), Suddhi kriyas (Six cleansing techniques), Concept of health and disease according to Yoga is Tatvashudhi (Inner purification), (Practice of framed on a holistic view of human existence i.e., austerity), etc. explained in Ayurveda, Yoga and Na- Pancha Kosha. In Yogavasishta by explains turopathy. briefly about the concept of health and disease.17 Yoga  Suddhi kriyas activate and revitalize the organs considers the human being not just as the physical and tone up their functions.21 body, but as a multi folded universe. Concepts of  Yogasanas revitalize the body. Bring a state of Pancha Kosha and Trisharira help us to understand deep relaxation and mental calmness.21 our multidimensional real nature where health and  Diet is one of the most important therapies in disease result from a dynamic interaction at all levels Ayurveda. Pure diet provides three levels of nutri- of existence. In our lives we tend to over identify tion i.e., physical, mental and spiritual level of with the grosser koshas neglecting the subtle aspects. nourishment.22 The five elements Yoga reminds us that our physical body is constantly (Panchamahabhutha), sensory and mental im- changing. Science tells us that all the molecules and pressions, Triguna (Satwa, , ) all are substances of the body are replaced every seven years. dependent on Ahara we consume.23 So instead of working from Sthula Sharira in order to  Herbs carry healing energies to keep human sys- purify and re-establish the subtle or causal intercon- tem in balance. Special herbs can help in detoxify- nections, one can work with the physical directly from ing the body. Herbs affect the mind more directly 18 the subtle body. than food. Herbs work as nutritive and cleansing agents.24 DISCUSSION  Abhyanga (Massage) is an important Ayurvedic The Yogic concept of health and disease enables us to therapy not only for physical but also for psycho- understand that the cause of physical disorders that logical conditions.25 stem from the seed in the mind and beyond. By paying  Pancha (, Virechana, Vasthi, careful attention to personal history, one can merely Nasya and Rakthamokshana), the five main treat- always trace origins of psychosomatic disease back to ment modalities of Ayurveda for physical purifica- patterns of mental and emotional pressures. There are tion. Owing to the subtle nature of its processes, it 19 various practices at different kosha levels. The last- penetrates deep in to the nervous system, so it can ing cure is only possible when the causal disturbance also be helpful for psychological benefits.26 is completely remedied. Ayurveda describes the role

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Aiswarya. H. N & Sowmya C. Nair: The Pancha Koshas: Keys To Unveil Our True Self

Discussion on Pranamaya kosha Gems can be used long term to protect and vital- Pranamaya Kosha is the energy sheath. It corresponds ize the body and mind. The mineral and gem to the physiology of the human system. Through the preparations mentioned in Ayurveda are often practice of proper breathing, Suddhi kriyas and Pra- used for conditions involving the mind and nerv- nayama we can correct the imbalances of Pranamaya ous system.32 Kosha.27  Metals and minerals have a strong action upon the  corrects the functional imbalance like mind than herbs.33 haphazard breathing, hypertension, palpitation,  Swedana (Sudation) therapy aids in the purifica- tremor, hypersensitive reaction, over activity and tion of the subtle as well as the gross body.33 auto immune reaction.28 Discussion on Vijnanamaya Kosha  seems to be working on this kosha. Vijnanamaya kosha continuously guides the In the healing science of acupuncture, these ener- Manomaya Kosha to get mastery over the basic in- gy channels called meridians are manipulated to stincts. Removal of ignorance to unravel the real self bring about a change of energy flow and therefore will help to eliminate the entire stress. The intellectual removal of disease and attainment of better analysis in a deeper level reveals the innate source of health. These meridians, conduct ki or chi energy, knowledge. Psychotherapy, health awareness classes, which is the same as Prana.29 spiritual discourses and counselling seem to be acting Discussion on Manomaya Kosha on this kosha.34 A direct operation on this level is possible through the Discussion on Anandamaya Kosha culturing of mind by focusing the mind (Dharana) Anandamaya Kosha is the bliss layer of our existence, initially, followed by relaxed dwelling of the mind in and is the most subtle aspect of our existence which is a single thought (Dhyana) for longer duration leading devoid of any form of emotions. Causal level of de- ultimately to super consciousness ().30 toxification is possible through Satwic like  Aroma therapies of Ayurveda such as ‘aum’,that acts against the Manodoshas. Ayurveda (Fumigation) and Gandhamalya dharana (wear- uses the therapy to correct the psychological ing of aromatic garlands), though supplementary and psychic disorders. Those Mantras clear subtle therapy of Ayurveda, are used mainly for treating impurities from the nerves and Nadis and aid in con- the mind. They have great power to stimulate, centration and creative thinking.35 calm or heal the mind. They aid in concentration Practices at various Kosha36 and . Soothes the nerves and strengthen In the treatment of psychosomatic diseases it becomes the immune system.31 mandatory to work at all the kosha to bring about the  Ratnabharanam mentioned in Ayurveda has im- quickest results. Following practices can be adopted mense importance for the maintenance of mental for the promotion of health at various kosha and wellbeing (Harshanam, Vyasanasoodanam). thereby improving overall health.

Kosha Practices Benefits Annamaya Kosha  Wholesome diet  Cleanse the inner organs of the body.  Healthy lifestyle  Activate and revitalize the organs, toning up their  Panchakarma therapies functions, desensitization and development of deep  Suddi kriyas internal awareness.  Sithileekarana vyayama  Stretch and relax the muscles.  Yogasana  Improve the power and develop stamina.  Physical revitalization, deep relaxation, mental calm- ness.

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Aiswarya. H. N & Sowmya C. Nair: The Pancha Koshas: Keys To Unveil Our True Self

Pranamaya Kosha  Breathing practices  Remove the random agitations in pranic flows.  Pranayama  Improves overall health.  Suddi kriyas Manomaya Kosha  Dharana  Emotional culture is done through devotional ses-  Dhyana sion.  Samadhi  Eliminates emotional imbalances and upsurges  Happy assembly through happy assembly. Vijnanamaya Kosha   Removal of ignorance.  Lecture  Enriches knowledge.  Yogic Counselling  Psychotherapy Anandamaya Kosha  Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT)  the thrill and bliss of pure consciousness.  Karmayoga  Minimizes Karmaphala.

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