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Vedic texts mention that the human body is only the physical abode of the soul. The soul is considered to be enveloped in five sheaths which we call as Pancha Kosha. Atman, Soul is at the centre of the Bliss sheath, Anandamaya Kosha.
Human body has three bodies where all these five Koshas reside. Pancha Kosha gives functional structure through which we identify ourselves. They are Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya and Anandamaya.
The 3 bodies and 5 koshas are a path towards realising our true nature. By working through each layer of the koshas, we can gradually peel away the layers of illusion and come closer to experiencing the true essence of our being. Learning how to identify and transcend the 5 koshas in the 3 bodies demand years of practice and dedication, but if you can persevere on the path to self-discovery, you can unlock a deeper state of consciousness and discover the true nature of your being.
To know our true nature one needs to bring all the five kosha in the same rhythm and frequency. For that one needs to progressively purify and transcend all the five koshas to discover the true self-nature.
The first and outermost layer of the Self is Annamaya Kosha, which literally means food sheath. It is the physical body made of matter, which includes the skin, bones, muscles, organs, and other tissues. This kosha is responsible for our basic survival needs, like food, water, and shelter. It is through the Annamaya Kosha that we experience the physical world and interact with the natural environment around us.
Annamaya Kosha comprises gross Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas) and their subtle elements. Gross elements are space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Their subtle elements are Sound, Touch, Form, Taste and Smell. Subtle element makes the gross element sensitive. Sensitivity to bodily signals is the tendency to be aware of bodily states and to identify subtle bodily reactions to internal and environmental conditions.
With sensitivity we realise two things: 1. Body is Continuum and 2. Organic unity of internal and external environments.
To transcend the Annamaya Kosha means to understand that you are more than your body and can move beyond the physical body’s limitations. We can tap into deeper levels of our consciousness through regular asana practice and a proper diet. To keep the body healthy, food plays a very important role.
Through yoga asana the body will become flexible and improve the blood circulation and thereby reduce the causes of hypertension, heart attack or stroke, also cultivates and circulates the energy in the body and strengthens the nadis. With this the first body will be pure, light, not heavy, then it is easy to enter into the second body; otherwise it will be difficult – you will be loaded. Purification of the body simply means it is healthy to take action with self-alertness.