- Panchakoshas are the five layers or sheaths that constitute the human being according to the Vedantic philosophy of India. The term “kosha” means “sheath” or “covering,” and the five koshas are:
- Annamaya Kosha (Physical Sheath): This is the outermost layer and refers to the physical body or the material sheath. It is composed of the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
- Pranamaya Kosha (Vital Sheath): This is the second layer and refers to the vital or energy body. It is composed of prana, which is the life force energy that sustains the physical body.
- Manomaya Kosha (Mental Sheath): This is the third layer and refers to the mental or emotional body. It is composed of thoughts, emotions, and feelings that are responsible for our actions and reactions.
- Vijnanamaya Kosha (Intellectual Sheath): This is the fourth layer and refers to the intellectual or wisdom body. It is composed of the power of discrimination, intellect, and intuition.
- Anandamaya Kosha (Blissful Sheath): This is the fifth and innermost layer and refers to the blissful or spiritual body. It is composed of the ultimate reality or the pure consciousness that transcends all other layers.
- The concept of panchakoshas is central to the understanding of the human being according to the Vedantic philosophy. It emphasizes that the true nature of the human being is beyond the physical, mental, and emotional layers, and it is only by realizing the innermost layer of pure consciousness that one can attain liberation or self-realization.