What is Pranamaya kosha – breath sheath ?
- Pranamaya Kosha is the second of the five sheaths or layers of the human being, according to Vedantic philosophy. The term “Pranamaya” means “made of prana” in Sanskrit, indicating that this sheath is nourished by vital energy or life force.
- The Pranamaya Kosha is the vital sheath of the human being, and it includes the breath, energy, and vital forces that sustain the physical body. It is responsible for the functions of the autonomic nervous system, including the regulation of respiration, digestion, and circulation.
- This sheath is the source of our vitality, and it is where the life force or prana flows. It is also the foundation for our emotional and mental well-being, as it is intimately connected to our thoughts, feelings, and moods.
- However, the Pranamaya Kosha is also considered to be a limited aspect of our being, as it represents the vital functions of the body and the breath. The other four sheaths are the Annamaya Kosha (food sheath), Manomaya Kosha (mental sheath), Vijnanamaya Kosha (intellectual sheath), and Anandamaya Kosha (bliss sheath).
- According to Vedantic philosophy, the ultimate goal of human life is to realize the true nature of the Self, which is beyond the five sheaths. This can be achieved through spiritual practices such as pranayama, which involves the control and regulation of the breath, and meditation, which helps to transcend the limitations of the Pranamaya Kosha and realize the deeper aspects of our being.