ItвЂ™s the deepest and subtlest of all layers - so much so that some people even say you canвЂ™t use words to describe it. The anandamaya kosha is referred to as the bliss body. By remaining the witness, you may learn to become more present and aware of each moment. The vijnanamaya kosha helps develop clarity and inner reflection as you learn to detach from your thoughts, ego, or sense of self. Thought of as вЂњthe mind beyond the mind,вЂќ this kosha is connected to your deeper and more subtle layers of thoughts. Known as the awareness or wisdom sheath, it allows you to develop a deeper awareness and to see reality for what it is. The vijnanamaya kosha is the astral or psychic body thatвЂ™s your seat of intuition. Getting in touch with this kosha involves looking at your perceptions and mental patterns. This layer includes thought forms, mental activity, and awareness of thoughts. This is the mental sheath that represents your: It acts as a messenger, bringing experiences and sensations from the outer world into your intuitive body. The manomaya kosha is contained within the annamaya and pranamaya koshas. In Sanskrit, the word вЂњpranaвЂќ refers to life force and is the word for breath.ДЄwareness of this kosha allows you to move stagnant energy, so you can experience greater vitality and an energetic connection to yourself, others, and nature. The pranamaya kosha is the vital energy, breath, or life force sheath. You can also pay attention to how your body reacts to different types of food. Your body weight or size can reflect your physical sheath, as well as any physical ailments or concerns you have. ItвЂ™s sometimes referred to as the food sheath. The annamaya kosha is the physical sheath that composes the outer layer. This can help you take your spiritual practice to the next level and make positive changes in your self, your life, and the world around you.ДЄn awareness of the physical and mental koshas is the starting point for you to become aware of the deeper layers within. Working with the koshas may allow you to go deeply into the center of your self or soul.

You can visualize the five koshas surrounding the soul as the layers of an onion or a matryoshka - the wooden Russian nesting doll that contains smaller and smaller versions of itself. Share on Pinterest Illustration by Maya Chastain

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