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The Five Layers Of Our Human Experience

Oct 20, 2025

In yoga philosophy, the Koshas are described as five layers or “sheaths” of our being - like layers of an onion, or those little nesting dolls, each layer moves from the outermost, most physical part of ourselves, to the deepest, most subtle aspect of this human experience.

The idea is that we’re not just our body, or our thoughts - we’re made up of multiple dimensions that all work together. Understanding and experiencing the Koshas helps us live with more awareness, balance, and connection to who we truly are.

Here’s a simple overview:

Annamaya Kosha – The Physical Layer

“Anna” means food. This is the body made of food - our muscles, bones, organs, and skin. It is nourished by the food we eat, the way we move, and the quality of our rest. When we eat good food, when we breathe deeply, when we rest well, we nourish this Kosha. When we neglect it, we can feel heavy, dull, or disconnected.

Pranamaya Kosha – The Energy Layer

“Prana” means life force or energy. This is our breath and our vitality - its the energy that flows through the body and keeps us alive.

Prana is what moves the breath, beats the heart, and flows through every living thing. It connects the physical body to the mind, acting as a bridge between the two. When our Prana is balanced, we feel calm, clear, and vibrant. When it’s blocked or depleted, we feel anxious, fatigued, or out of rhythm.

This layer reminds us that how we breathe can impact how we manage stress, and how we engage with all of life. It influences our levels of vitality.

Manomaya Kosha – The Mental/Emotional Layer

“Manas” means mind. This layer includes our thoughts, emotions, and sensory impressions. It’s where we process daily experiences and often where stress and worry live. It governs the contents of our mind, our moods, and our reactions to the world. Most of us live much of our lives here - at the level of thoughts, perceptions, and stories.

But the teachings remind us: You are not your thoughts. You are the awareness that notices them.

Vijnanamaya Kosha – The Wisdom Layer

“Vijnana” means wisdom or intuition. This is the deeper intelligence that helps us discern what’s right for us, beyond the chatter of the everyday mind.

It’s here that we begin to ask the deeper questions: Who am I? What am I here for?

This Kosha allows us to discern truth from illusion. When we’re aligned with this sheath, we live from intuition, not just intellect. We make choices from the heart, guided by inner wisdom rather than fear or habit.

Anandamaya Kosha – The Bliss Layer

“Ananda” means bliss or joy. This is the innermost sheath - a sense of peaceful, content awareness that’s always there beneath all the other layers.

This is not the fleeting happiness that comes and goes. It is a quiet, contentment and sense of peace that exists at the very core of our being. It’s the peace we feel when we stop searching and grasping. At this level, there is no striving, no separation - simply just being.

In essence, the Koshas remind us that yoga is more than just the body — it’s a path of moving inward, from the physical to the spiritual, discovering the fullness of who we are.

From there, we can move back into the world more consciously - with more awareness, more grace and more presence.