The Upanishads describe the human being as a combination of five layers and three bodies. According to Yoga philosophy, the soul journeys toward perfection through three apparent vehicles, while the five layers of Prakriti (nature) cover our true Self — called Purusha in Yoga and Atma in Vedanta.

These five layers are known as the Pancha Kosha — the five sheaths. Each Kosha vibrates at a different frequency, overlapping and interacting with the others. They range from the grossest, most physical level to the most subtle, transcendental dimension. Together, the three bodies contain all five sheaths.

1. The Physical Body – Sthula Sharira

The Physical Body is the gross or tangible body, known as Sthula Sharira.
It contains the Annamaya Kosha, the sheath of food.

This sheath represents the physical vehicle, composed of the five elements — earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
It is nourished and maintained by food and sustained through right living.

To balance this Kosha, one should follow a proper diet, practise Asanas, and live in harmony with nature.
Its characteristics are existence, birth, growth, change, decay, and death — the natural rhythm of physical life.

2. The Astral Body – Linga Sharira

The Astral Body, or Linga Sharira, is the subtle vehicle of experience — the field where we feel pleasure, pain, desire, and emotion.
It contains three of the five Koshas: the Pranamaya, Manomaya, and Vijnanamaya sheaths.

Pranamaya Kosha – The Vital Energy Sheath

This layer governs life force, vitality, and the energy channels within the body.
It is made up of the five vital energies, or Pancha Prana Vayus, which sustain all physiological functions.

Each of these pranic currents has its own role:

• Prana – The upward-moving energy between the throat and diaphragm. It governs respiration and emotion.
• Apana – The downward-moving energy responsible for elimination and grounding.
• Samana – The balancing force between navel and diaphragm; linked to digestion and assimilation.
• Udana – The ascending energy that supports the senses, brain functions, and movement.
• Vyana – The all-pervading energy that circulates throughout the body, coordinating movement and balance.

The source of these five Pranas is Maha Prana, the cosmic energy manifesting within us as Kundalini Shakti.

Balancing the Pranamaya Kosha is supported through breathwork (Pranayama), mindful movement, and energy awareness.

Manomaya Kosha – The Mental Sheath

The Manomaya Kosha is the layer of thought, emotion, and sensory perception.
It includes Mana (the mind), Chitta (the subconscious), and the five sensory organs of knowledge.

Here we experience moods, desires, doubts, and reactions — the constant activity of the mind.
To refine and purify this sheath, selfless service (Karma Yoga) and conscious awareness are key.

Vijnanamaya Kosha – The Intellectual Sheath

This is the sheath of intellect and discernment, composed of Buddhi (intelligence) and Ahamkara (ego).
It allows us to reason, make decisions, and distinguish truth from illusion.

However, the intellect can either bind us to materialism or lead us toward higher knowledge.
Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to move beyond this sheath into deeper awareness.

3. The Causal Body – Karana Sharira

The Causal Body, or Karana Sharira, is the most subtle of the three.
It contains the Anandamaya Kosha, the sheath of bliss.

Here, one experiences profound joy, calmness, and inner peace — the quiet glow of being close to the Self.
Yet, Yoga philosophy teaches that even this state is not the final truth.
Beyond bliss lies pure consciousness — the Real Self, untouched by body or mind.

Beyond the Sheaths

To attain liberation (Moksha), one must stop identifying with all the sheaths and bodies.
The Koshas serve as a map for understanding our physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
Through awareness, practice, and inner stillness, we peel back each layer to realise the Self that has been present all along.