Over the past five weeks in our yoga classes here in Rugby, we’ve been diving into the concept of the koshas. Each week, we’ve explored one of these layers, starting from the physical body and gradually working our way through the more subtle layers of energy, mind, wisdom, and bliss.
The koshas are layers, or sheaths, that make up who we are—from our outermost physical body to our innermost self. This journey has allowed us to better understand how each kosha influences our yoga practice and everyday life. By moving beyond just the physical poses, we’ve been able to tap into deeper levels of awareness and connection, enriching our experience both on and off the mat.
Here’s a breakdown of the five koshas and how they relate to your yoga practice.
1. Annamaya Kosha (The Physical Body)
This is the most familiar layer, often called the “food body” because it’s made up of everything we take in from the world—food, water, air. It’s our muscles, bones, and skin—basically, our physical body.
When you move through yoga poses, you’re working with the Annamaya Kosha. Feeling your muscles stretch in Downward Dog or noticing the weight of your body in Child’s Pose are all ways you connect with this layer.
How to Tune In: Pay attention to how your body feels in each pose. Are you grounded? Balanced? Tense? This awareness is key to caring for your body both on and off the mat.
2. Pranamaya Kosha (The Energy Body)
This layer is all about energy—your breath, your vitality, and the life force that keeps you going. Pranamaya Kosha is the layer of energy that flows through and around the physical body.
In yoga, you tap into this kosha through your breath. When you focus on breathing deeply in Pranayama (breath control) or notice how your energy changes from the beginning to the end of a class, you’re engaging with this layer.
How to Tune In: Try to notice how your energy shifts when you breathe more consciously, whether during practice or even when you’re feeling stressed during the day.
3. Manomaya Kosha (The Mental Body)
The Manomaya Kosha is the layer of the mind, emotions, and thoughts. It’s what you’re experiencing when your mind is racing, when you’re feeling calm, or when you’re caught in emotions.
In yoga, this kosha becomes noticeable when you work to quiet the mind, like during a balancing pose that requires concentration, or in meditation when you observe your thoughts.
How to Tune In: Next time your mind wanders in class, simply notice where it goes. Bringing awareness to your thoughts without judgement helps you build mental clarity and focus.
4. Vijnanamaya Kosha (The Wisdom Body)
This kosha represents your deeper understanding, intuition, and inner wisdom. It’s the part of you that knows what’s right, even when your mind might be confused. This is where insights come from, and where your personal growth starts to deepen.
In yoga, this might be the moment you really “get” something—not just intellectually, but in a way that feels true on a deeper level. It can also show up when you’re tuned into your body’s needs, adjusting your practice in a way that feels supportive rather than pushing yourself too hard.
How to Tune In: Trust your inner voice in your practice. If you feel like you need to take a break in a pose or modify it, listen. This is your wisdom body speaking.
5. Anandamaya Kosha (The Bliss Body)
The final layer is the Anandamaya Kosha, or the bliss body. This isn’t about being happy all the time, but rather a deep sense of contentment and peace. It’s the part of you that feels connected to something bigger than yourself.
In yoga, you might experience this kosha during Savasana (Corpse Pose), where you feel a sense of complete relaxation, stillness, and unity with the world around you.
How to Tune In: Embrace moments of stillness and peace in your practice. Whether it’s in Savasana or simply sitting quietly, allow yourself to fully relax and enjoy these moments of bliss.
Each of these koshas offers a unique way to explore your yoga practice and connect with yourself on a deeper level. Over these past weeks, we’ve been integrating these layers in our classes in Rugby, helping us notice how they show up in our bodies, minds, and energy. This exploration has been about more than just poses—it’s been an opportunity to connect with the fuller, more holistic aspects of ourselves. Yoga, after all, is a journey of discovery, and the koshas help guide us through the different layers of our being.
Thinking of coming along to a yoga class? Come and join me for feel-good vibes and a few wobbles along the way! Find out more about my vinyasa and yin yoga classes in Rugby.