Lexi Henderson, August 26th, 2024
The Subtle Body & the Breath
In my last blog post we discussed the 8 Limbs of Yoga and the benefits of walking the yogic path. Today I'd like to expand on those teaching and dive a little deeper into Yoga philosophy.
In yogic philosophy, the human experience is viewed through the lens of three bodies: the Gross body, the Subtle body, and the Causal body. Understanding these layers offers profound insights into our physical, mental, and spiritual existence, making yoga philosophy a transformative practice for anyone seeking deeper self-awareness.
The Bodies
The Gross body is the physical vessel—the tangible body that eats, breathes, moves, and acts in the world. It's our most familiar aspect, but it's only the surface of who we are. By practicing yoga, we learn to honor this body, keeping it healthy and strong through asanas (postures) and mindful movement.
The Causal body, often referred to as the astral body, connects us to something greater than our individual selves. This body represents the soul, spirit, or atman—the consciousness that resides within. Engaging with yoga philosophy helps us tap into this deeper connection, reminding us that we are more than just our physical form; we are part of a larger, universal existence. Through meditation and contemplation, we can experience this connection, fostering a sense of peace and purpose.
The Subtle body is the realm of the mind and vital energies that sustain the Gross body. It consists of various energetic layers that go beyond mere physicality, and this is where much of the transformative power of yoga lies.
The Koshas
The koshas, or energetic sheaths, are layers of experience that surround our soul. Three of the five koshas belong to the Subtle body, and understanding them can be like peeling back the layers of an onion, revealing deeper truths about ourselves. The practice of yoga invites us to explore these layers, helping us move beyond superficial concerns to access our true nature.
The Annamaya kosha is the first and outermost sheath, connected to the Gross body. It is the food sheath, representing our physical body’s reliance on nourishment. Through yoga, we learn to respect and care for this body, recognizing it as the foundation for our entire being. This awareness encourages healthier habits, better self-care, and a more balanced lifestyle.
The Pranamaya kosha is the second sheath, related to the vital life force or prana. This energy sustains the Gross body, driving physiological functions like breathing, circulation, and digestion. By practicing yoga, particularly pranayama (breath control), we can influence this energy, promoting vitality and balance in our lives. Breathwork in yoga isn't just about calming the mind; it's a powerful tool for improving physical health and emotional well-being.
The third kosha, Manomaya kosha, is the sheath of the mind. It encompasses thoughts, emotions, memories, and the senses. This is where our mental chatter lives, often shaping our perception of reality. Yoga philosophy teaches us to quiet the mind, enabling us to perceive the world more clearly and respond to it with greater wisdom. This practice can lead to a more peaceful mind and a more harmonious life.
The Vijnanamaya kosha, or wisdom sheath, is the fourth layer. It represents the discerning mind—the part of us that seeks truth and understands the deeper meaning of life. Engaging with yoga philosophy strengthens this sheath, encouraging us to live with greater intention and integrity. By cultivating wisdom, we make better decisions and align our lives with our higher purpose.
Finally, the Anandamaya kosha is the fifth and innermost sheath, often considered the heart center. This sheath is associated with bliss, not as a fleeting emotion, but as a deep, abiding sense of peace and joy that comes from being in touch with our true self. Through the practice of yoga, we can access this state of bliss, experiencing moments of profound contentment and connection with the world around us.
The Breath (prana)
Building awareness around the breath, or prana, is central to yoga philosophy. By using specific breathing techniques, we can alter our physiological functions and mental state, promoting overall well-being. For instance, the breath of fire technique generates heat in the body and is useful for warming up—though it should be avoided during pregnancy or menstruation due to the body's naturally elevated heat. Similarly, the Lion’s breath technique helps alleviate stress and eliminate toxins, demonstrating how the breath can be a powerful tool for regrounding and self-regulation.
Summary:
Kosha | Body | Sheath | Layer | Represents |
Annamaya | Gross | Food | First (outermost) | Represents the body’s need for nourishment and care. Relies on food and sustenance to maintain physical health. |
Pranamaya | Gross | Energy | Second | Governs physiological functions like breathing, circulation, and digestion. Energizes and sustains the physical body. Key in practices like pranayama (breath control) |
Manomaya | Subtle | Mind | Third | Encompassing the mind, emotions, and senses. Processes sensory information and forms thoughts and feelings. Influences perception and mental states. Plays a role in shaping our reality and responses. |
Vijnanamaya | Subtle | Wisdom | Fourth | Associated with intellect and intuition. Represents the discerning mind, capable of seeking truth and understanding. Guides ethical decisions and deeper inquiry into life’s purpose. Encourages living with greater awareness and integrity. |
Anandamaya | Bliss | Fifth (innermost) | Connected to the experience of bliss and joy. Surrounds the atman, or true self. Represents a deep sense of peace and contentment, beyond mental states. Associated with spiritual fulfillment and connection to the divine. |
These koshas represent different layers of human experience, each contributing to our overall well-being and spiritual growth.
So, what does this all mean?
Incorporating yoga philosophy into your life is not just about physical practice—it's about cultivating a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world. By exploring these layers of the self, we can lead more balanced, fulfilled, and conscious lives. Whether you seek better health, greater peace of mind, or a deeper spiritual connection, yoga philosophy offers valuable tools to help you achieve your goals.
Thanks for reading!
Xoxo,
Lexi - The Life Coach
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