By Sheyna Haisman-Holmes
The Koshas are the energy sheaths of the body that represent the layers of our beings and mind. The seven chakras (wheels of light/energetic focal points) are correlated with the koshas as well as the endocrine system and their related organs. The koshas ripple out from our physical bodies and create layers around us that have many purposes. Learning about the koshas and our own energetic layers can be a helpful tool to guide and maintain our energy.
The Koshas are:
~Annamaya- sheath of food
Dense mass of the body
Mūlādhāra -Root chakra
Survival & groundedness
Gonads/ovaries
~Prānamaya- sheath of vital essence/etheric body
6 cm from skin
Svādhisthāna -Sacral chakra
Self-identity
Adrenals
~Manomaya- sheath of mind
1 ft 6 inches from skin
Manipūra -Solar plexus chakra
Ambition & achievement
Pancreas
~Jñānamaya- sheath of knowledge
2 ft
Anāhata -Heart chakra
Emotional love
Thymus
~Vijñānamaya- sheath of intellect
3 ft
Vishuddha -Throat chakra
Communication & will
Thyroid & parathyroid
~Ānandamaya- sheath of bliss
3 ½ ft
Ājñā -Third eye chakra
Intuition & bliss
Pituitary
~Sahasrāra- central channel/silver chord
Beyond the koshas, self realization, bliss
Pineal
Sahasrāra is the central channel & silver cord running through the body from 3.5 feet above the crown all the way through to the tailbone and out. This channel may sometimes be referred to as the sushumna nadi (channel) of the vital life force. The chakras are positioned along this main channel from the root to the crown. They say that beyond the 3.5 feet above the head, the energy switches from individual to universal mind. Access and connection to the universal energies are closer than we may think. Connection and relation with the human race and all beings that inhabit this planet can be felt on these subtle levels by tuning in with our koshas.
When we feel energetically sensitive or attuned to something near by or in the room, we can remember that the Ānandamaya kosha can feel over 3 feet away from our bodies. This is where our intuition may pick up on something or we notice when something enters our energy field. We all have different levels of awareness and feeling one another, but the koshas are always there for deeper inquiry, discovery and attunement.
Many blessings & to your health :)
2/22/23