THE PANCHA KOSHAS: JOURNEY TOWARDS MIND
Abstract
Yoga is thus described as comprising a rich treasure of physical and mental
techniques that can be effectively used to create physical and mental wellbeing. Since its
introduction into modern culture, yoga has enjoyed a tremendous growth in popularity as
an healthy living. Yoga conceptualizes the human being as a multi layered, conscious
being, possessing three bodies or Sharira (Sthula-gross, Sukshma -subtle and Karana -
causal) and having a five layered existence (Pancha koshas), consisting of our anatomical,
physiological, psychological, intellectual and universal existential layers. Development of
an integrated self and a sound personality requires awakening and balancing of all these
five layers and treating the imbalances in the correct way by using different modalities of
treatment mentioned in Yoga and Ayurveda. This is a conceptual review to understand and
integrate different modalities of treatment on the basis of pancha kosha concept.
Keywords
Yoga, Panch Kosha, Mind, Treatment