5 Levels of Yoga

5 Levels of Yoga

In Yoga, the human body has five levels or layers, each level being more subtle than the layer before it. Some could compare this to an onion. However, it can perhaps be better understood when it is viewed like the ripples caused by a stone tossed into a still pond. The outer layers of the ripple are the most easily observed, and may seem to be the most powerful. Yet, it is the ripples closest to the center, subtle and harder to detect at first, that truly create the motion of the outer layers.

The 5 levels of Yoga are:

1. Annamay Kosha (the physical body): The physical body is the part of ourselves that we are more familiar, and we identify with more. Posture exercises power and focus on the physical body.

2. Pranamaya Kosha (the energy body): Here the physical body, this layer consists of a network of energy channels called nadis. There are 72,000 energy channels. They radiate energy centers called chakras (wheels). The energy moves through channels called prana (vital energy) which animates our physical body, like a wind. Yogic breathing exercises focus on power coating.

3. Manomay Kosha (the mind body): The thoughts of our minds to determine how energy moves through our body. Thoughts vibrations are compared with wind waving our energy, in turn, causing the body moves. Mantras and discussion concentration in Manomay Kosha.

4. Vijnanamaya Kosha (awareness): This level is a field of pure perception, which can be experienced during periods of deep meditation, when we close our bodies and our minds and become the silent witness of ourselves.

5. Anandamaya Kosha (the spiritual body): The center of the layers is the most subtle, and is also described as the field of unlimited potential. Understanding this layer varies widely between yoga practitioners. It is the center of the ripples in the calm pond above. The energy moves from the center to the edges. Contemplating this metaphor, remove the stone from the image and you will begin to understand the nature of matter. Remove the pond and the water, and your understanding will come even closer.

Another beautiful metaphor of the five layers is considered as different screens of our inner light. As the inner light shines through each screen shows different brightness and color, each beautiful in its own way. However, the beauty of the screen also hides the true beauty of the inner light.