In his commentaries, the non-dual philosopher Ādi Śaṅkara explains that these sheaths are not physical parts of the Self but layers of misidentification generated by ignorance (avidyā). When a seeker systematically identifies with, then transcends, each layer, the Self is not created — it is realised as having always been present. This framework aligns with modern holistic health sciences, which recognise that disease often originates as stress-induced blockage in the subtle sheaths before manifesting in the physical body.
[Ātman] ← Ānandamaya ← Vijñānamaya ← Manomaya ← Prāṇamaya ← Annamaya
(Pure Self) (Bliss) (Intellect) (Mind) (Energy) (Physical)
(Pure Self) (Bliss) (Intellect) (Mind) (Energy) (Physical)
| Sheath | Composition & plane | Key functions | Yoga & practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annamaya Kośa The Food Sheath | Gross physical body — skin, bones, tissues. | Movement, sensory reception, structural survival. | Haṭha yoga āsanas, sensory moderation (pratyāhāra), pure nutrition. |
| Prāṇamaya Kośa The Vital Sheath | Subtle energy body — prāṇa circulating through 72,000 nāḍīs. | Breath, circulation, metabolism, nervous system. | Prāṇāyāma, energy-balancing meditation, connection with nature. |
| Manomaya Kośa The Mental Sheath | Sensory processing, habits, emotional responses. | Reflexes, emotional memory, internal dialogue. | Mantra japa, devotional chanting (bhakti), emotional observation. |
| Vijñānamaya Kośa The Wisdom Sheath | Intellect (buddhi), ego (ahaṁkāra), discriminating memory. | Logic, ethics, self-reflection, intuition. | Svādhyāya, self-inquiry (vicāra), silent meditation. |
| Ānandamaya Kośa The Bliss Sheath | Causal body — closest to the Self, unconditioned joy. | Deep contentment, cosmic unity, boundless love. | Selfless service (karma yoga), non-dual contemplation, deep meditation. |
Planned interaction: a slider peels away the physical form to reveal the cyan prāṇa channels, the magenta mental field, the golden intellect lattice and finally the radiant causal sphere.