Exploring the Five Koshas: Layers of Being in Yoga Philosophy

When we practice yoga, it’s easy to think only of the physical body—the poses, the stretches, the breath. But the ancient yogis offered us a much more expansive map of the human experience through the koshas. The Sanskrit word kosha means “sheath” or “layer,” and together the koshas describe five interwoven dimensions of who we are, from the most tangible to the most subtle.
Think of the koshas as layers of an onion or nested Russian dolls—each one encasing and influencing the others. When we explore them, we begin to understand that yoga isn’t just about touching our toes but about touching all aspects of ourselves.

1. Annamaya Kosha – The Physical Body
This is the most visible layer, made of food (anna) and matter. It’s the body you feed, move, and rest. Yoga postures (asana), nutrition, and sleep all support this kosha.

When this layer is imbalanced, we might feel stiff, fatigued, or disconnected from our body. When it’s cared for, we feel strong, grounded, and at home in ourselves.

Practice tip: Next time you’re in Warrior II, notice the stability of your legs, the openness of your chest, and how nourishing it feels to be fully present in your body.

2. Pranamaya Kosha – The Energy Body
Beneath the physical layer is the subtle body of breath and life force (prana). This kosha is like the electrical wiring of your system—when energy flows smoothly, you feel alive and vibrant.

Pranayama (breathwork), mindful breathing in poses, and spending time in nature nourish this kosha. When energy is stuck, we may feel sluggish, anxious, or unfocused.

Practice tip: Notice the difference between shallow chest breathing and slow belly breathing. Which one leaves you feeling more connected and calm?

3. Manomaya Kosha – The Mental Body
This kosha is made of thoughts, emotions, and sensory processing. It’s where we experience the constant chatter of the mind and the emotional ups and downs of daily life.

Meditation, mantra, and mindful awareness help quiet this layer. When imbalanced, this kosha can pull us into overthinking, worry, or reactivity. When harmonized, it brings clarity, steadiness, and emotional resilience.

Practice tip: During your next practice, observe the stories your mind tells. Can you witness them without judgment, as passing clouds?

4. Vijnanamaya Kosha – The Wisdom Body
Beyond the reactive mind lies the kosha of discernment and intuition (vijnana). This is the seat of your inner knowing—the part of you that can step back, reflect, and choose consciously instead of reacting automatically.

Self-inquiry, study of yogic philosophy, and journaling are powerful ways to nurture this kosha. It’s where we learn to name our patterns, see our ego habits, and shift toward higher self alignment.

Practice tip: Ask yourself, “Who is leading me right now—ego reaction or higher self choice?” That pause can change everything.

5. Anandamaya Kosha – The Bliss Body
At the innermost layer is ananda—joy, connection, the felt sense of unity with all that is. This isn’t fleeting happiness but a deeper peace that arises when all the koshas are balanced.

Meditation, yoga nidra, or simply moments of awe in daily life (watching a sunset, holding your child’s hand) give us glimpses of this kosha. We can’t “achieve” bliss; we can only soften into it.
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Practice tip: After savasana, linger for a few extra breaths. Notice if there’s a subtle sweetness, a sense of being more whole. That’s a taste of the bliss body.

Why the Koshas Matter
The koshas remind us that we’re more than muscle and bone, more than thoughts and emotions. We are layered beings, and true well-being requires attention to all of these dimensions.
In practice, you might work with the koshas like this:

• A grounding asana sequence for the body.
• A pranayama practice for energy.
• A short meditation for the mind.
• A journal prompt for wisdom.
• A few breaths in stillness for bliss.

Together, these create a holistic yoga practice that supports your entire being.

✨ Invitation: Next time you roll out your mat, choose one kosha to focus on. Notice how giving attention to that layer shifts your whole experience.

And if this exploration sparks something in you, know that the koshas are just one small piece of the profound philosophy that underpins yoga. In my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Lotus Yoga School (formerly Container Collective Yoga), we dive deeply into these teachings—not just to become skilled teachers, but to live yoga more fully off the mat. Whether your goal is to teach or to grow personally, the training offers tools, practices, and community to support every layer of who you are.

👉 Curious? Learn more about my upcoming Yoga Teacher Training here.

Discover how to choose the right 200-hour yoga teacher training. Learn what to look for in the Denver Metro area, or online YTT and start your Yoga Alliance Accredited Training journey.

If you’ve been dreaming about deepening your practice or becoming a certified yoga teacher, a 200-hour yoga teacher training is the first big step. With so many options out there—both in-person and online—it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one. Here are five key things to consider so you can choose a program that aligns with your goals, values, and lifestyle.

1. Clarify Your Intention

Not everyone signs up for a YTT to teach. Many people join to explore yoga philosophy, create a consistent practice, or experience personal growth.
Before choosing a program, ask yourself:

• Do I want to teach yoga professionally, or is this for my own practice?
• Am I looking for a balance of anatomy, philosophy, and teaching skills?

Knowing your intention will help you find a program that truly supports your journey.

2. Choose a Yoga Alliance-Accredited Program
Selecting a Yoga Alliance Colorado yoga teacher training ensures your certification meets international standards and is recognized worldwide. This is especially important if you want to teach in gyms or in schools.

3. Evaluate the Training’s Approach and Style
Every program has its own personality. Some emphasize physical postures and sequencing; others dive into meditation, subtle energy, and philosophy. At Lotus Yoga School, our Denver metro yoga teacher training blends the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of yoga. You’ll gain a strong foundation in anatomy and alignment, explore ancient yogic wisdom, and graduate confident to lead.

4. Consider the Format and Schedule
Your lifestyle matters. Do you need a weekend program to fit around work and family, or an intensive immersion? Are you drawn to a fully live online yoga teacher training, or do you want hands-on, in-person experience? Our 200-hour program offers a hybrid model with live online and in-person options in Denver, Arvada, and Wheat Ridge, making it accessible no matter where you are.

5. Connect with the Lead Trainer
Your trainer shapes your entire experience. Look for someone with advanced training, thousands of teaching hours, and a style that resonates with you. With over 6,000 instructional hours and a passion for yoga philosophy, Brittany Hopkins Switlick leads with authenticity and depth.
Our yoga teacher trainings that serve anyone live online, as well as Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Evergreen, Golden, Denver, Wheat Ridge, Littleton, Westminster, Colorado.
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Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Choosing a 200-hour yoga teacher training is a life-changing decision. If you’re ready to deepen your practice, gain confidence, and explore yoga on and off the mat, check out our upcoming program at Lotus Yoga School.

Whether you’re in Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, or joining us online, we’d love to walk this path with you.

Have you ever felt like something invisible was clouding your thoughts, stirring up unnecessary conflict, or pulling you into patterns you thought you’d already outgrown?
According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, these moments of confusion, reactivity, or inner tension aren’t random. They’re symptoms of what yoga calls the Kleśas—five root causes of human suffering. These aren’t just spiritual ideas. They’re incredibly practical lenses for understanding why we sometimes feel stuck, triggered, or out of alignment.
Think of the Kleśas as veils—subtle yet powerful filters that distort how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Here’s a simple breakdown of each one, followed by a few journaling prompts to support your reflection and inner work:

1. Avidyā (Ignorance or Misperception)We mistake the temporary for the permanent, the false for the true, the ego for the Self.
This is the foundational veil, from which all the others arise. It’s not ignorance in the academic sense, but a deeper misidentification—forgetting our true nature and becoming entangled in roles, emotions, and appearances.
Journaling Prompts:

• Where in my life am I confusing what I do with who I am?
• What beliefs or roles am I holding on to that might not reflect my deeper self?
• What would it feel like to live from a place of inner knowing instead of outer approval?

2. Asmitā (Ego or I-ness)We believe we are our thoughts, our title, our pain, our success.
This veil personalizes everything. It separates us from others and locks us into rigid identities, making it harder to grow, adapt, or connect with our deeper essence.
Journaling Prompts:

• When do I find myself over-identifying with a role or label (e.g., parent, teacher, helper, achiever)?
• How does my ego react to being wrong, unseen, or misunderstood?
• What might happen if I softened my grip on who I think I’m supposed to be?

3. Rāga (Attachment)We cling to past pleasures, trying to recreate what once felt good—even when it no longer serves.
This veil makes it hard to stay present. We're constantly chasing the next hit of validation, comfort, or control, stuck in the belief that happiness lies “out there.”
Journaling Prompts:

• What am I currently clinging to that used to bring joy but now feels more like a habit or crutch?
• In what ways do I seek comfort over growth?
• How might I practice loosening my attachment to outcomes?

4. Dveṣa (Aversion)We push away discomfort, trying to avoid anything that reminds us of past pain.
This one fuels defensiveness, procrastination, and emotional shutdowns. It’s a survival mechanism that limits our growth when left unchecked.
Journaling Prompts:

• What situations or people do I consistently avoid, and why?
• How do I typically react to discomfort or criticism?
• What might I learn from leaning into what I usually resist?

5. Abhiniveśa (Fear of Death / Clinging to Life)We fear letting go—of control, of roles, of the familiar—even when it’s time to evolve.
This veil is the most subtle and deeply ingrained. It’s not just fear of literal death, but of change, of endings, of the unknown. And it keeps us grasping instead of flowing.
Journaling Prompts:

• What change or ending am I resisting right now?
• What does “letting go” bring up for me—emotionally, physically, spiritually?
• If I trusted the process of transformation, how might I move forward differently?

Lifting the VeilsThe good news? These veils can be thinned. Not by force, but by practice. By self-awareness. By pausing before reacting. By reconnecting with our higher self—the part of us that sees clearly, loves deeply, and acts intentionally.
Yoga doesn’t shame us for having these veils. It compassionately names them, so we can notice when they’re at play and begin the process of release.
So next time you feel triggered, stuck, or lost—ask yourself:
Which veil might be clouding my view right now?
That awareness alone is powerful. It's the first step in the direction of freedom.

Want to go deeper?
If this work speaks to you, check out my book Dancing with Our Selves: A Practical Guide to Harness the Ego and Live on Purpose. You’ll find expanded tools, meditations, and practices rooted in yoga philosophy and modern psychology.
You can also join our upcoming book club or 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training to experience these teachings in community.