PANCHA MAYA KOSHA AND THE STAGES OF DYING

“In our innocence we identify with the Pancha (five) Maya (illusion) Koshas (body or sheath), rather than what they encase, the true Divine Self” 

- Taittiriya Upanishad

 

The Pancha Maya Kosha model describes five illusory sheaths (pancha = five, maya = illusion, kosha = body or sheath) encasing the authentic self.  

 

The dying process can be understood as a journey through the koshas, with the sheaths and their associated elements dissolving, ultimately leading to the realization of our authentic self (Atman) which is at the core.

 

Annamaya Kosha:

The Annamaya Kosha, known as the Food Body, is associated with the physical body and the Earth Element, encompassing muscles, joints, bones, skin, and hair. In this stage, the body weakens, strength saps, and limbs become heavier. Eating patterns change, and skin and hair begin to thin as the body transitions from an Earth into Water dissolution stage, indicating a shift from needing energy from food to a different kind of energy.

 

Pranamaya Kosha

The Pranamaya Kosha, or Energy Body, is linked to the Water Element and governs sleep and wakefulness. During this stage, a person may experience increased sleep, decreased saliva, urine, and sweat, along with dry lips and skin. There might also be decreased urine output or incontinence, as the body begins to lose its vital charge, signifying a transition from Water to Fire dissolution.

 

Manomaya Kosha

The Manomaya Kosha, or Mental/Emotional Body, is associated with thoughts, the five senses, emotions, the Fire Element, and digestion. In this stage, interest in activities and current events may decrease, and the digestive fire diminishes, leading to a lack of desire for food. Physical changes include blood pooling on the underside of the body, potentially causing toes to turn blue and the body to cool, along with mottled skin and possible emotional outbursts. This signifies a transition from Fire to Air dissolution, where the individual may feel cold, withdraw from people, and lose their sense of smell.

 

Vijnanamaya Kosha

The Vijnanamayakosha, or Wisdom Body, is linked to inner knowing, sense of self, faith foundations, and the Air Element. In this stage, the skin may become translucent with a slight radiance, and breathing can become irregular with patterns of apnea. Disorientation may also occur, indicating a transition from Air into Consciousness dissolution, during which the sense of taste also diminishes, and creating a sacred space is advised.

 

Anandamaya Kosha

The Anandamayakosha, or Bliss Body, is associated with Joy, Peace, Acceptance, and the Ether Element. In this stage, individuals may experience feelings of peacefulness or gentleness, along with a sense of timelessness. Individuals may appear more loving, and lucid dreaming or hallucinations can occur, signifying the transition from Consciousness into Space Dissolution, at which point the sense of touch also diminishes.