The Koshas: Theory of Evolution of the Consciousness

Abstract

There have been numerous theories and ideas proposed to understand the human personality and the consciousness by the modern psychologists. Each school of modern psychology has described these concepts according to the perspective of their respective schools. Almost all the schools differ from and contradictory to each other. No any holistic approach has been made to understand the human personality and the human consciousness. In the Indian subcontinent there have been various theories and principles proposed by our ancient philosophers and sants or sages. These are holistic in nature. The principle of Panchakosha is one of them. According to this, human beings have five dimensions of existence. These are also known as the five sheaths of our body. These five sheaths or koshas are: the Annamaya Kosha (the food body), the Pranamaya Kosha (the prana body), the Manomaya Kosha (the mental body), the Vijyanamaya Kosha (the intuitive body), and the Anandamaya Kosha (the bliss body). These koshas are hierarchical in nature. There is a need to re-study these and to do research upon these concepts principles and theories. These theories and principles can give greater insight to understand the human being, their mind and the consciousness in a holistic manner.