Soulful Travel - with The Five Bodies
A merging of mathematics, man-power, myth & mystery ~ an iconic, humbling perspective standing before the entrance of the Kings chamber, The Pyramid of Giza, 2026. It is said that the ancient Egyptians believed that that multiple components make up the soul and thereby determine harmonious living as opposed to a life of chaos. An Egyptian concept to explore is Ma’at, a living principle symbolised and often depicted as scales whereby when meeting death the heart is weighed against the feather of Ma’at… A result that determines the onward journey of the soul through its cyclical experiences in life and death. Just as yoga and vedantic teachings share ways in which to experience life fully, harmoniously and clearly aligned with ones’ self, so to do the Egyptians and many many other cultures in the world explore differing frameworks of exploring life - Enjoy the adventure dear friends !
“ As we explore the soul, it is important to remember that this exploration will take place within nature (the body), for that is where and what we are.”
― B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life
Travelling can be an incredibly stimulating and activating experience for anyone choosing to bring a sense of adventure to the journey of life, for to meet the immediate environment at-hand with an explorers attitude can be all it takes ! If the ‘how’ of this sense of adventure arises and comes to be requires no rulebook or roadmap to follow, then could each of us consider as to what internal mechanisms are at play / do we have access to when presented with a new environment of experimentation and exploration…?
Looking through a holistic lens of Yoga, we could perhaps ‘taste’ and, more importantly test for ourselves the invitations towards self-discovery that the yogic pathway gives a practitioner opportunity to encounter and expand upon first hand. With many modalities of methods and practices for development available, the ancient technologies experimented by yogis passed on through the multiple lineages within yoga provide a means of support - in enhancing awareness and thus integration of accumulated experiences, for them all to be explored with curiosity, integrity, trust and playfulness.
Similar to the layers of process and progress a plant evolves through during its lifespan from bud, blossom to full bloom - the path of being human is also an evolutionary process, giving opportunity for each of us to ‘awaken’ our faculties of awareness, over and over and over again (!). If we were to consider the term ‘awakening’ as not a destination in itself but more so like a state of transitory transformation that is consistently brought to reality, then it could be considered that an awakened state is a result of ones’ accumulated and integrated experiences + the amount of awareness one brings to their current experience.
Imagine a clear, precious gemstone encased in layers upon layers of veils or coverings to protect the radiance it beholds. Working with this infinitely veiled/covered gemstone, could we also imagine the incomprehensible depths of life before us at any given moment, ready and waiting to be seen in totality, waiting for the eye of the beholder to then add or enrich the lens through which life can be experienced, seeing through fresh eyes and forgiving hearts ?
The beautifully simple yet practical anecdote shared in the beginning by B.K.S Iyengar - a master yoga teacher, gently guides the practitioner back into themselves through a simplistic yet meditative idea. Through its encompassing elements of the mundane (body) and mystical/mysterious (soul) nature of life itself, it is an incredibly simple yet profound teaching to come back to when the chaos of the external noise becomes louder than the internal signals. To explore the capabilities and capacities of ones’ nature through the realities of having a human body could be considered as an adventure of a lifetime, one that is worthy of actively engaging with, surrendering to and worth offering supportive actions of habits towards.
Let us explore the following Yogic lens of overlapping dimensions of well-being that offer a means of conscious integration, of meeting our existence with a whole body presence through the Panchakoshas - The Five Sheaths (bodies/layers) as a way to experience our entire being. This is a lens that invites a fulfilling dynamic of relating to our psychological dimensions and physiological states, through ‘feeding’ differing sheaths/layers/veils of awareness, feeding any given dimension with the precious commodity that is our own attention and focus. This is an ancient teaching that invites a practitioner to approach and to explore life with a multi-faceted framework of getting in touch with personal experience at any given moment. Ultimately to access the fullness, depth and simplicity of reality. Working within the philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga, we will discover and perhaps ‘uncover’ veils or sheaths encasing the nature of our own very being - the layered lens of bodies protecting this ‘buried treasure.’ By deepening the relationship to the grossest to subtlest layers, one can filter reality through multiple dimensions of awareness, together inspired by a concept known as The Five Koshas - derived from the Taittiriya Upanishad. This article is a personal interpretation of ways in which to explore and integrate the five dimensions of experiencing reality at any given moment. The below are weird, maybe wild and wonderful ways one can approach what it means to ‘Travel.’ May we all enjoy journeying through these five bodies any time, any where - bringing a little playfulness and sacredness to this whole experience of being human in this magic AND messy world.
Annamaya Kosha ~ Awareness of Physical Body
The annamaya kosha is known as the outer most layer of being, sustained and managed by the foods consumed and movement patterns an individual expresses. Filtering life through the lens of physicality, we can experience travel through exploring any given environment by actively tuning into the five senses. Balancing movement, rest and consumption is an essential pillar to sustain overall well-being whilst travelling, and yet it can be easily disturbed when traversing differing timezones where the bodies circadian rhythm is tested. To ‘feed’ the gross needs of the body, the five senses are equipped to bring forth the information supportive in doing so.
See : to look at a once imagined slice of scenery now immersed in is a pleasure and a privilege. Let the environment show what it has to offer in real-life and not through the lens of camera or phone :) Capture the moment naturally, let the eyes linger and be curious while connecting the dots of cause and effect through observing the activity nearby. Whether among historical sites or new people, there are eyes to connect with, symbols and synchronicities to see.
Smell : aromas of the environment at hand bring much information to what draws us in or cautions to avoid. Is there a lingering scent in the air that captures the atmosphere or overall ambience ? Perhaps a new cuisine, spice or fragrant offering awaits ! Olfactory memory leaves a lasting impression, consider what scent associations you already carry that link places, people or experiences ?
Listen : especially when visiting a foreign country - let the ears attune to the array of languages and diverse accents present. Maybe there’s music in the background, a protest forming outside or expressions of endearment being shared nearby. Enliven the brain, figuring it out through a filter of translating, transmitting and conversing can be a challenging, humbling yet fun experience.
Taste : as plainly said by Anthony Bourdain -“I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.” This rings true for many, as sharing meals or accepting gestures of hospitality (which is often times food/beverage based) is a universal language. Being open to tasting something that could offer a new dimension of flavour or pairing to the palate can show a respect and curiosity for diversity and custom for someone who would be surprised of being interesting enough to do so.
Touch : engaging with the environment allows us all to contribute energy, intention and efforts towards connection. It can bring a dynamic experience to become aware of new materials and natural forms through ie. exercising outside in a park/playground, adapting to the natural resources nearby such as mountains, sea or shoreline nearby, and choosing actions of engagement rather than passivity. On another level, perhaps a helping hand can be offered to a helpful stranger, or a new interactive cultural experience is asking to be dived into regards to food, craft and creative expression.
Pranamaya Kosha ~ Awareness of Pranic Body
As one continues expanding the field of their own awareness, there can be a growing consciousness of a more subtle impression formed by the environment at hand. Here the body begins to turn attention and focus inward, as the pranic body provides insight into the conditions of the vitality and clarity of our ‘internal world’ - especially in relation to the physiological functions of the body. When travelling, arriving into new environments brings with it additional amounts of new information for the mind-body to receive and filter through. When exploring the layer of awareness through a more internal lens, we can begin to observe how the external environment is affecting the state of our being. Allow the inner witness to awaken as physiological functions of digestive, circulatory and respiratory mechanisms respond and adapt to new fields of information. This layer is one that deepens relationship between choices available and responding actions to follow. As this body develops, the space between stimuli and response also begins to grow. To understand the impact of the immediate environment we must observe and feel the changes happening internally as a result of ; eating out of the ordinary foods, adapting to differing ways or times of eating, a change in the amount of solitude or social activity accustomed to, variation of temperature or climate, and exposure to pollutants, etc. Let this subtle level of awareness give insight to the physiological functions related to ; breathing patterns, internal tensions and pain, digestive processes, energy level and overall sense of vitality of movement and expression. Deepening intimacy with the ‘internal landscape’ of bodily processes can clear the connection with how to then choose to navigate the offerings of the external world.
Manomaya Kosha ~ Awareness of Mental & Emotional Processes
When traversing any new situation, foreign place or meeting new people, also comes the opportunity to learn more about the internal conditions within the spheres of ones’ mental and emotional processes. Manomaya Kosha experiences reality primarily through the lens of subjectivity. Here there is a chance to discover personal patterns that may be ; flexible, fixed or adaptive towards the diversity of perspectives, beliefs and positions others may have or that the surrounding environment may project or invoke. This can be a rewarding, challenging yet deeply transformative ‘body’ to explore. With a growing awareness to this layer of experience - which is one of managing mental and emotional wellbeing, a new appreciation for supportive personal and professional assistance may help ease through any blocks, breakthroughs or moments of resistance. Knowing when to reach out to a trusted and safe support system is a healthy and valuable skill, these momentary guides can come in many forms and formats such as ; somatic therapists, supportive group work, psychologists, doctors, counsellors, talk therapists, astrologers, occult & alternative practitioners, natural therapies practitioner, spiritual healer/guide etc. To discern whether a new or familiar environment is conducive for exploring growth, development or well-being, inviting ones’ self to reflect, inquire within and exchange ideas can be a helpful way to expand the awareness of what/who affects the healthy balance of ones’ mind.
Vijnanamaya Kosha ~ Awareness of Astral / Causal Dimensions
It is through this wisdom sheath that the awareness of the more subtle knowledge of existence becomes clearer to access. Through the subtle sensing body, ones’ energetic and psychic fields are able to attune to the not so visible aspects of the environment at hand. Such invisible and intangible material of information can arrive in many different circumstance ; often explained in yogic texts as occurrences happening during ; the dream state whilst sleeping, via out of body experiences and through an awakened state where judgement and reason arrive in a clear and conscious format. Whether it be travelling and exploring through sleep analysis or dream journalling, through seeking spaces or training environments that actively practice in connecting to this internal intelligence system or spontaneous psychic phenomena of experience - how a new environment impacts ones’ auric field of sensitivity can strengthen ones’ internal compass as to where and what conditions are needed for deepening intuitive wisdom, support restorative sleep, and total rest.
Anandamaya Kosha ~ Awareness of True Nature
This is referenced as the most subtle of bodies, the sheath or layer that encases the treasure buried deep within, the essence of what it means to be human. A body where I will describe from the perspective of knowledge shared from the ancient yogic texts. Anandamaya Kosha is described as the awareness of presence in itself. A totality of absorption with the reality of living and life itself. The state of being equanimous where there is no desire or preference for craving or aversion. It is known as the bliss body, where duality does not exist and a sense of oneness comes to full awareness - even if just for a moment. To ‘travel’ this body, let us see through the lens of considering the magical mundane moments during life filled with awe and surrender. A lens that is not accessed via specific stimuli of environment, where no universal formula is guaranteed to deliver as to when the awareness of this state arises. Dare we consider that to travel or to invite an adventurers mindset to any situation can lead one into a state of permeability, a contentment and acceptance of the moment where there is an openness, a willingness to let life touch/stir and move the spirit.
Within the plethora of non-linear routes of practices towards self-realization available, there seems to be a common ground upon which guides and teachers gently remind those travelling a similar path. A common ground that honours the depth of dimensions each practice and sphere the many layers of lenses offer, and that inevitably overlap, interplay and interact with one another. To consider that just as we can engage and strengthen different muscle groups, the spheres of elements and layers of sheaths that encase the precious gemstone within each individual asks to be tended to consistently with care, patience and devotion.
I hope you enjoy exploring this holistic lens of looking at living and managing the treasures you have of body, mind, soul !
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This months June edition of KiMaya Journal Newsletter further unpacks the mystery of The Five Bodies by sharing practical ways to integrate this lens of integration into the daily rhythm of life.
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*This is a short practice of Yoga Nidra, a 20-minute guided meditation to deepen awareness of the subtleties of body-mind HERE
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Hari om.
