Five Dimensions of Human System

The ancient yogis developed specific exercises to strengthen and tone five dimensions of the human system. Through observation and study they described five layers of being or five sheaths, each fitting inside the next. Like Russian dolls.

Annamaya -The outermost layer, the physical body. The poses the ancient yogis devised help to nourish our physical body. Bones, joints, muscles, organs, tissues and physiological systems. The asanas help to release tension and to bring us to a state where we are energised and relaxed.

Pranamaya - The second sheath, our energy system. From the moment of our birth, prana, (life force) organises and animates our physical body, giving us health and vitality. The breath is the link between body, mind and spirit. We use the breath with the asanas to help vitalise and stimulate our whole system.

Manomaya - The third sheath, is the mental body, the mind. When we are working with the body and the breath we help to bring a clarity to the mind. Focusing on our body work, focusing on our breath helps us to lose the busy cluttered mind.

The body, the breath and the mind all interact together, if the mind is tense this can be reflected in the breathing, this can be reflected in the posture. we can use our knowledge of posture and breathing to bring us into a quieter, calmer mindset.

The final two sheaths are not quite so tangible as the first three.

Vijnanamaya -the fourth sheath is the personality or intellectural body, sometimes called wisdom or intuition. It is something that is felt by us and can vary from day to day depending how receptive we are. This receptive mode may well rely on sheaths one, two and three.

Anandamaya - The fifth sheath is our emotional structure. what makes us who we are. Something that is unique to us. The core of our being. The ancient yogis believed this dimension to be the deepest because the ultimate aim of their lives was to develop a conscious connection with their source and to realize the joy that results.