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There are considered to be five dimensions, layers or sheaths of human existence. The Sanskrit word kosha means 'sheath' and illustrates that each kosha is in turn covered and overlaid by the next. All are surrounding the divine spirit in each of us.

The set of five interrelated sheaths, define the three bodies/mind sets (physical, astral and casual) which are not separate entities, but rather that they are all parts of an organic whole. We can work with what we see now, from the known,  backwards to the unknown.

The PHYSICAL body and its mind, i.e., the consciousness that operates in association with the physical body. 

• Annamaya (food sheath) 

The ASTRAL (subtle) body and its mind, i.e., the consciousness that we experience primarily as emotions and feelings.

• Pranamaya (energy sheath)

• Manomaya (mental sheath)

• Vijnanamaya (wisdom sheath)

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The CASUAL body and its mind, i.e., the consciousness that is expressed mainly as intelligence and wisdom.

• Anandamaya (bliss sheath)