Yoga is an oriental discipline that has its roots at the dawn of time, even before the fifteenth century BC (pre Vedism). However, the physiological interpretation of the human body handed down by the techniques of Hatha and the Tantric tradition still represent some of the strong heads of yoga philosophy.
According to yoga, the representation of the human being can be organized by subdividing three bodies (Vedanta), or five envelopes that cover the atman or vital breath (Kosha).
The feature of the three bodies is described within the Mandukya Upanishad, which implies a fourth dimension or level, Turiya. On the other hand, the five shells (Panca-Kosa) are described in the Taittiriya Upanishad. Furthermore, these are often integrated as follows:
- Sthula Sarira, the Big Body that includes Annamaya Kosha
- Suksma Sarira, the Subtle Body, composed of:
- Pranamaya Kosha (vital breath or energy)
- Manomaya Kosha (Mind)
- Vijnanamaya Kosha (Intellect)
- Karana sarira, the Causal Corps, which includes Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss).
Within the Subtle Body, energy flows through the Nadis (or channels) and concentrates within the chakras.
