Savasana, often known as the "Corpse Pose," might seem like the simplest part of a yoga practice—just lying still on the mat, allowing your body to relax. But in the deeper layers of yogic philosophy, Savasana is much more than just physical relaxation; it’s a profound practice where the different layers of our being, known as the koshas, align and harmonize, leading us to experience our true essence—Ananda or bliss.
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” – The Bhagavad Gita
The Five Koshas: Layers of Our Being
In yogic philosophy, the human body is viewed not just as a physical entity, but as a multi-layered being consisting of five sheaths or koshas. These layers move from the gross physical body to the most subtle aspect of our existence, the bliss body. Here’s a brief overview of each kosha:
Annamaya Kosha (Physical Body):
The Annamaya Kosha is the outermost layer, often referred to as the "food sheath," as it is nourished by the food we eat. This kosha represents the physical body—the muscles, bones, organs, and skin. It is in Savasana that we consciously release tension from this physical sheath, allowing the body to rest and rejuvenate.
Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body):
Beneath the physical body lies the Pranamaya Kosha, the "energy sheath." This layer consists of the vital life force, or prana, that flows through the body, energizing and sustaining it. During Savasana, the breath becomes the focal point, allowing the prana to flow freely, restoring balance to the energy body.
Manomaya Kosha (Mental Body):
The Manomaya Kosha is the "mental sheath," encompassing our thoughts, emotions, and mental processes. This is the layer that often keeps us in constant mental chatter. In Savasana, with the mind calmed and the body still, we have the opportunity to observe and quiet the mind, leading to a state of mental tranquility.
Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Body):
The Vijnanamaya Kosha is the "wisdom sheath" or the "intellect sheath." It represents our inner wisdom, intuition, and discernment. As we move deeper into Savasana, the noise of the mind fades, allowing our inner wisdom to surface, guiding us to deeper insights and understanding.
Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body):
The innermost sheath is the Anandamaya Kosha, known as the "bliss body." This layer is our true essence, the state of pure joy and bliss that lies beneath all other layers. It is in the stillness and surrender of Savasana that we may touch this innermost layer, experiencing a profound sense of peace, unity, and contentment—what is often referred to as Sat Chit Ananda (Truth, Consciousness, Bliss).
Savasana: The Alignment of the Koshas
During Savasana, the layers of our being begin to align, moving from the external to the internal, from the physical body to the bliss body. Here’s how this process unfolds:
Physical Relaxation (Annamaya Kosha): As you lie down in Savasana, the first step is to consciously release all physical tension. The muscles soften, the body sinks into the earth, and the Annamaya Kosha begins to relax.
Harmonizing the Breath (Pranamaya Kosha): With the body at rest, the breath naturally slows down. By focusing on the breath, you bring awareness to the Pranamaya Kosha, allowing the energy to flow freely and harmonize the body’s energy channels.
Quieting the Mind (Manomaya Kosha): As the body and breath settle, the mind starts to quiet down. The constant stream of thoughts and emotions begins to fade, bringing calmness to the Manomaya Kosha. In this stillness, you may notice the space between thoughts, creating room for deeper introspection.
Accessing Inner Wisdom (Vijnanamaya Kosha): With the mind quiet and the body at ease, your inner wisdom—your Vijnanamaya Kosha—becomes more accessible. You may experience insights or intuitive knowledge that were previously obscured by the busyness of daily life.
Experiencing Bliss (Anandamaya Kosha): As all the layers align, you may touch upon the Anandamaya Kosha, experiencing a state of pure bliss, joy, and unity. This is not a superficial happiness, but a deep, abiding sense of contentment and peace, often described in yoga as Sat Chit Ananda—the experience of truth, consciousness, and bliss.
Sat Chit Ananda: The Bliss of Being
Sat Chit Ananda is a Sanskrit phrase that encapsulates the ultimate goal of yoga—the realization of one's true nature. Sat means "truth," Chit means "consciousness," and Ananda means "bliss." In the context of Savasana, this state emerges when the koshas are aligned and the external distractions fade away, revealing the blissful essence of our being.
The Ocean Emerges: A Metaphor for Savasana
Savasana is like the moment when the waves on the surface of the ocean calm down, revealing the vast, still, and profound depths beneath. When the waves of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations settle, what emerges is the boundless ocean of our true self. In this deep stillness, we are no longer just the waves—temporary, ever-changing, and often turbulent. Instead, we become aware of the ocean itself—vast, timeless, and serene.
This metaphor captures the essence of Savasana. The waves represent the different layers of our being, the koshas, which are often in motion throughout our daily lives. But when we enter Savasana, these layers align and settle, allowing the deeper, truer nature of our being—the ocean, the bliss body, Anandamaya Kosha—to emerge. This is where we experience the unity of Sat Chit Ananda—the eternal truth, consciousness, and bliss that is our essence.
The Importance of Savasana
Savasana, therefore, is not merely a resting pose; it’s the culmination of the entire yoga practice. It is where the work of aligning the koshas reaches its peak, allowing the practitioner to experience the profound stillness and bliss that lie at the core of their being. In this state, you are no longer just a physical body or a collection of thoughts and emotions—you are the embodiment of Sat Chit Ananda, the essence of truth, consciousness, and bliss.
As you lie in Savasana after your next practice, can you sense the alignment of your koshas, moving from the physical to the bliss body?
How can you carry this experience of Sat Chit Ananda into your everyday life?
By understanding Savasana as more than just a time to rest, but as a practice of aligning the koshas, we can deepen our experience of yoga, connecting more fully with our true essence. It is in this alignment that we discover the ultimate goal of yoga—a state of unity, peace, and bliss that transcends the physical and touches the divine within.
Namaste
Sumit Banerjee
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