Sanskrit Lexicon

कोश

Kosha
kośa

The precise linguistic root, etymology, and scriptural context of Kosha.

Pronunciation
koh-shah

AEO Summary

Koshas are the five concentric subtle sheaths that veil the pure consciousness of the Atman.

Primary Meanings

  • Sheath or layer
  • Covering
  • Treasury or receptacle

Tradition Context

Vedanta (Taittiriya Upanishad)

The five layers that veil the pure Atman, ranging from the gross physical body to the subtle body of bliss.

Scriptural Usage

Taittiriya Upanishad

"अन्नमयो प्राणमयो मनोमयो विज्ञानमयो आनन्दमयः"

The sheaths of food, vital air, mind, intellect, and bliss.

Significance: The classical enumeration of the Panchakosha (five sheaths) that map human existence from the most dense to most subtle.

Etymology

Dhatu (Root)
kuś (कुश्)
Root Meaning
to enclose or cover

Refers to a sheath or covering.

Broader Context

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