Anatomy of the Koshas | Online Immersion
Course Description
Since the earliest teachings on yoga, the body-mind is described as having five coverings or casings, called koshas. Like a tree or plant that has progressively more subtle layers from outer bark to pithy interior, the koshas move from outer to inner and from gross to subtle.
In this course we study the anatomical and energetic attributes of each sheath. The first sheath is correlate with food and the outer fascia, the second with breath, the third with thoughts and sensations, and the fourth with the wisdom of the deep fascia. The innermost layer is correlate with the brain and spinal cord and the body of delight.
Through contemplative practice, yoga postures, SATYA (Sensory Awareness for Yoga) and pranayama, we will journey through each stratum, refining and clarifying the subtle body as we go. Layer by layer, we generate greater luminosity and clarity, ultimately yoking to the Source that dwells perpetually in the interior. Each day will include anatomical study, investigation of the wisdom teaching, dynamic and recuperative asana practice, and meditation.
Course Structure
30 November | anna-maya-kosha: The Food Body
Known as the food sheath the first layer is the outer gate of the body In this class we move through the outer layer of myofascia the superficial fascia and the skin We begin by mobilizing the large outer muscle groups ie the hamstrings quads pectoral muscles and glutes Because this first sheath is the food sheath we review the importance of diet to nourish and build the tissues Surya offers guided instruction on yoga and nutrition to help you optimize your energy and fortify this outermost layer of the body.
7 December | prana-maya-kosha: The Energy Sheath
Prana is the invisible life force that animates all tissues in the body Prana suggests not only breath but the circulation of vital fluid throughout the body In this way the breath sheath involves the circulation of blood and breath through all the tissues of the body In this class we focus on the flow of prana through the thousands of tributaries in the body known as nadis We practice SATYA light vinyasa and pranayama to help pranagize the entire body Included in our day are the defining verses on pranayama from Patanjalis Yoga Sutras
14 December | mano-maya-kosha: The Mind Sheath
IAs the sheaths move inward they become less tangible and more subtle and nuanced In this day on the mind sheath we track the way thoughts perceptions and feelings pass through the nerves fascia and fluid channels In the yoga tradition blockages or restrictions in the mind sheath inhibit progress through the deeper layers of the bodymind In this class we practice vipassana by bringing insight into the way thoughts and ideas manifest in the physical tissues By working with the mind of each posture we practice distributing awareness everywhere through the body.
21 December | vijnana-maya-kosha: The Intuitive Sheath
IIn this class on the wisdom sheath we tap the depth psyche and the intuitive aspect of the mindheart This sheath is not bound by intellectual or conceptual activity but rather moves into the realm of dream artistic imagination mythos and creativity In this sheath subliminal patterns or traits in the psyche emerge In this day we work in the imaginal realm including dream yoga practice In our yoga we tap into the inherent intelligence of the deep fascia and the nervous system This layer is about increasing discernment and perceptivity within your connective tissues
28 December | ananda-maya-kosha: The Joy Sheath
This sheath is the innermost layer that relates to spaciousness ease tranquility and heartfelt presence It relates to the body of delight and unconfined awareness In the geometric design of the yantra it suggests the epicenter or innermost source that is untouched by the comings and goings of the world This layer is akin to samadhi where spacious awareness pervades the entire body and mind Through restorative posture meditation and yoga nidra we practice movements that help tap into an unconfined awareness In this final sheath you will experience profound stillness and tranquility
Props
Have your props handy! We recommend two blocks, blankets, a thick bolster, an 8’ or 10’ belt/strap, and a backless Iyengar chair (modifications will be given if you do not have a chair). We recommend yogaoutlet.com and Manduka for props; backless chairs can be found on Amazon and Etsy.
Recording Access
Please note ALL Live Zoom sessions will be recorded should you be unable to attend any live streams. All course materials are available for 12 months.
Certification
The Koshas course comes with a large amount of course curriculum material - recorded anatomical lectures with Tias, recorded guided audio meditations, recorded guided restorative practices, a plethora of reading material and PDF manuals created by Tias and Prajna specifically for this course, on top of the live Zoom time. We also factor in student self study.
Upon completion of this course, you will receive a Yogacampus Certificate of Completion for 30 hours Continuing Education hours through Yoga Alliance.
The hours can be applied towards required hours for the Prajna Yoga 300/500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program and Prajna Yoga Therapy Track. Please see the Prajna Yoga website for further information on the certification process: https://prajnayoga.com/
Meet the Teacher
Tias Little synthesises more than 30 years of study in classical yoga, Sanskrit, Buddhism, anatomy, bodywork, and trauma healing in his dynamic, original style of teaching. Tias began studying the work of B. K. S. Iyengar in 1984 and in 1989 resided in Mysore, India, where he studied Ashtanga vinyasa yoga under the tutelage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. A licensed massage therapist, Tias has in-depth training in craniosacral therapy. His practice and teaching is influenced by the work of Ida Rolf, Moshé Feldenkrais, and Thomas Hanna. Tias earned a master’s degree in Eastern philosophy from St. John’s College in Santa Fe in 1998.
