Can equipping teenagers with knowledge of the five sheaths empower teenagers to engage with social media in a more positive way?
Tags: Empowerment, Education, Health, Social Media, Wellbeing

In a world where children are obsessed with their bodies, believe that a 4:4 post is reality and are preoccupied with the lives of social media influencers, I figured I should practice what I preach and chose to spend a few weeks discussing how these surface level distractions effect the energies inside our bodies at my weekly spiritual education classes. By examining our external environment, I hoped that my children would develop a greater understanding of how the inner voice is just as, if not more powerful, than the content they are consuming through the world online through social media platforms. I decided to use the topic of the five sheaths as the foundation of our weekly discussions.

The Taittriya Upanishads describe the composition of the human body as five individual Pancha Koshas (five sheaths of the self). ‘Pancha’ meaning 5 and ‘Kosha’, meaning the layer or the sheath, whilst each one has their own individual function, they are interconnected and in constant communication with each other. The behaviour of the four individual sheaths (aka ‘balance’) has a direct impact on how we experience the final sheath known as ‘Bliss’. An imbalanced sheath can cause havoc on our emotional state.

The internet and social media is as much help as it is a hindrance. What we see, hear, feel, taste and touch are all connected to the balance of each sheath. This wisdom was my ticket to teaching teenagers the importance of making informed decisions in the real world and when they are online.

In the beginning I translated the sheaths into pupil speak:

Annamaya Kosha (Food Sheath|Physical Body) - the only physical sheath where we actually feel the sensations derived from our food and physical choices.

Imbalances can cause physical discomfort such as aches and pains, changes in our bodies etc.

Maintaining balance involves making healthy food and exercise choices.

Pranamaya Kosha (Energy|life Sheath) - the vital breath sheath that allows us to live and connects us to the universe.

An imbalance here can cause shortness of breath, anxiety and exhaustion etc.

Breathing exercises as well as staying connected with nature by getting fresh air, eating fresh food, and drinking lots of water are recommended to restore balance.

Manomaya Kosha (The mind sheath) - consists of your thoughts and emotions. The part of you that creates meaning out of the world that you choose to occupy.

The phrase ‘you chose to occupy’ was intentional to instigate a discussion around the difference between the ‘real’ world and the world ‘online’. The conversation quickly led to which should affect your mindset and which really should not.

An imbalance in this sheath can create fear, attachment, addiction, anxiety etc.

To restore balance and harmony we should first learn to treat positive and negative thoughts differently. The goal is not to suppress negative thoughts but instead, counter act them with positive conversations and experiences

Next came my favourite …

Vijnaanamaya Kosha (Intellectual Sheath) - The sheath of instinct and rational thoughts led instinct. Most importantly, self-control by having the awareness of the impact our own decisions have on ourselves and others.

The difference between us and the animal kingdom!

An Imbalance presents itself as arrogance, being indifferent, ignorance, making bad choices and consequently regret.

To re-establish balance, it is recommended that one should spend time in self-examination/introspection by taking long walks or sitting in meditation.

Lastly, the goal…

Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Sheath) - It is important to understand that Anandamaya is not the feeling of bliss, but rather, the experience of bliss.