Volume 2 : Issue 2 (2015)

PANCH KOSHA - A HOLISTIC MODEL FOR EDUCATION

Panch Kosha is holistic vision reflecting the entirety of existence. The concept is discussed in Taittireeyopanishad, one of the nine major Upanishads. It is postulated that every living body is a continuum of five overlapping cells, namely Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanmay and Anandmaya Kosha corresponding to the physical, respiratory, psychological, wisdom and bliss continuums of human personality. Education, on other hand, is an art of unearthing the hidden potential in an individual by providing appropriate environment for complete development of physique and mind and also nourishment of holistic values towards life. An attempt is made to apply the concept of Panch Kosha to bridge the gaps in education in light of the needs of modernity. The basic elements of education are listed vis-avis the corresponding values of Panch Kosha. Author has suggested various activities for enhancement and recreation of each cell through. Author illustrates the challenges before the present and delineates a holistic path to Ideal Education to build healthy, wise and spirited citizens. Continuum cards for each of the cells named above are presented for practical understanding of the concept.

Panch kosha, Annamay kosha, Pranamaya kosha, Manomaya kosha, Vijnanmay kosha, Anandmay kosha

Ishadi Nau Upanishad: Published by Gita Press Gorakhpur, India. Patanjal Yog Pradeep: Published by Gita Press Gorakhpur, India. ShreemadBhagavad Gila with Shankar Bhasya, Published by Gita Press Gorakhpur, India. Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapuran, Published by Gila Press Gorakhpur, India. Vivek Chudamani by Adi Shankaracharya, Published by Gita Press Gorakhpur, India.