In Indian households, we have all heard the saying, ‘Children are a form of Bhagwan.’ This saying emphasises the importance of caring for children with love and devotion, akin to reverence for God.
Out of the sixteen samskaras performed during the life of a human being, eight are performed before the child is initiated into formal education (the ninth samskara – Vidyarambha). This underscores the immense importance the Indian traditional system assigns to monitoring and encouraging the best possible physical and psychological growth in every stage of a child’s life, marked by specific developmental stages.
The National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage, recognizing the rich heritage of the Vedas and its teachings passed down through culture, has adopted the Panchakosha concept from Vedanta as the basis for the curricular goals envisioned in ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education).
Panchakosha Vikas takes into account the nurturing and nourishment of all aspects of a child, necessary for a more holistic education to take place.
What is Panchakosha?
Derived from the Sanskrit terms ‘pancha’ meaning ‘five’, and ‘kosha’ meaning ‘sheath’, the Panchakosha concept is rooted in the Taittiriya Upanishad. It explores human individuality through five layers that encompass diverse dimensions and encapsulate the entirety of the human experience.
These five layers, in sequence from the outermost to the innermost, are
- Annamaya kosha: Physical layer
- Pranamaya kosha: Life force energy layer
- Manomaya kosha: Mind layer
- Vijnanamaya kosha: Intellectual layer
- Anandamaya kosha: Inner self layer
Each sheath or layer is interconnected and influences the others; for instance, the development of the mind can impact the physical layer, and undernourished life force energy may hinder inner self-realisation (anand).
Panchakosha Vikas: Five-Fold Development
Panchakosha Vikas is an exposition of the importance of holistic development through the nurturing of the five dimensions in humans. Certain practices are designed to ensure that each kosha is developed, considering its contribution to the development of the other four. By implementing practices that cater to each kosha, the child can experience growth across multiple dimensions, thus laying the groundwork for enriching formal education.
These are some of the practices and outcomes involved in nurturing each kosha, thereby leading to the fulfilment of curricular goals.
1. Annamaya Kosha: For Physical Development
Practices
- Consume a balanced diet that is abundant in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
- Participate in regular physical activities like yoga, walking, or sports.
- Ensure sufficient rest and sleep.
Outcomes
- Balanced physical fitness, flexibility, strength, and endurance appropriate to each age group.
- Expanded physical capabilities for lifelong sustained health.
- Relaxation of the mind through sound sleep.
2. Pranamaya Kosha: For Development of Life Energy
Practices
- Engage in pranayama (breath control) techniques to regulate breathing.
- Spend time in nature to connect with the vital energy present in the environment.
- Cultivate mindfulness throughout your daily activities.
Outcomes
- Smooth functioning of major systems such as digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems.
- Balance and retention of energy, promoting positivity.
- Activated nervous systems to support overall well-being.
3. Manomaya Kosha: For Emotional/Mental Development
Practices
- Practice meditation to cultivate awareness of thoughts and emotions.
- Cultivate positive relationships and social connections.
- Volunteer or contribute to performing arts, cultural, and community-based activities.
Outcomes
- A high level of concentration, inner peace, and willpower.
- Managed negative emotions and cultivated virtues.
- State of happiness with a sense of purpose and contentment.
4. Vijnanamaya Kosha: For Intellectual Development
Practices
- Participate in activities that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Explore and study subjects that broaden your knowledge.
- Engage in introspection and self-inquiry.
Outcomes
- Enhanced observation, experimentation, and analytical ability.
- Developed abstract and divergent thinking.
- Improved linguistic skills and communication abilities.
- Self-awareness and deeper insights into oneself.
5. Anandamaya kosha: For Spiritual Development
Practices
- Show gratitude and appreciation for the present moment and the blessings in life.
- Participate in activities that bring joy and fulfilment, such as creative expression or hobbies.
- Seek connection with teachings or practices that align with your values.
Outcomes
- Constant state of happiness, love, compassion, and freedom.
- Strong aesthetic sense and creativity.
- Exploration of the inward journey.
Panchakosha Vikas in NCF-FS 2022
As mentioned in the National Education Policy 2022, ‘the rich heritage of ancient and eternal Indian knowledge and thought has been a guiding light for this policy’. The policy implementation in the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage is clearly in effect.
The education system now echoes India’s diverse and vibrant childhood practices that must be incorporated into the curricular and pedagogical framework of ECCE.