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Line 142: − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − + + + + + − === Samana ===+ − Samana which literally means the "balancing air," moves from the periphery to the center through a churning and discerning action. It aids in digestion on all levels. Samana works in the gastrointestinal tract to digest food, in the lungs to digest air or absorb oxygen, and in the mind to homogenize and digest experiences, whether sensory, emotional or mental. Samana is the vital energy in the navel, where our energy is centered and where digestion occurs.+ + − + + + + +
→पञ्चप्राणाः ॥ Five Pranas: Adding content
=== Apana ===
=== Apana ===
Apana which literally means the "air that moves away," moves downward and outward. It governs the elimination of the stool and the urine, the expelling of semen, menstrual fluid and the fetus, and the elimination of carbondioxide through the breath. On a deeper level, apana rules the elimination of negative sensory, emotional and mental experiences. It is the basis of our immune function on all levels. Apana is the vital energy in the lower abdomen that Yoga and Ayurveda allows for elimination and reproduction.
Apana, which literally means the "air that moves away," moves downward and outward.<ref name=":0" />
At the Physical level, Apana operates in the pelvic region between the navel and the perineum. It governs the elimination of the stool and the urine, the expelling of semen, menstrual fluid and the fetus, and the elimination of carbondioxide through the breath. It sustains the functions of the kidneys, bladder, bowels, excretory and reproductive organs.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
At the Subtle level, Apana assists in the awakening of kundalini force that lies within its periphery. Thus, Mahaprana is experienced in the region of Apana. Control of apana is also control of the sexual instinct and the instilling of brahm-acharya.<ref name=":1" />
On a deeper level, apana rules the elimination of negative sensory, emotional and mental experiences. It is the basis of our immune function on all levels. Apana is the vital energy in the lower abdomen that Yoga and Ayurveda allows for elimination and reproduction.<ref name=":0" />
=== Samana ===
Samana which literally means the "balancing air," moves from the periphery to the center through a churning and discerning action. The word samana is derived from the root saman, meaning 'equal' or 'balanced'. Thus it acts as a balancer or equalizer for the two opposite forces of prana and apana.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
At the physical level, Samana operates between the navel and the diaphragm. It activates and maintains the digestive organs and their secretions, and is responsible for metabolism. It is associated with the digestive fire, jatharagni.<ref name=":1" />
Infact, it aids in digestion on all levels. Samana works in the gastrointestinal tract to digest food, in the lungs to digest air or absorb oxygen, and in the mind to homogenize and digest experiences, whether sensory, emotional or mental.<ref name=":0" />
Samana is the vital energy in the navel, where our energy is centered and where digestion occurs. There are six major organs of digestion: liver, stomach, duodenum, spleen, and the small and large intestines, and all fall within the field of samana. The body receives its life support and healthy nourishment by the agency of samana. The distinctive feature of samana is that although it is a single force, it is capable of different activities in all these different organs.
At the subtle level, Samana maintains the cohesion and balance between the koshas. It is subtle in comparison to apana and gross in comparison to prana. Just as it helps digest food, samana is also responsible for digesting the mind-stuff.<ref name=":1" />
=== Udana ===
=== Udana ===
Udana which literally means the "upward moving air," moves upward the qualitative or transformative movements of the life-energy. It governs growth of the body, the ability to stand, speech, effort, enthusiasm and will. Udana is our main positive energy unfoldment in life through which we can develop our different bodies and evolve in consciousness. Udana is the vital energy in the throat that governs speech and self-expression and holds the head up through the neck.
Udana which literally means the "upward moving air," moves upward the qualitative or transformative movements of the life-energy. It governs growth of the body, the ability to stand, speech, effort, enthusiasm and will. Udana is our main positive energy unfoldment in life through which we can develop our different bodies and evolve in consciousness. Udana is the vital energy in the throat that governs speech and self-expression and holds the head up through the neck.<ref name=":0" />
At the physical level, Udaana operates in the extremities: the arms, legs, neck and head. This prana is responsible for all the sensory organs,jnanendri-yas, and the organs of action, karmendriyas. It coordinates and controls the movements of the legs, arms and neck and directs the activities of the brain and sensory organs that are situated in the head region. These include: eyes, vision; ears, hearing; tongue, taste; nose, smell; skin, tactile sensation. The organs of action controlled by udana are three: hands, feet and speech. The other two, the excretory and reproductive organs, are under the control of apana.
Udana also assists prana in inhalation and exhalation, intake of food and drink, as well as vomiting, spitting and swallowing saliva. All the functions of the throat and mouth are sustained by udana.
Udana sustains the sense organs and their activities. The enjoyment of senses keeps udana active, because it functions according to their needs. The force of udana keeps the body upright; it is responsible for anti-gravitational activities of the body (particularly by the hands and the feet).
At the subtle level, Udana allows one to perform positive mental work. It is responsible for sweet, melodious and impressive speech. Udana pervades ajna, bindu and sahasrara chakras. It brings energy up the koshas from the gross to the subtle. When the yogi fixes his attention on udana, he becomes free from hunger, thirst, sleep and drowsiness. The activity of udana becomes extremely slow and subtle during meditation and samadhi.<ref name=":1" />
=== Vyana ===
=== Vyana ===
Vyana which literally means the "outward moving air," moves from the center to the periphery. It governs circulation on all levels. Vyana moves the food, water and oxygen throughout the body and keeps our emotions and thoughts circulating in the mind, imparting movement and providing strength. In doing so it assists all the other pranas in their work. Vyana is the vital energy in the heart and lungs, where our energy expands.
Vyana which literally means the "outward moving air," moves from the center to the periphery. It governs circulation on all levels. Vyana moves the food, water and oxygen throughout the body and keeps our emotions and thoughts circulating in the mind, imparting movement and providing strength. In doing so it assists all the other pranas in their work. Vyana is the vital energy in the heart and lungs, where our energy expands.<ref name=":0" />
At the physical level, Vyana pervades the whole body and acts as reserve energy. It helps all the other pranas when they require an extra boost. When one overexerts and feels extremely tired, a rush of energy comes, which enables one to continue. This 'second wind' is the vyana experience. Vyana also regulates and coordinates all the muscular move-ments, aids in sending impulses to different parts of the body, and causes the flow of perspiration and gooseflesh. Vyana causes all the pranas, major and minor, to function by being their accessory.
At the subtle level, Vyana brings about circulation through all the five koshas and is responsible for their differentiation. It pervades the spatial element in the body, and is the vehicle of consciousness through the body.<ref name=":1" />
=== Pancha Pranas and the Physical Body ===
=== Pancha Pranas and the Physical Body ===