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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
Prana is the simplest as well as the most profound concept propounded by the seers. Every object in creation is floating in the vast, all-encompassing sea of prana, and receiving everything they need to exist from it.<ref name=":1" />
प्राणस्येदं वशे सर्वं त्रिदिवे यत् प्रतिष्ठितम् ।...॥ १३ ॥<ref>Prashnopanishad, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83 Prashna 2].</ref>
प्राणस्येदं वशे सर्वं त्रिदिवे यत् प्रतिष्ठितम् ।...॥ १३ ॥<ref>Prashnopanishad, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83 Prashna 2].</ref>
Prana in Samskrit means primary energy. It is sometimes translated as breath or vital force. It refers to the energy through which the body and mind works.
Prana in Samskrit means primary energy. It is sometimes translated as breath or vital force. It refers to the energy through which the body and mind works.
The subject of prana is common in both yogic and ayurvedic thought. It is infact the main link between Yoga and Ayurveda and is a rather vast and profound science in itself.<ref name=":0">David Frawley (1999), [https://archive.org/details/yogaayurvedaselfhealingandselfrealizationdavidfrawley_757_/mode/2up Yoga & Ayurveda], Wisconsin: Lotus Press.</ref>
The subject of prana is common in both yogic and ayurvedic thought. It is infact the main link between Yoga and Ayurveda and is a rather vast and profound science in itself.<ref name=":0">David Frawley (1999), [https://archive.org/details/yogaayurvedaselfhealingandselfrealizationdavidfrawley_757_/mode/2up Yoga & Ayurveda], Wisconsin: Lotus Press.</ref>
== Manifestation of Cosmic Prana ==
It is said in the Kathopanishad (2:3:2):
यदिदं किं च जगत् सर्वं प्राण एजति निःसृतम् ।...॥ २ ॥<ref>Kathopanishad, Adhyaya 2, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A0%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80 Tritiya valli]</ref>
Meaning: This whole world - whatever there is - vibrates having originated from prana.
This cosmic prana, also called mahaprana, came into being at the time of creation. Thus, in order to fully understand prana, one must go back to the beginning of creation.
At the very beginning, there was nothing, not even creation. What existed was an all-pervasive, unmanifest consciousness, known in the scriptures as Para Brahman. It contained within it all the qualities and components necessary for creation. The whole universe lay infinitely contracted in it as mere potency; prana remained completely absorbed in it as if in a union of deep embrace. It was a state of perfect equilibrium and harmony.
In this utter stillness, there is a movement. The tantric and vedic literatures state that a desire arose in that absolute principle: Ekoham bahusyam - "I am one, let me become many." The desire is the first creative impulse, which results in 'willing'. The willing of the unmanifest consciousness causes the first spandan, vibration, and energy issues forth. It is the first movement: the first moment of becoming from being, the first manifestation of prana.
This primal energy, called mahaprana, is variously known as mahashakti, mahamaya, the cosmic creatrix or the Cosmic Mother.<ref name=":1" />
=== Uniting with the Cosmic Prana ===
The individual prana within each being is a part of the cosmic sea of mahaprana, but until this truth is realized experientially, one sees oneself as separate from the rest of the universe. Pranayama practices activate the individual prana and raise it to a higher frequency.
When prana sadhana assumes an even higher level, the amount of heat generated within the system becomes more intense. This leads ajna chakra to monitor a message back to mooladhara chakra, the psychic centre located at the perineum.
Mooladhara is the abode of kundalini, where the cosmic prana lies dormant. The entire experience from creation to dissolution is embedded within the folds of kundalini, hence it is also known as atma shakti or soul force.
The message from ajna stirs this force and an awakening of the great prana takes place. When the full potential of this energy is released, it travels up through the sushumna nadi, bringing about a complete metamorphosis of the individual. Cosmic prana and kundalini are synonymous terms. In awakening the kundalini, one unites with the cosmic prana.
At the time of the awakening, the two forces of prana and chitta assume perfect balance within the individual and become one. The mind undergoes a state of fission and energy issues forth. There is an explosion of satya, a moment of Truth, when one sees everything as luminous. One experi-ences oneself in every object of the universe, every person, leaf and rock. The realization of cosmic prana is attained and the experience of separation dissolves.
The ultimate yoga is experienced at this level, where one discovers the abiding consciousness, sat-chit-ananda, truth, expansiveness and beatitude.<ref name=":1" />
== Supremacy of Prana ==
== Supremacy of Prana ==
Prana gives energy to all our faculties, without which they cannot function. Prana takes the first place and without it there is no energy to do anything. The moral of this story is that to control all our faculties the key is the control of prana. Prana is the master. Without the sanction of prana nothing can be done either at a voluntary or involuntary level in body and mind.<ref name=":0" />
Prana gives energy to all our faculties, without which they cannot function. Prana takes the first place and without it there is no energy to do anything. The moral of this story is that to control all our faculties the key is the control of prana. Prana is the master. Without the sanction of prana nothing can be done either at a voluntary or involuntary level in body and mind.<ref name=":0" />
Prana is indeed inherent to a being. We are born with a certain quantum of prana, and we maintain it, increase or decrease it through the air we breathe, the food we eat, the thoughts we think, the actions we perform and the kind of life we lead. When we die, the accumulated prana leaves the body.<ref name=":1" /> The Hatha Yoga Pradipika states,
यावद्वायुः स्थितो देहे तावज्जीवनं उच्यते । मरणं तस्य निष्क्रान्तिस्ततो वायुं निरोधयेत् ॥ २.३ ॥<ref>Hatha Yoga Pradipika, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8 Upadesha 2]</ref>
Meaning: As long as the vayu (prana) remains in the body, there is life. Death occurs when the vayu leaves the body, therefore, retain the vayu.
Infact, Prana is ever present in every aspect of creation. The prana within every created object gives existence and material form, whether it is a planet, an asteroid, a blade of grass or a tree. If there were no prana, there would be no existence. If prana were withdrawn from the universe, there would be total disintegration.<ref name=":1">Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati (2009), [https://sriyogaashram.com/ebook/Prana_and_Pranayama_Swami_Niranjananda.pdf Prana and Pranayama], Bihar: Yoga Publications Trust.</ref>
== अर्थव्याप्तिः ॥ Meaning ==
== अर्थव्याप्तिः ॥ Meaning ==
Prana has many levels of meaning from the breath to the energy of consciousness itself. Prana is not only the basic lifeforce, it is the master form of all energy working on the levels of mind, life and body. Indeed the entire universe is a manifestation of prana, which is the original creative power. Even kundalini shakti or inner force that transforms consciousness, develops from the awakened prana.
Thousands of years ago, the yogis living in the shadow of the Himalayas fathomed the inherent quality of motion in creation and they called it prana. One may roughly translate the word prana as 'energy' or 'vital force', but neither definition offers a precise equivalent of the Sanskrit term that emerged from higher states of contemplation. The word prana assumes the quality of 'livingness'. From the yogic point of view, the entire cosmos is alive, throbbing with prana.<ref name=":1" />
Prana exists in sentient beings as the energy that drives every action, voluntary and involuntary, every thought, every level of the mind and body. Scientific research describes prana as a complex multidimensional energy: a combination of electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, photonic, ocular, thermal and mental energies. Prana also exists in the insentient world, causing motion, growth and decay at this level.<ref name=":1" />
Prana has many levels of meaning from the breath to the energy of consciousness itself. Prana is not only the basic lifeforce, it is the master form of all energy working on the levels of mind, life and body. Indeed the entire universe is a manifestation of prana, which is the original creative power. Even kundalini shakti or inner force that transforms consciousness, develops from the awakened prana.<ref name=":0" />
=== Prana and Creation ===
=== Prana and Creation ===
Prana is, indeed, the basis of manifested creation. It is the force that emerged out of the 'original willing' of the primal consciousness to bring about creation.<ref name=":1" /> The Chhandogya Upanishad (1:11:5) says,
सर्वाणि ह वा इमानि भूतानि प्राणमेवाभिसंविशन्ति प्राणमभ्युज्जिहते... ॥ ५ ॥<ref>Chandogya Upanishad, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%9B%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 1], Khanda 11. </ref>
Meaning: In prana all moveable and immoveable beings merge (during dissolution) and rise out of prana (during creation).<ref name=":1" />
On a cosmic level there are two basic aspects of prana. The first is the unmanifest aspect of prana, which is the energy of pure consciousness that transcends all creation. The second or manifest prana is the force of creation itself.
On a cosmic level there are two basic aspects of prana. The first is the unmanifest aspect of prana, which is the energy of pure consciousness that transcends all creation. The second or manifest prana is the force of creation itself.
Prana arises from the quality (guna) of rajas, the active force of nature (Prakriti). Prakrti or Nature is an active energy or shakti while the Purusha or higher Self can be said to be unmanifest prana because it is a form of energy of consciousness.
Prana arises from the quality (guna) of rajas, the active force of nature (Prakriti). Prakrti or Nature is an active energy or shakti while the Purusha or higher Self can be said to be unmanifest prana because it is a form of energy of consciousness.
From the unmanifest prana of pure awareness comes the manifest prana of creation, through which the entire universe comes into being. From the unmanifest prana Purusha (energy of pure awareness), the prana Prakriti (energy of creation) manifests.
From the unmanifest prana of pure awareness comes the manifest prana of creation, through which the entire universe comes into being. From the unmanifest prana Purusha (energy of pure awareness), the prana Prakriti (energy of creation) manifests.<ref name=":0" />
So, all beings, whether living or non-living, exist due to prana. Every manifestation in creation forms part of a never-ending matrix of energy particles, arranged in different densities, combinations and variations. The universal principle of prana may be in a static or dynamic state, but it is behind all existence on every plane of being from the highest to the lowest.<ref name=":1" />
=== Prana in Physical Existence ===
=== Prana in Physical Existence ===
== Pranamaya Kosha ==
== Pranamaya Kosha ==
In the individual being, prana pervades the entire being, projecting itself in what the yogis called pranamaya kosha -a level of existence subtler than the physical.<ref name=":1" />
Human existence is conceived in the form of five sheaths or Koshas viz. annamaya kosha, prāṇamaya kośha, manomaya kosha, vijnānamaya kosha and Anandamaya kosha.<ref>Pandey A. (2022), [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362889666_Chapter_2_Human_Self_Work_and_of_Human_Being_Indian_Worldview_and_Implications_for_Management_Practices_and_Scholarship Human Self, Work and of Human Being: Indian Worldview and Implications for Management Practices and Scholarship], Indigenous Indian Management, Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.</ref>
Human existence is conceived in the form of five sheaths or Koshas viz. annamaya kosha, prāṇamaya kośha, manomaya kosha, vijnānamaya kosha and Anandamaya kosha.<ref>Pandey A. (2022), [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362889666_Chapter_2_Human_Self_Work_and_of_Human_Being_Indian_Worldview_and_Implications_for_Management_Practices_and_Scholarship Human Self, Work and of Human Being: Indian Worldview and Implications for Management Practices and Scholarship], Indigenous Indian Management, Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.</ref>
Health also depends upon a strong vital, which imparts energy and vigor to the physical body. And in Ayurveda true health is of the spiritualized vital nature, not of the egoistic vital.
Health also depends upon a strong vital, which imparts energy and vigor to the physical body. And in Ayurveda true health is of the spiritualized vital nature, not of the egoistic vital.
=== Prana and the Koshas ===
All the five sheaths are pervaded by prana, which nourishes and sustains them and maintains their appropriate relationship. The movement from one kosha to another is also achieved with the help of prana.
The pranamaya kosha acts as the neutral space, allowing one to move from annamaya to manomaya, manomaya to vijnanamaya, vijnanamaya to anandamaya, and so on. One must use the faculty of prana shakti in order to move from any one state to another. Therefore, the dimension of energy is like the neutral space in the gear box. With the activation of prana, one gains access to the physical, mental, psychic and spiritual dimensions.<ref name=":1" />
=== Prana and the Breath ===
=== Prana and the Breath ===
Prana exists on the level of pranamaya kosha, which is its native sphere. This impacts the physical body primarily through the breathing process, which is the main form of pranic activity in the body: In this regard prana governs inhalation. Samana governs absorption of oxygen that occurs mainly during retention of the breath. Vyana governs its circulation. Apana governs exhalation and the release of carbon dioxide. Udana governs the release of positive energy through the breath, including speech that occurs through the outgoing breath.<ref name=":0" />
Prana exists on the level of pranamaya kosha, which is its native sphere. This impacts the physical body primarily through the breathing process, which is the main form of pranic activity in the body: In this regard prana governs inhalation. Samana governs absorption of oxygen that occurs mainly during retention of the breath. Vyana governs its circulation. Apana governs exhalation and the release of carbon dioxide. Udana governs the release of positive energy through the breath, including speech that occurs through the outgoing breath.<ref name=":0" />
The pranic breath is the breath in the head. It is useful for treating all diseases of the mind, senses, head, brain and nervous system. It is particularly good for sinus allergies, head colds, and headaches. It aids in nervous exhaustion and brain fatigue. It provides a pranic bath to the brain, refreshing and revitalizing it for more productive mental activity. The Pranic breath is energized through deep inhalation, drawing energy from above into the higher head and brain centers centered in the third eye.
The udana breath is the breath in the mouth. It is allied with thought, sound or mantra and the upward movement of the will. The udana breath treats all diseases of the throat region and vocal cords. It guards against sore throat, improves the voice, gives vitality and grants more strength. It helps anyone who needs greater powers of articulation and self-expression.
The vyana breath is the breath in the heart that pervades the entire body and extends outward. Vyana breathing aims at opening the lung and heart region and from there expanding out to the rest of the body, the external world and the whole of life. The vyana breath treats all diseases of the circulatory and musculoskeletal systems. It is good for lung problems, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and stress. It helps all those who need greater energy and coordination for physical exertion and movement.
The samana breath is the breath in the navel or belly Samana breathing aims at centering and balancing our energy. The samana breath treats all diseases of the digestive system, liver, gall bladder, stomach, and small intestine. It is particularly good for low appetite, poor absorption, and ulcers. It aids in homeostasis, balances metabolism, and has a balancing affect on both body and mind.
The apana breath is the breath in the root chakra that connects us with the earth and grounds us. The apana breath treats all diseases of the reproductive, urinary and excretory systems. It is good for constipation, diarrhea, menstrual problems and sexual debility It strengthens the immune system, supports ojas, and aids in the prevention of disease.<ref name=":0" />
== पञ्चप्राणाः ॥ Five Pranas ==
== पञ्चप्राणाः ॥ Five Pranas ==
The one primary Prana divides into five types according to its movement and direction. These five pranas are called vayus or powers of air. They represent the five types of energy that human beings possess and through which all the universe operates.
The one sustaining force known as Prana Shakti assumes five fields collectively known as Pancha Pranas to anable the body accomplish various functions. The fivefold division of Prana, based on its movement and direction, have been termed as Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and Vyana by the seers. These five pranas are also known as Prana vayus or powers of air. They represent the five types of energy that human beings possess and through which all the universe operates.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
The five pranas are responsible for creation and existence at the individual level. In the human beings, they are created by the fourth month of development in the womb. And as the five physical pranas become active with the formation of the body, the soul enters the new body as a result of this pranic activity. The five pranas also maintain the balance between the physical and mental levels.<ref name=":1" />
=== Prana ===
=== Prana ===
Prana which literally means the "forward moving air," moves inward. It governs reception of all types from the eating of food, drinking of water and inhalation of air to the reception of sensory impressions and mental experiences. Prana is propulsive in nature, setting things in motion and guiding them. It provides the basic energy that drives us in life. Prana is the vital energy in the head, primarily the region of the third eye, which nourishes the brain. It provides positive energy for all the other pranas.
Prana is the first of the Pancha Pranas. It is also known as Sthula (gross) Prana to differentiate it from the all-pervasive vital force.<ref name=":1" />
Prana which literally means the "forward moving air," moves inward. It governs reception of all types from the eating of food, drinking of water and inhalation of air to the reception of sensory impressions and mental experiences. Prana is propulsive in nature, setting things in motion and guiding them. It provides the basic energy that drives us in life. Prana is the vital energy in the head, primarily the region of the third eye, which nourishes the brain. It provides positive energy for all the other pranas.<ref name=":0" />
Physical level : Sthoola prana refers to the energy currents located in the thoracic region between the diaphragm and the base of the neck. It is the centre of circulation of life energy. This force maintains the heart and lungs, and all the activities in the chest region such as breathing, swallowing and circulation of blood.
Pranayama in particular raises the level of this prana and prevents congestion of blood in the arteries around the heart. When sthoola prana is strong, the heart does not become weak; one does not suffer from high or low blood pressure, and thus lives longer.
Among the fivefold pranas, it occupies the pivotal position and controls the other four. Infact, this force is so essential that if its activity is obstructed or ceases for any reason, death may occur.
Subtle level : At the level of mind, prana is responsible for the intake of impressions and ideas. Prana energizes all the koshas and is active all the time. When the force of prana is strong and flowing uninterruptedly, purer qualities of the heart, such as strength, courage and greatness are expressed. This prana is the energy by which one-pointedness of mind and intuitive knowledge can be experienced. It holds the intelligent energy of the soul, which abides in the heart.
By enhancing this prana, the yogis reach the soul.<ref name=":1" /> In the Brihadaranyaha Upanishad (3:7:16), it is said:
यः प्राणे तिष्ठन् प्राणादन्तरो यं प्राणो न वेद यस्य प्राणः शरीरं यः प्राणमन्तरो यमयति एष त आत्मान्तर्याम्यमृतः ॥ ३,७.१६ ॥<ref>Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95_%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D_3p Adhyaya 3]</ref>
The intelligent soul is placed in prana, inside the prana, it pervades the prana, yet the non-intelligent are unaware of it. Prana itself has become the body of the chief master, who controls it from the inside. Thus the soul is immutable, indestructible and immortal.
Prana is the guide and medium for realization of the soul. When meditating on the heart centre, the identification with prana is most intense; one feels as if one has become prana.<ref name=":1" />
=== 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 ===
=== Pancha Pranas and Time ===
=== Pancha Pranas and Time ===
Prana also governs time. Prana propels the movement of time, which is the movement of life experience. It brings us into birth and carries us along our life journey Vyana allows us to expand within the field of time. Apana causes us to decline. Udana allows us to move on in time to a higher sphere. Samana connects all the pranas through time.
Prana also governs time. According to the Vedas, the prana within the human body corresponds to the sun in the external world. Just as the sun revolves around the sky, so prana revolves through the channel systems of the body and mind. Just as the sun measures time externally, so prana controls it internally. Therefore, the key to the movement of our lives and to taking us beyond the limit of time lies in our ability to control our prana. Just as learning to harness solar energy can transform the external world, so the development of pranic energy is the key to internal transformation.
Prana propels the movement of time, which is the movement of life experience. It brings us into birth and carries us along our life journey Vyana allows us to expand within the field of time. Apana causes us to decline. Udana allows us to move on in time to a higher sphere. Samana connects all the pranas through time.
=== Pancha Pranas and the Mind ===
=== Pancha Pranas and the Mind ===
Udana governs our growth in consciousness and also brings about the movement up the sushumna. The mind moves with udana vayu. This takes us to the states of dream and deep sleep. After death it leads the atman to the astral and causal planes. Udana is often the most important prana for spiritual growth.
Udana governs our growth in consciousness and also brings about the movement up the sushumna. The mind moves with udana vayu. This takes us to the states of dream and deep sleep. After death it leads the atman to the astral and causal planes. Udana is often the most important prana for spiritual growth.
As we practice yoga, the subtle aspects of these pranas begin to awaken. This may cause various unusual movements of energy in body and mind, including the occurrence of various spontaneous movements or kriyas. We may feel new expanses of energy (subtle vyana), great peace (subtle samana), a sense of lightness or levitation (subtle udana), deep groundedness and stability (subtle apana), or just heightened vitality and sensitivity (subtle prana).<ref name=":0" />
As we practice yoga, the subtle aspects of these pranas begin to awaken. This may cause various unusual movements of energy in body and mind, including the occurrence of various spontaneous movements or kriyas. We may feel new expanses of energy (subtle vyana), great peace (subtle samana), a sense of lightness or levitation (subtle udana), deep groundedness and stability (subtle apana), or just heightened vitality and sensitivity (subtle prana).
=== Pancha Pranas and Siddhis ===
Yogic literature speaks of various siddhis or psychic powers. These relate primarily to the subtle body and its pranas, as subtle matter is totally malleable. The subtle udana or upwardmoving air allows one to become as light as one likes, including the ability to levitate (laghima) . The subtle apana or downward- moving air enables us to become as heavy or as stable as we wish (garima). The subtle vyana or expansive air allows us to become as large as we like, to expand endlessly (mahima). The subtle samana or contracting air allows us to become as small as we like, to be perfectly concentrated (anima). The primary prana itself allows us to gain whatever we wish (prapti).<ref name=":0" />
Refer:
http://www.yogamag.net/archives/1980s/1982/8205/8205pran.html
http://www.yogamag.net/archives/1990s/1996/9609/9609pran.html
https://www.dlshq.org/download2/pranayama.pdf
https://hara-hara-mahadev.blogspot.com/2009/09/hymn-to-prana.html
https://veda.harekrsna.cz/encyclopedia/prana.htm
Primary text reference:
Chandogya Upanishad
Kathopanishad
Mundaka Upanishad
Prashna Upanishad
Sub-topics:
Prana in Hatha Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda.
== References ==
== References ==