PRANA
The Sanskrit word 'Prana' means "primary energy," which often translates to
"breath" or "vital force or energy." Prana is the very essence and foundation of
life. It primarily manifests itself through physical functions like breathing.
Although we are not always conscious of it, it is a potent energy generator that
will cause the entire mechanism to collapse in its absence. To have a better
understanding of it, we can use the example of a necklace. The string of a
necklace remains hidden beneath the beads. However, once the string is torn,
the necklace falls apart. Similarly, our mind and soul hang on the gentle thread
of breathing, which will cease to exist once the breathing stops.
The Five Levels Of Prana
Prana or the Pranamaya Kosha is mainly composed of five pranas, also referred
to as "vayus" or "forces of the air." The five pranas are categorized based on the
direction and movement, and they are responsible for nourishing all the koshas.
1. Udana Vayu
Udana Vayu, or the upward-moving air, is the ascending energy that flows
upwards towards the head from the heart to the five senses and brain. It happens
to be the primary positive energy that governs the growth of the body and helps
us in developing our consciousness and various sheaths. Udana Vayu is also
chiefly responsible for balancing the vishuddha chakra (throat) and the limbs
above it. It coordinates the sensory nervous system and the neurons of the
motor, which, in turn, helps in the proper functioning and movement of the
different organs of the body. Furthermore, the Vayu also handles the controlling
of the five physical senses. A deficiency of Udana Vayu in the body can lead to
paralysis, dysfunctional senses of the body, and deafness, and eye-sight
problems.
2. Prana Vayu
Prana Vayu, or the forward moving air, moves inward towards the chest region
and governs the different receptions into the body. It is situated in the heart.
Prana Vayu is the fundamental energy in the body and feeds into and directs the
rest of the Vayus. It is primarily responsible for the functioning of the
respiratory system, which includes the pumping of the heart, and the inhalation-
exhalation process. Moreover, it also helps a great deal in swallowing the food
and its regurgitation, as well as balances physiological and psychological
activities such as mental consistency, eye concentration, etc. An imbalance or
blockage in Prana Vayu may lead to depression, heart-related issues, etc.
3. Samana Vayu
Samana Vayu, or the balancing air, is situated in the upper abdomen, right
above the navel. The Vayu's primary function is assimilation, and it governs the
assimilation and digestion of all substances such as food, air, emotions,
experiences, and thoughts. Additionally, it has a cooling down mechanism
which helps in balancing the heat generated in the digestion process. An
imbalance or blockage in Samana Vayu leads to sheer disturbance in the
appetite, which further causes weakness. A drop in the Samana energy also
affects the metabolism deficiency in the body.
4. Apana Vayu
Apana Vayu, or the air that moves away, sits in the pelvic region, and the
energy pervades the lower abdomen and the genitals. The primary function of
this Vayu is elimination. The energy nourishes the organs of reproduction,
digestion, and removal of substances from the body such as urine, stool, carbon
dioxide, etc. Apana Vayu helps in creating a smooth passageway during
delivery and is responsible for sexual stimulation, ejaculation, and monthly
menstrual cycle among women. An imbalance or blockage in this Vayu may
lead to stomach related issues, diabetes, itching, depression, negativity, etc.
5. Vyana Vayu
Vyana Vayu, or the outward moving air, encompasses the whole body. It is
situated in the lungs and the heart and flows throughout the body. The primary
function of this Vayu is circulation. The energy governs the circulation of
various substances throughout the body and aids the other vayus with their
respective roles. Vyana Vayu functions as an alternative system which
facilitates the reserved force into the deficient areas of the other Pranas. It also
provides essential nutrients to the different organs via blood flow. A deficiency
of Vyana Vayu in the body can disrupt the coordination between sensory and
motor neurons, which further causes tight muscles and weak muscular
movements. The body usually starts to perspire a lot. One of the common
phenomena that takes place is sudden horripilation by fear.
The Process Of Breathing or Nadi Shodhana
Breathing is the primary form of pranic activity in a living body that mainly
takes place through the nose. The nostril breathing or Nadi shodhana helps in
striking a balance between the left and right prana currents. The Sanskrit word
'Nadi' derives from 'nad' which translates to 'motion,' 'flow,' or 'vibration.'
Therefore, it points to the fundamental nature of a Nadi, which is to flow as
effortlessly as water, discovering the path of least resistance and nourishing
everything that comes in its way. Hence, it is safe to say that the nadis are the
energetic irrigation system of our bodies; they keep us alive. According to
medieval texts, the body contains about 72,000 nadis that channel the vital
energy or Prana to every cell. When this network functions freely, the body is
vital and healthy. However, any weakness, congestion, or disruption is sure to
cause poor physical and mental health. Hence, the practice of hatha yoga is
highly effective here as it strengthens the flow of Prana in the body, revitalizing
the current so that it removes the obstructions that might block the free flow of
energy throughout the body.
The living body, according to the yogic system, along with its channels, has
either a left or a right predominance. The left, also referred to as Ida, is
connected to the lunar energy and is feminine, and it spirals on the left side of
Sushumna. It is related to the non-physical attributes such as feelings, emotions,
and balance of mind, which is where it stays the most active. Ida is cooling and
is intimately connected with the mind and emotions. It is represented by the
color white for the subtle vibrational quality.
Pingala, on the other hand, dominates the right nostril and is connected to the
solar energy. It ends on the right side of Sushumna. It is masculine in nature and
aids activities that require physical strength such as work, digestion,
concentration, and is usually fiery or pittic in the constitution. Pingala is
responsible for feeding the three lower chakras, which are the root chakra, the
sacral chakra, and the power center. It is represented by color red for its strong
vibrational quality.
The Balance Between Ida And Pingala
Both Ida and Pingala remain active for a duration of seven minutes each. The
mode of the body is determined by which among the two is more active.
However, the dominance alternates, but still, one always tends to be ascendant
and for a longer duration than the other. For example, Ida-like individuals have
gentle lunar and nurturing qualities, but they may lack the vigor to manifest
their potential in either the various worldly affairs or spiritual growth and
development. On the other hand, Pingala-like individuals have strong solar
qualities such as creativity, abundant vitality, etc. However, due to the under-
developed Ida side, they may lack the introspection, quietude, and receptivity
required for spiritual awakening.
Moreover, the interaction and balance between the Ida and Pingala result in
striking an equilibrium between consciousness and vital power, intuition and
rationality, and the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Balancing the moon
and sun, or Ida and Pingala, leads to the awakening and arising of the Kundalini
Shakthi, and thus it further facilitates the awakening of the higher
consciousness. The most powerful method of balancing Ida and Pingala is
through alternate-nostril breathing, also called Nadi Shodhana. The practice is
supremely effective as the Ida is directly connected to the left nostril, and the
Pingala Nadi to the right. However, this balance is usually disrupted due to
myriad factors such as stress, anxiety, unhealthy physical and mental well-
being, etc. Pranayama helps significantly in the purification of these nadis.
Prana And Its Relationship With Karma
The whole mechanism of Karma is expressed through mind and body, and the
ultimate manifestation of Karma is dependent on Prana. Therefore, if an
individual successfully strengthens the pranas, he/she will be able to reduce the
karmic load. As we know, purification or shaucha is the central and most
pivotal aim of all yogic practices. It has been discovered by yogis throughout
ages that the impurities in our internal body adversely affect the state of mind,
and thus pose as an obstacle in the attainment of spiritual liberation, real
wisdom, and ultimate bliss. Yogic practices such as Pranayama are a powerful
tool and one of the most potent purifying processes of body-mind mechanism.
Eventually, it results in the acceleration of spiritual development. The breathing
techniques of Pranayama are responsible for cleansing the body and mind
through the cultivation and balance of energy throughout the body. There are
very many types of pranayamas, and each leaves a different impression and
purifying effect on the body. For example, Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril
breathing) has a calming effect on the body and cleans by reducing stress and
removing blockages from the nadis. On the other hand, Kapalabhati (breath of
fire) is energizing and warming and purifies the body by creating heat and
through the movement of energy.
The unconscious has the element of Prana in itself. It enters the womb,
combines itself with the energy of the mother, grows, and continues its journey
from there. Therefore, Prana is ever-present in all the aspects of creation and
every single element of the universe. It makes motion possible, and organisms
will simply cease to exist and grow without Prana. The growth of trees and
humans, the budding of flowers, the splitting of atoms, or even the blinking of
the eye, everything is driven by Prana. Here, a question crops us: what about the
inanimate objects? Does Prana continue to be the driving force behind non-
living things too? The answer is, yes. If the molecular structure of an inanimate
object is broken down, it will reveal the existence of Prana through the
movement of electrons, protons, and neutrons. Prana is easily and explicitly
manifested in the physical body through breathing, as an air link. However, it
must be understood that Prana is different from the air. The energy on which
breath primarily runs is Prana, and the day Prana leaves, one embraces death.
The universal principle of Prana may be in a dynamic or static state, but it is
behind the very existence of all beings on every plane, from the highest to the
lowest. Therefore, it is safe to say that Prana is the vital energy that helps in
physically manifesting the unconscious package of Karma, which continues
according to the human mechanism.
Cosmic Prana
Prana is the cosmic energy that permeates the universe on all levels. As we have
already discussed, Prana is the vital energy and is responsible for all the
creation. In the absence of Prana, everything would eventually crumble down
and cease to exist. Therefore, on the macrocosmic level, Prana is like an all-
encompassing and vital sea of vital energy. Every object in creation floats in
that sea from where we derive our breathing and gain everything we need in our
life. It is a constant cycle. This Prana is known as Cosmic Prana or Mahaprana.
Each individual derives his existence from the Cosmic Prana, and the quantum
of Prana, which renders life to the individuals, is called individual Prana.
Differently put, the microform of cosmic consciousness is individual Prana. The
understanding of Cosmic Prana leads to the attainment of enlightenment. The
great Buddha is also known to have attained enlightenment through the practice
of Pranayama.
In the ancient science and art of healing, the practice of Pranic healing involves
utilizing Prana or the vital energy and the energy centers or chakras to heal the
affected and diseased energy levels. The breath has the primary role in this, and
the power that functions behind the breath is Prana. Surprisingly enough,
breathing is not the only manifestation of Prana. It also includes yawning and
blinking.
The Pranmay kosha is the consciousness enveloped in the form of Prana. It is a
body in itself which helps the other bodies. Moreover, it is the vital shell of the
body that holds life. Therefore, the existence of Pranmay kosha is what
ultimately differentiates the living from the dead. This Kosha pervades the
whole organism, and yogis like to believe that 72,000 nadis compose the
Pranmay kosha. Both Prana and consciousness are closely interwoven, and
hence it is difficult to distinguish between the two. However, we may try and
put it this way- Consciousness is the energy functioning behind Prana, and
Prana is the driving force of living organisms manifested through breathing.
The practice of Pranayama helps us in managing and bettering the life force.
The maximum potentiality of the body is achieved through Pranayama.
Purification happens to be the ultimate central goal of all yogic practices, and it
is the first principle of self-discipline in Patanjali's eight-limbed approach.
Impurities of the body affect the spiritual growth of an individual. Thus,
Pranayama is the most excellent purification technique that removes the karmic
blocks that the body carries, along with various other impurities of the body,
mind, and senses.
The Five Koshas/Pancha Kosha
The Sanskrit word Kosha translates to "layer" or "sheath." The concept of
Pancha Kosha (five sheaths or cardinal layers) was explained in numerous
ancient sacred Hindu texts such as Taittriya Upanishad, Vivekacudamani, and
Panchadasi. The Pancha Kosha or the five cardinal sheaths are the five different
layers of human evolution and growth. The human soul remains encased within
the Pancha Kosha or sheaths of arishadvarge (the six cardinal internal foes), and
they are Annamaya Kosha (food sheath), Pranamaya Kosha (vital air sheath),
Manomaya Kosha (mind sheath), Vigyanmaya Kosha (intellect sheath), and
Anandamaya Kosha (bliss sheath). However, there are two more layers of
human existence beside the Pancha Kosha, and they are Chitta Kosha (spiritual
wisdom), and Sata Kosha (the ultimate state of being one with God).
1. Annamaya Kosha
The Annamaya Kosha happens to be the outermost cardinal sheath and is also
known as the food sheath as it is nurtured the food we consume. The Kosha
includes all the five organs of perception, which are sight, hearing, touch, smell,
taste, and all the five organs of perception, which are prehension, locomotion,
excretion, articulation, and procreation. Moreover, it also includes the bones and
the tissues which form the organs and muscles. Annamaya is the densest of all
the koshas. It is the structure that contains within itself both the consciousness
and the Prana. If one is stuck in this layer, the individual will grow obsessive
over form.
2. Pranamaya Kosha
The Pranamaya Kosha is the vital life strength that permeates the body; it is that
subtle layer of cosmic energy that surrounds and penetrates the physical body.
The Kosha includes breath as well as the five Pranas. The Pranas perform an
indispensable role in the harmonious functioning of the physical body, and all
the thoughts and movements hang on it like beads on a string of necklace. The
Prana flows in the lymphatic, circulatory, and nervous systems while the Pranic
current travels between the physical body and the various sheaths via nadis.
3. Manomaya Kosha
The word 'Mana' translates to mind and the Manomaya Kosha is comprised of
thoughts, feelings, passions, and [Link] includes the mind and all the five sense
organs which are eyes, ears, tongue, nose, and skin. The Kosha is also referred
to as the 'monkey mind' which keeps hopping from one thought to another. The
mind primarily functions on three levels: Conscious, which connects the outer
world to the brain; Subconscious, which records all the experiences; and,
Unconscious, which is the Real Self. Many people fail to bring the mind under
control and let the mind abduct them. Therefore, practices such as Pranayama
and Pratyahara are very efficient in exercising control over the mind.
4. Vijnanamaya Kosha
'Vijanana' means wisdom. The Kosha includes vijanana or intellect, the ability
to reason, determine, and discriminate. The primary awareness of the body and
mind is lost in this sheath, and it establishes the realization of the higher mind.
A large part of this Kosha lies in the unconscious mind and connects the
conscious mind, the higher mind, and the universal mind, through the network
of the nadis. Certain practices such as Dharana (the mental focus on an object)
and dhyana (the mental focus on the divine) are an inner discipline that
significantly helps in channeling the attention towards a deeper and more
profound level of consciousness.
5. Anandamaya Kosha
Ananda translates to bliss, and the Kosha is connected with the unconscious or
the super-conscious mind. The Presence awakens when the higher mind
becomes one with the super-conscious or the unconscious mind. It is called the
highest level of vibration. The Ananadamaya Kosha is the mirror image of the
Atma, which is the state of absolute bliss, or Mukti (liberation). It is only
attained through Samadhi.
Manomaya Kosha
The Manomaya kosha is the third of the five koshas and is composed of the
mind. It is quite essential to train the mind in positive ways, along with taking
care of the physical body and the energy flow of Prana. Meditation helps us in
becoming aware of the Manomaya Kosha, and then we delve deeper into it and
explore the remaining koshas through it. Practicing Pranayama helps in cleaning
the mental karmic blocks as the energy of Prana is supremely pure and only
leads to betterment. Breathing happens to be the food or power of the
Manomaya Kosha. Two of the basic Pranayamas are anuloma and viloma,
which creates harmony and balance between the sun and the moon (Ida and
Pingala). Thus, it balances the two hemispheres of the mind.
Balanced and proper breathing lets an individual live his dharma to the
maximum while, at the same time, enhancing the path of dharma. Breathing is
but a reflection of what is going on in an individual's mind and body. The great
yogic technique of Pranayama plays a pivotal role in letting us see what is going
on your mind, helps in keeping our emotions under check, and also the
subconscious desires and drives. Once brought under control, the mind reaches
the stage of complete tranquility and quietude. The individual will attain Kramic
detoxification, Physical detoxification, Mental detoxification, and Emotional
detoxification, all through the Prana or vital energy.
In doing the physical detoxification, Pranayama functions a number of roles.
Some of them include detoxification of the blood, regulation of the nervous
system, preservation of the overall health of the body, strengthening the lungs
and heart, regulation of blood pressure, improvement in the absorption of
oxygen, increasing resistance to infections, and supporting healing process and
healing therapies. The mental effects that Prana leaves include quietening of
emotions and thoughts, inner balance, the release of energy blocks, and
elimination of depression, stress, anxiety, and nervousness. The spiritual
benefits include profound expansion of consciousness, deepening of meditation,
and awakening and purification of the chakras, or energy centers. Furthermore,
yoga breathing techniques help a great deal stimulating the emotions, bringing
them to the surface, and eventually releasing them. The Karma of every
individual remains lodged in the casual body, and the only way to remove the
Karmic debt is by making the casual body clean, pure, strong, and receptive to
the cosmic energy. The best way to do it is by bringing the Prana into action. It
is the ultimate fuel on which the casual body lives and thrives. Therefore,
Karma and the art of breathing are intimately related.