What is prana – life force?

Introduction

In the physical body we have two types of energies. One is known as prana and the other is known as mind or consciousness. That means, in every organ of the body there should be two channels supplying energy. Modern physiology describes two types of nervous systems - the sympathetic and the parasympathetic, and these two nervous systems are interconnected in each and every organ of the body. In the same way, every organ is supplied with the energy of prana and the energy of mind.

Prana is the sum total of all energy that is manifest in the universe; the sum total of all the forces in nature and of all latent forces and powers, which are hidden in men and express everywhere around us such as heat, light, electricity, magnetism all are the manifestations of Prana.

All forces, all powers and Prana have a common source, the Atman, Soul, Self. All physical forces and all mental forces come under the category Prana. It is the force on every plane of being, from the highest to the lowest. Whatever moves or works or has life, is but an expression or manifestation of Prana.

Akasha (space) or ether is also an expression of Prana. Prana is related to the mind and through the mind to the will, and through the will to the individual soul, and through this to the Supreme Being, the Infinite. If one knows how to control the little waves of Prana working through the mind, then will he know the secret of subjugating universal Prana.

Uniting with the universal prana

Prana is not only the life force; it is also a very powerful healing force in the body that can eradicate the most difficult physical problems. Moreover, the prana within us is a part of this universal prana.

What is commonly known as a powerful of personality is nothing more than being successful in life, more influential and fascinating than others. It is all due to the power of this Prana. Such people manipulate every day, unconsciously of course, the same influence which the Yogi uses consciously by the power of his will.

There are others who by chance stumble unaware of this Prana and use it for lower purposes under false names.

As already mentioned, this working of Prana is seen in the systolic and diastolic actions of the heart, when it pumps the blood into arteries through the action of inspiration and expiration during the course of breathing; in the digestion of food; in the excretion of urine and faecal matter; in the manufacture of semen, gastric juice, bile, intestinal juice, saliva; in closing and opening of the eyelids, in walking, playing, running, talking, thinking, reasoning, feeling and willing.

Prana is the link between the astral (subtle or inner body) and physical body. When the slender thread-link Prana is cut off, the astral body separates from the physical body and death takes place. The Prana that was working in the physical body is withdrawn into the astral body.

By controlling the act of breathing one can efficiently control all the various motions in the body and the different nerve-currents that are running through the body. One can easily and quickly control and develop body, mind and soul through breath control or the control of Prana. It is called Pranayama (life force control) that one can control ones circumstances and character, and can consciously harmonize the individual life with the cosmic life.

The breath, when directed by thought is under the control of the will, it is a vitalizing, regenerative force which one can utilize consciously for self-development; for healing many incurable diseases in one’s system and for healing others. The process is in energy follows thought. Where ever we place our attention, energy will follow.

So it is Prana that we are breathing rather than just air. We need to inhale slow and steady and with a concentrated mind. Retain the breath as long as we comfortably can. Then exhale slowly. The breath should be long without any jerking. There should be no strain in any stage of Pranayama.

Seat of Prana

Prana assumes four forms, manas (mind), buddhi (intellect), chitta (consciousness) and ahamkara (ego), according to the different functions it performs. Though Prana is one, it assumes five forms prana (inhalation), apana (excretion), samana (digestion), udana (upward moving current) and vyana (circulation), according to the different functions it performs.

Movement of Prana, the importance of conscious breathing

Inhale the Prana (remember it is the life force within our breath) ideally we do this while being in the fresh air. First fill your stomach (diaphragmatic Breathing) with air, breathe in deeply, and exhale. The best demonstration of this is watching a baby breathing. This type of breathing is very healthy and can be done even while lying in bed.

When we engage in conscious breathing for the purpose of healing any part of the body, we need to be patient with ourselves. We start with first visualizing the area of concern as healthy. We then breathe several times into the afflicted part of our body, always remembering that we work with prana –life force. Feel the breath surrounding the afflicted area. Repeat the process as many days as it is needed. Do not focus on the disease, but on health.

An additional method is, being still, feeling the energy at the base of your spine. Once you are aware of it, you know that you engage consciousness and energy, both coming from the source. Now try to move this energy along the spine, up and down. This gradually brings you into control of prana. This is called pranayama, life force control. All this is very natural, except, that we have never been taught it.

When you finish with you practice, place your attention either into the heart center or into the eye of wisdom, spiritual eye, the place between the eyebrows.  

Be thankful, be happy, and be at peace. This is how the Yogi or Yogini free themselves from diseases and fatigues, by obtaining mastery over the elements of the air.