WHAT IS PRANA?
Prana is the sum total of all energy that is manifested in the universe. It is the vital force,Sukshma. Breath is the external manifestation of Prana. By exercising control over this gross
breath, you can control the subtle Prana inside. Control of Prana means control of mind. Mind
cannot operate without the help of Prana. It is the Sukshma Prana that is intimately connected with
the mind. Prana is the sum total of all latent forces which are hidden in men and which lie
everywhere around us. Heat, light, electricity, magnetism are all the manifestations of Prana. Prana
is related to mind; through mind to the will; through will to the individual soul, and through this to
the Supreme Being.
The seat of Prana is the heart. Prana is one; but it has many functions to do. Hence it assumes
five names according to the different functions it performs, viz., Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and
Vyana. According to the different functions they perform, they occupy certain places in the body.
The table given in the following pages will give you a clear idea.
Breath directed by thought under the control of the will is a vitalising, regenerated force
which can be utilised consciously for self-development, for healing many incurable diseases and
for many other useful purposes. Hatha Yogins consider that Prana Tattva is superior to Manas
Tattva (mind), as Prana is present even when mind is absent during deep sleep. Hence Prana plays a
more vital part than mind.
If you know how to control the little waves of Prana working through mind, then the secret
of subjugating the universal Prana will be known to you. The Yogin who becomes an expert in the
knowledge of this secret, will have no fear from any power, because he has mastery over all
manifestations of power in the Universe. What is commonly known as Power of Personality is
nothing more than the natural capacity of a person to wield his Prana. Some people are more
powerful in life, more influential and fascinating than others. It is all through this Prana, which the
Yogin uses consciously by the command of his will.
Having acquired a thorough knowledge of the seat of Nadis and of the Vayus with their
functions, one should begin with the purification of Nadis. A person possessed of Yama and
Niyama, avoiding all company, having finished his course of study, delighting in Truth and virtues,
having conquered his anger, being engaged in the service of his spiritual instructor and well
instructed in all the religious practices, should go to a secluded place for Yoga Abhyasa.
niyama, avoiding all company, having finished his course of study, delighting in Truth and virtues,
having conquered his anger, being engaged in the service of his spiritual instructor and well
instructed in all the religious practices, should go to a secluded place for Yoga Abhyasa.
