Prana

While "energy" or "vital force" are rough approximations, Prana embodies a deeper, more complex meaning. The yogic perspective views the cosmos as alive and breathing, sustained by prana.

The existence of all living and non-living things, from vast universes to tiny blades, is due to prana. Pranic energy particles come in various combinations and permutations, forming an infinite matrix of creation. The core universal prana, whether static or dynamic, underlies all forms of existence from the lowest to the highest.

The life force, or prana, which sustains our physical bodies on Earth, comes from the oxygen in the air, the nourishment from food and water, and the warmth and energy of the sun. Breathing is seen as a crude form of prana by many, but yogis have shown that it is not essential for survival. Death in living beings occurs when the life force, prana, departs, not when oxygen leaves the body.

There are two main categories of prana: universal or maha prana, and individual prana. Residing in the Mooldhara (root chakra), Maha prana is essentially the same as the coiled kundalini energy. Maha prana, also known as the cosmic mother or para shakti, is the initial primal energy emanating from the unmanifested consciousness (para brahman), igniting the creation of the cosmos.

This dynamic interplay of energy (prakriti) and consciousness (purusha), a vibrant dance of creation, is known as cosmic play or ‘Lila,’ resulting in the birth of the universe, ‘Srishti.’ In Samkhya traditions, prakriti, the dynamic cosmic energy, is also referred to as Shakti, while purusha, the pure consciousness, is known as Shiv. With the calming of prana, the serpent power, kundalini, rises to meet consciousness within the Ajna chakra, resulting in a profound state of enlightenment, often described as a tingling sensation between the eyebrows.

"Our essence lies in consciousness, representing 'awareness', while prana signifies 'Becoming' and materializes through motion.” The more we become aware and observe this divine play as detached observers, the purer our prana becomes; we can almost feel the shift in its subtle energy.

Higher feelings, positive thoughts, increased knowledge, meditation, yogic kriyas, and a calm mind all refine an individual's prana. This also directly improves human health, increases lifespan, helps cure diseases, and fosters greater consciousness. When the brain is deprived of enough prana, irritability and negative thoughts ensue.

By managing the breath, one can control prana, thus calming the mind and increasing prana's energy. This awakens dormant parts of the brain, those regions left inactive for years, bringing a sense of mental clarity. The high levels of pranic energy possessed by a yogi manifest as radiating health, strength, love, and compassion. Energy, similar to water in osmosis, flows from those with high energy to those with low energy.

The quality of prana is materially affected by our actions and thoughts, which vibrate at different frequencies. Our personal prana is affected, both directly and indirectly, by the amount of prana present in its various sources.

Using a pendulum to measure subtle radiations and wavelengths, French researcher Andre Simoneton developed a method for determining the pranic value of food. Fresh fruits and vegetables were discovered to have frequencies of 10,000 angstroms, which is higher than the basic human wavelengths of 6.5 thousand.

Meanwhile, weak radiation foods like cooked meat, sausages, junk food, and processed food have frequencies of 3000 angstroms. Alcoholic liquors, tobacco products, white flour, and white sugar were among the foods identified as lifeless. Maybe the illnesses result from these foods' low vibrational frequencies, disrupting human energy flow and causing blockages.

Our experiences show that the frequency of food is not only affected by the type of food but also by the intention and thoughts we put into cooking it; we've noticed a distinct difference in the energy of a meal depending on the cook's mindset. The superior air quality near mountains, rivers, and pilgrimage sites, with its higher concentration of life-giving prana, is what makes these areas feel so revitalizing, in stark contrast to polluted urban environments.

Human prana, our unique life energy, is part of the larger cosmic prana; we only see ourselves as isolated until the illusion is shattered. By practicing yogic kriyas and pranayama, we cultivate an awareness of prana, the life force, leading to a heightened sense of energy and well-being.

As prana flows from the root chakra (Mooldhara) to the third eye (Ajna), a noticeable heat builds, raising its vibrational frequency. If we perceive all energy and vibrations, many amazing hidden mysteries may unfold, leading to a transcendence of duality and a state of Sat-Chit-Ananda—truth, consciousness, and bliss—felt as a harmonious resonance.

• Some references taken from the book “ Prana and Pranayama “ by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati