Prana
"Life is prana, prana is life. So long as the prana remains in this body, so long there is life. Through prana, one obtains, even in this world, immortality."
3.2 Kaushutaki- Upanishad
In many eastern cultures and philosophies, there is a common belief in the existence of a life force. In the yoga tradition, this force is recognized as prana.
In Sanskrit, prana is comprised of two syllables "pra" meaning constant and "na" meaning movement. Therefore, prana can be defined as 'constant motion.
Prana is the energy that enlivens us as well as the rest of the universe. It is not something you can see or touch, but through the practice of yoga, you will feel it coursing through and around your body as the blood courses through the veins.
According to the Yoga Sutras, we first practice asana to remove obstructions that block the flow of prana. We then move on to pranayama to cultivate, control and maximize the flow of prana through our systems. This raises our vibration, awareness and overall state of mind. The systems in our bodies move towards healing and begin to function at an optimal level. Expanding and elevating our pranic field is a far more beneficial goal to have in yoga than a press-up handstand (legit mic drop there).
Yoga lists five specific movements of prana called the vayus, which can be translated as winds. I’ve written about the vayus or winds in previous blogs. In short: These five winds govern different areas of the body and the goal is to have them function in harmony with each other to bring about a state of physical, mental and spiritual balance.
BKS lyengar surmised that "Prana is the force which permeates both the individual as well as the universe at all levels. It is at once physical, sexual, mental, intellectual, spiritual and cosmic. Prana, the breath, and the mind are inextricably linked to each other."
The "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" written by sage Svatmarama in the 15th century concludes that the control of prana is the key to super-awareness or Samadhi.
Prana can be felt grossly as you move through asana, but its subtleties can take years if not lifetimes to feel, control, and understand. Do not be discouraged if the concept remains elusive. Maintain an openness to the possibilities that float on the ease of your respiration. Remember: yoga is a practice of many intricacies.
