Interpreting Prana, The Life Force Of The Universe

Interpreting Prana, The Life Force Of The Universe

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Prana is a Sanskrit term that refers to the sustaining force of life that prevails in not only the living organisms but the universe as well. It is the notion that there is a life-sustaining force and vital energy among the living beings and the universe. The term can be broken down into pra which means "prior" and ana which refers to a singular element or the basic unit that is the foundation of everything in the universe. It is similar to the Chinese concept of Qi.

It is a concept central to the teaching of Yoga and Ayurveda in which it is believed to be flowing across a network of fine channels known as nadis. In the teachings of Yoga, there are 3 main channels or nadis wherein the so-called force of life flows; the ida, pingala and sushumna. Right side of the brain along with the left side of the body constitutes the ida. This channel terminates at the left nostril. Pingala is the left side of the brain and the right side of the body and terminates at the right nostril. Sushumna is the central pathway and it is the path that connects the base chakra to the crown chakra.

The Ayurveda further classifies this life-force into five sub-categories. These are referred to as the vital currents or vayus and are the essential principles of basic energy. Furthermore, they are considered as the subtle foundations of every individual responsible for sustaining physiological processes. These forces function in unison together to govern not just the body's physical but its emotional qualities and mental energies as well. Certain practices believe that optimizing the function of these vayus is vital in uplifting one's self and restoring health. The first vayu is known as the prana vayu which literally translated, means forward moving air. It governs the region from the throat to the bottom of the heart. It is the energy that governs assimilation or the receiving of things entering the body such as food, liquids and air as well as sensory impressions and even information and experiences. This vayu is responsible for maintaining the body's proper temperature with respect to the environment as well as sustaining the vital organs. The Apana vayu is translated as the air that moves away. It is responsible for the elimination of wastes from the body. This is the energy that flows through the lower abdomen to the floor of the pelvis. It is also the essential moving force in the process of reproduction. Samana vayu is the balancing air and the digestive fire that powers the body's metabolism.

It governs the area between the bottom of the heart and the navel. Udana vayu is responsible for producing sounds vocally. It rules the region of the head and the throat. Lastly, Vyana vayu serves as the connecting force and it coordinates all the powers in the body and runs through the whole body. The knowledge of this Hindu concept is useful in the practice of Yoga and other healing and health practices. And although this concept cannot be measured by most standards of the modern world, belief in the life force of prana still dominates in a number of cultures and its importance is often highlighted in spiritual and medical practices.

About the Author:
When the Shadows Began to Dance, Is a fascinating fictional story of Nelly Reyes, whose life is weighted down by "the shadows." She struggles with family crises and mental illness, until she learns that she has the power to unleash the chains that the shadows have placed around her and those she loves.
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