Significance of Prana
Prana is a crucial concept across various Indian philosophies, representing the vital life force or energy that sustains life. In Jainism, it relates to respiration and the life force severed during sallekhana practice. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes prana as energy manipulated through meditation and yogic practices. Vaishnavism and Ayurveda discuss prana in terms of breath, health, and the essential energy influencing bodily functions. Overall, prana signifies the life force that animates living beings and is critical for health, spiritual progress, and the interconnectedness of existence.
Synonyms: Life force, Vital energy, Breath, Mana, Spirit, Vital essence
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Prana'
Prana in Buddhism is interpreted as the vital life energy cultivated through yogic and meditation practices, flowing through the body’s channels, manipulated via techniques like Vase Breathing to enhance transformation and balance within the chakras.
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) Life force energy that is manipulated through practices like Vase Breathing to facilitate the Transformation Yoga.[1] (2) The vital life energy that flows through the body's channels and is cultivated during yogic practices.[2] (3) The vital life forces that are gathered and refined through meditation practices in the chakras.[3] (4) Vital energies or life forces within the body that are managed through various yogic practices.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Prana'
Prana in Hinduism signifies the essential life force animating the body, differentiating sentient from non-sentient beings, integral to health, rituals, spiritual progress, and philosophical understanding, embodying universal energy and consciousness.
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The vital life force or energy that is essential for sustaining life.[5] (2) The vital life force that flows through the body and is connected to the spiritual essence of Atma.[6] (3) The vital life force or energy that sustains life and is associated with the breath.[7] (4) The life force or vital energy that animates the body and is essential for its functions.[8] (5) Life force or vital energy that is associated with the act of breathing and is central to various yogic practices.[9]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The life forces or vital energies that surround and support the Self, as mentioned in the context of their connection to the heart.[10] (2) Various forms of vital energy or breath that are discussed in relation to their function and nature, particularly in philosophical and scriptural contexts.[11] (3) The vital breath or life force; described as non-produced and existing even before the creation of the world, aligning with the essential nature of the soul.[12] (4) Life force or vital energy that can be misidentified in meditation as Brahman, indicating a lesser form of meditation.[13] (5) The life force or vital energy that is central to the discussion, capable of being perceived as both infinite and minute.[14]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Refers to the vital breaths that are said to encompass all organs, as they give life and function to them.[15] (2) An essential life force represented by the white dog, highlighting its significance in the context of scholarly study and perception.[16] (3) Vital breath or life force that is associated with all the organs that are to be worshipped.[17] (4) The vital life force in the eastern passage of the heart that is also identified with the eyes and Aditya.[18] (5) The vital forces based in the human heart which sustain life.[19]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) An aspect of Sutratman that signifies its power of acting.[20] (2) The life force or vital energy that is considered crucial for the existence of life.[21] (3) The vital force or life energy that is limited by the physical body, yet seeks to merge with a higher state of being.[22] (4) The vital air associated with inhalation and sustaining life.[23] (5) The vital force or life energy that is subsequent to manas in the context of the self’s limiting conditions or upadhis.[24]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The vital force or consciousness that binds the mind and serves as the essence in which all beings exist.[25] (2) A term representing vital energy or life force, perceived entities that are imagined separate from the Atman.[26] (3) The vital life force that is negated in the understanding of the ultimate nature of the Atman.[27] (4) The causal Self or highest manifestation of Atman, through which all interpretations and understandings of Atman are derived and explained.[28]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The vital breath or life force that is a key element in the interaction between Brahman and the physical body.[29] (2) The life force or vital energies within beings that connect them to the consciousness of Brahman.[30] (3) Life principles or vital forces that are said to not depart from the body upon the death of a Brahmavid, indicating that true energy remains.[31]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The vital life force or energy that is regarded as the abode of Brahman.[32] (2) The life force or vital energy that sustains all living beings.[33]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Vital energies that are part of the body and contribute to the binding of the Jiva.[34] (2) The vital energy or life force that is familiar to all, formed with the five organs of action.[35]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Vital forces or life-breaths, representing both the organs of speech and essential life components in the context of the sacrifice.[36] (2) The vital life force or energy in living beings, which is nourished and satisfied through sacred offerings.[37]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) In Hindu philosophy, it refers to the vital life force or breath, associated with the concept of Asu.[38] (2) Refers to the vital life force that permeates all existence, closely related to the concept of yonder person residing in beings.[39]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The life force or vital energy that breathes and operates within the body, often associated with breath.[40] (2) The vital force that plays a crucial role in the body's functioning and indicates connection to the self.[41]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A term used to describe the vital life force or energy, which is considered an object of ignorance and a falsehood in the context provided.[42]
From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The life force or vital energy associated with the universe, created by the Lord.[43]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The vital life force that originates from the Supreme, causing all creation to tremble and fear, leading to the realization of immortality.[44]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A significant concept discussed in the Upanishad, noted particularly for its epithet prathama meaning 'The First', underscoring its role.[45]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) This Prana is born of the atman and is described as a principle analogous to a shadow, representing the vital force in the body.[46]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The vital energies or life forces associated with various aspects of existence.[47] (2) The vital life force or breath that animates the embodied being, represented as different Vayus in the body.[48] (3) The vital breath that the Devi enters as to facilitate the processes of birth and death in various forms.[49]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The vital life force or energy in the body that is crucial for health and spiritual progress.[50] (2) The vital life force or energy that governs all physiological functions and plays a vital role in practices of Yoga and meditation.[51] (3) The vital life force or energy that governs physical movements and internal processes; its control can lead to longevity and peace.[52]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The vital breath or life force that animates the body and is associated with action.[53] (2) The vital life force or energy that distinguishes sentient beings from non-sentient ones.[54]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Vital energy or life force that should be united with the mind and held within Brahma.[55] (2) The life force or vital energy that first flows from the semen, associated with the breath of life.[56]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The first of the five life-winds, which a yogin learns to control and unite with the Supreme Spirit (Brahman).[57]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The life-wind that comes first into operation and is involved in the process of creation and life.[58]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Life force or vital energy; in the context of Samkhya, the unification of atoms leads to the emergence of life.[59]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The life force or vital air that sustains living beings, symbolized within yogic practices.[60]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The breath of life that is pivotal in determining one's lifespan and vitality.[61]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The vital air or life force in the body that is regulated in breath control practices.[62]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The vital life force, which is introduced into the fire during the recitation of a specific formula for food and protection.[63] (2) The life force or vital energy, significant in various rituals for invoking health and vitality.[64] (3) The vital life force or energy in Hindu belief, significant in sacrificial contexts.[65] (4) The vital breath or life force that is acknowledged and invoked for preservation during rituals.[66]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Vital energies or life forces that are the subject of offerings in sacrificial practices.[67] (2) One of the five life-breaths that constitute the Puryashtaka, representing life force.[68]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Breath or vital energy in spiritual contexts.[69] (2) Life force or vital energy that is significant in the practice of meditation and spiritual learning.[70]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to the life force or soul (atma) that sustains the body, indicating the essential breath of life.[71] (2) Life energies that facilitate bodily functions and strength.[72]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A vital energy or life force that moves throughout the body and can take shelter in different elements.[73]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A form of vital air that travels from the heart through the mouth and nostrils.[74]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The chief life force responsible for vital sensations and actions within the body.[75]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The vital life force or energy that is believed to circulate within the body and is integral to spiritual practices.[76]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 2: Nidanasthana
(1) Vital energy or life force in Ayurveda that is interconnected with the concepts of Vayu, and essential for maintaining health and balance in the body.[77]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) The eleven organs of sense that function in conjunction with the body.[78]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) The vital life force that the Holy Master supposedly reinstates in the Brahmin lady's son, resulting in his revival.[79]
From: Annadatri-carita (study)
(1) Associated with Anna, it is considered a preserver of life and embodies the essence of eating and nourishment.[80]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The life force or breath that influences the utterance of words.[81] (2) The life force or essence believed to be inherent in all living beings, linked to consciousness and existence.[82]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The vital force that animates living beings, manifesting the universal life energy and linking consciousness with physical form.[83]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The vital air or life force that contributes to the functioning of the self.[84]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) the life force; an essential element representing vitality or breath.[85]
Jain concept of 'Prana'
In Jainism, Prana signifies life through respiration and represents vital energies that can be willingly relinquished in sallekhana, reflecting a non-harmful approach to detachment from life's forces.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Vitalities or life force that are severed in the practice of sallekhana; their severance is not viewed as self-harm when done willingly and without faults.[86]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A term denoting respiration as a form of life; signifies being alive through inhaling and exhaling.[87]
The concept of Prana in local and regional sources
Prana signifies vital air and is one of five elemental forces essential for life and bodily functions. The other four—Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana—work together to sustain health and vitality.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Vital air comprising five elements associated with life and bodily functions: Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana.[88]
The concept of Prana in scientific sources
Prana is vital life energy in Ayurveda, essential for health and vitality, particularly linked to the Nabhi. It flows within the body, and yoga practices enhance its circulation, promoting overall well-being.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) In Ayurvedic philosophy, Prana refers to the vital life force that exists within all living beings, which Marma Chikitsa aims to balance and restore through its techniques.[89] (2) Life force or vital energy that resides in the body, particularly concentrated at Marma points, influencing one's health and vitality.[90] (3) The vital life force essential for sustaining life and health.[91] (4) Vital life force in Ayurveda considered essential for sustaining life, notably linked to the concept of jivsthan.[92] (5) Vital energy in the body, closely linked to the sites of Marma which hold medical significance.[93]
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Life energy believed to be situated at marma points; an essential concept in Ayurveda, representing the vital force controlling life functions.[94] (2) The vital energy or life force that is essential for health and wellness in Ayurvedic practice.[95] (3) Prana is the vital life energy in Ayurveda that animates life and is influenced by practices like Pranayam to enhance overall health.[96] (4) Prana is the vital energy or life force located at the marma points, essential for the functioning of the body, mind, and soul.[97] (5) Vital life force in Ayurveda that is influenced by proper digestion and absorption processes supported by Agni.[98]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine
(1) The vital life force in Ayurvedic philosophy integral to health and vitality.[99] (2) Prana is considered vital life energy in Ayurveda, associated with the functions of the body and is believed to be situated at the site of Nabhi, linking it to the overall health and vitality of an individual.[100] (3) The life force or vital energy that flows within the body and is essential for health; yoga practices enhance its circulation.[101]