Significance of Vital force
Vital force, a central concept in Hinduism, refers to the essential energy or life principle that sustains living beings and is intimately connected to various aspects of existence. In Vaishnavism, it embodies the energy within the body that influences functions and sustains life. It is often equated with 'prana', the life energy essential for respiration and other vital processes. Vital force also represents the link between the Supreme and all beings, emphasizing its role across multiple spiritual traditions and practices, including Ayurveda and Vedanta.
Synonyms: Life force, Energy, Vitality, Animating principle, Essence, Spirit, Elan vital, Life energy, Vital energy, Vital essence, Vital spirit, Prana.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Vital force'
Vital force in Buddhism signifies the essential energy vital to both consciousness and matter, representing the life-giving essence that sustains living beings and supports their existence and interactions in the world.
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The life-giving energy or essence that sustains living organisms.[1]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The essential energy that sustains life, found in both consciousness and matter.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Vital force'
In Hinduism, the Vital Force, or 'prana', is the life energy sustaining all beings, embodying the connection to Brahman and Atman. It represents essential functions, such as respiration and life processes, integral to existence.
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The essential energy described as fivefold due to the five different functions it performs in the body.[3] (2) The essential life energy that sustains living beings, mentioned in relation to the understanding of Brahman.[4] (3) A concept mentioned by Varuna, possibly related to the essence or life force, which is part of the indirect explanation of Brahman.[5] (4) The essential energy or force that sustains life, regarded as the life of all in the context of the text.[6] (5) These represent the life-giving energies that are integral to the manifestation of existence.[7]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Specifically refers to prana, one of the five elements representing the physical self, indicating the fundamental energy needed for life.[8] (2) Another term for prana, which signifies the life force essential for existence.[9] (3) Prana, considered the first part of Brahman, representing the essential life force that sustains all living beings.[10] (4) An essential energy or aspect that facilitates the individual self's departure from the body at the time of death.[11] (5) The essential energy or life force within the body that sustains biological functions.[12]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The vital force is a central concept representing life energy, which is equated with the Uktha, Yajus, Saman, and Kshatra, and is responsible for raising the universe and uniting all beings.[13] (2) The pure essence represented in various contexts, significant for meditation and the attainment of divinity.[14] (3) Represented as the bull of the cow, speech; it is essential for making the Vedas fruitful and impactful.[15] (4) The vital force is described as truth and is the essence that sustains existence.[16] (5) The life energy that is believed to inhabit the body and is linked to the workings of the Internal Ruler.[17]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The essential energy or life force, often referred to as Prana, which influences the individual soul and its experiences.[18] (2) The ordinary interpretation of Prana, which denotes the life energy; however, in this context, it does not refer to this meaning but to Brahman.[19] (3) The essential energies or Pranas that are critical for life and well-being, illustrating their connection and control through practices like Pranayama.[20] (4) The essential life energy that continues to function even when the mind ceases its activities, particularly in dying individuals.[21] (5) The essential energy or life force that accompanies the soul and is connected with the functioning of the body’s organs.[22]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Prana, which represents the life energy or vital force that manifests in various forms.[23] (2) Also referred to as Pranas, these are the life forces or energies that are integral to the functioning of the body and mind.[24] (3) These are depicted as the branches of the tree, representing life energy sustaining the body.[25]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Another aspect attributed to Atman, understood as Prana.[26] (2) The term reflects the personal claim each individual has over the energy of life, symbolizing both awareness and the misconception of autonomy.[27]
From: Isopanisad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A term used to describe the life-giving energy, constituting the connection between the Supreme and all beings.[28]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The essential energy or life principle that combines with earthly elements to form living beings.[29]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The energies in the universe that are maintained by Vishnu and Rudra, crucial for the cycle of creation and destruction.[30]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The inherent energies that govern life and consciousness, often discussed in connection to the cycle of life and death.[31]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) Refers to Vayu, which divides the fetus into its bodily components, including limbs and organs.[32]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) An essential energy believed to drive vital processes vital for growth, organization, and life in organisms.[33]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The essential energy within the body that sustains life and influences bodily functions.[34]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) An energetic aspect of spirituality that influences artistic, cultural, and personal expression, particularly noted in the works of authors like Yeats.[35]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Refers to essential spiritual concepts that are invoked during rituals, particularly in relation to prosperity and priesthood.[36]
The concept of Vital force in scientific sources
Vital forces denote the life-giving energy, akin to Prana in yogic traditions, believed to animate living organisms by permeating their essence and sustaining life.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) The life energy within individuals, often referred to as prana in Ayurvedic terminology.[37] (2) Another term for Prana, representing the essential energy that sustains life and health in the body.[38] (3) The essential energy or life force in the body that is enhanced by the use of pearl in Unani medicine.[39] (4) The essential energies that sustain life, held within the Marma points, which are pivotal for maintaining health according to Ayurveda.[40] (5) Ojas is described as the vital force helping in the sustenance of the body and enabling it to fight diseases.[41]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) The life-giving energy that is thought to animate organisms, often related to the concept of Prana in yogic traditions.[42]