Prana, aka: Prāṇā, Prāṇa; 7 Definition(s)

Introduction

Prana means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Śaivism (Śaiva philosophy)

Prāṇā (प्राणा):—Third of the eight Mātṛs born from the body of Calanī, according to the Kubjikāmata-tantra. These eight sub-manifestations (mātṛ), including Prāṇā, symbolize a relation to the wind. Prāṇā itself represents prāṇa, one of the five vital airs. They are presided over by the Bhairava Asitāṅga. Calanī is the fifth of the Eight Mahāmātṛs, residing within the Mātṛcakra (third of the five cakras) and represents wind.

Prāṇa (प्राण).—Indian thought believes that between the body and the mind or between the material or physical energy and mental energy, there is prāṇa which is an intermediary link between the two. The word prāṇa has been variously translated as the vital force, biological energy, bio-plasma, etc. According to Indian Philosophy, between the body and manas or mind, there is prāṇa which serves as a link between the two.

Prāṇa is not mind; it is insentient, but it is not like gross physical energy which catches the vibrations of the mind and transmits them to the nerves and plexuses and also physical vibrations to the mind. By cotnrolling the mind one can control the prāṇa, and by controlling the prāṇa, one can control the mind. According to Śaivāgama, prāṇa is not something alien to saṃvit or consciousness, but the first evolute of saṃvit (consciousness). In the process of creation saṃvit or consciousness is at first transformed into prāṇa. So prāṇa is a phase of consciousness itself.

The word prāṇa is thus used in three senses—

1. in a general sense of prāṇa-śakti or life-force,
2. in a specific sense according to the various biological functions,
3. in the sense of breath.

Purāṇa

1a) Prāṇa (प्राण).—A son of Vidhātri and Niyatī (āyati-br. p.). His wife was Puṇḍarīkā and Dyutimān was his son.^*

• * Bhāgavata-purāṇa IV. 1. 44-45; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 11. 6-9, 40.

1b) A Vasu and a son of Dharma; married Ūrjasvatī. Father of Saha and two other sons.^*

• * Bhāgavata-purāṇa VI. 6. 11-12; Viṣṇu-purāṇa I. 15. 113.

1c) A Bhārgava and a sage of the Svārociṣa epoch.^*

• * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 36. 17; Matsya-purāṇa 9. 8.

1d) A son of Dhara;¹ a Sādhya.²

• 1) Matsya-purāṇa 5. 24.
• 2) Ib. 203. 11; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 3. 16.

1e) A son of Angiras;¹ a Sādhya;² a Tuṣita;³ an Ajitadeva.⁴

• 1) Matsya-purāṇa 196. 2; Vāyu-purāṇa 65. 105.
• 2) Ib. 66. 15.
• 3) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 3. 19; Vāyu-purāṇa 66. 18.
• 4) Ib. 67. 34.

1f) The antarātma; it is anna or food; anna is Brahmā, etc.; from this grows creatures. (cf. Upaniṣad; also Yajur Veda);¹ one of the Vāyus which determine the karma of people;² is jīva.³

• 1) Vāyu-purāṇa 15. 14.
• 2) Ib. 21. 47; 31. 41.
• 3) Ib. 102. 101.

1g) A son of Dhātṛ and father of Dyutimat.^*

• * V. I. 10. 4-5.

1h) One of the seven seers of the Svārociṣa epoch.^*

• * Viṣṇu-purāṇa III. 1. 11.

Āyurveda (science of life)

Prāṇa (प्राण).—One of the five upadoṣas (sub-functions) of vāta (one of the three biological humors).—

Location of prāṇa: Head, chest and brain.

Functions of prāṇa: Perceptions and movements of all kinds, respiratory activity, swallowing of food, conversion of breath into life-force, spitting and sneezing.

Ailments of prāṇa due to vitiation: Hiccoughs, cough, bronchial asthma, cold, sore throat and other respiratory complaints, giddiness, syncope and other neurological disorders.

General definition (in Hinduism)

The first prana is known as Prana. It is located between the diaphragm and the throat. This prana is an upward flowing force. It maintains the function of the lungs and heart, and is responsible for inhalation and exhalation, and for the swallowing and regurgitation of food. Although it is an upward moving force in general, it also has the ability to move downward in that region.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

prāṇa (प्राण).—m (S) A vital air. Five are enumerated, viz. prāṇa, apāna, vyāna, udāna, samāna. 2 The first of the five, used, from its seat in the lungs, preeminently, and expressing life or vitality. 3 fig. Anything dearly loved. 4 Breath, air inhaled. 5 Air or wind. For figurative senses, phrases, and applications of this word besides the few subjoined here see under jīva. ughaḍyā ḍōḷyānēṃ prāṇa jāta nāhīṃ One cannot die or rest in tranquility whilst his eyes are open (unto some iniquity or impropriety). prāṇa uraṇēṃ g. of s. To be but alive. prāṇa ōkaṇēṃ To indulge excessive sorrow. 2 To long after vehemently. prāṇa pl jāṇēṃ g. of s. To die. prāṇa ṭhēvaṇēṃ To set one's heart and affections upon. 2 Phrase. mī prāṇa ṭhēvaṇāra nāhīṃ I will not live. prāṇa dēṇēṃ To give up or resign one's life. prāṇa vāhaṇēṃ To devote one's self, soul and spirit, to the service of. Ex. prāṇa vāhilā pāyāvarī ||. prāṇa sōkhaṇēṃ g. of s. To be parched with thirst. 2 To long and pant for; to thirst after. prāṇa sōḍaṇēṃ To resign one's breath. prāṇācā vālhī Lord of one's life, viz. a husband. prāṇāpēkṣā kaṭhīṇa Worse than death. prāṇāśīṃ jāṇēṃ To lose life (through some violence or with prematureness).

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