The Ten Kinds of Air
The Five Primary Prāṇas (Pancha Prāṇa)
These govern major internal systems and movements.
- Prāṇa: Inward-moving energy located in the heart and chest; governs inhalation, swallowing, and sensory intake.
- Apāna: Downward and outward-moving energy located in the pelvic region; governs elimination (excretion, urination), reproduction, and menstruation.
- Samāna: Balancing energy located in the navel; governs digestion, metabolism, and the assimilation of nutrients.
- Vyāna: Pervasive energy throughout the entire body; governs circulation, heart rhythm, and the movement of joints and muscles.
- Udāna: Upward-moving energy located in the throat and head; governs speech, expression, growth, and the separation of the astral body at death.
The Five Upa-prāṇas (Subsidiary Airs)
These manage specific reflex actions and subtle physical responses.
- Nāga: Responsible for belching, hiccups, and the relief of abdominal pressure.
- Kūrma: Controls the blinking of eyes and the opening/closing of eyelids.
- Kṛkala: Triggers sneezing and the sensation of hunger and thirst.
- Devadatta: Induces yawning and the state of sleep or drowsiness.
- Dhanañjaya: Pervades the entire body and remains for a short time even after death; it is said to cause the decomposition of the body.
- The ten kinds of air acting within the body are compared to the spokes of the chariot’s wheels, and the top and bottom of the wheel itself are called religion and irreligion. The living entity in the bodily concept of life is the owner of the chariot. The Vedic mantra praṇava is the bow, the pure living entity himself is the arrow, and the target is the Supreme Being.
Show all
Comments
Post a Comment