Prana can be defined as vital or bio energy. This vital force not only sustains the body, but also creation at every level. If prana were withdrawn from the universe, there wold be total disintegration. All beings, living or non-living, exist due to prana.
Scientific research describes prana as a complex multidimensional energy; a combination of electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, photonics, ocular, thermal and mental energies.
Everyone is born with a certain quantum of prana, but the quantity and quality change continuously, as one goes through life. Positive thoughts, higher feelings and yogic practices generate higher levels of prana.
Prana flows within and around the body, keeping every system, organ and cell of the body alive and active. The physical body works ceaselessly to maintain a state of balance or homeostasis, sustained and supported by prana. Thus, maintaining the integrity of prana requires constant care and attention. When there is vitality in the pranic body, the whole body and mind remain vitalized and nourished and homeostasis is supported. On the other hand, when energy is depleted, the body and mind are affected and imbalance occurs. It is explained in the texts that imbalanced prana leads to physical disease. If prana is blocked, depleted or excessive, disease results. The understanding of the nature of prana and the holistic approach in relation to healing the physical body can be found in many ancient civilizations. For example, traditional oriental medicine is one healing system that reflects a thorough understanding of the prance body and it’s interconnectedness with the physical body. Pranic healing, the science and art of healing with energy, is another healing system. It has been used for millennia. Originally, pranic healing was only known and practiced by a chosen few: the yogis, shamans, medicine men, and traditional healers. The knowledge and art was transmitted directly from master to disciple, often involving a series of initiations or energy transmissions.
In this episode, we talk about Prana vidya and Pranayama. Prana vidya, literally “the science of the life force”, has been a part of every spiritual tradition since time immemorial. References can be found in the Upanishads, dating back to 500 BC. The practices of pranayama have been know in India for over 4000 years. It has been mentioned in many of the main texts of yoga including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita and Hatharatnavali. It is said that prior to being “written down” these practices were passed on through oral tradition. Now, through the yogic renaissance that has come forth in the past few decades, asana, meditation and pranayama have become household names; however the real depth of these practices remains unexplored for most practitioners. Both pranayama and prana vidya require various practices to prepare and maintain the body, mind and pranas, especially prana vidya, and should only be attempted under the guidance of a guru or very experienced yogic master who really understand this system.
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