Dr.Ashutosh U[padhyay
Vedic concept of prana
In Vedic philosophy, prana is the Sanskrit word for “life force” or “vital energy.” It is believed to be the fundamental energy that animates all living beings and the universe itself.
According to the Vedas, prana is present in everything, from the smallest subatomic particle to the largest celestial body. It is believed to flow through the body in channels called nadis and is responsible for sustaining life, consciousness, and spiritual growth.
The concept of prana is closely related to the practice of pranayama, which involves the regulation and control of breath to increase prana and improve physical and mental health. In the yogic tradition, prana is said to be connected to the chakras, or energy centers in the body, and can be harnessed through specific practices such as meditation and yoga postures.
The Vedic concept of prana recognizes the vital importance of energy in all aspects of life and emphasizes the cultivation and harmonization of this energy for optimal physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Types of prana
In Vedic philosophy, there are believed to be five types of prana, known as the five pranas or pancha pranas. These five pranas are considered to be the main energies that sustain the body and mind and are responsible for various physiological and psychological functions.
The five types of prana are:
Prana: This is the upward-moving energy responsible for inhalation, oxygenation, and circulation. It is associated with the heart and chest area.
Apana: This is the downward-moving energy responsible for elimination, excretion, and reproduction. It is associated with the lower abdomen and pelvic region.
Samana: This is the energy responsible for the digestion and assimilation of food. It is associated with the navel area.
Udana: This is the energy responsible for speech, expression, and the upward movement of consciousness. It is associated with the throat and head.
Vyana: This is the energy responsible for circulation, coordination, and movement. It pervades the entire body and is associated with the heart.
These five pranas work together to sustain the body and mind and can be balanced and harmonized through various practices such as pranayama, yoga, and meditation.
Five sub prana
in addition to the five main pranas, there are also five sub-pranas or upa-pranas, which are considered to be the secondary energies that support the main pranas. The five sub-pranas are:
Naga: This sub-prana controls belching, hiccups, and swallowing.
Kurma: This sub-prana controls the movement of the eyelids and protects the eyes.
Krkara: This sub-prana controls sneezing, coughing, and yawning.
Devadatta: This sub-prana is responsible for the process of relaxation and sleep.
Dhananjaya: This sub-prana controls the heartbeat and blood flow.
These sub-pranas play an important role in maintaining the overall balance and flow of pranic energy in the body. They can be regulated and harmonized through various practices such as pranayama, yoga, and meditation, which help to increase awareness and control over the subtle energies of the body.
Functions of prana and up prana
Prana and upa-pranas play important roles in regulating various physiological and psychological functions in the body. Here are some of the key functions of prana and upa-pranas:
Prana: Prana is the primary life force that sustains the body and mind. It is responsible for the intake of oxygen and nutrients into the body, and for the circulation of blood, lymph, and other fluids. Prana also regulates the nervous system, controlling the flow of energy between the body and the environment. It is responsible for overall vitality, strength, and well-being.
Naga: Naga is responsible for controlling the muscles used in swallowing, burping, and hiccuping. It also helps to regulate the digestive system by controlling the opening and closing of the esophagus.
Kurma: Kurma controls the movement of the eyelids and helps to protect the eyes from external stimuli such as dust, wind, and light. It also helps to regulate the flow of tears and other fluids in the eyes.
Krkara: Krkara controls the muscles used in sneezing, coughing, and yawning. It helps to expel foreign particles and other irritants from the respiratory system.
Devadatta: Devadatta is responsible for the process of relaxation and sleep. It helps to calm the mind and body, and is important for overall mental and emotional health.
Dhananjaya: Dhananjaya controls the heartbeat and blood flow, and is responsible for maintaining the overall health of the cardiovascular system.
Overall, prana and upa-pranas work together to regulate various functions in the body and help to maintain overall health and well-being. Through practices such as pranayama, yoga, and meditation, individuals can increase their awareness and control over these subtle energies, leading to greater physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.
Prana and seven chakras
In Vedic philosophy, prana is believed to flow through channels called nadis, which intersect at various points in the body known as chakras. The chakras are considered to be energy centers that correspond to different physiological and psychological functions in the body and are associated with specific qualities, elements, colors, and sounds.
Here is a brief overview of how prana is connected to each of the seven chakras:
Root chakra (Muladhara): The root chakra is associated with the element of earth and the color red. It is located at the base of the spine and is associated with a sense of grounding, stability, and survival. Prana is said to flow through the root chakra, providing a foundation for the other chakras to build upon.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): The sacral chakra is associated with the element of water and the color orange. It is located in the lower abdomen and is associated with a sense of creativity, sensuality, and emotional expression. Prana is said to flow through the sacral chakra, providing energy for these functions.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): The solar plexus chakra is associated with the element of fire and the color yellow. It is located in the upper abdomen and is associated with a sense of personal power, confidence, and willpower. Prana is said to flow through the solar plexus chakra, providing energy for these functions.
Heart Chakra (Anahata): The heart chakra is associated with the element of air and the color green. It is located in the center of the chest and is associated with a sense of love, compassion, and connection. Prana is said to flow through the heart chakra, providing energy for these functions.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): The throat chakra is associated with the element of ether and the color blue. It is located in the throat and is associated with the sense of communication, self-expression, and truth. Prana is said to flow through the throat chakra, providing energy for these functions.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): The third eye chakra is associated with the element of light and the color indigo. It is located in the center of the forehead and is associated with the sense of intuition, insight, and spiritual awareness. Prana is said to flow through the third eye chakra, providing energy for these functions.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): The crown chakra is associated with the element of consciousness and the color violet. It is located at the top of the head and is associated with the sense of oneness, transcendence, and spiritual awakening. Prana is said to flow through the crown chakra, connecting us to the divine and providing energy for spiritual growth and transformation.
Overall, the flow of prana through the chakras is believed to be essential for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and can be balanced and harmonized through various practices such as pranayama, yoga, and meditation.
The connection between Prana, chakra and the Beeja mantra
There is a connection between prana, chakras, and bija mantras. Bija mantras are specific sound vibrations that are associated with each of the seven chakras. These mantras are said to activate and balance the energy of the corresponding chakra, allowing prana to flow freely and promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Here is a brief overview of the bija mantras associated with each chakra:
Root chakra (Muladhara): The bija mantra for the root chakra is “LAM,” which is associated with the element of earth and the color red.
Sacral chakra (Svadhisthana): The bija mantra for the sacral chakra is “VAM,” which is associated with the element of water and the color orange.
Solar Plexus chakra (Manipura): The bija mantra for the solar plexus chakra is “RAM,” which is associated with the element of fire and the color yellow.
Heart chakra (Anahata): The bija mantra for the heart chakra is “YAM,” which is associated with the element of air and the color green.
Throat chakra (Vishuddha): The bija mantra for the throat chakra is “HAM,” which is associated with the element of ether and the color blue.
Third Eye chakra (Ajna): The bija mantra for the third eye chakra is “OM” or “AUM,” which is associated with the element of light and the color indigo.
Crown chakra (Sahasrara): The bija mantra for the crown chakra is “AH” or “AUM,” which is associated with the element of consciousness and the color violet.
By chanting these bija mantras, individuals can activate and balance the energy of the corresponding chakra, allowing prana to flow freely and promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These mantras can be practiced in various ways, such as through meditation, chanting, or visualization, and are often incorporated into yoga, tantra, and other spiritual practices.
Specific frequencies associated with the chakras and the beeja mantra
The specific frequencies associated with the chakras and bija mantras can vary depending on the source and tradition. However, some commonly used frequencies are often associated with each chakra and bija mantra.
Here are some examples of frequencies associated with each chakra and bija mantra:
Root chakra (Muladhara): The frequency associated with the root chakra is around 396 Hz. The bija mantra “LAM” is often chanted at a frequency of 194.18 Hz.
Sacral chakra (Svadhisthana): The frequency associated with the sacral chakra is around 417 Hz. The bija mantra “VAM” is often chanted at a frequency of 210.42 Hz.
Solar Plexus chakra (Manipura): The frequency associated with the solar plexus chakra is around 528 Hz. The bija mantra “RAM” is often chanted at a frequency of 211.44 Hz.
Heart chakra (Anahata): The frequency associated with the heart chakra is around 639 Hz. The bija mantra “YAM” is often chanted at a frequency of 216 Hz.
Throat chakra (Vishuddha): The frequency associated with the throat chakra is around 741 Hz. The bija mantra “HAM” is often chanted at a frequency of 221.23 Hz.
Third Eye chakra (Ajna): The frequency associated with the third eye chakra is around 852 Hz. The bija mantra “OM” or “AUM” is often chanted at a frequency of 224 Hz.
Crown chakra (Sahasrara): The frequency associated with the crown chakra is around 963 Hz. The bija mantra “AH” or “AUM” is often chanted at a frequency of 172.06 Hz.
It’s important to note that the specific frequencies associated with chakras and bija mantras can vary depending on the source and tradition. Additionally, there is still ongoing research on the effects of sound and vibration on the body and chakras, and more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between these frequencies and chakra activation.
How to chant the beeja mantra associated with the Chakras
Chanting the bija mantras associated with the chakras can be a powerful tool for activating and balancing the energy centers in the body. Here are some general guidelines for how to chant the bija mantras:
- Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can focus on your practice.
- Sit in a comfortable posture with your spine straight and your hands resting on your knees or in a mudra.
- Take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
- Begin by focusing your attention on the chakra associated with the bija mantra you are chanting. You can visualize the color associated with the chakra, or simply bring your awareness to the area of your body where the chakra is located.
- Chant the bija mantra out loud or silently. You can repeat the mantra as many times as you like, focusing on the vibration and resonance of the sound.
- Allow yourself to fully experience the vibration of the sound and the energy of the chakra. You may notice sensations in your body, emotions, or thoughts arising.
- When you feel ready, you can slowly end your practice by taking a few deep breaths and bringing your awareness back to your surroundings.
It’s important to approach chanting the bija mantras with an open and curious mindset, allowing yourself to fully experience the practice without judgment or expectation. You may also choose to incorporate other practices, such as meditation or visualization, to enhance your experience and deepen your connection to the chakras.