Scientific Perspective
From a modern scientific perspective, conventional
scientific research today describes prana as a complex amalgamation of several
forces or energies, such as the magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic,
photonic, thermal and mental forces or energies.
In Myth
There is a story from the Upanishads that goes: “Once all
the deities that reside in the body - air, fire, water, earth, ether, speech
and mind - had an argument. Each claimed that it was superior to all others,
declaring, "I sustain this perishable body." Prana was listening to
this debate, and ultimately said to them, "Do not delude yourself. It is
I, having divided myself into five parts, who supports and sustains this
body." The deities did not believe him. Indignantly, Prana began to withdraw
from the body. Instantly, all the other deities found themselves withdrawing
too. When Prana again settled in the body, the deities found that they had
assumed their respective places. Convinced of Prana's superiority, all now paid
obeisance to Prana.”
This story affirms the Prana is the source of everything in
manifestation and it is also the start of creation and it is something that
sustains everything. Just as the myth says if there were no prana there would
be no creation.
Note, as an aside, there seems to be modifications and types
or sub-types of prana. However, the first type of prana, called mahaprana which
is the Sanskrit word for cosmic prana, was the prana that came into being at
the dawn of creation.
Comments
Post a Comment