Prana - Definition

Definition

It is a Sanskirt word consisting of two syllables “pra” and “na” that together denote constancy or a force that is in constant motion. Meaning, prana is dynamic, is always moving and is never still. It is the force the yogi’s say, is behind every action and thought, and it is the force or energy that gives life to, and maintains life in each cell of our body.

Note:

Prana has also according to some sources been translated as Pra (before) and ana (breath), meaning that which is before there is breath. Because prana is not the breath it is something enters and leaves us through the breath. It is the vital energy that rides on the breath.

The ancient Indian yogis called the force inherent in all motion, prana. Furthermore prana can be translated as energy or vital force. It is also translated as breath. Prana has the quality of livingness and it can even be called life force.

Prana is not something that is only known to the yogis of India, the various world traditions have also recognised the presence of prana and have given it such names as: vital force, ki, chi, orgone and energy. Prana is the vital energy of the universe and everything that lives does so because of prana.

In Everything

Prana is present in everything and it gives things their existence and their material form. If there were no prana there would be no existence and creation would all disintegrate. Prana gives things life. It is life. The wind blows and rivers flow because of prana.

Universal Sense

In the universal sense Prana is a cosmic energy, a substance that contains everything and is cosmic sustenance, an energy that sustains everything. It in Gnosis is known as the Cosmic Christ. That is why Christ in the bible, being one with the Christ that is with prana, was able to heal the sick, the blind and the crippled. He was able to direct his prana, the prana of the Cosmic Christ into the sick to heal them.