The Essence of Breath; Unlocking the inner mystic–introduction by Ch.N.V.Saikumar

According to modern science, the word "prana" means the breath that we inhale. However, ancient yogis went beyond this definition and divided prana into five types of vayus (energies) that pervade the human body: Udana, Prana, Samana, Apana, and Vyana. These prana vayus also include secondary pranas (upa pranas): Kurma, which stimulates blinking; Krikara, which generates hunger, sneezing, and coughing; Devadatta, which induces sleep and yawning; Naga, which causes hiccups and belching; and Dhananjaya, which lingers immediately after death. These prana vayus form after the fourth month of fetal development; until then, the fetus takes prana from the mother.

According to our ancient texts and scriptures, these prana vayus have more significance than merely keeping us alive. Indian ancient yogis went far beyond simply recognizing the importance of breath. They developed various yoga and meditation techniques based on the prana vayus to experience blissful states and attain enlightenment, as well as to gain enormous benefits tailored to individual needs.

As one moves their consciousness to the pranic body, they can perceive fine wire-like structures called nadis, which are energy junctions. According to the Shiva Samhita, there are 350,000 nadis in the body, while the Prapanchasara states there are 300,000, and the Goraksha Samhita claims there are 72,000 nadis. Despite these varying numbers, it is acknowledged that there are thousands of nadis within the human body. All these nadis are connected to three main nadis: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. These three nadis start at the base of the spine and extend upwards to the skull.

If your left nostril is active, it means the Ida nadi is active, and your right hemisphere of the brain is more prominent, allowing you to perform creative tasks well. Ida nadi is also known as the Chandra nadi, as it is related to lunar energy, which is cooling in nature and associated with feminine energy.

If your right nostril is active, it means the Pingala nadi is active, and your left hemisphere of the brain is more prominent, allowing you to perform strength-related tasks well. Pingala nadi is also known as the Surya nadi, as it is related to solar energy, which is hot in nature and associated with masculine energy.

When both nostrils are active, it means the Sushumna nadi is active. Along the path of the Sushumna nadi, there are conjunction points where prana shakti and manas shakti collect in the form of chakras, which are swirling points of energy.

These three nadis are active sequentially throughout the day and night. An imbalance in these nadis can lead to an imbalance in the human body. To address this, yogis introduced several breathing techniques to rebalance the three nadis. They also developed methods for switching the active nadi based on weather conditions—activating Ida during extreme heat and Pingala during extreme cold.

There are several chakras residing in the Sushumna nadi. Among them, the major chakras are Muladhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi, Ajna, and Sahasrara. Each chakra vibrates at a particular rate and velocity. They can be activated and rebalanced using the kundalini energy, which resides at the base of the spine like a coiled snake. Once activated, kundalini energy starts moving towards the top of the spine through the Sushumna nadi, activating all the chakras in its path until it reaches the Sahasrara chakra. Once it reaches Sahasrara, the practitioner attains liberation.

Impurities in the nadis can cause blockages and restrict the rise of kundalini to the top. With the help of Hatha yoga, one can remove these blockages as well creating proper balance in the body's energy.

From the different types of vayus, Prana Vayu is associated with Ida, Apana Vayu is associated with Pingala, and Samana Vayu is linked with Sushumna Nadi. By suspending Prana and Apana in the Samana region with the help of the thri bandhas, one can develop Samana Vayu and allow air to pass through the Sushumna Nadi, which raises the kundalini energy and lets it reach the Sahasrara.

Several simple and effective meditation techniques are mentioned in the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, particularly in verses 24-27, 55, 64, and 154, based on Kashmiri Shaivism. Buddhist monks also practice breathing-based meditation, one of which is Vipassana meditation.

Understanding and harnessing prana through ancient practices can lead to profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. By balancing the nadis and activating the chakras, one can achieve higher states of consciousness and well-being. Through dedicated practice of yoga and meditation, as taught by ancient yogis, we can tap into this vital life force to enrich our lives and reach our highest potential.

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