05/13/2026
"Prana is Light energy; a Life Force that interpenetrates every atom of our bodies and the Solar System we are in. Pranic energy originates from the Sun and is directly responsible for our vitality and well-being. As mentioned, we receive Prana from the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe—it is the Life energy that sustains our mind, body, and Soul. The very act of breathing is an act of bringing Prana into the body. Each breath replenishes the bloodstream with oxygen and cultivates the fires of cellular metabolism while ridding the body of wastes. Supplying our bodies with food and oxygen creates the foundation for every activity we do. In the human body, Pranic energy directly affects the Astral Plane, relating particularly to Pranamaya Kosha or the Higher Astral Body of the Water Element. Prana divides into five sub-energies called the Five Vayus. In Sanskrit, Vayu translates to "wind" or "air," concerning the act of breathing. Vayu is also the Air Element Tattva and one of the classical Elements in Hinduism. Breath control and breathing exercises are essential in all Yogic and meditation practices—manipulating Prana in the body can have many effects, one of which is to awaken the Kundalini energy at the base of the spine. The Five Vayus are Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, and Vyana. Each Prana Vayu is regulated by one or multiple Chakras, and each Vayu is responsible for different yet crucial functions in the body. When we understand each Prana Vayu's role, we can comprehend how Prana serves our bodies. The Five Vayus are the different manifestations and processes of Prana in the same way as the various limbs comprise the human body." -Excerpt from "Serpent Rising: The Kundalini Compendium" by Neven Paar
