Mantralaya-2006

(Prana, the essential breath, is the life force that nourishes and sustains every living being)

Date : Sep 5, 2024

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA   JAYATI NA ANRUTA

Background

Prana, the essential breath, is the life force that nourishes and sustains every living being on this earth is described in Mantralaya (2006).

Meaning

In the previous article of Mantralaya, we explored the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita on how to control the mind. A crucial element in mastering the mind is understanding the vital force known as Prana, or breath.

In this article, we will delve deeply into the concept of Prana.

In Dvaita Vedanta, especially within the Madhva tradition, "Prana" is regarded as the fundamental life force that vitalizes and sustains all living beings. This concept extends beyond the mere act of breathing; it encompasses the vital energy that pervades the body, mind, and soul, sustaining life and ensuring the harmonious function of the entire being.

Prana is not just a physical entity but is deeply connected to the spiritual life of an individual. The proper control and regulation of Prana through practices like Pranayama (breath control) are seen as ways to purify the mind, body, and soul, leading to spiritual elevation. The alignment of one's Prana with the divine will is essential for progressing on the path of devotion (Bhakti) towards Vishnu.

Prana is also seen as the force that enters the body at birth and leaves at the time of death. Thus, it is the bridge between the soul (Atman) and the physical body, and its departure signifies the end of life in the material world.

Prana is considered a manifestation of the divine energy of Lord Vishnu. It is through Prana that the presence and power of the divine are experienced in the physical world. Vayu Devaru, the wind God, who is revered in Dvaita Vedanta, is seen as the deity who controls and governs Prana. Vayu is also considered the greatest devotee of Vishnu, and his control over Prana signifies his role in sustaining life.

God Vayu ( who took birth as Hanuman, Bhima and Madhwacharyaru) is considered to be present in the forms of Prana, Apana, Udana, Vyana, and Samana, which are the five vital airs or life forces in the human body according to Hindu philosophy, particularly in the teachings of Dvaita Vedanta, which is strongly associated with the worship of Vayu Devaru.

Let’s understand what are five vital airs or life forces in the human body. They also called as Pancha Pranas

Prana: In this form Lord Vayu Devaru provides primary life force, governing the respiration and heart functions. Prana is responsible for the intake of vital energy and sustains the body's vitality.

Apana: In this form Lord Vayu Devaru governs the elimination processes in the body, including the excretion of waste and the downward energy that aids in grounding and stability.

Udana: Here in this form Lord Vayu Devaru  controls the upward energy and is associated with speech, growth, and self-expression. It also plays a role in the body's ability to maintain balance and posture.

Vyana: Here Lord Vayu Devaru  permeates the entire body and governs circulation, movement, and the distribution of energy throughout the body. It supports the function of other pranas by ensuring they are well-distributed and effective.

Samana: Lord Vayu Devaru  governs digestion and assimilation, ensuring that nutrients are absorbed and distributed evenly. It balances the upward and downward forces within the body.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy and Vijaya Dasaru, describe Vayu Devaru as the force that enables every aspect of human existence.Vijaya Dasaru’s emphasis on these five pranas serves as a reminder to align oneself with the divine will, embodied by Vayu Devaru, and to live a life that honors the sustaining force of the universe

In Dvaita Vedanta, controlling the mind through Prana is seen as a vital aspect of spiritual discipline. The mind is considered to be restless and often distracted by sensory experiences and desires. To gain control over the mind, Dvaita Vedanta emphasizes practices that involve regulating Prana (the vital life force) to stabilize and purify the mind. Here’s how this process is understood:

Let’s understand the Connection Between Prana and Mind According to Dvaita Vedanta, there is a close connection between Prana and the mind (Manas). The fluctuations and disturbances in the mind are often linked to the irregularities in the flow of Prana. By regulating Prana, one can influence the mind, making it calmer and more focused.

Pranayama is the primary method taught in Dvaita Vedanta for controlling the mind through Prana. It involves the systematic practice of controlling the breath, which directly affects the flow of Prana within the body. Pranayama is divided into various techniques, such as:

Puraka (Inhalation): Drawing in breath to fill the lungs.
Kumbhaka (Retention): Holding the breath to stabilize the Prana.
Rechaka (Exhalation): Releasing the breath to expel toxins and negative energy.

Through these practices, the flow of Prana is regulated, which helps in calming the mind, reducing distractions, and increasing concentration.

Mastering the art of breath regulation can significantly extend your lifespan. According to Vedic science, our internal clock is measured in terms of breaths, with one day of this clock equating to approximately 26,000 breaths. By learning to regulate your breath effectively, you can influence how these breaths are used, potentially extending your lifespan well beyond the average of 100 years. For example, many yogis in the Himalayas have been known to live for over 500 years, demonstrating the profound impact that controlled breathing can have on longevity. Proper breath regulation aligns with the natural rhythms of the body, harmonizing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life, and fostering a longer, healthier existence.

In addition to Pranayama, Dvaita Vedanta teaches the concepts of Vairagya (detachment) and Abhyasa (persistent practice) as essential to controlling the mind. Vairagya involves developing detachment from worldly desires and sensory objects, which often disturb the mind. Abhyasa involves regular and focused practice, such as meditation or chanting, that trains the mind to remain steady. The role of Prana in this context is that by controlling the breath, one can reduce attachment to external stimuli, making the practice of Vairagya and Abhyasa more effective.
As Prana becomes more refined through these practices, the mind becomes less influenced by lower desires and more attuned to divine consciousness.
Sri Raghavendra Swamy profoundly emphasizes the importance of recognizing and expressing gratitude towards Vayu Devaru, also revered as Sri Hanumanth. According to his teachings, Vayu Devaru is not just a divine entity but a vital force residing within each of us, diligently overseeing our health and well-being.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is all too easy to overlook the significance of something as fundamental as our breath. Yet, it is precisely this breath, which sustains our very existence, that we often take for granted. Sri Raghavendra Swamy reminds us that it is Lord Vayu Devaru who, in his divine form, continuously provides us with this essential life force.

Every breath we take is a gift from Vayu Devaru, and he plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and vitality of our bodies. His presence within us is a testament to the divine support that upholds our health and life. By acknowledging this, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the breath we so often disregard and become more aware of the sacred presence that guides and sustains us.

The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach Sri Hari  - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"! “Those who have complete faith in this Guru will never be disappointed.”

   || BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
   SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||