Prana, drawn through the mind, is the link between consciousness and energy. A very simple illustration shows how we intelligently use this prana: I am “talking” to you. My mind is in a certain state of pranic vibration. I am trying to awaken a response, a sympathetic vibration of consciousness, within you. Whether we attune in sympathy, interest and understanding or not depends on the awakened prana in each of us. All consciousness in the same state of vibration “sees” one another. Attunement, empathy and healing employ prana in this way. This little wave of prana which is uniquely ours in the infinite ocean of prana is what we use in meditation as “pranayama.” Breathing does not produce motion or vibration of prana in the body. On the contrary, it is prana that produces breath and prana that moves the lungs.
“Pranayama” is a compound word, “-ayama” bringing the idea of “harmonization” to the word prana. The motivation and goal of pranayama is entirely spiritual, that of self-realization, although its practice involves respiration, mindful breathing and meditation. We can understand, then, that the benefits are far-reaching: the composite well-being of our body, nervous system and mind. Pranayama enhances self-discipline, equanimity, subjective coordination, concentration and purity, all essential for meditation and spiritual progress.
Beneficent and powerful wills throughout time have brought prana to states of vibration within themselves whereby they have been able to “sway the world” and draw others unto them. Suppose one understood prana completely? What power would not be his?
The mystery is no secret, and the awareness of its marvels is what one should develop more than anything in life. The more we explore it the more we find confirmation that every plane of our existence is related to every other plane. By mastering this knowledge, we can expand and enhance our life. If we neglect it, we lessen our experience of life’s greatest power, beauty and joy.
The universe of cosmic energy, or prana, exists in two tendencies: one is unmanifest, the other manifest. The unmanifest exists as the vast potential of formless being out of which the universe arises. It is self-absorbed—that is, with the power to be, but without change. The second tendency of prana is dynamic and creative: that which manifests and which we see as matter, as living organisms, and all that we behold with our minds. Astronomers bring us to the threshold of pure Yoga philosophy with their assertion that we see only ten percent of our universe. The ninety percent that is imperceptible to our senses exists as potential to be penetrated by our minds. We must bring that light of consciousness within our minds to a similar state of vibration of cosmic light to be aware of the rest of the vast, yet unseen, universe.
Swami Kamalananda
The Breath of God and Pranayam