Dear ones, the Prashnopanishad gives the most illuminating description of Prana. One is able to understand Prana. Prana is likened to a mother who takes care of her offspring.
Prashnopanishad literally translates to Upanishad of Questions. It is an Atharvan Upanishad. Its dialogue explores existential questions, and this question addressed to Pippalda by Bhargava relates to understanding the importance of Prana in attaining Brahman.
Pippalada was an ancient Hindu sage and philosopher. He was the author of Prashnopanishad. Bhargava who was a son of Bhrigu wished to learn from Pippalda about the Supreme Brahman. Bhargava’s question concerned the nature and supremacy of the life-force or Prana. He also asked him who was the enlightener and the chief.
Bhargava’s questions
- How many deities (sense organs and elements) support a being?
- How many illumine it?
- And which of them is supreme?
Pippalda said that space, air, fire, water, earth, mind, sight and hearing all support the body but Prana (vital breath or life force) was the most essential and powerful as the others cannot survive without it.
The description of Prana by Pippalda is magnificent. Prana is both gross and subtle. Prana is immortal. Prana burns as the sun gives light, as the clouds pour rain down. Prana is Indra, the air, earth, food and moon. Prana is like the hub of the wheel and all the scriptures, sacrifices, and the sattvic persons have their center in Prana.
Prana is the Lord of creation. Prana moves in the womb and is born in an image resembling the parents. Prana is in all the multiplicity of cosmic Prana and Prana (Prana, Udana, Samana, Apana and Vyana) within one. Prana is the first and foremost amongst the messenger to the gods and ancestors. Prana is the ultimate truth and the rishis venerate it.
He further goes on to address Prana even more gloriously. He likens Prana as Indra; in its brave aspect as Rudra and the protector. When Prana travels through the sky, Prana is the sun and the lord of all light. He then attributes the rain showers which make all sentient beings happy to Prana and there is the promise of food. Prana is purity itself; it is the only Seer and Lord of the world.
One offers food to Prana as Prana is one’s creator. Then he honors the virtues of Prana and begs Prana to remain in the body and be at peace. Prana is the Lord who abides within eye, speech, ear and mind. All that exists within the three world is ruled by Prana. He then extols Prana to grant one prosperity and knowledge and to take care of one as a mother would.
Extracted from “Nine Principal Upanishads” from the teachings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
Aim Hrim Klim