Understanding Prana
Most of us have heard the term “prana” at some point—yoga teachers often mention it when discussing a person’s energy or breath. In reality, prana encompasses both concepts, as energy and breath are closely intertwined. Traditionally, prana is viewed as the life force that sustains all forms of matter. Whether you perceive prana as a tangible entity within our bodies or as a metaphor for the underlying energy in everything, including the universe, is up to you. Defining prana can be challenging, but experiencing it is much more straightforward.
The Historical Roots of Prana
The term ‘prana’ is derived from the prefix ‘pra’ and the root word ‘an,’ which together signify the act of breathing. It translates to “to breathe forth” or simply “life.” According to Jillian Pransky, Director of Restorative Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training at YogaWorks and a founding Director of Bright Spirit Yoga Trainings, the concept of prana dates back thousands of years to the ancient Vedic writings. Pransky describes prana as “the sum total of energy manifest in the universe; the ‘universal life force.’” In Western science, atoms—making up matter and all life—are 99.999% empty space. From a yogic perspective, this space is filled with creative potential, known as prana.
Exploring the Concept of Prana
Westerners often find it difficult to grasp prana as a physical entity, as understood in Eastern philosophies. Research into prana can lead to diverse fields ranging from yogic philosophy to molecular biology. Pransky notes that while prana may not be quantifiable by current Western scientific instruments, this does not mean it will always remain so. “Although not measurable by Western scientific tools,” she explains, “yogis and Eastern spiritual practices agree on the existence of a life force that, much like the breath, is both within us and all around us, pervading the environment and all of creation.”
Pransky sometimes demonstrates prana in her classes through exercises where students rub their hands together quickly and then hold them close, but not touching. “They often feel a sensation of heat, vibration, or energy,” she says. “Some describe it as feeling like pulling apart taffy or sensing a magnetic force.” This tangible feeling represents prana—the energy that precedes us into a room and enters others’ spaces before our bodies physically do.
Pranayama: The Science of Breath
Prana is also closely linked to the breath, which Pransky identifies as both a major source of prana and a means to regulate its flow throughout the body. This connection is the essence of pranayama, the science of controlling prana through breath. As the fourth limb of yoga, pranayama helps in managing the mind. Controlling the breath is often easier than controlling the mind, which underscores the importance of studying pranayama.
The Vibratory Nature of Prana
Another fascinating perspective comes from the ancient Yoga-V?si??ha, which describes prana as the “vibratory power” underlying everything, both animate and inanimate. Sri Swami Satchidananda, in his commentary on the Yoga Sutras, refers to it as a “basic vibration that always exists, whether manifest or not.” This view aligns with modern physics, which tells us that matter consists of tiny vibrating particles. Even what seems like empty space is not truly empty.
Perhaps prana is simply another way of expressing the idea that there’s more to us than what meets the eye—more to our bodies, minds, and even the seemingly “empty” space that comprises everything. In physics, this is akin to string theory, while in psychology, it relates to gestalt—the idea that “the whole is other than the sum of the parts.” While science has not yet fully explained this, yogis have explored the underlying vibration of existence for thousands of years. Most of us can feel this energy within ourselves and in others, and perhaps that’s all we need to know for now.
Explore our Pranayama Workshops to deepen your understanding of prana and experience its transformative effects.
Alice G. Walton, PhD is a health and science writer, and began practicing (and falling in love with) yoga last year. She is the Associate Editor at TheDoctorWillSeeYouNow.com and a Contributor at Forbes.com. Alice will be exploring yoga’s different styles, history, and philosophy, and sharing what she learns here on the YogaGlo blog. You can follow Alice on Twitter @AliceWalton and Facebook at Facebook.com/alicegwalton.
