Abstract

THE CONCEPT OF PRANA IN AYURVEDA

Dr. Smriti Pandey* and Prof. A. K. Garg

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Abstract

The word Prana literally means life but in Vedic and Ayurvedic texts it has a vast meaning. The term is used for variety of elements as the phenomenon of life depends on many of them. Prana is Breath in, inhale, the breath of life, breath, respiration, spirit, vitality, life. Ayurvedic literature contains numerous references underlining importance of prana. Thus, term prana is mainly used as synonymous to „vayu‟, as a type of vayu and as a subtle vitality element i.e. „subtle prana‟. According to Rishi Parashar, nabhi is first organ to be developed in fetus. Simply because nabhi is the place for „prana‟ along with bodily ushma. The association of agni and prana, also it highlights prana as a precursor. In Charak Samhita, „Dasa Pranayatana’ is a unique concept in Ayurveda, as they are the seats of life or vitality. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned the unique concept of the twelve prana in Sushruta Samhita. The elements agni, soma, vayu, satwa, raja, tama, five indriya & bhutatma are considered as prana. These twelve live attributes constitute human body. It is the vital essence of all dhatu i.e., ojas is also considered the site for prana.

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