Body as the Container; Prāna as the Life-Force
The physical body, composed of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space), functions as a vessel. Prāna serves as the animating energy within this vessel.
Without prāna, the body becomes inert matter—analogous to a light bulb without electricity. When prāna departs, life ceases.
Prāna Controls All Bodily Functions
Prāna governs all physiological processes:
- Breathing and heartbeat
- Digestion and cellular repair
- Thoughts and emotions
- Movement and sensation
The five vayus (types of prana) regulate different bodily systems, with each managing distinct functions.
The Prāna-Mind Connection
Mind and prāna maintain a profound relationship. An unsettled prāna creates mental turbulence, while steady prāna cultivates mental tranquility.
"When the prāna is unsteady, the mind is unsteady. When the prāna is steady, the mind is steady."
This principle underlies yogic breathing practices, which use pranayama to stabilize the mind.
Prāna and Food Conversion
The five vayus work synergistically in nutrient processing:
- Prāna initiates intake
- Samāna converts substances to energy
- Vyāna distributes nutrients
- Udāna releases positive energy
- Apāna eliminates waste
This mirrors a machine's fuel conversion cycle—intake, processing, distribution, and elimination.