Every name carries meaning. Every space holds intention. PriyaPrana was born from the most sacred of both: a mother's love and the breath that sustains life.
"Priya is my mother's name. It means dear, loving, affectionate. And she is my Prana, my life force."
The Meaning of the Name
Priya (priya) in Sanskrit means "dear one," "beloved," or "affectionate." It's a word that holds warmth in its very sound, the kind of warmth you feel when someone truly loves you without condition.
Prana (prana) is the vital life force, the subtle energy that animates all living beings. It's not just breath in the ordinary sense, but the energy carried by breath, thoughts, food, emotions, and consciousness itself.
Together, PriyaPrana carries a profound meaning: the beloved life force, the dear one who gives us life, the affectionate energy that sustains our existence.
A Mother Called Priya
My mother was born in Srirangam and married at seventeen. Everyone who knew her called her "Priya mami", not because it was formal, but because that's how she made everyone feel. Like family.
What Made Her Special
She had an extraordinary gift: whoever met her never felt like they were meeting her for the first time. The warmth, comfort, and love she spread was a bliss to experience. She always found something beautiful in others and made sure to compliment them.
Her faith was unshakeable. In challenging moments, she would say "ennamo valayadi paakaran, adhula oru sandhosham", but it's okay, finally everything will be fine, only good will happen. That wasn't naive optimism. It was a deep conviction that carried her through life's hardest moments.
The Five Lights She Carried
Looking back, I can see how my mother embodied the five essential qualities that yoga philosophy connects to prana:
- Faith: Her unwavering conviction that good would prevail. Faith creates surrender, and prana flows effortlessly.
- Love & Joy: Her ability to make everyone feel special. Making others feel good allows prana to expand beyond self.
- Trust: The confidence she placed in her children. "Super uh varuva, semmaya pannuva, romba perumaya irukku." Trust creates ease, and prana flows.
- Nourishment: She was Annapoorani, the goddess of food. "Vaay vaazhthalenalum vayaru vaazhthum." When food is cooked with love and joy, prana is infused into every bite.
- Gratitude: Her eyes would fill with tears when feeling thankful. A positive mind gives prana space to nourish life.
Why This Space Exists
When she left this world, I understood something profound: the love of a mother doesn't end. It transforms. It becomes the very breath we take, the energy that moves us forward, the light that guides our path.
"How can someone be so beautiful, unconditionally loving, holding so much positivity with unshakeable faith... Maybe God felt he wanted to experience what we all experienced, hence took you with him, Ma."
PriyaPrana is a living tribute, a space where her legacy meets the wisdom of prana. Through teachings on breathwork, pranayama, and yogic philosophy, we share the same life-giving energy she embodied every day.
For All Who Love and Remember
Perhaps you too have a "Priya" in your life: a mother, grandmother, or someone who filled that sacred role. Someone whose love still sustains you. This space honors them all. Because every mother's love is prana made visible. Every act of nurturing is the life force in action.
Carrying you within me forever, Ma. This space is your legacy, your love, your prana flowing through every word.
"Enna thavam seidheno"
What penance did we do to have been born to you?