In Chapter Four of the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Shri Krishna describes the various sacrifices or forms of yoga that are performed by some spiritual aspirants in their journey towards the attainment of self-realisation. In Verses 29-30, the Lord points out the importance of the “praan vayus” or “vital airs” and the need for keeping them balanced.
The subtle body within man comprises the breath body, mental body and intelligence body. The breath body is responsible for the movement of the life energy or life-sustaining forces and is referred to as praan vaayus. These praan vaayus which comprise five major vital airs and five minor ones govern the region of the body from the throat to the bottom of the heart. The seat of the vital airs is the heart. Praan operates within the body to maintain life. As such, bodily functions are controlled by these vital airs.
The five major praan vaayus are as follows:
1. Praan: Responsible for the heartbeat and breathing. Praan enters the body through the breath and is sent to every cell through the circulatory system. It works to sustain the vital organs, especially the heart. It also nourishes the brain and eyes.
2. Apaan: Responsible for the elimination of waste products from the body through the lungs and excretory systems. It aids in the feeling of equanimity and groundedness. Without the healthy functioning of apaan, one lacks motivation and determination. In such a condition, feelings of laziness, dullness, confusion and indecisiveness consume one’s thoughts.
3. Udaan: Can be termed “rising air” and is responsible for producing sounds through the vocal organ, as in speaking, singing, laughing, and crying. It affects the throat, neck and thyroid functions. When unbalanced, speech is disjointed and ideas are not articulated properly. Respiratory problems are also experienced.
4. Samaan: Responsible for the digestion of food and cell metabolism (i.e. the repair and manufacture of new cells and growth). Samaan also includes the heat-regulating processes of the body. When unbalanced, its fiery energy can be used to dominate, especially through anger.
5. Vyaan: Pervades the entire body by the process of circulation. It affects the blood, lymphatic and nervous systems.
In Yoga the praan is further classified into the subcategory, upa-praan or minor praan, with the following items:
- Naaga: Responsible for burping.
- Kurma: Responsible for blinking.
- Devadatta: Responsible for yawning.
- Krikala: Responsible for sneezing.
- Dhananjaya: Responsible for opening and closing of heart
Bhagavan says that “those who having regulated their diet and controlled the process of exhalation and inhalation both pour their vital airs into the vital airs themselves; all these have their sins consumed away by sacrifice and understand the real meaning”.
The practice of yoga, more specifically, praanaayam and aasaan, are meant to optimise the functioning of these vaayus. Through a disciplined approach in the practices of these forms of “saadhana” or spiritual discipline, one can uplift oneself in many ways and maintain a high level of vibrant health. One’s vigour, vitality, courage, determination and valour catalyse the spiritual progress of the aspirant, ultimately leading him to self-realisation.
