The concept of PRANA, the intelligent life force that animates the human body, is fundamental to yogic philosophy. Prana is not just energy; it is a consciously directed force that plays a vital role in the creation and sustenance of life. A helpful analogy compares prana to electricity: while electricity illuminates a light bulb, it does not create the bulb itself. Similarly, the union of sperm and ovum forms the physical foundation of life, but it is prana that guides the embryonic development and subsequent growth of the human body. This life force, which operates through the five vital life energies (or pancha pranas) of the astral body, ensures that every cell and organ functions in harmony.

One of the key teachings surrounding prana is the understanding that physical imperfections or limitations should not define one’s sense of self. For instance, if someone loses an arm and continually identifies with that loss, this thought pattern can embed itself deeply in their consciousness. Such negative impressions can persist even beyond the current lifetime. When the individual is reborn, the lingering consciousness of the missing arm could hinder the creative expression of prana in forming a new, fully functional physical body. This highlights the powerful influence of thought and belief on the physical form. To transcend these limitations, one must recognize that the body is temporary and not the ultimate reflection of the self. The true self, or the soul, is perfect and divine, untouched by the physical imperfections of any single lifetime.

Understanding this requires a shift in perspective. Before we are born, we exist as disembodied beings in the astral realm. When we die, we return to that state, and even in sleep, we temporarily experience a similar detachment from the physical body. During deep sleep, we lose awareness of our physical identity. We are unaware of whether we are male or female, young or old, rich or poor. Even our names, which seem so integral to our identity when awake, fade away. This disconnection during sleep mirrors the state of the soul when it transitions from one life to the next. It serves as a subtle reminder that the physical form is not the essence of who we are.

The difference between sleep and death lies in the ability to return to the physical body. In sleep, we temporarily leave our physical awareness, but the connection to the body remains intact, allowing us to wake up. At death, however, that connection is severed, and the soul transitions fully into the astral realm. While in the astral world, most beings cannot recreate the physical form they once had. The physical body, with its intricate design and functions, is a unique creation enabled by the interaction of prana with the physical elements. However, advanced yogis, who have attained spiritual mastery and oneness with the divine, possess the ability to condense subtle astral vibrations into a tangible body. These spiritually evolved beings can manifest a physical form at will, demonstrating their complete understanding and control over the forces of creation.

This ability of great yogis highlights the profound potential of the human spirit. Through disciplined spiritual practice, such as meditation, self-inquiry, and the cultivation of divine awareness, it is possible to transcend the limitations of the physical body and access higher dimensions of existence. These teachings remind us that the human experience is not limited to the material realm. The physical body is merely a vehicle for the soul’s journey, and prana is the bridge that connects the material and astral worlds.

An essential takeaway from this understanding is the importance of detaching from the flaws and limitations of the physical body. These imperfections are temporary and do not define the soul’s eternal nature. For example, if a person identifies too strongly with a physical defect, it may create a negative impression on their consciousness that carries into subsequent lifetimes. By contrast, maintaining a positive and expansive perspective allows the intelligent life force of prana to function without obstruction, fostering health, growth, and spiritual evolution.

This perspective also encourages us to view life’s challenges with equanimity. Physical hardships, such as illness or disability, are not punishments or permanent states. They are temporary conditions shaped by karmic influences and the choices we make. Understanding the transient nature of these conditions allows us to approach them with greater acceptance and resilience. By focusing on the soul’s perfection rather than the body’s limitations, we can cultivate inner peace and harmony.

Moreover, recognizing the role of prana in the body emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Prana is influenced by our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Positive thoughts and emotions support the free flow of prana, promoting health and vitality. Conversely, negative patterns of thinking can block or distort prana, leading to physical and emotional imbalances. This underscores the importance of mindfulness, meditation, and conscious living in maintaining the harmony of prana within the body.

The teachings about prana also provide a broader understanding of the nature of reality. Life is not confined to the physical plane. The astral realm, which we transition to at death, is a dimension of existence where the soul continues its journey. While most beings experience the astral world as a subtle, non-physical reality, advanced souls can interact with it in profound ways. These spiritually evolved beings demonstrate that the boundaries between the physical and astral realms are not fixed but can be transcended through spiritual practice and realization.

In conclusion, the concept of prana as an intelligent life force offers profound insights into the nature of life, death, and spiritual evolution. It teaches us to look beyond the physical body and recognize the soul’s eternal perfection. By understanding the transient nature of physical imperfections and focusing on the divine essence within, we can overcome limitations and align with our true spiritual potential. The practice of yoga and meditation provides a path to deepen this understanding, harmonize prana within the body, and awaken to the higher dimensions of existence. Through this journey, we can live with greater awareness, purpose, and connection to the divine.

There is very important point to understand here. Before we took on this physical body, we were nothing but just a ghost. When we will die, we will again become ghost. And, wee are also ghosts when we sleep. During sleeping state, we are totally unaware of our body position. We don’t even know if, we are male of female, young or old, rich or poor. We don’t even remember our names, when are in sleep mode.

The only difference is that when we enter the astral world at death, we cannot create at will a physical body like the one we have now. Only great yogis who have attained oneness with the divine can do so. Spiritually advanced souls can condense the subtle vibrations of the astral vehicle into a tangible body.

Yogi Prakash