Prana is the vital life-force that is a subtler form of energy and is immensely powerful if connected to the universal prana. The common understanding of prana is often limited, yet prana is fundamentally important for our overall well-being. This workshop provided a comprehensive guide to understanding, experiencing and enhancing prana, the vital life force.
The workshop highlighted the importance of integrating pranayama practices into daily life for overall well-being. Regular practice of pranayama, the conscious regulation of breath, was shown to enhance the prana bandwidth, linking individual prana with the universal prana. This connection fosters not just physical health, but also mental clarity and emotional stability. By understanding and working with prana, individuals can achieve a state of balance and harmony, which is essential for personal growth and spiritual development.
Samvat Prana Practice
Samvat Prana was introduced as a method to synchronise the breathing through both nostrils, connecting the body and mind. Participants practised Padadhirasana, making Mushtika Mudra with their hands and observing the activity of their nostrils. The exercise involved exhaling completely, then inhaling by filling the belly, chest, and shoulders sequentially, and holding the breath briefly. This technique not only enhances the awareness of prana but also helps in experiencing the vastness within the body by connecting to sub-pranas like Vyana, which represents the space within. The practice underscored the concept that prana is dynamic and can be consciously directed through simple, mindful breathing techniques.
Prana Mudra and Spinal Breathing
Prana Mudra, involving the Mulabandha (energy lock), was highlighted as an advanced practice that initially may be challenging. Participants learned to contract abdominal and anus muscles while holding the breath, focusing on the base energy centre (Muladhara chakra). This practice helps in harnessing and directing the prana efficiently throughout the body. Complementing this, Spinal Breathing was introduced where participants visualised prana moving along the spine with each breath. This exercise involved various thumb positions to enhance the flow of prana, symbolised by light moving through the spine. These practices collectively aimed at deepening the connection with prana, promoting physical stability, and enhancing mental focus.
Understanding and Activating Pranas and Sub-Pranas
The workshop detailed the five main types of prana —Udana, Prana, Samana, Apana, and Vyana—and their specific roles in the body. Udana facilitates movements from the throat to the head and limbs, while Prana supports breathing and heart functions. Samana governs digestive processes, Apana aids in elimination and reproductive functions and Vyana encompasses the entire body, providing support to other pranas. Additionally, five sub-pranas like Naga, Koorma, and Devadatta were explained, highlighting their unique functions, from inducing sleep to governing hunger. To activate these pranas, specific mudras were practised. For instance, Udan Mudra focused on the head, arms, and legs, while Pran Mudra concentrated on the chest region. These practices aimed at balancing and enhancing the pranic flow within the body, contributing to overall vitality.
Mantra Integration with Prana Practices
Integrating mantras with prana practices was emphasised for aligning the body, mind, and breath. Participants were taught to use Padadhirasana combined with chanting a mantra like OM. Inhalation was synchronised with chanting 'O' and exhalation with 'MA', which helped in harmonising the internal energies. This practice of merging mantras into breathing deepens the meditative state and strengthens the connection with prana.
The workshop concluded with a focus on daily integration of the learned techniques. Participants were encouraged to adopt prana practices and mudras in their everyday routines, maintaining an awareness of natural breathing even during mundane activities like writing or climbing stairs. The closing ritual involved chanting the Padama Purna Sutra, expressing gratitude, and connecting deeply with the universal prana.
Feedback:
“inner peace.”
“Presence. Joy and a deeper connection to Self.”
“It took me to a deep inner connection. Nice practices.”
“It showed me some interesting tools to practise and was very inspiring.”
“Got a real understanding about Pranas and Mudras.”
“Yes, I got inspired and willing to practise.”
“Very useful to live a better life by practicing conscious breathing and being aware of the Pranic body.”
“The experiential learning will help me to regain and remain in the peaceful condition, as I will do it continuously in day-to-day life.”
“It has encouraged me to work more on my breath and body, and made me feel that I have less time, and more work to do on myself.”
“I felt vastness while I inhalation, as the cells expanded, and I felt contraction on exhalation. I think I could not exactly do the connecting on deeper level with the vastness of the sky, earth. I should work on it.”
“Yes, besides breath there is more to prana was explained well practically. Also, the five pranas in the pranic body with the mudras was remarkable.”
“Yes, simple experiences were profound. I always wanted to work on my body but did not know how to, and lost my focus within seconds.”
[Benefit from most?]
“Learning to enhance prana in all parts of the body, which can be done in day-to-day life., and heal the body, mind.”
“Practice, the practical aspect of the workshop was a great learning.”
“Learning to enhance prana in all parts of the body, which can be done in day-to-day life., and heal the body, mind.”
[Atmosphere/ presence of workshop?]
“James’ love for the work of Sri Aurobindo always creates joy in his introductions, which is transferred to the participants. Shweta gave herself totally to the participants. It was nurturing. “
[Experience Vastness?]
“Yes, I could feel the vastness, the expansion. I was feeling heavy on my head and this feeling of vastness relaxed me. There was joy in every cell as i connected with my God in this vastness.“
[Did it bring you closer to Sri Aurobindo?]
A two-book series by Sri Aurobindo an,d Mother on Illness mentions – to cure oneself one needs to increase receptivity, in order to be able to receive that which helps. Spread out wide and identify with the sky and stars. Or one can be conscious of their consciousness, enlarge it until it becomes unlimited. When you do that, you become truly receptive. I was unable to practise this. This workshop helped me. I imagined Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and connected in receiving...Thank you so much NAMAH for holding these workshops.
