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Pranic energy is actually part of the macro energy which
remains dormant in the micro human being and conducts the
day to day affairs.
There are three energy channels in every human form,
although not visible to the ordinary eye. The formation may
be compared to a central column and two serpents on both
sides of the column. The serpents curve three times around
the central column. These three are channels through which
energy passes from bottom emanating from the central energy
as described in previous article. This energy's noticeable
form is our breath. The left channel is called Ida and the
right channel is called Pingala and the centre channel is
called Sushumna. The channels are also called Naadis in
Sanskrit.
Sanskrit is nobody's language and is called Deva Bhasha
(God's language). This language was developed by the seers
of the ancient ages. This language was evolved as a
combination of various vibrations and energies that are
running in the human being and the cosmic universe. Each
letter is related to a particular form of wave of energy.
They had found that different alphabets when joined together
form some other form of energy. This was the basis of Mantra
Shashtra, which cannot be disputed. Irrespective of the
personal language one uses, the sanskritic language runs in
everybody. Therefore, the remedies based on Sanskrit mantras
have definite effects and this forms a separate science in
itself. This is not a topic for discussion at present.
All matter in the minutest form vibrates with expansions
and compressions every now and then. Hence, the running of
all forces within the body are based on these vibrations
which relate to sounds. As such, the Brahmam is also called
Aksharama Brahmam which has two meanings. The first meaning
is something which cannot be destroyed. The second meaning
is that which emanates from or is connected with syllables,
viz. Aksharas.
So due to this cause of vibration, two channels as
discussed above always vibrate resulting in breath. The
seers found this and decided to control their breath. This
would control their vibrations. These vibrations due
intensive meditation create extreme heat similar to atomic
fusion. This control subsequently makes the dormant energy
to arise from its sleeping state to awakened state. The
energy eventually rises and goes up through the central
channel to the Sahasrara Chakra in the head.
Whatever yoga once practices, the above state must be
obtained and only then can one say that progress has been
achieved. This happens through intense devotion through
concentration or intense chanting of mantra which results in
concentration. This results in the awakening. Any type of
concentration on a subject in meditation also makes achieves
this result.
The conclusion, therefore, is that the awakening of this
prime ordeal energy is the object for realization although
ways and means may be different. This is actually called the
Kundalini awakening. But before the Kundalini is awakened
one has to keep the body and mind very pure as otherwise
such awakenings can result in abnormal situations which one
cannot control. To avoid such abnormal situations, it is a
must that one have a Guru. One who has experienced the
difficulties during practice or has been taught by a Guru
alone can help the seeker to avoid such pitfalls.
This awakening normally does not happen to everybody but
only to those who have been destined. Others drop out during
the practice itself automatically discouraged by various
shortfalls and cajoling. Only those who have the grace of
god either directly or through their Guru can proceed
further. Even if those who proceed, may face financial,
mental, physical and various problems which could force them
to discontinue their practice. But despite all the problems
if one persists in his practice, disregarding these
disturbances, they will definitely go towards the goal.
As said previously these two channels along with the
central channel, are the most important parts to be aimed at
in Yoga and meditation. The left Ida channel which is
actually mental energy has to combine with right Pingala
channel energy which is physical. Their combination is
preliminary yoga which after much practice results in
ultimate yoga of joining the Prakriti with the soul.
Dissolving the Prakriti with the soul is called realization.
The cleaning of these channels is done by practicing
pranayama and the mind is purified by practicing Yamas and
Niyamas and Vasanas. Impressions are cleaned with Dhyana but
Karmas cannot be cleaned. One has to live with them but with
one's karmas albeit with lesser effect.
In the central channel there are various centers of
energy which are called Chakras and in the next article we
will go into that (To be continued.)
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