Sloka 94
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Sloka 94
Original Text:
प्राणापानव्यानोदानसमाना भवत्यसौ प्राणः । स्वयमेव वृत्तिभेदाद्विकृतिभेदात्सुवर्णसलिलादिवत् ॥ ९५ ॥
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- **Transliteration:**
prāṇāpānavyānodānasamānā bhavatyasau prāṇaḥ । svayameva vṛttibhedādvikṛtibhedātsuvarṇasalilādivat ॥ 95 ॥
- **Translation:**
The singular life force, referred to as 'prāṇa,' manifests itself in various forms as prāṇa, apāna, vyāna, udāna, and samāna. This differentiation occurs naturally due to variations in function and modification, much like gold takes on different forms as jewelry or water assumes various states.
- **Word Meanings:**
* **prāṇa** - (the life force or vital breath) * **apāna** - (the vital force responsible for expulsion) * **vyāna** - (the vital force responsible for circulation) * **udāna** - (the vital force responsible for ascent and general upward motion) * **samāna** - (the vital force responsible for digestion and assimilation) * **bhavati** - (becomes) * **asau** - (this) * **prāṇaḥ** - (life force) * **svayam** - (by itself, automatically) * **eva** - (indeed) * **vṛttibhedāt** - (due to the difference in functions) * **vikṛtibhedāt** - (due to the difference in forms) * **suvarṇa** - (gold) * **salila** - (water) * **ādivat** - (like, as)
- **Commentary:**
This sloka highlights a core concept in yogic and Vedantic philosophy: the unity and diversity of life forces within the human body. Although there is a singular life force, known as 'prāṇa,' it performs a wide array of functions thanks to its division into five main aspects: prāṇa, apāna, vyāna, udāna, and samāna. Each has a distinct role—prāṇa governs inhalation, apāna governs excretion, vyāna governs circulation, udāna controls abilities like speech, and samāna oversees digestion.
The analogy used here likens this phenomena to gold and water, emphasizing that just as these substances can take various forms and states while remaining essentially the same, so too does the prāṇa remain one despite its various functions. This concept underscores the profound interconnectedness of cosmic principles and bodily functions—a theme prevalent in many spiritual teachings. From a broader perspective, it invites practitioners to perceive the fundamental oneness that underlies apparent diversity, pointing towards the ultimate unity of all existence as seen in Vedantic thought. This awareness is crucial for deeper meditative practices and for cultivating a holistic understanding of life and consciousness.
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