Muni Kishan Lal
Difference between Pranavayu and Prana
Many a words despite having different meanings are used interchangeably. The word 'Prana' is one such word. Prana is comprehended as energy, power and strength. Some yoga treatises identify 'Panchvayu' as Prana but Prana and Pranavayu are not the same. Prana is a power that functions in body through Panchvayu. This is the reason why Prana is being confused with Pranavayu. Prana is subtle energy whereas Pranavayu is a gross element. Pranavayu works in all parts of body hence its predominance. But Prana is the basic energy driving our lives hence its importance cannot be denied.
The cessation of breathing in common parlance is talked of as death. But this does not mean that inhalation and exhalation is Prana. Prana is the life force that exists in every cell of body. This subtle energy courses through every nerve and vein while breath is limited to lungs only where it aids in purification of blood. Thus like Pranvayu, breath cannot be synonymous with Prana.
