V. S. Apte provides fourteen different meanings for the word prana (Devanagari: , ) including these:
Of these meanings, the concept of "vital air" is used by Bhattacharyya to describe the concept as used in Sanskrit texts dealing with pranayama. Thomas McEvilley translates "prana" as "spirit-energy". Its most subtle material form is the breath, but is also to be found in blood, and its most concentrated form is semen in men and vaginal fluid in women.
Monier-Williams defines the compound as (m., also pl.) "N. of the three 'breath-exercises' performed during (See , , " This technical definition refers to a particular system of breath control with three processes as explained by Bhattacharyya: (to take the breath inside), (to retain it), and (to discharge it). There are also other processes of pranayama in addition to this three-step model.
Apte's definition of derives it from + and provides several variant meanings for it when used in compounds. The first three meanings have to do with "length", "expansion, extension", and "stretching, extending", but in the specific case of use in the compound he defines as meaning "restrain, control, stopping".
An alternative etymology for the compound is cited by Ramamurti Mishra, who says that:
"Expansion of individual energy into cosmic energy is called (, energy + , expansion)."
The word "yama" (Devanagari: , ) means "cessation" or more generally "control" or "restraint". Students qualified to practice pranayama are therefore always initiated first in the techniques of hatha pranayama.
According to Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is, "prāṇāyāma" is translated to "trance induced by stopping all breathing", also being made from the two separate Sanskrit words, "prāṇa" and "āyāma".
Praanaayaama can also be interpreted as Pra+Ana+ayama=Praanaayaama.Ana means breath or Animation--According to Monnier Williams the lexicographers have to say that prefix"Pra" increases the meaning of the noun it qualifies more than an ordinary adjective--as in "Pra"siddhi,"Pra"meyam,"Pra"katanam etc--In the Interpretation of Gaayatri Mantram--Praana is said to be one of the 5 "Gayas"=Vital Energies---"Gayas Traayathethi Gaayatri"and in the Poorvaangam of Gayatri japam the mantram "Praanopaana Vyaanodhaana Samaana Sahpraanaha"=Praana-Apaana--Vyaana--Udhaana-Samaana comes
The Buddha did incorporate moderate modulation of the length of breath as part of the preliminary tetrad in the Anapanasati Sutta. Its use there is preparation for concentration.
For the Buddha, the most important aspect of breath meditation is the consciousness attending to the breath. Buddhist tradition in general has urged moderation in the area of manipulation of the breath.
Category:Sanskrit words and phrases
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