प्राण
Prana
(prāṇa)Life force; the vital energy that animates all living beings
Full Meaning
Prāṇa is the universal life force — the energy that animates matter. It is not breath itself, but the intelligence within breath. Chinese medicine calls it chi; Japanese, ki. The five forms of prāṇa govern different physiological and energetic functions.
Etymology
Pra (forward, forth) + an (breath, spirit) — that which moves forth, the breath of life.
Usage in Sanskrit Texts
Prāṇāyāma (prāṇa + āyāma, extension) is the yoga practice of working with life force through breath. Controlling the breath controls the mind.
प्राणस्य प्राणम् — The prāṇa of prāṇa. The life behind life. (Kena Upanishad 1.2)
Related Sanskrit Words
Learn Sanskrit — not just the words, but the language.
VedaLingo teaches Sanskrit from the alphabet up — free, 10 minutes a day.
Start Learning Free →