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'''Prāṇa''' (प्राण) is the [[Sanskrit]] word for "vital life" (from the root ''prā''). In [[Vedanta|Vedantic]] philosophy, prana is the notion of a vital, [[life]]-sustaining force of living beings and [[vitalism|vital energy]], comparable to the Chinese notion of [[Qi]]. In human beings, it flows through a network of fine subtle channels called [[nāḍi|nāḍis]].
'''Prāṇa''' (प्राण) is the [[Sanskrit]] word for "vital life" (from the root ''prā''). In [[Vedanta|Vedantic]] philosophy, prana is the notion of a vital, [[life]]-sustaining force of living beings and [[vitalism|vital energy]], comparable to the Chinese notion of [[Qi]]. In human beings, it flows through a network of fine subtle channels called [[nāḍi|nāḍis]].
In the [[Theosophy|Theosophical]] literature prāṇa is the third (sometimes second) [[principle]] of human beings, usually referred as "life principle" or "vital principle."
In the [[Theosophy|Theosophical]] literature prāṇa is the third (sometimes second) [[principle]] of human beings, usually referred as "life principle" or "vital principle."
== In Hinduism ==
== In Theosophy ==
[[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky|Mme. Blavatsky]] defines prāṇa as follows:
<blockquote>"Prana," or "Life," is, strictly speaking, the radiating force or Energy of Atma -- as the Universal Life and the ONE SELF, -- ITS lower or rather (in its effects) more physical, because manifesting, aspect. Prana or Life permeates the whole being of the objective Universe; and is called a "principle" only because it is an indispensable factor and the deus ex machina of the living man.<ref>Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, ''Key to Theosophy'' (), ???</ref></blockquote>
== Notes ==
<references/>
[[Category:Sanskrit terms]]
[[Category:Theosophical terms]]
[[Category:Hindu terms]]

Revision as of 20:51, 19 March 2012

Prāṇa (प्राण) is the Sanskrit word for "vital life" (from the root prā). In Vedantic philosophy, prana is the notion of a vital, life-sustaining force of living beings and vital energy, comparable to the Chinese notion of Qi. In human beings, it flows through a network of fine subtle channels called nāḍis.

In the Theosophical literature prāṇa is the third (sometimes second) principle of human beings, usually referred as "life principle" or "vital principle."

In Hinduism

In Theosophy

Mme. Blavatsky defines prāṇa as follows:

"Prana," or "Life," is, strictly speaking, the radiating force or Energy of Atma -- as the Universal Life and the ONE SELF, -- ITS lower or rather (in its effects) more physical, because manifesting, aspect. Prana or Life permeates the whole being of the objective Universe; and is called a "principle" only because it is an indispensable factor and the deus ex machina of the living man.[1]

Notes

  1. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Key to Theosophy (), ???