Day 206 -The Teachings of Bhusunda on Prana and Apana

Day 206 -The Teachings of Bhusunda on Prana and Apana

The Nature of Prana and Apana

Bhusunda explained that prana is the vital air in constant motion inside and outside the body, established in the upper part. Apana, similarly in motion, dwells in the lower part. The practice of controlling this life-force brings benefits to both the awake and the asleep.

The Movements of Life-Force

The natural outflow of the vital force from the heart-lotus is called recaka (exhalation). Contact with the source of the pranic force, located twelve fingers below in the heart-lotus, is known as puraka (inhalation). When both apana and prana cease to move, it is known as kumbhaka (retention).

Effortless Movement of Life-Force

The vital air moves up to twelve fingers from oneself, known as recaka. When apana remains in dvadasanta like unfashioned potter's clay, it's called external-kumbhaka. When outgoing air moves to the nose's tip, it is recaka; moving to dvadasanta is external-recaka. The state when prana and apana do not move is external-kumbhaka, and the reverse is internal-kumbhaka.

Attaining the Supreme State

By restraining the naturally restless vital airs through these practices, the practitioner is not bound by actions. Soon, they attain the supreme state, becoming immune to external attractions, achieving a state worthy of attainment.

Freedom from Delusion

Devotion to prana and apana destroys heart and mind impurities, leading to freedom from delusion, inner awakening, and resting in one's self while performing necessary actions.

Roles of Prana and Apana

Prana, rising from the heart-lotus, terminates twelve fingers outside the body, while apana, rising twelve fingers outside, terminates in the heart-lotus. Prana, like a flame, rises; apana, like water, descends. Apana, the moon, protects externally; prana, the sun, promotes internal welfare.

Unity of Prana and Apana

Reaching the space where apana unites with prana eradicates grief and prevents rebirth. Prana transforms into apana after shedding its heat, and vice versa. Wise ones study prana before it becomes lunar. Knowing the sun and moon in one's heart prevents rebirth.

Destroying the Darkness of Ignorance

Perfection isn't about managing external darkness but eliminating ignorance within. Self-knowledge arises from dispelling internal darkness, not from external visibility. One must strive to understand prana and apana for liberation.

Observing the Union of Prana and Apana

Apana ends where prana begins. Observing prana's cessation and apana's rise brings peace. External-kumbhaka occurs when prana stops and apana starts. Internal-kumbhaka happens when apana stops and prana rises. Practicing these states prevents sorrow.

Practicing Kumbhaka

Practicing kumbhaka after exhaling prana beyond apana's rise eliminates sorrow. Observing the breath's turning points prevents rebirth and sorrow. This practice brings a state of effortless kumbhaka, which is the supreme state.

Contemplation of Infinite Consciousness

Bhusunda contemplates infinite consciousness, present in prana and apana, and beyond both. This consciousness is the essence of all, the preserver of the body, mind, and intellect. It is the goal of prana contemplation and the cause of all. Bhusunda salutes this supreme consciousness, the refuge and the essence of internal and external kumbhakas.