Prashna Upanishad 3.3

The Source and Functions of PranaAtharva Veda

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Prashna Upanishad 3.3Famous
intermediate
आत्मन एष प्राणो जायते। यथैषा पुरुषे छायैतस्मिन्नेतदाततं मनोकृतेनायात्यस्मिञ्शरीरे॥

ātmana eṣa prāṇo jāyate | yathaiṣā puruṣe chāyaitasminnnetadātataṃ manokṛtenāyātyasmiñśarīre ||

""Prana is born from the Self. Just as a shadow follows a person, so does Prana extend into the body by the action of the mind.""

What This Means:

Prana comes from the Atman (Self) and follows it like a shadow follows a person. Mind is the bridge connecting Self and body.

Going Deeper:

This is crucial: Prana originates from Atman, not from matter. The mind (karma of past lives) brings Prana into a new body.

How To Apply This:

Your life-force comes from your deepest Self. Mind connects consciousness to the body.

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