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| Posted: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 07:16 pm |
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1st Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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PRANA
"Prana (Sanskrit) [from pra before + the verbal root an to breathe, live] In theosophy, the breath of life; the third principle in the ascending scale of the sevenfold human constitution. This life or prana works on, in, and around us, pulsating unceasingly during the term of physical existence. Prana is "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" (Key 176).
In working upon the physical body, prana automatically uses the linga-sarira (model-body) as its vehicle of expression during earth-life. Prana may be said to be the psychoelectric veil or field manifesting in the individual as vitality. The life-atoms of prana fly instantly back, at the moment of physical dissolution, to the natural pranic reservoirs of the planet. Further, occultism teaches that "(a) the life-atoms of our (Prana) life-principle are never entirely lost when a man dies. That the atoms best impregnated with the life-principle (an independent, eternal, conscious factor) are partially transmitted from father to son by heredity, and partially are drawn once more together and become the animating principle of the new body in every new incarnation of the Monads. Because (b), as the individual Soul is even the same, so are the atoms of the lower principles (body, its astral, or life double, etc.), drawn as they are by affinity and Karmic law always to the same individuality in a series of various bodies, etc. . . ." (SD 2:671-2).
In Sanskrit it refers to the life currents or vital fluids, variously numbered as three, five, seven, twelve, and thirteen. The five life-winds mentioned are samana, vyana, prana, apana, and udana. In this classification prana represents the expirational breath.
Jiva is sometimes used similarly to prana, but strictly prana means outbreathing and jiva means life per se. There is a universal or cosmic jiva or life principle, just as there are innumerable hosts of individualized jivas, which are the atoms of the former, drops in the ocean of cosmic life. These individualized jivas are relatively eternal, and correspond exactly to the term monad. Jiva, without qualification, is of general application; when considered as individualized, these jivas are used in the sense of individual monads; contrariwise, prana is applied to the life-fluid or jivic aura when manifesting in the lower triad of the human constitution as prana-lingasarira-sthulasarira. Hence Blavatsky said that jiva becomes prana when the child is born and begins to breathe."
http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/etgloss/la-li.htm
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| Posted: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 07:24 pm |
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2nd Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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Prana:
"Prana or ki is that life energy which keeps the body alive and healthy. In Greek it is called 'pneuma', in Polynesian 'mana', and in Hebrew 'ruah', which means 'breath of life'. The healer projects prana or life energy or 'the breath of life' to the patient, thereby, healing the patient. It is through this process that this so-called 'miraculous healing' is accomplished.
Basically, there are three major sources of prana: solar prana, air prana and ground prana. Certain areas or places tend to have more prana than others. Some of these highly energized areas tend to become healing centers."
http://www.experiencefestival.com/prana
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| Posted: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 07:29 pm |
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3rd Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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Manna (Gr. man, manna; Lat. man, manna).
"The food miraculously sent to the Israelites during their forty years sojourn in the desert (Exodus 16; Numbers 11:6-9). It fell during the night in small white flakes or grains which covered the ground and presented the appearance of hoar frost. These grains are described as resembling coriander seed and bdellium, with a taste like "flour with honey", or "bread tempered with oil" (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7-8).
The manna fell for the first time while the Israelites were in the desert of Sin, six weeks after their departure from Egypt, in answer to their murmurs over the privations of desert life (Exodus 16:1 sq.) and thenceforth fell daily, except on the Sabbath, till they arrived at Galgal in the plain of Jericho (Joshua 5:12). During these years the manna was their chief but not their only article of diet. "
An Excerpt from:
See, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09604a.htm
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| Posted: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 07:47 pm |
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4th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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My definition:
Prana, or life force, is in the air. I can see it. In my own christian religion I might equate it to the Bread of Life (ie. manna), although the description usually given makes one believe it was some kind of *real* food or perhaps even snow. I do not accept these explanations, however. What I will say is that manna is the food of the gods. ~smile. So if I equate this to the bible, I would have to say that manna was available at a time when planet earth and man were not yet fully manifested in our three dimensional reality.
In the practice of meditation, prana can be breathe in through the nostrils; runs along the meridians, the ida and pingala. For the most part, the primary chakra that stores prana would be the solar plexus, if I recall right. This life force is used to energieze the etheric double ... and through that chakra along with the bodily systems, blood system, nervous system, etc prana is dispersed throughout the body.
It can also be equated to the eastern ki or chi, or in the christian, holy spirit and in the sanskrit and/or hindu Kundalini power... hence prana and/or Kundalini operates from the 1st chakra and runs throughout the body; first through the etheric, thence to the physical.
In yoga and in meditation, the inhaling and exhaling breath are most important. Meditating upon certain chakras equally important. Moving energy, balancing it and eventually achieving liberation through the 7th chakra. IOW, we move into the light.
IMHO
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| Posted: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 11:06 pm |
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5th Post |
Anupadaka
Member
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Cosmeta-san!
I had asked about your understanding of Prana, because Prana is a key concept in Theosophy.
(I will now take a very complicated subject, and give a very short summary.) We humans are composed of four lower principles:
1. Physical Body
2. Astral Body
3. Passions and Desires
4. Prana (the Breath of Life)
It has been said that we had these four qualities when we were still animals. (Theosophy teaches humans evolved from animals.)
We are also said to be composed of three higher aspects;
1. Spirit
2. Soul
3. Mind
Secret Doctrine Vol I page 242
http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/sd/sd1-1-12.htm
It is these three aspects that are created when an animal becomes a human. Actually, an animal is said to become a human at the exact moment the higher aspects link to the lower aspects, in a process called Individualization:
Animals, then, are said to be composed of the same four lower aspects, but not the three higher aspects.
~~~
I just wanted to cover all of this stuff, because Prana is such an integral part of the whole concept. I also see that there is a section on this forum for the Kabbala, and this is a central part of the Kabbala.
Secret Doctrine Vol I page 200
http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/sd/sd1-1-10.htm
See the Kabbala Chart compared to Theosophy
The Kabbala is referenced many times by HPB.
http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/sd-index/dx-ka-kd.htm
Look for Kabbala, Kabbalist(s), and Kabbalistic
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| Posted: Sun Oct 30th, 2005 12:11 am |
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6th Post |
Anupadaka
Member
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Oh, one more thing. The Kabbala and Theosophy are merely two different forms of the same information.
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| Posted: Sun Oct 30th, 2005 01:53 am |
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7th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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Prana is not only a key concept of Theosophy, it is a Key Principle of Man.
Seven Principles of Man
by Annie Besant
[Page 84] The Seven Planes and the principles functioning thereon 7 x 6 x 5 Atmâ. Spirit Spiritual 4 Buddhi. Spiritual Soul 3 Manas. Human Soul. Mental 2 Kâma. Astral or Desire-Body Astral 1 Prâna. Etheric Double. Dense Physical Body Physical
[Page 85]
Another Division according to the Principles 7 Atmâ Spiritual 6 Buddhi 5 Higher Manas Mental Principles closely interwoven during earth life.
Sometimes called high Psychic Plane
4 Lower Manas 3 Kâma Astral 2 Prâna. Etheric Double Physical 1 Dense Physical Body
[Page 86]
Another Division also according the Principles 7 Atmâ Spiritual 6 Buddhi 5 Manas Mental 4 Kâma Astral 3 Prâna Physical 2 Etheric Double 1 Dense Physical Body
These two latter divisions are matters of convenience in classification. The first diagram gives the planes themselves as they exist in nature.
See, http://www.theosophical.ca/SevenPrinciples.htm
My Conversion
_______________________________
We could say the Seven Principles Are:
7. Atma = Spiritual Plane
6. Buddhi = Spiritual Plane
5. Higher Mental = Mental Plane
4. Lower Mental = Mental Plane
3. Higher Astral = Astral Plane
2. Lower Astral = Astral Plane
1. Etheric Double = Physical Plane
1. Physical Body = Physical Plane
Note for the above: If you have ever had any mystical experiences, a good set of books to read to further understand this all are the books written by A.E. Powell: The Etheric Double, The Astral Body, The Mental Body, The Causal Body.
In Kabballah, the top would be: Ain Soph Aur
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| Posted: Sun Oct 30th, 2005 06:34 pm |
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8th Post |
Anupadaka
Member
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Books written by A.E. Powell:
- Powell, Arthur E., The Etheric Double, The Health Aura of Man
- Powell, A.E., The Astral Body
- Powell, Arthur E., The Mental Body
- Powell, Arthur E., The Causal Body and the Ego
http://www.theosophical.ca
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| Posted: Sun Oct 30th, 2005 08:42 pm |
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9th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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I am curious... what is the purpose of you putting all those links here?
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31st, 2005 03:03 am |
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10th Post |
Anupadaka
Member
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Cosmeta-san!
I see that you have referenced the Powell books. I thought people might like having the links to the actual books.
I take a very scholarly approach to the study of religion. I find having the original sources to be convenient when I do research, and probably some of your readers feel likewise.
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31st, 2005 05:24 am |
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11th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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Anupadaka wrote: Cosmeta-san!
I see that you have referenced the Powell books. I thought people might like having the links to the actual books.
I take a very scholarly approach to the study of religion. I find having the original sources to be convenient when I do research, and probably some of your readers feel likewise.
Okay. I just wanted to get a better idea of where you were coming from. From my standpoint, (and not the readership here because I cannot speak for them), I was beginning to get the impression that you were here merely to promote either ts websites or books. Neither of which is all that bad, mind you, but it just did not feel as if you and I were really talking to one another.
And me---I read ts books such a long time ago that it is hard from me to remember enough to be detailed in any of my responses to you. So that the best I can do is to give you a layperson's opinion---for conversation sake. And, I do suppose as an attempt to spark conversation here---since cs is so new mind you and there is not a huge following yet. That, ... and I feel a certain responsibility to help conversation along so that you do not feel alone in your special interest. IOW, I am trying to hold the fort until others arrive; but might be doing a poor job of it. ~smile
As to the readership here, (and in the sense of potential posters), I can not speak for those who have not as yet spoken for themselves. IOW, I have absolutely no idea what they want or do not want, yet it has been my experience on bulletin boards, (unless of course it is a scholarly one), that most are just looking for light conversation. Then again, I might be wrong... so I guess as far as cs or this forum is concerned we will just have to wait and see.
That having been said, I do know that a serious study of TS can get quiet heady, because of the many tenants layed down within theoshopical principles and literature. Still---if it is just you and I ... all these references seem like such a waste. I mean, anyone can point there browser in the same direction you or I can and come up with the same info.
Anyway---I was just curious...
So thank you for your honest reply.
I hope you do not mind, mine.
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31st, 2005 11:30 am |
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12th Post |
Anupadaka
Member
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Cosmeta-san!
You said,
"... the best I can do is to give you a layperson's opinion---for conversation sake."
--> That is wonderful. All this can be discussed on a scholarly level, as well as a layperson's level. Both are valuable, and we should continue to do both.
I have attended Theosophical study sessions that are at a very high level of scholarly study. One of my hopes is to bring that info down to the layperson's level, which is what I think you and I are doing here.
I think that a lot of this stuff is very applicable to the average person. You and I (and anyone else reading this) can have very meaningful (and at the same time non-scholarly) discussions on these topics. Topics like karma and reincarnation are topics that many people are interested in.
As for me, the most interesting type of discussion is to discuss concepts that may be confusing to some people. Explaining a difficult concept can be very rewarding. For example, Theosophists do not believe in God, but they believe in the Absolute, which is different. Many people have never even heard of the concept of the Absolute, which is why having this forum, to discuss such unknown concepts, is so valuable.
" ... cs is so new mind you and there is not a huge following yet."
--> Hopefully, that will change. It is certainly hoped that, as we continue to have interesting discussions, other people will feel motivated to jump in and share their experiences.
" ... I feel a certain responsibility to help conversation along so that you do not feel alone in your special interest. IOW, I am trying to hold the fort until others arrive...."
--> "Our discussions are coming along quite nicely. We only need to be patient, and other people will eventually join in. Or they may only be challenged to think of an old dogma in a new way. If so, we have done our job.
" ... most are just looking for light conversation."
--> That is true. However, some of these people grapple with heavy concepts all the time, for example, why does the Bible say Adam and Eve were created by gods (plural) not God (singular)? As we challanege them to look at the assumptions they have taken for granted all their life, they might get motivated to think about these ideas critically for the first time.
" ... a serious study of TS can get quiet heady...."
--> That is very true. That is why I am very committed to bringing it down to the level of the averge layperson. That is why this forum is so valuable!
"... if it is just you and I ... all these references seem like such a waste."
--> All we can do is plant the seeds. We can not worry about whether they take root. And, if only one other reader gets anything out of our discussions, then it was time well spent.
"I mean, anyone can point there browser in the same direction you or I can and come up with the same info."
--> Yes, but you and I have had some intersting, and open-minded discussions on some interesting topics. Such discussions are hard to find. Hopefully, people out there will notice that we do not have axes to grind, that we are willing to be open-minded debaters in a world full of lose-minded dogmatists.
Do not worry about the lack of new members yet. When they are ready, they will come.Last edited on Mon Oct 31st, 2005 11:36 am by Anupadaka
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31st, 2005 06:44 pm |
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13th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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Anu...
I think that a lot of this stuff is very applicable to the average person. You and I (and anyone else reading this) can have very meaningful (and at the same time non-scholarly) discussions on these topics. Topics like karma and reincarnation are topics that many people are interested in.
This is true, although I am sure that a great many will not view these topics from a theosophical point of view, many never having heard the term before. And so, I would like it known, that I am in no way trying to convert anyone to any one particular way of thinking. It's just that I personally have found many of my answers in Theosophy whereas Roman Catholicism left me without the answers I was seeking.
Before I move on by trying to find a point of discussion on this topic of prana, do you think you could leave out the -san when addressing your posts to me. Much appreciated. Also, I think I will try using the color navy for my posts to help distinguish my words from yours; and thereby avoiding the usage of that troublesome quote box---okay.
Thanks for the post....
Prana continued ---->
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31st, 2005 06:50 pm |
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14th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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H S I 64.
I L I 461.
"It is known to occultists that there are at least three separate and distinct forces which emanate from the sun and reach our planet. There may be countless other forces, for all we know to the contrary, but at any rate we know of these three. They are : -
1. Fohat, or Electricity
2. Prâna, or Vitality
3. Kundalini, or Serpent-Fire
Fohat or Electricity, comprises practically all the physical forces of which we know, all of which are convertible into one another, such as electricity, magnetism, light, heat, sound, chemical affinity, motion, and so forth.
Prâna, or Vitality, is a vital force, the existence of which is not yet formally recognised by orthodox Western scientists, though probably a few of them suspect it.
Kundalini, or Serpent-Fire, is a force known as yet only to very few. It is entirely unknown and unsuspected by orthodox Western science.
These three forces remain distinct, and none of them can at this level be converted into either of the others. This is a point of great importance, which the student should clearly grasp.
Further, these three forces have no connection with the Three Great Outpourings; the Outpourings are definite efforts made by the Solar Deity. Fohat, Prâna and Kundalini, on the other hand, seem rather the results of His Life, His qualities in manifestation without any visible effort.
[ Since this document was compiled, The Chakras by C.W.Leadbeater, has appeared. In The Chakras it is stated that the three forces mentioned are connected with the Outpourings, as follows:
The First Outpouring, from the Third Logos, is the Primary force which manufactured the chemical elements. This appears to be Fohat. The Second Outpouring, form the Second Logos, has Prâna as one of its aspects. Kundalini is a further development, on the ascending arc, of the First
Outpouring ]"
The Etheric Double
The Health Aura of Man
by A.E. Powell
Chapter 2, Prana or Vitality
page 8
To purchase The Etheric Double click here!
-or-
Online reading Source
http://www.theosophical.ca/EthericDouble.htm
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31st, 2005 07:10 pm |
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15th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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Note on Powell: The online files do not show it, but the books themselves have left and right marginal side notes. These notes, either quote or reference the other theosophcal books he is citing. IOW, these are a compilation, to be sure. The online sorce does not show these markings. And in most cases, even pagination is not displayed within online files.
Anyway, Powell is so masterful at what he does, that the reader will not know where his own words begin or where others end; so that the reader is left with one continuous and harmonious stream of thought. IOW, his books are a fantastic source for that one reason alone. ~smile
It might also be said, that one is advised to have read these other works before tackling Powell. On the other hand, if one starts out with Powell, it might be easier to understand some of the other TS writers.
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31st, 2005 07:36 pm |
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16th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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[page 1]
" "Every student of Occultism is familiar with the fact that man possesses several bodies or vehicles through which he is enabled to express himself on the various planes of nature – physical, astral, mental, and so forth. The occultist finds that physical matter exists in seven grades or orders of density, viz. : Atomic
Subatomic
Super-Etheric
Etheric
Gaseous
Liquid
Solid
Particles of all these grades enter into the composition of the physical vehicle. The latter, however, has two well-marked divisions, viz., the dense body, composed of solids, liquids and gases, and the Etheric Body, or Double, as it is frequently called, consisting of the four finer grades of physical matter.
M B 28.
It will be our purpose in these chapters to study this Etheric Double; its nature, appearance, functions, its relationships to the other vehicles, its connection with Prâna, or Vitality, its birth, growth and decay, its connection with certain methods of healing, with mesmerism, with mediumship and materialisations, the powers it can be made to exercise, and a host of miscellaneous etheric phenomena with which it is connected.
[page 2]
Briefly, we shall find that the Etheric Double, while necessary to the life of the physical body, is not, properly speaking, a separate vehicle of consciousness: that it receives and distributes the vital force which emanates from the sun and is thus intimately connected with physical health: that it possesses certain Chakrams or Force-Centres of its own, each with its distinct function: that upon the action of etheric matter mainly depends the memory of the dream life: that it plays an important part in determining the kind of physical vehicle which an incarnating ego will receive: that, like the physical body, it dies and decays in due course, releasing the “soul” for the next stage in its cyclic journey: that it is especially associated with what is known as Vital or Magnetic Healing, and also with Mesmerism, whether for purposes of healing, anæsthesia, or trance: that it is the principal factor concerned in séance-room phenomena, such as the movement of objects, production of “raps” and other sounds, and materialisations of all kinds: that the development of etheric faculties confers new powers and reveals many etheric phenomena, which are beyond the experience of most men: that by the use of the matter of the etheric body objects may be “magnetised”, much as living beings may be mesmerised: and, finally, that the etheric body provides the material out of which the substance known as ectoplasm is formed.
S S 58
A W 231
SD I 181
The Etheric Double has been given a variety of names. In early Theosophical literature it was often called the astral body, the astral man, or the Linga Sharîra. In all later writings, however, none of these terms are ever applied to the Etheric Double, as they belong properly to the body composed of astral matter, the body of Kâma of the Hindus. In reading the Secret Doctrine, therefore, and other books of the older literature, the student must be on his guard not to confuse the two quite distinct bodies, known today as the Etheric Double and the Astral Body.
AW 231
The correct Hindu name for the Etheric Double is
[page 3]
S S 57
S P 8
Prânamâyakosha, or vehicle of Prâna: in German it is known as the “Doppelgänger” : after death, when separated from the dense physical body, it is known as the “wraith”, and has also been called the “phantom”, “apparition”, or “churchyard ghost”.
S S 63
In Râja Yoga the Etheric Double and the dense body together are known as the Sthũlopâdhi, or lowest Upâdhi of Âtmâ.
M B 28
Every solid, liquid and gaseous particle of the physical body is surrounded with an etheric envelope: hence the Etheric Double, as its name implies, is a perfect duplicate of the dense form. In size it projects about one quarter of an inch beyond the skin. The etheric aura, however, or health Aura as it is frequently called, projects normally several inches beyond the skin: this will be further described later.
It is important to notice that the dense body and the Etheric Double vary together as to their quality: hence one who sets himself deliberately to purify his dense body, at the same time automatically refines its etheric counterpart.
A P 22
Into the composition of the Etheric Double must enter something of all the different grades of etheric matter, but the proportions may vary greatly, and are determined by several factors, such as the race, sub-race, and the type of man, as well as by his individual karma.
As yet, the only information which the compiler has been able to gather regarding the particular properties and functions of each of the four grades of etheric matter is the following :- "
1. Etheric: The medium of ordinary current L L 6
electricity, and of sound
2. Super-Etheric: The medium of light.
3. Sub-Atomic: The medium of "finer forms of electricity."
4. Atomic: The medium for transmision of thought from
brain to brain. "
The Etheric Double
The Health Aura of Man
by A.E. Powell
Chapter 1, General Description
pages 1-3
To purchase The Etheric Double click here!
-or-
Online Reading Source
http://www.theosophical.ca/EthericDouble.htm
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| Posted: Mon Oct 31st, 2005 08:03 pm |
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17th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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If you want to see prana, Anu, try this: - First do a little pure meditation to relax your body and mind (eyes closed).
- Focus on your breathing
- End your meditation
- Stay in the quiet state but with eyes wide open.
- Fix your focus about 3-5 feet in front of you
- Try to imagine a meeting point to focus the eyes
- Do not strain your eyes, but try to keep your gaze steady
- After a few minutes you might be able to see solar/air prana
Note: To better understand this or to get that point of focus, try to place a real physical object where you want to focus. Then simply remove it and *pretend* to still gaze upon it. IOW, you will be fixing your gaze on empty space; or so it would seem
Note: For best results do this in sunlight, but without ever looking into the sun. IOW, choose a sunny day instead of a cloudy day. ~smile.
As an alternative, try to fix your gaze on people as they pass by. Fix your eyes several inches away from their body. Pay particular attention to the top of their heads as well as on their backs, because I have found that prana will enter many people mid-way down their backs along the spinal column.
Hint: It looks like shooting rain... and has a great deal to do with the biblical passage, in which Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth."
Oh, and yes... some particles do not rain down as if in a steady stream, but rather will dance about. These are the particles most connected to our breath and will flow with Consciousness. ~smile. In other words, they can be directed and utilized for healing purposes. :o).
Note: I like black lettering and not the blue... so will return to it.
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| Posted: Thu Nov 10th, 2005 08:48 pm |
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18th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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So Anu.... Did I lose you with that last post, or what?
My curious mind want to know.
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| Posted: Fri Nov 11th, 2005 01:15 am |
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19th Post |
Anupadaka
Member
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Cosmeta,
Sorry if I have not responded, but I am writing a book, and I am getting close to finishing it. I have decided to devote as much time to it as possible, and get it finished in the next week. Then I can go back to spending hours on the internet when I should be out exercising!
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| Posted: Fri Nov 11th, 2005 06:47 am |
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20th Post |
Cosmeta
Administrator
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Ah---Good luck to you.
I want an autographed promo edition you know...
FREE of course!
~smile.
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