So, can we say that the vital breath that moves in the human body is the final link to the Supreme breath that moves in the Universe? Can we ask that question?
You (Prana) are the chief bearer of offerings to the gods; you are the first offering to the ancestors! You are the Truth that the great Rishis practice. You are Indra, the Lord of the senses. You are Rudra, the destroyer; you are Vishnu, the protector; you move in the atmosphere as the Sun, the Lord of lights; and you are the rain; when it rains, these creatures breathe and live in a state of bliss, knowing that there will be food according to their desire.
Vratyas Tvam Praanai Karshhi Ratta Vishvasya Satpatihi, Vayam Adyasya Dattarah Pita Tvam Matarishva Nah.
You are ever pure. Oh! You are the ekarshi fire, the consumer of everything. Prana, life, the eater, the real Lord of all, we are the givers of what is to be eaten. Oh! All pervading air, the breath, you are our Father.
Then it says: That form of yours, which is well established in the speech, in the ear and in the eye, which exists continuously in the mind, make that auspicious, do not go away!
Having described the Supreme Being, the Supreme Light which is the basis of everything, the Rishi prays and says: “Make that form of thine auspicious, which is expressed in our speech, which is heard in our ear and seen by our eyes, which is the Supreme being in the form of the world that pervades the mind, giving mind the capacity to think. The consciousness, the witness of all that happens, make it auspicious for us, do not go away!”
Then, the Upanishad says: “All this is under your control–Prana, the Supreme life–which is well established in the three worlds. Protect us as a mother protects her sons, grant to us prosperity and wisdom.”
There is a beautiful Purana called the Devi Bhagavata in which the devotee prays: Yesha Vayur Aviratha Kila Devi Bhuyath Vyaphthi Sadaiva Janani Suthayor Ivarye. O, Noble Goddess! May this relationship of mother and son prevail unbroken between you and me, now and forever.
Now, we move to the third Prasna, and the next questioner gets ready. Who is this questioner? This is Kausalya, the son of Asvala, who asks Sage Pippalada the question.
O, venerable Sir, Bhagavan! Where is this Prana (life) born? How does it come into this body and how does it distribute itself and establish itself? In what way does it depart? How does it support what is eternal? How does it support what relates to the individual self? Please explain this to me.
Tasmai Sa Hovaca atiprasnam Prcchasi Brahma nistho Asiti Tasmaat Te Aham Bravimi
Sage Pippalada was well pleased with the question. He said to Kausalya, you are asking questions that are highly transcendental. I think you are most devoted to the Brahman, the Supreme Being. Therefore, I will tell you.
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