Wherever several nerves, arteries or veins interlace
each other, that point or center is called plexus. Similarly, there are plexus
or centers of vital forces in the Suksham or subtle
nadis are the astral tubes
made up of astral matter, and serve as passages for subtle pranas through which
they operate in the subtle body as do the nerves, arteries and veins in the
gross physical body. All these subtle tubes or nadis spring from Kanda or the
center where the Sushmana Nadi meets the Muladhana Chakra at the base of the
spine. Of these Nadis, Ida, Pingala and Sushmana are the most important. All
three nadis are within the spinal cord. Ida and Pingala or on the left and
right side respectively of the Sushmana or Sukhman. The Ida (Chandra canal)
flows through the right. Breath generally flows through the Sushmana (Agni
canal), the mind becomes steady. This steadiness or Unmani Avastha, as it is
called, is the highest state in Raja Yoga, for in this state there is wonderful
meditation. The practice of Pranayam is necessary for purification of the
nadis, as with impurities in them, the breath cannot pass through the middle
nadi. Gross prana travels in the nerve of the physical
body, but the subtle prana moves in the astral tubes (nadis). The breath is an
external effect of the manifestation of the gross prana. There is a very close and intimate connection between
the gross and the Subtle prana. If the mind and the prana cease to vibrate, no
thought-wave will arise. The mind functions through prana, It is from prana (life) that everything proceeds. -CHHANDOGYA UPANISHAD When prana departs from the body, all organs cease to
function, for in the body there is no greater force than bioenergy (prana). |