In the realm of spirituality, the concept of Prana (life force or soul) is revered as the essence of life itself. In this blog post, we’ll explore the idea that Prana is synonymous with Jagannath, delving into the philosophy that the divine resides within every living being. Let’s embark on this journey of understanding how this concept helps us connect with the divine.
The Supreme Essence: Prana
The text states, “Prane hi Bhagavanisha Prane Vishnu Pitamaha, Pranena Dharyate Lokah Sarvam Pranamayam Jagat.”
This translates to:
“Indeed, Prana is Bhagavan (God), Prana is Vishnu Pitamaha (the grandfather of Vishnu), Prana sustains the world, and the whole world is filled with Prana.”
It underscores that Prana or life force, which is also called the Atma (soul), is the eternal reality within all beings. This essence provides life to the inert body, activates the mind, intellect, and senses, and purifies the being.
Realizing the Divine Within
Through spiritual practices, it is possible to saturate the prana with the divine consciousness. The text highlights the path to purifying one’s mind, intellect, and senses, to perceive the entire world as an embodiment of the divine Atma. This process helps us transcend the ego that is attached to our impermanent bodies.
As the Shrimad Bhagavat says:
“Enu sumane bichara,
Chanchala chitta sthira kara.
Sarba indriya mana rundhi,
Niyata karme dei buddhi.
Atma ku dekha sarbamaye,
Bibeka sugyana udaye.“
This translates to:
“Therefore, with a calm mind, control your restless heart. Restrain all your senses and mind, and use your intellect to do what is right. Observe the soul in everything, and enlightenment will rise.”
This means that the divine is present as the Atma in all beings. Every living thing possesses a part of that divine energy within itself. To reach this understanding, one has to transcend the ego of their body, and recognize their soul as a part of the divine. When one realizes this truth, chanting “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” becomes a profound experience, leading to unique insights.
A Path to Self-Realization
By understanding that Prana is Jagannath, we are reminded of the divine presence within us and the interconnectedness of all beings. When one moves beyond the ego of the body, then one realizes that all life is a reflection of that eternal life-force. This is the path to true liberation.
Bringing the Essence of Life Home
Jai jagannath 😊🙏