Prashna Upanishad — Chapter 3: Kausalya's Question: The Origin and Distribution of Prana

12 verses

Verse 1

Then Kausalya Ashvalayana asked: Lord, from where is this Prana born? How does it come into this body? How does it distribute itself and establish it…

Verse 2

To him he said: You ask questions that are beyond the ordinary. Since you are most devoted to Brahman, therefore I tell you.

Verse 3

From the Atman (Self) this Prana is born. Just as a shadow is cast by a person, so is Prana spread upon the Self. By the action of the mind it enters…

Verse 4

Just as a sovereign commands his officers, saying 'Govern these villages, govern those villages,' so does this Prana assign the other vital breaths t…

Verse 5

In the organs of excretion and generation dwells Apana. Prana itself is established in the eye, ear, mouth, and nose. In the middle is Samana — it di…