The Seventh Limb of Yoga: Dhyana

Understanding Udana Vayu: The Ascending Energy of Expression

Udana vayu, also known as “ascending air,” is the prana vayu that directs prana from the lower chakras to the upper chakras. This upward-moving energy carries the awakened kundalini—our dormant spiritual energy—through the chakras as it ascends, facilitating a deeper connection to higher consciousness. Udana vayu is primarily located between the heart and the head, where it governs our ability to express ourselves and communicate clearly.

Understanding Vyana Vayu: The Omnipresent Energy that Integrates All Vayus

Vyana vayu, often called “omnipresent air,” is the prana vayu that integrates and coordinates the other four vayus—prana, apana, samana, and udana. Unlike the other vayus, which are associated with specific areas of the body, vyana vayu is present throughout the entire body and even extends outward, influencing the energy field or aura surrounding us. Vyana vayu is the glue that holds the other energies together.

Understanding Samana Vayu: The Balancing Energy of Digestion and Assimilation

Samana vayu, often called “balancing air,” is the prana vayu that sits at the intersection of prana (the inward/upward-moving energy) and apana (the outward/downward-moving energy). This central force unites the two energies, creating balance in both body and mind. Located at the navel, samana vayu governs agni, the digestive fire, which is the fire of purification. When prana and apana unite within samana, agni burns optimally, supporting the body’s ability to assimilate and process what it receives.

Understanding Apana Vayu: The Downward and Outward Flow of Energy

Apana is the prana vayu that governs the downward and outward flow of energy from the body. It is the energy of release, responsible for physical elimination, as well as the release of mental and emotional waste. Apana vayu plays a crucial role in keeping us clear, balanced, and grounded.

Understanding Prana Vayu: The Inward Movement of Life Force

The individual prana vayu, not to be confused with the entire category of prana vayus, represents the specific movement of prana, or life force, inward into the body. Prana vayu governs the intake of energy through breath, food, drink, and even through mental and sensory perceptions.

Meditation

Understanding Udana Vayu: The Ascending Energy of Expression

Understanding Vyana Vayu: The Omnipresent Energy that Integrates All Vayus

Understanding Samana Vayu: The Balancing Energy of Digestion and Assimilation

Understanding Apana Vayu: The Downward and Outward Flow of Energy

Understanding Prana Vayu: The Inward Movement of Life Force