THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - Chapter 3. MIND, PRANA & KUNDALINI - Sri Swami Sivananda - Complete Works with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.

In Chapter 3 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, Sri Swami Sivananda explores the interconnection between mind, prana (vital energy), and Kundalini, delving into how these vital forces interact to shape the nature of consciousness and spiritual development. He presents the concept of prana as the vital energy that supports and sustains the mind, and discusses the critical role of Kundalini awakening in attaining higher states of consciousness. 

Prana: The Outer Coat of the Mind
Prana is described as the life force or vital energy that permeates the body and the universe, sustaining all living beings. According to Sivananda, there are two principal essences in the universe—mind and prana—and wherever there is prana, the mind also exists. Prana acts as the outer covering or "coat" of the mind. It is the energy that fuels the brain and supports its cognitive and sensory functions. Without prana, the mind would cease to function. Prana vital energy is involved in the digestion and transformation of food, turning it into chyle and blood, which are sent to the brain. This allows the mind to think, reason, and engage in higher functions, such as the inquiry into the ultimate reality, Brahman, the Supreme Cosmic Spirit. The mind’s activities, therefore, depend on the presence of prana, and the flow of prana through the body influences the mental state and clarity of thought. Sivananda also highlights that prana is gross, while the mind is more subtle. The mind is formed from the pure essence of the five subtle elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether), while prana arises from the restless essence of these elements. The mind, therefore, is more subtle and intricate than prana, though both work together in a synergistic manner. 

The Vital Sheath and the Mental Sheath
Swami Sivananda further explains the relationship between the physical body, the vital sheath (the energy body), and the mental sheath (the mind-body). The physical body is the grossest aspect of our existence, while the vital sheath is more subtle and extends beyond the physical body. The mental sheath is even more subtle, encompassing the entirety of the mind. This subtlety allows the mental sheath to influence the physical and vital sheaths. An important point Sivananda makes is that prana is more subtle than the physical body and can influence others even without physical contact. For instance, one can influence another person by transmitting prana through a "pass" or through focused attention. Similarly, the mind can influence others, even from a distance, because the mind is more subtle than prana. This subtlety gives the mind a power that transcends physical boundaries. 

Inter-Dependence of Mind and Prana
Prana and the mind are interdependent—one supports and sustains the other. Sivananda draws an analogy between the flower and its fragrance, or the sesame seed and the oil inside it, to describe the relationship between the mind and prana. If either the mind or prana is destroyed, the other will cease to exist as well. The cessation of both will result in liberation (moksha), the ultimate state of freedom and unity with the Divine. When the mind becomes one-pointed and focused, prana naturally follows suit and becomes steady. If the mind is purified, prana will be freely distributed throughout the body, and all physical and mental functions will improve, including digestion and overall well-being. The key to controlling both mind and prana lies in purification and discipline. 

Mind, Prana, and Semen
Sivananda draws attention to the connection between the mind, prana, and semen, which he refers to as "virya." The control of any one of these three elements automatically influences and controls the other two. In the yogic tradition, Hatha Yogins focus on controlling prana, Raja Yogins aim to control the mind, and Jnana Yogins begin their spiritual practice with the intellect and will. Controlling prana, particularly through pranayama (breath control), can lead to greater mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth. By mastering prana, one can also suppress sexual desires, as the movement of prana is closely linked to sexual energy. Breath control, therefore, not only calms the body but also the mind, facilitating deeper meditation and spiritual experiences. 

Benefits of Breath Control (Pranayama)
Pranayama, the control of prana through the regulation of breath, is one of the most important practices in yoga. By controlling prana, a practitioner can increase mental energy, develop better concentration, and improve the quality of their thoughts. Regular practice of pranayama helps stabilize the mind, remove negative emotions such as passion and inertia, and burn off impurities or "dross" in the mind. One of the key benefits of pranayama is the purification of the mind. When negative thoughts or distractions arise, practicing breath control can quickly calm the mind, allowing one to regain focus and clarity. By moving the mind from the gross to the subtle, pranayama helps the practitioner detach from material distractions and enter higher states of awareness. 

The Superiority of Prana Over Mind
Sivananda makes an interesting comparison between the senses, prana, and the mind. The senses, like sight and hearing, are more internal and subtle than the external organs. For example, sight can be misleading, but hearing provides a more accurate perception of the world. Similarly, prana is more fundamental and superior to the mind, as it is the source of life and consciousness. Sivananda recounts a parable to illustrate the relationship between prana and mind. In the story, the mind departs from the body and later returns to find the organs still functioning through the agency of prana. The mind recognizes that the life-giving force, prana, is superior to itself, as it is the source of all functioning in the body. 

Mind and Kundalini
Kundalini is described as the dormant spiritual energy coiled at the base of the spine. This energy is closely linked with prana, and both are essential for spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Kundalini is said to reside in the Root Chakra, and when awakened, it travels up through the chakras, activating higher levels of consciousness. Sivananda emphasizes that the awakening of Kundalini is crucial for attaining superconscious states, whether through Raja Yoga (mental control), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), or Jnana Yoga (knowledge). The mind must be free from desires and passions for Kundalini to awaken fully. The awakening of this primal energy enables the practitioner to access higher states of spiritual awareness. When Kundalini is awakened, prana flows upward through the Sushumna channel (a subtle channel within the spine), along with the mind and individual soul. This process leads to the yogi transcending physical consciousness and entering a state of spiritual bliss and superconscious absorption. The awakening of Kundalini is associated with six distinct experiences: spiritual bliss, bodily tremors, rising off the ground, divine intoxication, spontaneous movement, and temporary sleep or fainting. 

Kundalini and Mind
As Kundalini ascends through the chakras, it opens up layers of the mind, revealing deeper states of consciousness and higher spiritual powers. The yogi experiences different types of bliss at each chakra and gains control over the five elements. At the highest point, the crown chakra, the practitioner reaches the ultimate knowledge and awareness of the universe in its causal form. 

In conclusion, Chapter 3 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control highlights the intricate relationship between the mind, prana, and Kundalini. Sivananda explains that these forces are interdependent and that spiritual progress requires the awakening and harmonizing of all three. Through practices such as pranayama, meditation, and control of the mind, one can awaken the latent power of Kundalini, experience higher states of consciousness, and ultimately attain liberation.

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