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prana

the vital life force or breath energy in Hindu and yogic philosophy

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Where does the word "prana" come from? It comes from Sanskrit prana, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

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Where does the word "prana" come from? It comes from Sanskrit prana, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

Prana’s story begins in Sanskrit: prana meant “breath, life force.” Literally breath, life force, a central concept in Hindu and yogic philosophy. It reached English by 1800s as prana. Sanskrit 'breath'; yoga's 'pranayama' is breath control. Today, prana means the vital life force or breath energy in Hindu and yogic philosophy.

  1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient prana "breath, life force", literally breath, life force, a central concept in Hindu and yogic philosophy.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s prana "the vital life force in Hindu and yogic philosophy", Sanskrit 'breath'; yoga's 'pranayama' is breath control.

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