We tend to get a lot of answers through some random conversa-tions we have with people around us. In one such conversation I had with my da,d he equated oxygen to the Supreme Power. And when I thought about it, I became more curious to understand my dad’s equation. As a way to explain his statement my dad asked me to recite the Mool Mantra. Mool Mantra is the first stanza or the pehli pauri of Sri Guru Granth Sahib it is opening of the holy text and was written by Guru Nanak Dev when he experienced the divinity of the Supreme Power. It is believed that while in deep meditation Guru Nanak Dev had disappeared for a span of three days and when he returned he recited the mool mantra.
As I connected the words of the mool mantra with the characteristics of oxygen I realized it is but true. If there is oxygen there is life. This understanding of oxygen dawns on you when you have witnessed a lack of it. In Guru Granth Sahib breath is everything and without it a body is useless. This breath becomes a life giver when a child is born and it becomes the end when it departs from the body. It is true, it gives life, it has no fear or hatred, it is timeless, cannot be defined by birth, self-dependent and has Guru’s grace. It has been true in the beginning of this world, it is true in.
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Peter Bowman
There is only one breath (air); all are made of the same clay; the same essence (life force) pervades within all. (Mehl 4, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, p 96) The first issue of Arka focuses on Prana: Life force. We have received some insightful, informative and enlightening articles dealing with various aspects of prana. Samir Parikh, Chetna Shukla are some renowned names who have expertise in ancient wisdom; they have made the knowledge of prana from ancient texts and ancient wisdom accessible to modern readers. Eddie Stern has used his years of teaching and practising yoga to make readers aware of how pranayama helps maintain the body’s optimal prana level. Christopher Fernandes writes about the physical activities of the heroes of our ancient texts and helps us understand it from a modern perspective. Ajay Poddar, an industry specialist, diagnoses the impact of modern technology and lifestyle changes on prana. Simmin Bawa, a crystal reader and Reiki practitioner, introduces us to the energy of different crystals and their impact on the prana. Closing the issue with a delightful and very personal book review by Neelkanth Mehta. With Prana, the life force, we have aimed to give life to Arka and share insights with the readers.
