The Hindu conception of the functions of breath : a study in early Hindu psycho-physics / [by] Arthur H. Ewing.

  • Ewing, Arthur H. (Arthur Henry), 1864-1912.
Date:
1901
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The Hindu conception of the functions of breath : a study in early Hindu psycho-physics / [by] Arthur H. Ewing. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

    5/62 (page 3)
    RV. iii. 53. 21. Yam u doismas tarn u prdno jahatu, Whomsoever we hate, let his breath leave him. Tliis suggests the witchcraft practices which are especially characteristic of the Atharva-Veda. The identification of death and departing breath, as assumed here, is axiomatic and requires no remark. RV. X. 59. 6. Here jwana is sought by prayer, side by side with other parts and powers of the human organism, viz.: eye, mind {manas) and life-principle {asu). RV. X. 90. 13. This hyran is the famous Purusa-sukta. In stanza 13, the wind (Vdyu) is said to have been produced from the breath of cosmic man. As the giant form of a primeval cosmic man undoubtedly took shape in the poet's thought by a projection of himself upon the universe, we are justified in interpreting each part and organ as though, at least in the first instance, the individual earthly man was referred to. Prdna is, therefore, the physical breath whose identity with wind is here assumed. The second half of the stanza runs, mukhdd indrap ed ^gnig, ca prdndd vdyur ajdyata. These words not only express the axiomatic identification of wind and breath, to which countless references are made in Hindu liter- ature; but the derivation of Agni from the mouth, whence issues the xoarm vital breath, which is also used in the production of fire, suggests the still more oft-recurring con-elation of agni and prdna. RV. X. 189. 2. This stanza occurs in a hymn to Surya. The shooting forth of the rays is likened to the exhalation of animal breath. Antag carati rocand''sya prdndd apdnatl, The shining one, breathing out (or off) from his breath moves about within. The third ptida adds, The mighty one illumines the heaven. Whatever be the detailed interpretation and reference of these words, it is clear that prdna is here viewed simply as physical breath. Verbal and Participial Forms of the Root /y/an7 These forms, whether from the simple root or the root com- pounded with prefixes, are of equal importance with the noun.