Ramayana. Hanuman surrendered to the divine in the form of the divine incarnations Rama and his wife, Sita, and he thereby gained the ability to become as large or as small as he wished, to overcome all enemies and obstacles, and to accomplish the miraculous. Such a spiritually directed vital nature has energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm, along with the ability to control the senses and vital urges—all subordinate to a higher will and aspiration.

The Five Pranas

The pranamaya kosha is composed of the five pranas, also called vayus or “forces of the air.” These five pranas are categorized according to movement and direction. This is an important topic in Ayurvedic medicine as well as in yogic practices.

Prana Vayu

Prana vayu literally means “forward-moving air,” because it moves inward and governsall kinds of reception into the body, from eating, drinking, and inhaling, to the reception of sensory impressions and mental experiences. It is propulsive in nature, setting things in motion and guiding them, and it provides the basic energy that drives us in life.

Apana Vayu

Apana vayu, “the air that moves away,” moves downward and outward, governing all forms of elimination and reproduction (which also has a downward movement). It governs the elimination of stool and urine, the expelling of semen, menstrual fluid, and the fetus, and the elimination of carbon dioxide through the breath. On a deeper level, it rules the elimination of negative sensory, emotional, and mental experiences. It is the basis of our immune function.

Udana Vayu

Udana vayu, “the upward-moving air,” moves up and brings about qualitative