PRANAYAMA MANTRA
prāṇasyedaṃ vaśe sarvaṃ tridive yatpratiṣṭhitam māteva putrānrakśasva śrīśca prajñāṃ ca vidhehi na iti oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ All that exists in all the three worlds (below the earth, the earth and above the earth) is under the governance of prana. O prana, protect as a mother protects her children and grant us (real) wealth and wisdom. 1. History The phrase “prāṇasyedaṃ vaśe sarvaṃ” comes from the Praśna Upaniṣad (II.13), one of the primary Upaniṣads of the Atharva Veda. In this Upaniṣad, sages ask questions to the teacher Pippalāda, and one of the questions concerns the origin, function, and supremacy of prāṇa (life-force). The response declares that all—mind, senses, body, and life itself—are under the control of prāṇa. Thus, historically, this mantra is Vedic in origin, not later Puranic or devotional. It reflects the Upaniṣadic philosophy of prāṇa as the universal life energy sustaining everything. 2. Etymology 3. Benefits Spiritual Benefits: Mental Benefits: Physical Benefits: 4. Contraindications 5. Science Physiological Science: Psychological Science: Yogic Science: Summary: The mantra “prāṇasyedaṃ vaśe sarvaṃ” originates in the Praśna Upaniṣad, where it teaches that all existence depends on and is ruled by prāṇa (life-force). Etymologically, it means “everything is under the control of prāṇa.” Benefits include enhanced mindfulness, breath awareness, spiritual depth, and physiological calmness. There are no contraindications in recitation, though breath-based practices should be done with care. Scientifically, it aligns with modern findings on breath’s role in regulating the body, brain, and emotions.