Pranic Vortexes

John Kaldawi learned that according to Swatmarama's Hatha Yoga Pradipika, "Only when all the nadis and chakras, which are full of impurities, are purified, is the yogi able to retain prana".  In the process of awakening the great kundalini shakti, the practitioner has not only to clear the energy channels but also to increase the quantity and quality of prana and store it.

Prana is accumulated in six main centers along the spinal column.  These centers are situated in the subtle body but actually correspond to the nerve plexuses in the gross body.  Prana shakti and manas shakti collect in the chakras and form swirling masses of energy.  Each chakra vibrates at a particular rate and velocity.  the chakra at the lowest point of the energy circuit operate on a lower frequency and are said to be grosser and to create grosser states of awareness.  Chakras at the too of the circuit operate on a higher frequency and are responsible for subtle states of awareness and higher intelligence.

Furthermore, John Kaldawi learned that according to Vedanta, there are two aspects of man's existence: prana and consciousness.  Prana is the vital or bio-plasmic energy which is universal in nature, and consciousness is knowledge.  Prana is known as the active and consciousness the dormant aspect of our existence.  Consciousness, the spirit principle, is called Purusha, literally meaning 'that whuch sleeps in the city'.  Prana, the nature principle, energy and matter, is called, Prakriti literally 'activity'.

John Kaldawi also learned that Purusha must always work in cooperation and in union with Prakriti.  Without prana, consciousness is unable to create.  There must be an underlying force which is transformed into various objects and forms.  On the higher level of experience, prana and consciousness are one.  On the mundane level of existence, however, they are mutually related and interact one with the other.  they are, in fact, mutually dependent entities, at times merging and at times becoming separate.  Prana can thus be affected by consciousness and visa versa.