3.41 – Through mastery of the balancing current of energy, one becomes radiant.
समानजयाज्ज्वलनम् ॥४०॥
samana jayat jvalanam
- samana – centering energy; the balancing, centering, and calming current of prana; one of the body’s five vital forces (prana-vayus)
- jayat – by victory; by mastery
- jvalanam – radiant; blazing; shining
The balancing current of life-force is called samana vayu. Samana is the inward movement of energy toward our core. Its primary location in the body is at the navel center—manipura chakra. It digests inflowing energy and is the aspect of prana that helps us remain centered and balanced.
Samana works at many levels of our being. Physically, it’s the force that breaks down the food we consume. In that way, it’s closely connected with agni, the digestive fire. It also maintains equilibrium throughout the various organs and systems of the body.
Mentally and emotionally, samana is the force that digests our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. And at the highest level, it’s the alchemical power within us that transmutes karma into fuel for our spiritual growth.
By learning to activate and cultivate samana vayu, our inner fire becomes strong yet balanced, and we begin to glow with radiance.
