Adhyaya 5

Key teachings

• • Prāṇa (vital breath) is the eldest and best of all faculties—one who knows this becomes eldest and best among people. • Vāk (speech) is called Vasiṣṭha (most excellent), conferring excellence among one's own. • Cakṣus (sight) is Pratiṣṭhā (foundation), enabling one to stand firm in this world and the next. • Śrotra (hearing) is Sampad (prosperity), causing all desires—divine and human—to flock to the knower. • Manas (mind) is Āyatana (abode), serving as the dwelling place for all other faculties. • When the faculties dispute superiority and leave the body, only Prāṇa's departure causes total dissolution, proving its supremacy. • Upon returning, they all realize Prāṇa is the self of all and seek refuge in it. • One who knows Prāṇa as the innermost self attains union with all faculties and their respective glories.