Breath
Across various philosophical and spiritual traditions, the word for “breath” often intertwines with concepts of “spirit,” “soul,” and “vital life energy”.
Indian Philosophies (Hinduism, Yoga, Jainism)
- Prāṇa (प्राण): This Sanskrit word is the most common term, meaning “breath,” “life force,” or “vital principle”. In yogic philosophy, it is the subtle energy that animates life and the universe, absorbed through breathing but more than just the physical air.
- Vāyu: A related term, literally meaning “wind” or “air,” sometimes used as a synonym for prāṇa.
- Prāṇa is further divided into five major vāyus (winds) within the body, each governing different functions: prāṇa, apāna, vyāna, udāna, and samāna.
- Ātman: In some contexts, the concept of the self (ātman) is considered a form of prāṇa or is intrinsically linked to it as the source of life.
Ancient Greek Philosophy
- Pneuma (πνεῦμα): This term means “air in motion,” “breath,” or “wind”. Philosophers like Anaximenes and the Stoics used it to describe a material, animating principle or world-soul that pervades the cosmos and underlies all life and reason.
- Psychē (ψυχή): Originally meaning “breath of life,” psychē is often translated as “soul” or “mind” in a more general sense.
- Phren (φρην): Refers to both the mind and the diaphragm, highlighting the ancient understanding of the connection between breath, body, and thought.
Chinese Philosophy
- Qì (气) or Chi: A fundamental concept in Taoist and Chinese philosophy and medicine, literally meaning “vapor,” “air,” “gas,” or “breath”. Figuratively, it represents the vital life force or energy that animates all living entities.
- Qìgōng (气功): The practice of “cultivating qì” through breathing exercises and meditation.
Abrahamic Traditions (Hebrew, Latin)
- Ruach (רוח): In Hebrew, this word means both “breath” and “creative spirit”. In the Book of Genesis, God breathes the “breath of life” (ruach) into man to make him a living being.
- Neshama (נשמה): Another Hebrew word for “soul” or “spirit,” also related to the concept of breath.
- Spiritus: The Latin word from which the English “spirit” is derived; it means “a breath” or “breathing” and holds a similar dual meaning to the Greek pneuma and Hebrew ruach.
Other Traditions
- Ha: The word for “breath” in the Hawaiian language, related to mana, or spiritual power. It is central to the meaning of “aloha” (the presence of the divine breath).
- Ki: The Japanese equivalent of the Chinese qi, playing a significant role in martial arts and spiritual practices (e.g., Aikido).
- Hau/Hauora: Terms in Māori philosophy related to the vitality of life and the environment, emphasizing the significance of the first breath in their creation stories.
AI responses may include mistakes.
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