The term 'Yoga' comes from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj,' which translates to 'to join' or 'to unite.' According to Yoga teachings, practicing Yoga brings together our individual awareness with the Universal Consciousness. This implies achieving a balanced connection between the Mind and Body, Man and Nature.

Yoga goes beyond just striking poses – it's like an endless ocean, and postures are just tiny drops in it. With numerous branches, yoga acts as a way to harmonize our life energy, Prana, within our physical and subtle selves. In its broadest sense, Prana encompasses various aspects, but when distilled to its simplest essence, it can be defined as the life force or life energy that dwells within us. By unlocking energy channels, yoga facilitates a balanced flow throughout our body. These channels represent various forms of prana, each with distinct names. Through yoga, we not only connect with our inner self but also with the supreme energy.

Exploring the ancient scriptures that delve into the facets of Yoga, we bring attention to a specific example from the Chandogya Upanishad. In its fifth chapter, this venerable text unveils a compelling instance, illustrating the crucial role and supremacy of prana in our existence. This example serves as a poignant reminder of the profound insights embedded in the timeless teachings of the Chandogya Upanishad within the vast tapestry of ancient wisdom.

Once upon a time, the Ears, Eyes, Mind, Speech, and Prana (vital life force) – got into a heated argument about who was more important and superior. They bragged, "I am superior," "No, I am superior." Unable to settle their dispute, they sought guidance from their master, Prajapati (or father figure).

Prajapati had a unique criterion for determining their worth. He said, "The best among you is the one whose departure makes the body appear its worst." Taking this to heart, each of them decided to leave the body one by one.

Speech departed! After a year, it returned and asked, "How did you manage without me?" The others responded: “Just like the mute, though not speaking, yet living with the breath, seeing with the eye, hearing with the ear, and thinking with the mind.” At this the speech entered the body.

The Eye departed! It returned after a year with a similar question, and the others responded: “Just like the blind, though not seeing, yet living with the breath, speaking with the organ of speech, hearing with the ear, and thinking with the mind.” At this the eye entered the body.

The ear followed suit, leaving and returning after a year with the same question. The others responded: “Just like the deaf, though not hearing, yet living with the breath, speaking with the organ of speech, seeing with the eye, and thinking with the mind.”’ At this the ear entered the body.

The Mind departed next. It returned after a year with a similar question, and the others responded: “Just like infants without developed minds, yet living with the breath, speaking with the organ of speech, seeing with the eye, and hearing with the ear.” At this the mind entered the body.

As the prana began its departure, the others felt a profound sense of uprootedness, much like a powerful horse pulling out pegs. Faced with the impending threat of their demise, they pleaded with prana not to depart, acknowledging that without it, they had no existence.

In the ancient narrative of the Chandogya Upanishad, we delve into a subtle yet profound concept, discovering that prana, embodying the vital life force within us, stands as the most superior and eldest force in our existence. Before the functioning of other organs is manifested in the child in the womb, the child grows through the functioning of Prana. Through the practice of yoga, we channelize this energy called prana, enabling us to modulate our mind and establish a profound connection with our true self. This harmonious alignment of body and mind through the regulation of prana serves as a pathway to a blissful and fulfilling life.