Wednesday, Dec 25 2024  

THE ESSENCE OF AIR - 23 MAY 2005

My humble pranaams at the lotus feet of Swami. Sai Ram uncles, aunties, brothers and sisters. I am Charmaine from Group3. My topic for today is “The Essence of Air”.

Before I begin, let me share an interesting observation, do you know our Beloved Bhagavan’s name has the topic of today..S AIR AM  !!

It is a topic that is scientifically and philosophically quite deep, but I will try to make it a cool breeze!!

In today’s talk, let us explore together on how air is essential for the existence of life on this planet and to our existence, the moral values which we can learn from this topic and also, Swami’s message about this topic.

In the chain of creations that eventually formed what we call Panchabhootas or Five Elements, space came first, from space, came air in the form of cosmic winds. from Air, came fire, then water and then earth.

Brothers and sisters, not only the Universe is made up of 5 elements, the human body is also said to be composed of the Five Elements, Akasa  Vayu Agni, Jala and Prithivi, which are usually referred to as ether, air, fire, water and earth.
I will limit my talk today only about Vaayu or Air.
God made earth to be the only planet to support life. It has atmosphere with the right proportion of various gases like Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon dioxide. Not only that what a wonderful way God’s creations work to maintain balance of all these gases in the atmosphere, for example, plants give out Oxygen and take in Carbon dioxide, whereas we breath in Oxygen and breath out Carbon dioxide.

Every living thing depends on air for survival.

Indeed, Air is the giver of life. It is the Prime Essence of Life All living things get life from air It awakens Virility and vitality. Without air we cannot survive
The ancient Hindu sages practiced meditation and managed to stay without food and water for long periods.  But air was still a must; air is their vital link for their physical sustenance.

Air is that transparent, rarefied, kinetic force which sets the universe in motion; it moves the blood through the vessels, wastes from the body, thoughts through the mind; it helps move the birds to warmer climates in winter.
 
Within the body Air is the element Vayu that makes up the five vital airs called the Pancha Pranas, 

It s Samaana (balanced breathing), Vyaana (The life wind, diffused throughout the whole body), Udhaana (life wind which rises on throat and enters head), Prana (breath, vital airs) and Apaana (down breath).

Thus these Five Subtle Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas) form the basis for all things found in the material creation, from a grain of sand to the complex physiology of every human being. We should ensure that they are retained in right balance. Imbalance of these elements disrupts the immunity system. Balancing these elements in just the right way for each unique individual is the key to maintaining health and treating disease should it arise, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual.

Jai Sai Ram

Sis Charmaine
SSEHV Group 4