Prana – The Vital Energy in Different Cultures: Review on Knowledge and Practice

Abstract

The subtle energy or Prana is essential for keeping our body healthy and alive. This article aims at analyzing the existence of subtle energy and the development of people's perception of this concept across different cultures. The review is made on understanding the influence of this vital energy on people's lives, health, spirituality, customs, and traditions. This article has reviewed, how the eastern and western cultures seemed to differ and are also alike in interpreting and utilizing the benefit of vital force. It also has addressed the need for perceiving vital force to get the desired outcome in one's wellbeing. It can be summarised that the concepts of subtle energy may be innate, widespread, and in general, proved to be a pathway for reaching into the spiritual realm. Despite varying in the schematic illustration of the subtle energy from distinct cultures, however, the different perceptions and understandings have a common rationale on its application. Further theoretical and experimental research is essential for the scientific establishment of this area of implication.