Why do we suffer? We suffer because we lost connection with our true self. Our true self is Sachidananda. Our true self is Shiva, our true self is bliss and beauty, and our true self is universal consciousness. So the bridge between universal consciousness and individual consciousness is prana.
That's why.
We are born because of rajas quality and when first breath happen, the sattva enter. Then we become conscious of our self and tamas create exhalation. So sattva, rajas, tamas, sattva is inspiration, rajas is retention, tamas is exhalation. So you will see that these are the three puraka inhalation. Kumbhaka sustenance and Rechaka is exhalation.
These are happening in the breath cycle of every being. Even if you watch our breath, when we inhale, then air goes into the nose, it turns down into the throat, it goes into the trachea, heart, diaphragm, it goes down behind the belly button. And when prana goes there, behind the belly button. And for a fraction of second there is a space, there is a gap, there is a stop.
And in that stop, prana meets with apana. Then apana and prana meeting kindles agni, that's why it becomes samana. And samana does digestion, absorption, assimilation, all neutralize, all metabolic activities are governed by samana. And then. Combustion happens in that Ojas Tejas Prana from every cell is absorbed into the RNA DNA and within RNA DNA, Ojas Tejas Prana, they maintain our genetic code, the Prakriti.
So this is very subtle and when we exhale, apana comes out. So our daily breathing; we are not breathing for one cell. We are breathing for 80 billions and trillions of cells in the body. Your consciousness is a consciousness of billions and trillions of cells. And all they are alive, vital because of prana.
The maha prana is a universal prana, which is nothing but matar-ishwan. Then prana which really protect our body and our auric field. Is ambar piyusha prana then there is a prana in the brain, prana in the throat, prana in the heart, prana in abdominal cavity or belly button.
And there is a very beautiful space in front of sacrum that is called sacral prana. So sacred prana governs kundalini shakti it is sacred prana. The word sacrum is sacred. So pana means to drink and a-pana means to eliminate. So we exhale. That is apana we inhale, that is pran.
And prana is a very vital force. And in that prana there is a supersonic vibration of cosmic sound that is called So-Hum. Inhale with, So. Exhale with Hum, So-Hum, Soh kare antar yati, hankare bahip punah, Soham, Soham, Hamsah, Jeevo japati sarvada. Every jiva, every individual soul, every creature is breathing and in their breath there is this supersonic vibration of the sound that is called Soham And that's why all ancient great Rishis, they meditated upon Soham. Those people who become enlightened, they are always with their prana, they are without uttering, muttering, murmuring, they are just. Just feeling the presence of SO sound in inhalation and HUM sound in exhalation. So if you do SO HUM meditation, then there is a natural suspension of breath that is called Kevala Kumbhaka.
Kevala Kumbhaka is effortless Kumbhaka, there is neither inhalation nor exhalation, there is a natural suspension of breath that is called Samadhi. Samadhi is a tranquility. Samadhi is transcendental state of awareness. Samadhi is a state of bliss. And in Samadhi, you become one with Sat-Chit-Ananda. So, Sat is the truth.
Chit is awareness. Ananda is the bliss. So, this Sat-Chit-Ananda is the divine bliss of prana, when prana become absolutely stable. That's the beauty. Sat-Chit-Ananda.
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Path to Enlightenment: An Introduction to Dhyana and Samadhi
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between Prana and So-Hum Meditation?
Prana is your vital life-force, and So-Hum meditation guides your breath in harmony with it. By syncing “So” on the inhale and “Hum” on the exhale, this practice reconnects you to your essential energy.
How does So-Hum meditation lead to Samadhi?
With steady practice, So-Hum meditation quiets the mind and brings deep stillness. In this tranquil pause, a sense of oneness and bliss—Samadhi—naturally arises.
How can I practice So-Hum meditation?
Sit comfortably, breathe in with “So” and out with “Hum,” letting your attention rest on these sounds. There’s no rush—simply follow your breath and return to the mantra whenever your mind wanders.
Is So-Hum meditation suitable for beginners?
Yes, So-Hum meditation is gentle, simple, and accessible to everyone. Its natural rhythm makes it a welcoming starting point for anyone new to meditation.
What are the health benefits of practicing So-Hum meditation regularly?
Regular practice can calm the mind, support relaxation, and foster emotional balance. Many find it helps ease stress and brings a greater sense of well-being.
