ಪ್ರಶ್ನೋಪನಿಷದ್ - ದ್ವಿತೀಯಃ ಪ್ರಶ್ನಃ

The Second Question: Then Bhargava of Vidarbha asked him: "Lord, how many deities sustain the living being? Which of them manifest this power, and who among them is the greatest?"

He replied to him: "This deity is indeed Akasha (space), and also Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Apas (water), Prithvi (earth), and Speech, Mind, Eye, and Ear. Having manifested, they boast: 'We sustain and hold together this body.'"

To them, Prana, the greatest, said: "Do not fall into delusion. It is I who, dividing myself fivefold, sustain and hold together this body." But they remained incredulous.

Out of pride, Prana seemed to ascend from the body. As it ascended, all the others immediately ascended, and as it remained established, all remained established. Just as all bees follow the queen bee when she takes flight and settle when she settles, so too did Speech, Mind, Eye, and Ear. Pleased, they then praised Prana.

He is Agni that burns; he is the sun; he is Parjanya (the rain-god); he is Indra; he is Vayu; he is the earth; he is matter (rayi); he is the Divine; he is that which exists and that which does not; and he is that which is immortal.

As spokes are fastened to the hub of a chariot wheel, so is everything established in Prana: the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, sacrifice, the warrior class, and the priestly class.

O Prana, moving in the womb as Prajapati, you yourself are born again. O Prana, the living beings bring offerings to you, who dwell within through the organs of life.

You are the most efficient carrier of offerings to the gods and the first offering to the ancestors. You are the true path of the sages, the essence of the Atharvangiras.

O Prana, you are Indra by your prowess; you are Rudra as the protector. You move in the atmosphere; you are the sun, the lord of all lights.

When you shower rain upon them, O Prana, these living beings of yours remain filled with joy, thinking that there will be food according to their desires.

O Prana, you are the Vratya, the one sole seer and mover of the universe, the consumer of all, and the true Lord of existence. We are the offerers of your share; you are our father, the sustainer of all beings.

That form of yours which dwells in speech, in the ear, and in the eye, and which permeates the mind—make that form auspicious, O Prana, and do not depart from us.

All that exists here and in the heavens is held within the control of Prana. Protect us as a mother protects her sons, and grant us prosperity and wisdom.