“A luminous and deeply original work.” — Mark Stephen
“Prana is a luminous and deeply original work – part memoir, part mythic tapestry, part philosophical inquiry – that breathes life into one of the most enduring mysteries of human existence. With rare intellectual range and heartfelt storytelling, it explores the many meanings of breath, life force, and spirit across cultures and centuries. It is a masterful meditation on what it means to be alive – and aware – in the subtle currents that sustain us.”
Mark Stephens, author, Breathing: The Art and Science of Pranayama and Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes
“Bernie Clark takes the reader deep inside the mystical, invisible, subtle yet powerful realms of prana. Through extensive research, combined with personal experience and scientific studies, he sheds light on this intriguing and commonly misunderstood universal force, managing to do so in an engaging and accessible manner.”
David Swenson, Author of Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual
“With Prana, Bernie displays what a thorough thinker, heartfelt practitioner, and deeply engaging writer he is of this essential subject at the nucleus of all yoga: prana. Another essential text for all yoga enthusiasts.”
Sarah Powers, co-founder of the Insight Yoga Institute and author of Insight Yoga and Lit from Within
“Having read all of Bernie’s books, this is by far my favorite. It’s a wonderful mix of the personal, scientific, and creative that explores not only the earliest origins and history of yoga but its underlying energetic and mystical aspects as well. Many of us as teachers have pondered these deep questions and Bernie has brought his unique perspective to fleshing them out in ways that illuminate the principles and teachings that make yoga universal.”
J. Brown, Host of the Yoga Talks Podcast
“Prana is a key concept in yoga theory and practice. But what is prana? Is prana a God? A physical force? Or the power that connects the immaterial soul to the material body? Is it just an ancient name for bio-electricity or is it an intelligent life-force that modern science is slowly uncovering? Bernie Clark’s new book: “Prana” explores these questions by tracing the historical uses of the word prana in ancient and modern cultures. He has created masterfully imagined dialogues between ancient yogis, Greek philosophers, Taoist sages, and modern theosophists. His book is interwoven with Bernie’s own experiences and culminates with a review of modern scientific investigations and theories. It is well researched, clearly written and full of references. Read Bernie’s book ‘Prana.’ It might make you reconsider what prana is, and how breathing exercises and physical asanas influence it manifestations.”
Paul Grilley, Author of Yin Yoga: Principles and Practice, and Chakra Theory and Meditation.
Podcast Reviews
Listen to J. Brown and Bernie Clark discuss Prana — One Breath, Many Worlds on Yoga Talks, Bernie Clark – “History, Myth, Energy, and Spirit”. They discuss stories imagining pre-vedic to Vedic times, shamans and yogis, evolution of societies, tribal ritual and institutional gods, reincarnation, relationship with the divine, role of prana in tantra, Desikachar and Descartes, Theosophy and Chakras, fascia, clairvoyance and energy healing, and understanding the difference between spirit and soul.
Listen to Adam Keen and Bernie Clark — Ep 262 Bernie Clark – Prana. They explore the multifaceted nature of Prana, its historical context, and its relationship with breath and energy. Bernie shares his personal journey with Prana, including challenges and insights gained through his practice. The discussion delves into the significance of compression in yoga, the communication pathways within the body, and the importance of surrender and acceptance in healing. This conversation offers a rich exploration of the concept of Prana, bridging Eastern and Western perspectives on energy and vitality.
