THE PRANAYAM

After reaching home the first thing Darsh did was to ask his father how he killed that leopard.

"Dad, how did you kill that leopard so easily?"

Hearing his son's question Ashok smiled as if Darsh was asking a silly question. 

"Son Have you ever heard of Prana energy?"

"No dad, what is it?" asked Darsh.

Ashok replied in a serious tone, "Son, it is an energy which is present everywhere and all life is possible because of it. It makes up everything and if you can control it, you can gain tremendous strength."

"To be able to control Prana you need to cultivate step by step."

"The cultivation realms are divided into Body Refining Realm, Manas Initialization Realm and Prana Maya Realm."

"Body Refining Realm is further divided into Annamaya level, Manomaya level and Vijnamaya level. Annamaya level is divided into five stages Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Aether/Space. Similarly Manomaya level is also divided into five stages and in each stage one of the sensory organs will be enhanced and at last Vijnamaya stage is divided in three stages Initial, Middle and Peak.

"Manas Initialization Realm is only divided into three levels Anandamaya, Rajas and Sattva. Even though this realm is divided into fewer stages but because as you continue to cultivate it gets harder to reach a breakthrough with passing time, Manas Initialization Realm is more difficult in terms of reaching a breakthrough. You can also say that the higher your cultivation level the more difficult the breakthrough."

"At last Prana Maya Realm, it is divided into five levels: Vyana Vayu, Samana Vayu, Udana Vayu and Prana Vayu."

"In this Realm you utilize the energy in your surroundings to reach a higher cultivation base. You start with the lowest form of energy and as you continue to breakthrough you will be able to use higher forms of energy and when you reach the peak of Prana Maya Realm Prana Vayu level you will be able to control the Prana energy and you will break the barrier of mortals and become an Immortal, an existence which is no longer restricted by the laws of the world and fate."

Hearing this Darsh was amazed and with a spark in his eyes he asked his father.

"Dad, can I also cultivate and how can I cultivate?"

Ashok in turn asked Darsh, "Son, are you sure you want to cultivate? The journey of cultivation is a very difficult one and filled with blood and tears."

Without thinking twice Darsh nodded.

"I want to cultivate dad, even if the journey is harsh."

"Okay my boy but first grow up and when you become 7 years old I will teach you."

"By the way dad what is your cultivation base and how does someone start to cultivate?"

With a curious face Darsh asked.

"Darsh my little boy, I am at the peak of 5th stage of Manomaya level of Body Refining Realm."

Ashok's chest inflated with pride.

"Son you might not know but in my youth I was a genius in my family but due to some unforseen reason they kicked me out." Ashok sighed.

"Aah! What am I talking about, just forget it but yes I was a genius of my generation."

Darsh felt a little depressed.

"And onto your second question that I can answer but first you need to promise me that you will not do anything reckless." Ashok had a serious look on his face.

"Fine dad I promise." Darsh said in a lukewarm tone.

Ashok started saying, "To start your cultivation journey you first need a meditation technique."

"And..." Darsh asked impatiently.

"Look my boy you don't need to know more right now because if something goes wrong you might be in danger."

"Ok dad."

Darsh was disheartened but he finally had a hint.

After having his dinner Darsh ran to his room and started contemplating about his talk with his father. Suddenly he thought of something and his eyes shined. 

In his previous life, to relieve some of his stress Darsh had learnt Ancient Indian meditation technique called Pranayam. Thinking of this he immediately sat with his legs crossed and adjusted his breathing. For some time he didn't feel any different than normal but as he was about to quit he felt a warm current entering his body. He didn't know why but he had a feeling that the energy was quite heavy and had a defensive property. 

He remembered what his father has told him and he finally understood that the energy had Earth attribute and it was necessary to reach first stage of Annamaya level of Body Refining Realm.