The Hindu conception of the functions of breath

By: Arthur H. Ewing. Distributor: Lulu. $14.99. 144 pages.  Paperback DG. 2016 (1901).

Not much is known about Rev. Arthur H. Ewing (1864–1912). He was a prominent Presbyterian missionary and academic who resided in Allahabad, India. He has left us three articles, the present one, the ‘Çāradā-tilaka Tantra’ (J. of the American Oriental Society, 1902, 65–76)) and ‘A message from Southern Asia’ (The Church and Missionary Education, 1908, 88–94).

The present one explores the origin and estimates the values of the Hindu explanations and definitions of the series of terms comprising Prāṇa or vital breaths. It provides a rare analysis of the question of proper interpretation and translation of the various terms. As such, it is a fundamental work for all those seeking a deeper understanding of the concepts pertaining to psycho-physiology as understood in Hindu texts.

Content

• Introductory and fundamental.
• Chapter I. Views of translators and summary of material.
  • Diverse and Varying Views of Leading Translators.
  • Summary of material.
    1. Material in re the Prāṇa-Series in the White Yajur-Veda.
    2. Material in re the Prāṇa-Series in the Atharva-Veda.
    3. Material in re the Prāṇa-Series in the Çatapatha Brāhmaṇa.
    4. Material in re the Prāṇa-Series in the Taittirīya-Āraṇyaka.
    5. Material in re the Prāṇa-Series in the Gopatha Brāhmaṇa.
    6. Material in re the Prāṇa-Series in the Upaniṣads.
    7. Material in re the Prāṇa-Series in the Sūtra Literature.
• Chapter II. Attempts made by Hindu scholars to explain the Prāṇa-series.
• Chapter III. Interpretation of the Prāṇa-Series.
  • The Prāṇa-Series in the Vedas.
  • The Prāṇa-Series in the Çatapatha Brāhmaṇa.
  • The Prāṇa-Series in the Upaniṣads.
  • The Prāṇa-Series in GB.; TĀ.; and the Sūtras.
  • Résumé of Results.
• Appendix. Later Definitions.
• Bibliography
  • Authors cited
  • Classics cited
  • Abbreviations