The aim of the second query posed by the disciple was to find out the way in which the Prana acts within the body of individuals. The chief objective of the second question is to find out the chief activities in the body through which the individual comes to gain the endless experiences from moment to moment, the sum total of which is called life. In this section the student tries to find out the phenomenal factors that preside within the physical structures of individuals. The student had enquired to the Master as to how the individual reacts with the world outside and the disciple had also tried to find out the instruments with the help of which he comes to terms with those reactions. Rather it can be said that with the help of the second question the student tries to find out the construction of the physical structure and its maintenance.
The guru has said that the factors that support the body are the instruments of knowledge and the instruments of action presided over by the mind. He has also said that the instruments of knowledge in turn are governed by the five great elements. According to the Guru, the Devas who governs and controls the five organs of knowledge and actions are the five Great Elements. From this query, the disciple proceeds as to who illumines these sense organs and who among them is the greatest. With regard to this query, the Rishi had employed a story telling technique. He had said that once there was a conflict among all the five organs with regard to their strength. All of them tried to prove that he was the greatest. But finally it was proved that Prana was the greatest of them all because it is with the help of Prana that all the other organs in the body function. Prana gives the energy necessary for functioning. This was well proved when all the other organs stopped functioning when Prana was about to leave the body. Hence it was conclusively found that Prana or the vital air is the greatest among all.
In fact in this section of Prashnopanisad the Master tried to conclude that the Prana is the ultimate Truth behind all things that have form and at the same time are formless. He has said that as the Prana is the ultimate Truth, the entire Universe rests and is maintained on the Prana. Rather it is better said that the centre of all activities in this Universe is with the help of the Prana. Even when a Guru teaches a student it is with the help of the vital energy that is manifested within the Master with the help of the Prana. Similarly if Prana does not assist the student he is not in a position to intake the teachings of the Guru.
Thus it can be said that Prana is the most important factor behind all sense organs and without the help of the Prana the sense organs are not able to function independently, in fact when the life-force retires from the body, the sense organs also lose their capacity to function.
According to the Rishi, the Sun is the Prana and the Sun causes the clouds and the clouds are the manifestation of Prana in another form, which pours down in the form of rain and produces food. Food therefore is Prana in another form. Thus it can be said that the entire plurality of phenomenon such as rain, germination, growth, harvesting, eating and growing are nothing but the Prana in its various manifestations.
In this section the Guru has said that unlike all creatures which require purification after they are born, the Prana does not require purification in any form because Prana is not polluted with the feelings of jealousy, hatred, attachment, passion, selfishness and greed.
As the Master explains the essence of Prana to his disciple he has said that when Prana within an individual is pure, accordingly his words will become pure and his mind shall also in the process become pure. In other words the Guru had said that the indriyas of the body have a mission in their lives and the mission is to dedicate their lives towards the service the Prana as faithful instruments to fulfill his divine will.
In the opinion of the Rishi, the energy which directs individuals to their destinations and the energy which brings about a shattering accident are all the same and it is the duty of every individual to make the Prana direct individual lives in a straight manner without any waywardness.
Towards the end of this section, the Guru explained to his disciple that as Prana is the essence of all activities in this Universe it is the duty of all individuals to pray to the Prana so that it blesses one with wealth. By wealth it does not mean monetary wealth rather it means inner wealth of divine qualities. The inner wealth includes qualities such as love, tolerance, mercy, kindness and righteousness. Finally the Guru has ended this section saying that without these qualities it is not possible for any individual to attain spiritual wealth.
