Question

Praṇav is the Vachaya of:

• A. Ishwar
• B. Purusha
• C. Om
• D. Jeeva

Hint:

Remember the Yoga Sutra: \[ \textit{Tasya vācakaḥ praṇavaḥ} \] which means: \[ \text{Om (Praṇava)} \rightarrow \text{Expression of Ishwara} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: In the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, “Praṇava” refers to the sacred syllable “Om” (\(\mathrm{Om}\)). Patanjali explains that Om is the verbal expression (Vāchaka) or symbol representing Ishwara. The relevant sutra states: \[ \textit{Tasya vācakaḥ praṇavaḥ} \] Meaning: \[ \text{``Praṇava (Om) is the expression of Ishwara.''} \] Thus, Praṇava is associated with Ishwara in Yoga philosophy.

Step 1: Understand the meaning of Praṇava.
Praṇava is another name for the sacred syllable: \[ \mathrm{Om} \] It is considered the primordial sound and is used extensively in meditation and yogic practices.

Step 2: Identify whose expression Praṇava is.
According to Patanjali: \[ \textit{Tasya vācakaḥ praṇavaḥ} \] Here: \[ \text{Tasya} \rightarrow \text{Ishwara} \] and \[ \text{Praṇava} \rightarrow \text{Om} \] Thus: \[ \text{Praṇava is the Vāchaka (expression) of Ishwara.} \]

Step 3: Analyze the given options.
Option (A): Ishwar
Correct. Praṇava (Om) is the verbal symbol or expression of Ishwara. Option (B): Purusha
Purusha refers to pure consciousness but is not specifically identified with Praṇava in this sutra. Option (C): Om
Praṇava itself means Om, not the entity of which it is the expression. Option (D): Jeeva
Jeeva means the individual soul and is not the Vāchya referred to here.

Step 4: Identify the correct option.
Since Praṇava is described as the expression of Ishwara, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Ishwar}} \]