Dear Friends:  Prana, Breath and Mantra-Based Meditation: In the yogic lineage I was initiated into, and studied/practiced in India, Prana, or life force, is paramount. It is the evolutionary force, sometimes called Chi, Ki, or Kundalini-Shakti, which, when allowed, will LOVE us into releasing constrictive Samskaras (painful karmas) and enter into greater freedom, over time. We suppress the good workings of prana through obstructive habits, addictions, attitudes, etc. But we can live a life that embraces prana and releases suffering through yogic approaches, offered by Patanjali in his yoga…