# Leela Square 38: Plane of life energy (prana-loka) Meaning

Square 38 in Leela is the Plane of life energy, prana-loka. It stands for prana, the life force carried by the in-breath, which keeps the body in balance. It is a plain square in the fifth row, with no arrow and no snake, and it invites the player to notice what truly gives them vitality.

## Meaning

Johari describes square 38 simply: prana, the life force and in-breath, balances the body. In yoga, prana is both the breath you draw and the subtle energy that animates every living thing. Breathing in is the most constant act of receiving that a body performs.

Prana-loka means the plane or world of prana. It is the first of three neighbouring squares devoted to the vital airs: prana at 38, apana at 39 and vyana at 40. Together they describe how life enters, leaves and circulates. Johari places them here because in row 5 the vital airs come into balance.

Row 5 is Man Becomes Himself, linked to Vishuddha, the throat chakra, with ether as its element. The throat is where breath becomes voice. After the arrow of true awareness at square 37, this square brings the player back to the body. Insight needs energy to be lived, and energy depends on how one breathes, rests, eats and spends attention.

The lesson is quiet and practical. Vitality is not only a matter of effort. It grows when you notice what nourishes you and what drains you, and when you let the breath become something you feel rather than something that happens unseen.

## On the board

Square 38 sits in row 5, just after square 37. Players arrive by a throw from squares 32 to 36; anyone landing on 37 is carried away by its arrow. No arrow or snake leads here, and none leaves. It is a plain square: the player stays, reflects on vitality and moves on with the next throw.

The square is linked to Gita 4.29, where some offer the in-breath into the out-breath and the out-breath into the in-breath, so that breathing itself becomes an inner offering. Its episode is Bhima's meeting with Hanuman, both sons of Vayu, the wind, and so of the breath of life.

## Questions

- What gives me vitality?
- What drains my energy without my noticing?
- How does my breathing change when I am calm, and when I am under pressure?

**What does square 38 mean in Leela?**
Square 38 is the Plane of life energy, prana-loka. It represents prana, the life force and in-breath that keep the body balanced. Johari places it first among the three squares of the vital airs, followed by apana at 39 and vyana at 40, in the fifth row linked to the throat chakra.

**Is there an arrow or snake on square 38 in Leela?**
No. Square 38 is a plain square. Nothing carries you up or down from it, and no arrow or snake ends on it. You simply rest there for the turn, reflect on what gives you energy, and continue with your next throw of the die.