The Sānkhya Kārikā, with the Bhāshya of Gauḍapāda — trans. H. T. Colebrooke and H. H. Wilson (1837)

The natural properties, which are the several characteristics, are the respectire characteristics (as previously defined). Ascertainment is intellect (ver. 23): that also is the function of intellect. Consctonsness is egotism (ver. 24): consciousness is both its characteristic and its function. Mind ponders (ver. 27): such is its definition; and reflection, therefore, is the function of mind. Of these three, intellect, egotism, and mind, their respective characteristics are their specific functions. The functions of the intellectual organs, as before explained, are also specific (the same is

‘argp. 103 the case with the organs of action), But now their common function is described. The common function of the instruments——The function of the instruments in common is breath and the rest of the five vital airs; the airs called prdna, apdna, samdna, uddna, and vydna, These are the five airs 2which are the common function of all the organs of sense. The air, for instance, called prdna is that which is perceptible in the mouth and nostrils, and its circulation is the common function of the thirteen kinds (of instruments): that is, where there is breath, the organs acquire (are connected with) soul (they become living). Breath, like a bird in a cage, gives motion (vitality) to the whole. It is called préna, ‘ breath’ or ‘life,’ from ‘breathing. From carrying downwards (apanayana), the air apdna is so named; the circulation of which, also, is the common function of the organs. Samdna is so named from conducting equally (samanayana) the food, &c. (through the frame). It is situated in the central part of the body, and its circulation is the common function of the instruments. The air udéna is denominated from ascending, or from drawing or guiding best (wa-nayana). It is perceptible in the space between the navel and the head, and the circulation that it has is the common function of the organs. Lastly, the air by which internal division and diffusion through the whole body is effected is called rydna, from its pervading (vydpti) the body like the etherial element. The circulation of that, also, is the common function of the assemblage of the organs. In this manner these vital airs, as the common function of the instruments, are explained ; that is, the common function of the thirteen kinds (of organs).

Besides the peculiar functions of the three internal instruments, mind, egotism, and intellect, which as the same with their definitions have already been specified, they have a common office in the evolution or circulation of the internal aerial humours which constitute vitality.