Garbha Chetana

According to Ayurveda, consciousness enters the ovum at the moment of fertilization — the fertilized ovum is a conscious, living tissue. The moment sperm enters the ovum, it creates a subtle dynamic space of consciousness called non-akashic space, which is the bindu of consciousness, pulsating and throbbing without breath. In the fertilized ovum, jiva (individual consciousness) is isolated from Brahma (universal consciousness). Nadam (soundless sound), bindu (pulsating consciousness), and kala (membranous structure) are all present in the zygote.

Cell division into two, four, and sixteen cells is accomplished by prana vayu, which forms the shape of the body. Kapha nourishes each cell, while pitta transforms immature cells into mature cells within the zygote. The kundalini shakti (electromagnetic energy or neuro-electricity) is present in the brain of the fetus, which exists in ecstasy — in samadhi. The mother and baby's kundalini are connected through the navel, where the celiac plexus governs diaphragm contraction.

At the time of delivery, stress causes the baby's kundalini to descend into the muladhara (root) chakra, where apana vayu is activated for the first time. This stimulates prana vayu, causing diaphragm contraction, lung opening, and the baby's first breath — the moment when objective consciousness enters and the baby loses awareness of prenatal bliss.