Yoga-Meditations

Pranayama is composed of two parts, ‘Prana” & ‘Ayama’. ‘Prana’ is the vital energy of which most of the people are generally through out life; it is the self energizing force that manifests itself in the body and ‘Ayama’ denotes control.  ‘Pranayama’ means enfolding the entire body with this force under control.  The great sage Patanjali in ‘Patanjali Yoga Sutras’ defines Pranayama as “regulation of incoming & outgoing breath coupled with retention’.  Pranayama is lot more than just inhaling & exhaling or just breathing for relaxation.  It is also called the power of whole universe or cosmic power revealing itself as a conscious living entity in the body through miracle of breathing.  In simple words, Pranayama can be called rhythmic deep breathing.

Besides apparent physical benefits Pranayama provides many other subtle experiences which can be realized only after practicing the Pranayama.

Pranayama regulates the breath, relaxes the body and provides proper oxygen to all parts the body and removes body toxins.  Although Pranayama is easy to learn but it takes time to gain mastery over it.

Pranayama has five dimensions, i.e., vital energy itself, incoming, assimilation, circulation and outgoing which are called Prana, Apana, Samaya, Vyana and Udana respectively with their distinct functions.  The air we inhale is managed by prana inside the body whereas Apana manage the down and outgoing air and helps in removing negative energy from the body. The air within the body is balanced by Samana and vyana manages the exhaled energy.  Through Pranayama, perfect balance is maintained between mind and body.

Pranayama purifies breath and gives ability to regulate and control breath.  Pranayama makes your body health, strong and lean. All excess fat is eliminated from your body through Pranayama and your face becomes lustrous. Pranayama provides clarity to eyes and the eyes start sparkling like diamonds. Pranayama makes the overall personality very handsome besides giving sweet and melodious voice.  Inner body sounds (anahata naad) can be heard clearly.  Pranayama augments Jatharagni (gastric fire).  If practiced by students, it helps him to concentrate on studies, his thoughts are not strayed and he gets firm in Brahamacharya.  Pranayama helps in getting semen firm and steady.