Pranayama

Pranayama is a practice aimed to gained control of the energy (prana,) internal and external, of the body through specific techniques of breath control and meditation.

When we become still, introspective and meditate upon the breath the stilled mind allows the life forces to flow inward. This consciousness provides contact with different levels of mental perception, producing calmness, peace and radiance of the true nature, or soul. Understanding both the concept of prana and correct physical breathing is integral to pranayama practice.

Pranayama should be performed daily to drive out the impurities in the life force and mind. When the nerve channels, called the Nadis in Sanskrit, are cleansed, the life forces, prana, can flow richly into and within the body, and be conserved and utilised to attain high levels of physical and psychic development. Breathing controls the flow of energy into and within the body, controls the mind and channels its energy. The breath and mind are considered interdependent, together influencing the quality of consciousness the life force of the individual. A restless mind and slothful breathing cannot provide the body with proper support.

Pranayama literally means prana (energy) + yama (to lengthen), hence the concept of breath control that is so vital to yoga practice. With effective breath control both the in- and exhalations are followed by a pause. Our reservoir of energy becomes depleted if we do not fill it up on a regular basis with effective energy restorative practices. Pranayama is considered the epitomy of yogic practice. Pranayama is, on a physical level, the art of maximising the access of the body to the energy present in the air that we breathe.

On a metaphysical level it is essential to achieve some understanding of the concepts of prana, and how it is absorbed by the body before the full benefits of pranayama can be achieved. Only a few minutes of pranayama can revitalize and nurture the body and mind with the value of a few hours worth of sleep. Understanding both the concept of prana and correct physical breathing is essential to all advanced yoga practices.

Practicing pranayama

Practising pranayama can result in a great increase in vigour, clarity, character and consciousness. Pranayama is normally practised in a sitting posture, like the lotus, or in a chair, or during deep relaxation, and during asana practice. Even simple breathing practices can result in a great increase in vigour, clarity, character and consciousness.

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