Pranayama

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Pranayama (Devanagari: प्राणायाम, prāNāyāma) is a sanskrit word that means control (yama) of the life force (prana). It is also commonly used to describe various yogic breathing exercises that help give the practitioner control of the life force, or pranayama. It was originally expounded by Patanjali, an ancient Hindu philosopher and yogi, in his Yoga Sutras, a text on yoga philosophy and practices.

The word pranayama is comprised of two roots: prana and ayama. Prana includes the breath, but more accurately signifies the 'vital energy' or 'life force' that permeates the universe. It is similar to the Chinese concept of "chi", or the Hawaiian concept of "mana." Ayama is defined as 'control', or as 'extension' and 'expansion'. Thus, the word pranayama can also be understood as the extension or expansion of prana.

Several researchers have reported that pranayama is beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders,[1] improving autonomic functions,[2] relieving symptoms of asthma,[3] [4] and reducing signs of oxidative stress.[5] [6] Practitioners report that the practice of pranayama develops a steady mind, strong will-power, and sound judgement,[7] and also claim that sustained pranayama practice extends life and enhances perception. [8]

Contents

[edit] Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Pranayama is most widely known as the fourth 'limb' of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga taught in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Patanjali refers to pranayama as the control of life force that comes as a result of practicing the various breathing techniques, rather than the numerous breathing exercises themselves.[9] [10] Many yoga teachers advise that pranayama should be part of an overall practice that includes the other limbs of Patanjali's Raja Yoga teachings, especially Yama, Niyama, and Asana.[7]

[edit] Some Pranayama Techniques

There are numerous well-known pranayama practices in yoga, including the Kriya Yoga of Lahiri Mahasaya, Sudarshan Kriya, and Ujjayi. Others include:

  • Kapalabhati Pranayama
  • Bhastrika Pranayama
  • Dhirga Pranayama
  • Bhramari Pranayama
  • Tummo Pranayama

[edit] Quotes

"Prana is a subtle invisible force. It is the life-force that pervades the body. It is the factor that connects the body and the mind, because it is connected on one side with the body and on the other side with the mind. It is the connecting link between the body and the mind. The body and the mind have no direct connection. They are connected through Prana only and this Prana is different from the breathing you have in your physical body." — Swami Chidananda Saraswati[11]

"Yoga works primarily with the energy in the body, through the science of pranayama, or energy-control. Prana means also ‘breath.’ Yoga teaches how, through breath-control, to still the mind and attain higher states of awareness. The higher teachings of yoga take one beyond techniques, and show the yogi, or yoga practitioner, how to direct his concentration in such a way as not only to harmonize human with divine consciousness, but to merge his consciousness in the Infinite." — Paramahansa Yogananda[10]

"The essence of the Prana is activity. It is the Prana that makes the heart beat, the lungs function and the stomach secrete juices. Hence, neither breathing nor lung-function ceases till death. The Prana never goes to sleep, just as the heart never stops beating. The Prana is regarded as the watchman of the body." — Swami Krishnanada[12]

[edit] Cautions

Many yoga teachers recommend that pranayama techniques be practiced with care, and that advanced pranayama techniques should be practiced under the guidance of a teacher. These cautions are also made in traditional hindu literature. [13] [14] [15]

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Brown & Gerbarg (2005)
  2. ^ Pat et al (2004)
  3. ^ Cooper et al (2003)
  4. ^ Vedanthan et al (1998)
  5. ^ Bhattacharya et al (2002)
  6. ^ Jerath et al (2006)
  7. ^ a b Light on Pranayama, Sixth Edition, Crossroad Publishing Co.
  8. ^ Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, 2002.
  9. ^ Kriyananda, Swami. The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, ISBN 8120818768
  10. ^ a b Yogananda, Paramhansa, The Essence of Self-Realization, ISBN 0916124290
  11. ^ Chidananda, Sri Swami, The Philosophy, Psychology, and Practice of Yoga, Divine Life Society, 1984, ISBN 81-7052-085-3
  12. ^ Krishnananda, Swami, The Yoga System, The Divine Life Society
  13. ^ Visakhapatanam, Bharat, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Master E.K, Kulapathi Book Trust, ISBN 81-85943-05-2
  14. ^ Prescriptions for Pranayama, Claudia Cummins
  15. ^ Breathing Lessons, Tony Briggs

[edit] Further reading

[edit] External links

Topics in Yoga
Yogas: Agni Yoga - Anahata Yoga - Anusara Yoga - Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga - Bikram Yoga - Hatha yoga - Integral yoga - Iyengar Yoga - Kriya yoga - Kundalini yoga - Natya Yoga - Sahaj Marg - Sahaja Yoga - Satyananda Yoga - Sivananda Yoga - Six yogas of Naropa (Tummo) - Surat Shabd Yoga - Viniyoga - Yoga in Daily Life - Yoga Nidra
Texts: Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Yoga Sutra - Gherand Samhita
Hinduism paths: Bhakti yoga - Karma Yoga - Jnana Yoga - Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga limbs: Yama - Niyama - Asana - Pranayama - Pratyahara - Dharana - Dhyana - Samadhi
Lists: Yoga schools and their gurus - Hatha yoga postures
Related topics: Ayurveda - Chakra - Mantra - Tantra - Vedanta - Yoga (alternative medicine) - Yoga as exercise
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