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Pranayama is the yogic practice of focusing on breath. In Sanskrit, prana means “vital life force”, and yama means to gain control. In yoga, breath is associated with the prana, thus, pranayama is a means to elevate the prana shakti, or life energies. It is described in Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Later in Hatha yoga texts, it meant the complete suspension of breathing.
According to the scholar-practitioner of yoga Theos Bernard, the ultimate aim of pranayama is the suspension of breathing (kevala kumbhaka), “causing the mind to swoon”.[17] Paramahansa Yogananda writes, “The real meaning according to Patanjali, the founder of Yoga philosophy, is the gradual cessation of breathing, the discontinuance of inhalation and exhalation”.[18]
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Samaveta Pranayama, a delightful and straightforward practice of pranayama where you get to breathe through both nostrils simultaneously. The word “samaveta” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “together.” It’s a fantastic technique that is often described as simple and easy to perform. Many sources highlight this technique as a foundational practice in the world of pranayama. In … Read more
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Before one jumps into the many ways of regulating breath through Pranayama, it is important first to first get familiar with your own respiratory system and breathing pattern through Natural Breathing. For the old and improper breathing pattern to be changed, it is crucial that this simple technique of natural breathing be performed to prepare … Read more
Ujjayi is a Sanskrit word that means ‘victorious.’ Its root word is ‘ji’ which means ‘to conquer’ [2]. The prefix ‘ud’ means ‘bondage.’ Therefore ‘ujjayi’ pranayama also means a pranayama that gives freedom from bondage. Ujjayi pranayama is very effective in unlocking the subtle states of the mind. Therefore, it is also called as the … Read more
Moorchha pranayama is also called as swooning or fainting breath pranayama. It helps in emptying the mind and creating a sense of void. This pranayama strongly influences the pranic body. Learn the correct way to perform this pranayama below. Mention In Scriptures The following passage is from Hatha Pradipika, in which Swatmarama mentions about moorchha … Read more
The word Surya in Sanskrit means ‘sun’. In yogic terms, this refers to the Pingala Nadi. Whereas, the Sanskrit word Bheda means ‘to pierce’ or ‘to awaken.’ Thus, the word Surya Bheda means to pierce through and purify the Pingala Nadi. This pranayama is very effective to increase vitality. Learn the correct method to perform … Read more
Sheetali is a Sanskrit word derived from the root word sheet that means ‘cold.’ Also, the word Sheetal means something that is soothing, calm, and relaxing. The benefits of sheetali pranayama are many. Learn how to perform this correctly. Mention in Scriptures In Hatha Pradipika, Svātmārāma talks about this practice in the following verses, revealing … Read more
In the previous article, it was shown how the breath and the mind are linked. In this article, we will discuss how practicing pranayama affects our breathing. When it comes to Pranayama, unlike popular belief, it is the duration of breath retention that is the main focus of interest. When the breath is retained, we … Read more
Our mind or consciousness is always buzzing with thoughts, fears, anxieties, and dreams. There is always a constant influx of impressions on the mirror of our awareness. Sometimes all we want is to have some quiet and calmness. In certain situations when by coincidence we manage to become thoughtless, we experience an incredible lightness. We … Read more