Pranayama

Pranayama

Pranayama: The Breath of Yoga

Introduction to Pranayama: Before diving into the eight limbs of Yoga, Patanjali talks about a practice similar to pranayama in the first chapter of the Yoga Sutra. He mentions it while discussing Chitta Prasadana, or the cleansing of the mind. The main aim of pranayama in yoga is to purify the mind.

Prana means ‘life force’ and ayama means ‘to control’. Pranayama helps in controlling all the functions of breathing namely-inspiration, exhalation, and retention. These are breathing practices to breath in, to breath out and to be relaxed. It means these breathing exercises promote energy, awaken the mind and clean the body.

Position in Ashtanga Yoga: Patanjali places Pranayama as the fourth step in Ashtanga Yoga. He elaborates on it and its benefits in five sutras from 2:49 to 2:53.

1. Definition of Pranayama (2:49): तस्मिन्सति श्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेदः प्राणायामः Patanjali defines pranayama as controlling the motion of inhalation and exhalation once mastery of posture (asana) is achieved.

2. Types and Regulation (2:50): बाह्याभ्यन्तरस्तम्भवृत्तिर्देशकालसंख्याभिः परिदृष्टो दीर्घसूक्ष्मः Pranayama can have external, internal, or motionless modifications, which are regulated by place, time, and count, either long or short.

3. Restraining Prana (2:51): बाह्याभ्यन्तरविषयाक्षेपी चतुर्थः The fourth pranayama involves directing and restraining the breath either internally or externally.

4. Removing Inner Covering (2:52):  ततः क्षीयते प्रकाशावरणम्  Pranayama removes obstacles, allowing the inner light to shine through.

5. Preparing the Mind (2:53):  धारणासु च योग्यता मनसः The practice of pranayama prepares the mind for concentration (dharana).

Key Points from Sutra 2:49: Patanjali emphasizes that pranayama should be done while sitting in asana, making it a prerequisite. Unlike Hathayogic pranayamas, Patanjali's approach ties pranayama closely to the posture.

Understanding "Tasmin Sati": "Tasmin Sati" signifies three meanings:

1. Mastery over Asanas before pranayama.

2. Practicing pranayama in a seated posture.

3. Spontaneous occurrence of pranayama when conflicts are resolved, and the practitioner merges into infinity.

Terms and Techniques: In Patanjali's pranayama, the focus is on controlling breath movements, termed

(1) Bahya, (2) Abhyantara, and  (3) Stambha Vritti. These involve prolonged exhalation, prolonged inhalation, and breath suspension, respectively.

Regulation by Desha, Kala, and Sankhya: Pranayama is regulated by region (Desha), time (Kala), and count (Sankhya). The interplay of these factors affects the effectiveness of the practice.

Chaturtha Pranayama: The fourth type of pranayama involves the absence of external and internal breath control, suggesting a spontaneous suspension of breath. This type requires extensive practice to achieve.

Benefits of Pranayama: Patanjali outlines two main benefits of pranayama: removing obstacles to inner illumination and preparing the mind for concentration and meditation. Pranayama is thus integral to the pursuit of self-realization and mental focus in yoga.