Page 1 - Lesson 21.xps

Pranayam MODULE-5
Yogic Practices

21

PRANAYAM

So far, we have studied yam, niyam and asan described by Maharishi Patanjali Note
in Yog Sutra. According to Ashtang yog, Pranayam is the fourth component.
Here you must have to understand that after getting expertise in asanas one
should start practice of Pranayam and this is described in all yogic scriptures.
Ordinarily, every human being breathes from birth to death, unceasingly. But
the question arises, how the breathing process of a common man is different
from the one who is practising Pranayam? So first, we should be aware about
the normal breathing pattern properly. Pranayam is the only connecting link
between body and mind. Patanjali, in his text of yog Sutra, mentioned Pranayam
as means of attaining higher states of awareness. The word ‘Pranayam’ implies
control on pranas i.e., to attain control on breathing. In this lesson, we will learn
about different types of breathing, how to control breathing, the types of Pranayam
and how it affects our body, mind and soul.

OBJECTIVES

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:

explain the meaning of Pranayam and its importance;
elaborate Pre- Pranayam practices;

describe the components and types of Pranayam and
explain the method of meditation through Pranayam.

21.1 PRANAYAM AND ITS IMPORTANCE

The word Pranayam has two Sanskrit roots - ‘Prana’ and ‘ayam’. “Prana” means
vital energy and life force. “Ayam” means stretching, extension or expansion or
control. Thus, we can say that the word Pranayam means extension or expansion
of Prana or ‘breath control’ to extend and overcome one’s normal limitation of
Prana. Therefore, it should not merely be considered as a breathing technique to
provide extra oxygen into the lungs. It influences the flow of Prana in the Nadis
of the Pranamay kosha. Controlling Prana through Pranayam steadies the mind
and cleanses the body, thus it boosts the overall health and well-being of the

Physical Education and Yog
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