Page 2 - Lesson 21.xps

MODULE-5 Pranayam
Yogic Practices
practitioner. Thus, the technique of Pranayam provides a method by which the
life force can be activated and regulated in order to go beyond one’s normal
limitations and attain a higher state of experiences.

Importance
Pranayam is one of the important vital components of yog that directly or
indirectly affects the proper functioning of different systems of the body. Once
you understand the right breathing technique, this can create a huge impact on
Note your thoughts and actions. Pranayam practice provides people the freedom from

any harmful and negative mental conditions such as depression, anger, arrogance,
excessive greed for money and more. In addition, regular Pranayam helps extend
life and enhance perception. By practising Pranayam, you can control mind’s
fluctuations and prepare yourself for deep meditation.

21.1.1 Scriptural Reference about Pranayam

Pranayam is an important part of yog practices and is mentioned in almost all
texts in yog. Maharishi Patanjali defines it as -

“Tasminsate swaspraswasiryorgativichchhedah pranayam”
Pa. yo.su.2.49

Which means, after getting expertise in asana there has to be regulation or restraint
of speed of swas (inhalation) – praswas (exhalation) is called as Pranayam.
“Chale vate chale chittam, nischalam nischale bhavet
Yogisthanutyamapnoti tato vayum nirodhayet”

Ha. Yo.pra.2.2

“When Prana fluctuates then the Chitta (mind) also fluctuates; when the Prana
becomes steady then the Chitta also becomes steady”. So we should try to control
Prana.

It means Pranayam practices are intended to bring about calmness in the mind
by harmonizing the Pranic flow in the body.

We see warning in one Shloka in Hath Yog Pradipika (Ch 2.16). i.e., “Pranayam
can remove all diseases if it is done correctly; if it is done incorrectly then it can
actually cause illness”

This is the indication about Pranayam. It is a very advance practice, so one
should slowly and systematically develop one’s ability to perform Pranayam
techniques over a period of time under the guidance of an expert.

Physical Education and Yog
98