Yoga & Pranayama

Yoga is a spiritual science of self-realisation. It comes from India and goes back over to the time of Vedas. Yoga sutras define yoga as the control of the activities of the chitta (mind stuff). Yoga methods encompass the entire field of our existence, from the physical, mental to the spiritual. Its methods include ethical disciplines, physical postures, breath control, as well as meditation.

Classical yoga as defined by Vedic sage Patanjali is an eight stages process of spiritual development (the eight limbs of yoga). The first two stages are ethical disciplines (Yamas and Nisyamas). Then come postures (Asanas in Sanskrit) and breathing exercises (Pranayama). The last four limbs are meditative stages: control of the sense (Prathyara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and enlightenment (Samadhi).

In today’s world mostly yoga is identified with hatha yoga.

Hatha yoga promotes health and well-being through physical and breathing exercise. The regular practice of asanas, and breathing exercises (pranayama), makes the body strong, supple and healthy from all directions. It has a profound effect on the circulation and on the functioning of the inner organs, glands and nerves, keeping all systems in radiant health and leading to greater energy, better concentration, and a happier, more fulfilling life. Many common physical and mental, problems can also be improved through the regular practice of yoga.

Yoga is regarded as one of the major philosophy Vedic traditions. Even by practicing the basic parts for a little period quite a lot of change in life can be easily seen. A serious practitioner can always go to the advance part and beyond just by practice and guidance. In Kalapgram Gurukulam, Swamiji guides interested practitioners from the basic till the advance part of yoga, essence of his own research and experience is something attracts practitioners from all round the world to this divine place.

Pranayama

Breathing is the physical part of thinking and thinking is the psychological part of breathing.” – Ayurveda

Pranayama is fourth part of Astang Yoga system that teaches you the art of extending your breath in many different ways. When practicing pranayama the breath should be skilfully inhaled, exhaled and retained. It teaches you to change the depth, rate and pattern of breathing. Some pranayamas are also combined with mudras to give maximum benefit.Pranayam is used to get control over the vital force (prana) running in the body by purifying energy channels and stimulating chakras.

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word which literally translates into “extension of the prana or breath”. ‘Prana’ means life-force and it is the life-force or vital energy that pervades the body. Prana is the link between mind and consciousness. The physical manifestation of “prana’ is breath and ”ayama” means to extent or draw out the breath.

When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is still, so is the mind still.” – Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

Breathing is vital for our survival as it is the only way we can send oxygen inside our body and into our organs. We can live for months without consuming food and days without water, however we can only survive a few minutes without breathing. When you learn the breathing techniques it will positively affect your actions and thoughts. Every thought we have changes the rhythm of our breath. When we are happy breathing is rhythmic and when we are stressed breathing is irregular and interrupted. Mastering the art of breathing is a crucial step towards self-healing and survival.

Pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorder. Pranayama improves the autonomic functions.It helps relieving the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory problems. Practicing pranayama everyday can assist in steady mind, strong will power and sound judgement.Regular pranayama can extend life and enhance ones perception of life.Number of studies show that pranayama causes change in the cardio respiratory system including lowering of blood pressure. Certain pranayama’s are excellent for weight loss.

Apart from the physical and mental benefits pranayama is a great tool to purify the blockages and toxins of energy channels. It elevates the consciousness to higher level and helps in spiritual elevation. There are Paranayamas which should be only done in guidance of the master at advanced stages of spiritual practice to awaken Kundalini Shakti.

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