Aspects of Pranayam

Author : Ashish Pundir

Pranayama is very important, subtler than asana, and fourth limb of Astanga yoga given by Maharishi Patanjali. One must not forget three pillar of Pranayama, i.e. Inhalation, Retention, Exhalation. Retention has same importance as inhalation and exhalation. Pranayama has much more use as compared to asana but unfortunately it not practiced much by modern practitioners. Rest of them who do practice it, practice it wrong. Many important aspect of Pranayama are neglected, not taken cared of which is the reason of NOT getting benefits. Not only this, people suffer from mental imbalance and physiological disorder when practiced recklessly.

Herby I am giving some IMPORTANT ASPECT OF PRANAYAMA :

• Retention (Kumbhaka) – In classical yogic text it is stated that ‘Retention is pranayama, not the inhalation and exhalation’. Inhalation and exhalation are only medium to induce that state of breath retention. Retention is the only pillar of Pranayama which stores more Prana (vital force) into your body and then Yogi distributes that Prana with the help of Bandhas in the body.
  Advanced practitioners are able to manipulate prana both inside and outside of body as per their will power without the using inhalation and exhalation.
  Hence one must never neglect retention; unfortunately it is most neglected part especially in west. One cannot get all its fruits if not practiced Retention. However one must never jump to advance practices first as it is much more harmful.

• Ratios of breath – Pranayama is not just breathing exercise to be done in foolish manner. It is well- designed sophisticated technology. There are well
  defined Ratios of Inhalation, exhalation and retention. For beginner the ratio of inhation : exhalation = 1:1. After practicing it for one month without indiscipline it is advised to go on another stage. Later on, go with Bandhas (psychic locks). Practicing it in perfect ratio creates certain biological and
  chemical changes which might turn into hazard if practiced in wrong way rush to advances first if you are interested in diseases and mental disorder.

• Diet – Swami sivananda saraswati says, “Practicing Pranayama with immoderation in diet does not yield benefits, and bring diseases and disorders.” One cannot succeed in Yoga if Moderation in diet is not practiced. One must take natural wholesome satvik food which is less toxic and easily digestible. Remember this “easily digestible”.

• Focus on breath – Nowadays with busy schedule people have managed to learn the art of multitasking. People tend to do number of task at the same time. Applying the same technique of multitasking is not recommended in Pranayama. I have observed people practicing Pranayama while walking, reading, listening to music, talking etc which is unhealthy way of practice. Pranayama is much subtle as you think it is and must be practiced in the manner it is written by great yogis. When you practice Pranayama, get involved in the process, witness the breath going in and out. Witness the different kind of sensation in body.

Pranayama in itself is a complete practice which consists of Asana, Pranayama, and Dhyana. One is supposed to sit in a Asana, practice Pranayama and witness breath (MEDITATION) simultaneously.