PRANAYAMA
The word ‘Pranayama’ is of Sanskrit origin, ‘prana’ means ‘life force’ or ‘vital energy’; ‘ayama’ means regulation, extension, amplitude etc. The knowledge and means to control prana is the science of pranayama.
Prana is vital for life. It is the sum total of the cosmic energy that is present in every organism. It keeps the body alive and in perfect shape. Prana works in our mind and body as the mental and physical energies. Pranayama means the control of prana.
We have to try the control of prana from wherever it is within our reach. The most obvious manifestation of the prana in our body is in the motion of the lungs associated with breath. Breathing is probably the easiest and most accessible method to control prana. Prana is invisible but on the physical plane it manifests causing inhalation and exhalation, producing breath. Prana is not breath. Breath does not produce the motion of the lungs. On the contrary, it is the movement of the lungs that produces breath.
The first step in the control of prana is to control the motion of the lungs. Pranayama is not breath control, but control of the prana which causes the movements of the lungs. The motion of the lungs has intimate relation to the activity of the mind. If the mind is controlled the motion of the lungs may be controlled. Vice versa, if the motion of the lungs be controlled, the mind can be more easily controlled. Breathing is one of the body’s few functions which can, to a great extent, be controlled both consciously and unconsciously. Controlling the breathing motion is pranayama.
The respiratory center which regulates the respiratory system has a certain control over all the other systems of the body. If the motion of the lungs be brought under perfect control, it would be easier to have control over every part of the body. Breathing at a certain rhythm tends to bring a corresponding rhythmic action in the body. Pranayama brings about regulation of the breathing and thus, rhythmic action of prana. This rhythmic action of prana will help us gain control over the whole body. When prana works rhythmically, good health prevails.
The aim of pranayama is to bring harmony in the bodily functions and restore the perfect balance, homeostasis, essential for perfect health. Disease is caused by an imbalance of prana rhythm in the body. Any sickness or disease will indicate that prana is deficient somewhere in the system. When the balance is restored by directing a fresh supply of prana to the affected part, the rhythmic action of prana is restored. Healing will then follow. This transfer of prana from one part of the body to another is another form of pranayama.
The life force, prana is the prime mover of the mind. To control this prana is to control the mind. Body and mind act upon each other. Every mental state results in a corresponding state in the body. Any change in the mental function produces corresponding physical changes in the body. Similarly, any bodily change will have corresponding effect on the mind. Modern medicine has recognized that many diseases, physical, mental or psychosomatic have as root cause the mind, through wrong ways of thinking.
The mind and the breath are closely interconnected. An uneven and rapid breath causes distraction of the mind. Similarly, an overactive or disturbed mind causes irregularities of breath. By controlling the prana, perfect control over both the body and the mind may be achieved. Thought is the finest and highest action of prana. Mental suggestion produces some wonderful effects on the body. The latent powers of the mind, if developed, can cure ailments or disease.
To enhance the supply of prana and ensure its proper distribution to every part of the body is the science of pranayama. When the prana balance is disturbed, sickness or disease will result. A redistribution of the prana to restore the balance will cure the disease. Every part of the body can be filled with prana and when it is so the whole body can be healed. All disease or fault in the body can be easily controlled. To know where there is less or more prana and balancing the prana in the whole system to maintain perfect health is also pranayama.
Since time immemorial, a long life with perfect health has been considered the greatest blessing of earthly existence. Perfect health is not merely strength or vitality of the physical body. It is the homeostatic state of equilibrium of the vital currents, subtle energies and all the organic functions. It is the harmony between internal nature and external nature, between the mental and physical bodies. This can be achieved through the practice of pranayama.
Achieving and maintaining good health implies more than just care of the various parts of the physical body. One has to understand the laws that govern our life and follow them. The body will then have an abundance of vital energy, prana, to destroy all disease. Reserve prana will fight back in case of any emergency and help maintain perfect health. For this purpose the ancient seers advocated the practice of this wonderful science of pranayama.
Yoga is the method to control prana as a mental force. The ultimate goal of yoga and pranayama is to control and harmonise the flow of prana all over the body. When prana is well balanced, healing power is acquired. Pranayama helps maintain a state of perfect homeostasis and health.
Deep yogic breathing is the simplest and easiest method to control prana. It is suitable for everyone, healthy or sick, young and old alike. It is the only breathing practice taught throughout our yoga course and has brought excellent results over the years. The importance and value of correct breathing is to save and enhance the vital energy or life force, prana.
The advanced methods of pranayama are for acquiring higher powers. Most may be quite hazardous and should be practiced only under expert supervision. Complicated, difficult methods of pranayama also require appropriate diet. Else, there may result depletion and damage of the system which may lead to imbalance and disease.
To derive the maximum benefits from pranayama, we have to keep in good health through a proper diet, appropriate exercise, adequate relaxation and sleep, and by avoiding stress to the maximum. Pranayama calms and purifies the body and the mind. The high-strung nerves will calm down. Then one discovers what rest truly means. Never before would one have known such rest. Pranayama will help acquire physical health, mental peace and purity, intellectual acumen and spiritual fulfillment.