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Pranayama (Sanskrit: '''') is a , it is often translated more specifically as "breath control".For "breath control" see: Feurstein, p. 309.For "breath control" see: Bhattacharyya, p. 429.For "breath-control" see: Flood (1996) pp. 95, 97.) Literal translations include A. A. Macdonell's "suspension of breath"Macdonell, p. 185. and I. K. Taimni's "regulation of breath".Taimni, p. 205. ETYMOLOGY Pranayama ( Devanagari : , '''') is a Sanskrit compound. V. S. Apte provides fourteen different meanings for the word ''prana'' ( Devanagari : , '''') including these:Apte, p. 679.
Of these meanings, the concept of "vital air" is used by Bhattacharyya to describe the concept as used in Sanskrit texts dealing with pranayama.Bhattacharyya, p. 311. Thomas McEvilley translates "prana" as "spirit-energy".McEvilley, Thomas. "The Spinal Serpent", in: Harper and Brown, p. 94. Monier-Williams defines the compound ' as (m., also pl.) "N. of the three 'breath-exercises' performed during (''See'' ', '''', ''''"For Monier-Williams references to original Sanskrit sources for this tripartite practice, see: http://students.washington.edu/prem/mw/p.htmlMonier-Williams, p. 706, left column. {Link without Title} This technical definition refers to a particular system of breath control with three processes as explained by Bhattacharyya: '''' (to take the breath inside), '''' (to retain it), and '''' (to discharge it).Bhattacharyya, p. 429. There are also other processes of pranayama in addition to this three-step model.Bhattacharyya, p. 429. Macdonell gives the etymology as ''prāṇa'' + ''āyāma'' and defines it as "''m.'' suspension of breath (''sts. pl.'')".Macdonell, p.185, main entry ''prāṇāghāta'' Apte's definition of ' derives it from ' + '''' and provides several variant meanings for it when used in compounds. The first three meanings have to do with "length", "expansion, extension", and "stretching, extending", but in the specific case of use in the compound '''' he defines '''' as meaning "restrain, control, stopping".See main article () in: Apte, p. 224. Passages cited by Apte for this usage are Bhagavadgita 4.29 and Manusmriti 2.83. An alternative etymology for the compound is cited by Ramamurti Mishra, who says that: "Expansion of individual energy into cosmic energy is called ' (', energy + '''', expansion)."Mishra, p. 216. The word "yama" (Devanagari: , '''') means "cessation"Macdonell, p. 244.Monier-Williams, p. 851. or more generally "control" or "restraint".Apte, p. 785.Monier-Williams, p. 851.[http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia/ebooks/mw/0800/mw__0884.html Bhagavad Gita Pranayama is mentioned in verse 4.29 of the Bhagavad Gita .Gambhirananda, pp. 217-218. Quotes "Prana is a subtle invisible force. It is the life-force that pervades the body. It is the factor that connects the body and the mind, because it is connected on one side with the body and on the other side with the mind. It is the connecting link between the body and the mind. The body and the mind have no direct connection. They are connected through Prana only and this Prana is different from the breathing you have in your physical body." "Yoga works primarily with the energy in the body, through the science of pranayama, or energy-control. Prana means also ‘breath.’ Yoga teaches how, through breath-control, to still the mind and attain higher states of awareness. The higher teachings of yoga take one beyond techniques, and show the yogi, or yoga practitioner, how to direct his concentration in such a way as not only to harmonize human with divine consciousness, but to merge his consciousness in the Infinite." YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI Pranayama is the fourth 'limb' of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga mentioned in verse 2.29 in the Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali .Flood (1996), p. 97.Taimni, p. 205. Patanjali discusses his specific approach to pranayama in verses 2.49 through 2.51, and devotes verses 2.52 and 2.53 to explaining the benefits of the practice.Taimni, pp. 258-268. Patanjali refers to pranayama as the control of life force that comes as a ''result'' of practicing the various breathing techniques, rather than the numerous breathing exercises themselves.Kriyananda, Swami. The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, ISBN 81-208-1876-8Yogananda, Paramhansa, The Essence of Self-Realization, ISBN 0-916124-29-0 Many yoga teachers advise that pranayama should be part of an overall practice that includes the other limbs of Patanjali's Raja Yoga teachings, especially Yama, Niyama, and Asana . MEDICAL CLAIMS Several researchers have reported that pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders, Brown & Gerbarg (2005) improving autonomic functions, Pat ''et al'' (2004) relieving symptoms of asthma, Cooper ''et al'' (2003) Vedanthan ''et al'' (1998) and reducing signs of oxidative stress. Bhattacharya ''et al'' (2002) Jerath ''et al'' (2006) Practitioners report that the practice of pranayama develops a steady mind, strong will-power, and sound judgement,Light on Pranayama, Sixth Edition, Crossroad Publishing Co. and also claim that sustained pranayama practice extends life and enhances perception.Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha, 2002. CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS Many yoga teachers recommend that pranayama techniques be practiced with care, and that advanced pranayama techniques should be practiced under the guidance of a teacher. These cautions are also made in traditional Hindu literature.Visakhapatanam, Bharat, ''Yoga Sutras of Patanjali''. Master E.K, Kulapathi Book Trust, ISBN 81-85943-05-2 Prescriptions for Pranayama, Claudia Cummins Breathing Lessons, Tony Briggs SEE ALSO NOTES REFERENCES
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