A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO PRANAYAMA PRACTICE

       “A Comprehensive Guide to Pranayama Practice”

Back in our school days, the Yoga Practice class was a time filled with wisdom from our esteemed Yoga Teacher. However, the intricacies of his teachings often eluded our understanding at the time. In one memorable Pranayama class, he gathered us in a meeting room, instructing us to assume the Lotus pose (Padmasana), a position I've previously discussed on my pages. Commencing with Guru Vandana, he delved into the class.

Our teacher introduced Sanskrit Slokas from the Gita, citing insights about Pranayama. Despite my initial lack of comprehension, he urged us to take notes. One Sloka that still resonates with me is as follows:

“Apana Juhvati Pranam Prane Pranam Tathapare; Pranapana Gati Rudhddhva Pranayama-Parayanayha”

Curious about the Sloka, I sought guidance from my Grandmother upon returning home. She questioned the source of my learning and advised against delving too deeply into it, urging me to focus on studies. However, during a bedtime conversation, she shared a profound explanation:

"Some offer the outgoing breath into the incoming breath, and some offer the incoming breath into the outgoing breath, restraining the courses of both, and others restrain the breath and engage themselves in breath control."

She continued to elucidate the origins of her knowledge, tracing it back to her father, a great Yogi. Explaining the term 'Pranayama,' she broke it down into two components – 'Prana' and 'Ayama.' The amalgamation of these words results in 'Pranayama.' 'Prana' denotes 'Vital Energy,' a force inherent in all living beings, intricately linked to the air we breathe but more subtle. She emphasized that Pranayama isn't merely about breathing exercises for increased oxygen intake.

Moving on to 'Ayama,' meaning 'control' or more precisely, the 'Extension or Expansion of the dimension of Prana,' she concluded that Pranayama signifies the expansion of the dimension of Prana. She proceeded to introduce various techniques, detailing how Pranayama allows the activation and regulation of life force, enabling individuals to transcend their normal boundaries and attain a heightened state of vibratory energy.

At that time, these concepts seemed complex, but looking back, I realize the invaluable lessons my Grandmother imparted. Her teachings paved the way for my present understanding. The day concluded with a sense of anticipation, eager to delve deeper into the world of Pranayama."