Pranayama
प्राणायाम
prāṇāyāma
The study of prana which is part of Yoga doctrine is called Pranayama. Swami Vivekananda says, “The knowledge and control of this Prana is really what is meant by Pranayama”.
There are two sources for yoga doctrines, the patanjali-astanga yoga and the Tantric-Kundalini Yoga. All the various branches like Rajayoga, Astanga yoga, Hatha yoga, Kriya yoga, Kundalini yoga are derived from these two primary sources of Yoga. This can be better learned if practiced with the guidance of a guru, an experienced one.
The initial method is to start from matter. The air we breathe is controlled to have a control over the mind and thus one can make a link with subtle Prana. There are five varista pranas which governs the different functions of the human body; they are: Prana , Apana , Samana , Vyana and Udana
According to Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the eight limbs of yoga are: Yama Niyama Asana Pranayama Pratyahara Dharana Dhyana and Samadhi
Authentic Texts: Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Gheranda Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Word | Sanskrit | IAST | In General | Veda | Purana | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anulom Vilom Pranayama | अनुलोम विलोम प्राणायाम | anuloma viloma prāṇāyāma | Anulom Vilom Pranayama is the alternate nostril breathing exercise which is performed as a... | Read More | ||
Bhastrika pranayama | भस्त्रिका प्राणायाम | bhastrikā prāṇāyāma | Bastrika is meant for force full chest inhalation and exhalation in a sequence of a number small... | Read More | ||
Brahmari pranayama | भ्रमरी प्राणायाम | bhramarī prāṇāyāma | Bhramari Pranayama is the Humming Bee Breath pranayama. It is also termed as the king of the... | Read More | ||
Kapalabhati pranayama | कपालभाती प्राणायाम | kapālabhātī prāṇāyāma | Kapalabhati is a technique that stimulate the brain(Kapala) cells. It is breathing by... | Read More |