Pranayama

Pranayama or Rhythmic Control of the Breath is the 4th petal (or limb) of Ashtanga Yoga. It is represented by the leaves in the Tree of Yoga. It belongs to the inner quests.

It comes from the Sanskrit word Prana, that means “breath, respiration, life, vitality, wind, energy or strength” and Ayama that refers to “creation, distribution and maintenance”.

It teaches to regulate the breathing and thereby control the mind. This helps to free the senses from the thraldom of the objects of desire.

It is the hub round which the wheel of life revolves. As lions, elephants and tigers are tamed very slowly and cautiously, so should prana be brought under control very slowly in graduation measured according to one’s capacity and physical limitations.

5 winds (+ 5 subsidiary winds) :

• the wind which moves in the region of the heart and controls respiration (prana)

• the wind which moves in the sphere of the lower abdomen and controls the function of eliminating urine and faeces (apana)

• the wind that stokes the gastric fires to aid digestion (samana)

• the wind which dwells in the thoracic cavity and controls the intake of air and food (udana)

• the wind which pervades the entire body and distributes the energy derived from food and breath (vyana)

• the wind which relieves abdominal pressure by belching (naga)

• the wind which controls the movements of the eyelids to prevent foreign matter or too bright a light entering the eyes (kurma)

• the wind which prevents substances passing up the nasal passages and down the throat by making one sneeze or cough (krkara)

• the wind which provides for the intake of extra oxygen in a tired body by causing a yawn

  (devadatta)

• the wind which remains in the body even after death (dhanamjaya)

Below are some poems and notes inspired by this incredible tool for life.

Hanuman

Oh dear Lord Hanuman, the Lord of breath,

The son of the Wind God, inside us all,

I bow to your faces, I chant your faith

I swim along your winds, the big, the small.

Five faces, masters of pure compassion,

Five rivers, healers of the roots for joy,

Five winds, dancers of true transformation,

Five blessed energies we’re meant to enjoy.

Sweeping body, mind and soul in beauty,

Dedication, attention, devotion,

Humility, unity, harmony;

Planting seeds for earth’s fecundity,

Singing notes for love’s manifestation,

Breathing is the guest of eternity.

The breath

The breath moves through the physical body,

It breaks through your mental activity.

It reveals your intellectual beauty,

It unlocks creative velocity.

It uncovers your spiritual duty,

The breath flows through your cosmic energy.

It is the heat, the light and gravity,

It is power and electricity.

The breath destroys, elevates and connects.

The breath creates, protects and nourishes.

It is the music in the universe.

It is the wisdom from the holy acts.

The breath is the friend that just cherishes,

The breath is your most empowering verse.