Ancient Breath Control Techniques
for Higher Consciousness and Enlightenment.
Pranayama is a Sanskrit term meaning “breath control”, or “extension of breath”, and is a major component of the spiritual practice of yoga. It is a discipline with ancient roots, dating back thousands of years, and considered a powerful tool for achieving higher consciousness and enlightenment.
The history of Pranayama is intertwined with the development of yoga, one of the oldest spiritual practices known to humanity. Yoga is known to begin in ancient India approximately 5,000 years ago (some researchers agree, but many spiritual exponents believe a much longer timeline which we will discover in the next paragraph) with pranayama a central practice within it since its inception.
The Enlightened Master, Patanjali, is considered the father of Yoga. He presented a system called Ashtanga Yoga, in the “Yoga Sutras” comprising 8 dimensions of yoga approximately three to five thousand years ago. Yet, more recently, Sri Bhagwan Nithyananda Paramashiva as revived the ancient yoga system of Adi Guru Sadashiva, called Shashtanga Yoga, dating over 60,000 years before Patanjali, as revealed in the Kirana Agama Scriptures. It is now acknowledged as the original authentic scripture on yoga. Both scriptures stress the use of pranayama in yoga practice.
Pranayama is more than just breath control; it is a practice that directly impacts the body, mind and spirit. Breath is considered the link between the physical and subtle bodies, and by mastering pranayama, practitioners can influence their mental and emotional states bringing them closer to higher states of consciousness and enlightenment.
The purpose of pranayama in yoga is to regulate the flow of prana, or life force energy, throughout the body. By controlling one’s breath, we can control the flow of prana, which influences the mind and emotions, an essential element for attaining higher consciousness. It also plays a significant role in preparing the body for meditation by calming the nervous system, slowing the thought process, and eventually experiencing various states of samadhi, the full absorption of the divine during meditation.
There are several pranayama techniques, each with its unique benefits and effects on the body, mind and spirit. Below are a few of the most widely practiced pranayama techniques (for best results repeat for about twenty-one cycles):
1. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)
Sit cross-legged on the floor or in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. It is best to have an empty stomach. Keep your spine straight, chin slightly tucked. Gently close your eyes. Take a full deep breath. Use your right thumb to close your right nostril, allowing the middle and index finger to fold inward to touch the palm at the base of the right thumb. Exhale gently and completely through the left nostril while keeping the right nostril closed. Then inhale through the left nostril deeply. Next, use the ring and pinky fingers of the right hand to close the left nostril and simultaneously release the right nostril Exhale completely through the right nostril, exhaling the breath completely. Then repeat from the beginning, starting with the right nostril, again, as described.
2. Trinetra Kumbhaka
This pranayama can help rebuild the body, burn negative muscle and bio-memory and awaken kundalini shakti. To practice, sit in the same position as nadi shodhana. Inhale through the left nostril comfortably while you hold the right nostril closed with your thumb. Focus the breath upward toward the place between the eyebrows (third eye) Do not exhale. Hold the left nostril closed with your ring finder and release the right thumb while you inhale through the right nostril and, again, bring the breath up to the third eye. Then, free the fingers and inhale through both nostrils—still focus the breath into the third eye. Hold your breath as much as you can without causing discomfort. When you are ready, exhale completely through the left nostril (close the right) Then release the right nostril and relax.
3. Bhramari Breath
Bhramari involves inhaling deeply and then exhaling while producing a humming sound, like the sound of a bee.Bhramari calms the nervous system, reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes mental clarity
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Through the control of breath, practitioners can regulate the flow of prana, balance their energies, and prepare their minds for deeper states of meditation necessary for spiritual growth. Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, incorporating pranayama into your daily routine can significantly enhance your spiritual journey.
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