The word yoga has become well known in the West, though its different meanings and its deeper significance and purpose are not well understood. For Patanjali (2nd century a.c.), the founder of the yoga system and the author of the basic text, the Yoga Sutra, yoga is discrimination between subject and object which means the establishment of self in its purity. According to Patanjali, yoga is a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical. At its essence, yoga is spirituality. Although all yogis are not Hindus, the earliest beginnings of yoga are also the beginnings of Hinduism, its first written records are the scriptures of Hinduism, and its spiritual goal the same as in Hinduism. Throughout its long and rich history, yoga has been the pathway for individuals to connect with the core of their innermost being. The first visual evidence we have of practicing yoga is a seal of a meditating yogi unearthed from Mohenhjo-Daro, located in modern Pakistan.
What is Hinduism?
The Hindu religion is a rich and dynamic system of living based on belief in universal divinity, freedom of thought, and spiritual practice unmediated by any authority. Hindus believe there is one God or Supreme Consciousness. According to Hindus, the goal of human life is to go beyond our limited experience of ourselves as body and mind. This transcendence is attained through Self-realisation or becoming absolutely steady in the experience of our true essence of Supreme Consciousness. This is called yoga- meaning oneness. The means for attainment comprise working oneself physically, such as hatha yoga and pranayama, working on the mind through meditation and dispelling negative thoughts and becoming steady in the connection of the inner self as the same as transcendent Consciousness. On an individual level, yoga emphasizes sadhana, or spiritual practice. Central to this schooling is the guru, or the master teacher who guides students. As a living tradition, Hinduism embraces all religions and practices that bring spirituality into individual life. As yoga continues to become more popular in mainstream Western society, so do many of concepts created by Hindu seers at the dawn of civilization. Its strength is that every aspect of yoga is designed to be integrated into a life-affirming attitude. From the physical and emotional practice of postures to the inner journey of meditation and studying of classics, yoga continues to draw from ancient wisdom and resonate with truth.
Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) – What is Yoga Breathing?
Yoga breathing or Pranayama is the science of breath control. It consists of a series of exercises especially intended to meet the body’s needs to keep it in vibrant health. Pranayama comes from the following words:
Prana – life force or life energy
Yama – discipline or control
Ayama – expansion or extension
Thus, Pranayama means breathing techniques or breath control. Ideally, this practice of opening up the inner life force is not merely to take healthy deep breaths. It is intended for yoga practitioners to help and prepare them in their Meditation process. In our respiration process, we breathe in or inhale oxygen into our body, going through our body systems in a form of energy to change our different body parts. Then we exhale carbon dioxide and take away all toxic wastes from our body. Through the practice of Pranayama, the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is attained. Absorbing prana through breath control, links our body, mind and spirit.
But, life is full of stress. Because of daily work, family, or financial pressure, we tend to ignore our breathing. It tends to be fast and shallow. The use of only a fraction of your lungs results in lack of oxygen and may lead to different complications. Heart diseases, sleep disorders, and fatigue are some of the effects of oxygen starvation. Therefore, the negative energy of being restless and troublesome lead to lesser prana inside the body. By practicing deep and systematic breathing Pranayama, we reenergize our body.
Benefits of Pranayama
1) Proper way to breathe
2) Reduces the toxins and wastes from within our body
3) Helps in our digestion
4) Develops our concentration and focus, resulting in serenity and peace of mind
5) Better self-control- through concentration one can better handle one’s emotions
6) Pranayama leads to spiritual journey through relaxed body and mind
However, Pranayama should not be forced and done without proper preparation or it may lead to nervous breakdowns. It is a part of a process in yoga. Breath control is a spiritual practice of cleansing the mind and body which should be done appropriately with proper guidance and preparation.
Importance of Healthy Breathing
We know how to breathe. It is something that occurs automatically. So it seems foolish to think that one can be told how to breathe. Yet, one’s breathing becomes modified and restricted in various ways, not just momentarily, but habitually. We develop unhealthy habits without being aware of it. For example:
1) We tend to assume positions such as slouching that diminishes lung capacity
2) We live in social conditions that are not good for the health or our respiratory system
3) The more we concentrate on something, the tenser the muscles become
4) Breathing becomes shallow and quick which does not exercise the lungs enough, resulting oxygen starvation
Animals which breathe slowly live the longest- the elephant and tortoise are good examples.
Importance of Breathing Through the Nose
1) The first rule of correct breathing is that we should breathe through the nose. The nose has various defense mechanisms to prevent impurities and excessive cold air entering the body.
2) Mouth breathing can adversely affect the development of the Thyroid Gland.
There are Four Types of Breathing:
1) High breathing- refers to what takes place primarily in the upper part of the chest and lungs. High breathing is naturally shallow.
2) Low breathing- refers to what takes place primarily in the lower part of the chest and lungs. It is far more effective than high or mid breathing. It consists mainly of moving the abdomen out and in changing the position of the diaphragm through such movements.
3) Middle breathing- difficult to describe. It is breathing in which mainly the middle parts of the lungs are filled with air. It is better than high breathing but far inferior to low breathing.
4) Complete breathing- defined by yoga, it involves the entire Respiratory System and does not only include the portions of the lungs.
Remember to practice Pranayama in a place where there is fresh and clear air and no smoke or other chemicals present in the atmosphere. This is because, in Pranayama, air will be pulled deeper into your lungs. It is also important to practice it in an area at room temperature, where conditions are not too hot or too cold.
These are just some basic guidelines to keep your practice of breathing exercises safe. However, it is always best to have a Yoga Instructor with your every time you practice. Keep in mind not to do Pranayama up to the levels that may make you uncomfortable and to always do things slowly and carefully.
