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## The Nature of Pranayama and Others
**Yoga Shastra, Seventh Light, Verses 21-31**
**483.** In the five vital airs, Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, and Vyana, the seeds 'M', 'M', 'V', 'R', and 'L' respectively should be meditated upon during the stages of Puraka, Kumbhaka, and Rechaka Pranayama. **21.**
**Meaning:** While conquering Prana Vayu, meditate on the seed 'M', while conquering Apana Vayu, meditate on the seed 'M', while conquering Samana, meditate on the seed 'V', while conquering Udana, meditate on the seed 'R', and while conquering Vyana, meditate on the seed 'L'. In other words, visualize the form of these letters and chant them during Puraka, Kumbhaka, and Rechaka. **21.**
Now, the benefits of conquering Prana and other vital airs are explained in three verses.
**484.** By conquering Prana Vayu, the digestive fire becomes strong, breathing becomes continuous, there is no asthma, and the other vital airs also come under control, as all vital airs depend on Prana Vayu. This makes the body light and agile. **22.**
**485.** By conquering Samana and Apana Vayu, wounds and fractures heal quickly, the digestive fire becomes strong, excretions become minimal, and diseases are destroyed. **23.**
**486.** By conquering Udana Vayu, the yogi can achieve Uttkranti (i.e., leaving the body at the time of death through the ten doors). He can walk on water and mud without being touched, and he can walk on thorns or fire without any harm, like walking on a straight path. By conquering Vyana Vayu, the body is not affected by cold or heat, the body's radiance increases, and one attains perfect health. **24.**
Thus, the benefits of conquering each vital air are explained separately. Now, the collective benefit of conquering all vital airs is explained.
**487.** Wherever a disease afflicts a living being, one should always hold the Prana and other vital airs in that place to alleviate the suffering. This destroys the disease. **25.**
Concluding the above points, a connection is made with what follows.
**488.** Having practiced conquering the Prana and other vital airs repeatedly, one should always practice Dharana and other techniques for mental stability. **26.**
Now, the method of Dharana and other techniques is explained in five verses.
**489.** Sitting in the previously mentioned posture, slowly exhale the air. Then, fill the body with air from the toes to the thumb, through the left channel. **27.**
**490.** First, fix the mind on the thumb, then on the sole of the foot, then on the ankle, then on the shin, then on the knee, then on the buttocks. **28.**
**491.** Then, on the genitals, the navel, the chest, the throat, the tongue, the palate, the tip of the nose, the eyes, the eyebrows, the forehead, and the head. **29.**
**492.** Thus, holding the vital airs along with the mind, move from one point to another, until you reach the Brahma Pura (the crown of the head). **30.**
**493.** Then, gradually bring the mind back to the thumb, passing through the lotus of the navel, and then exhale the air. **31.**
**Meaning:** Sitting in any of the postures mentioned at the end of the Fourth Light, slowly exhale the air.