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What is Pranayama?
Pranayama is a precise science which provides methods
to understand the essence of prana and to guide it within oneself as well as the rest of creation. Swami Sivananda says, "He who has grasped prana has realized the very core of cosmic life and activity. He who conquers and controls this essence is able to control his own body and mind, as well as every other body, mind and power in this universe. Thus, pranayama is that means by which the yogi realizes the whole of cosmic life in this little body and tries to attain perfection."
The medium of pranayama is the breath. The practices involve guiding the respiration beyond its normal limit, stretching it, speeding it up and slowing it down in order to experience the foil range of respiration on both the gross and subtle levels. Once this has been achieved, prana can be guided further by the practice of prana vidya. In the Yoga Chudamani Upanishad, it has been stated (v. 31):
ऊवधिः संस्थितावेतौ यो जानाति स योगवित् ॥ One who knows the significance of the ascending and descending of jiva inhalation and exhalation) is the knower of yoga.
According to the theory of pranayama, the involuntary process of breathing, by which the jiva constantly moves up
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