Pran and Pranayam

SR No.: 009371
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Niranjananand Saraswati Swami
Publisher: Yoga Publication Trust
Publication Year: 2009
Total Pages: 369
Language: Hindi
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 11 MB

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When all the nadis and chakras which are full of impurities are purified, then the yogi is able to retain prana. (2:5)
Therefore, pranayama should be done daily with a sattwic state of mind, so that the impurities are driven out of sushumna nadi and purification occurs.
(2:6) Sitting in baddha padmasana, the yogi should inhale through the left nostril and hold the breath to capacity, and then exhale through the right nostril. (2:7)
Then, inhaling through the right nostril, gradually fill the abdomen, perform kumbhaka as before, then exhale completely through the left nostril.
(2:8)
Inhale with the same nostril through which exhalation was done, hold the breath to utmost capacity and exhale through the other nostril slowly and not forcibly. (2:9)
When prana is inhaled through the left nostril, then it must be exhaled through the other. When it is inhaled through the right, hold it inside and then exhale through the other nostril. One who practises in this way, through the right and left nostrils alternately, purifies all his nadis within three months.
(2:10) Retention should be performed four times a day: early morning, midday, evening and midnight, so that retention is gradually held up to eighty (counts) in one sitting. (2:11) At first there is perspiration, in the middle stage trembling, in the highest stage complete steadiness, and therefore the breath should be withheld.
(2:12) Rub the body with the perspiration from the labour (of pranayama). The body derives firmness and steadiness from this.
(2:13)
In the beginning stages of practice, food consisting of milk and ghee is recommended. Upon being established in the practice, such restrictions are not necessary. (2:14)
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