Gandhi Before Gandhi

Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Priti Shah
Publisher: Jain Academy Educational Research Center Promotion Trust Mumbai

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GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
Science of Breathing
Pranayam
Our common understanding of breathing is to receive oxygen for our body to purify the blood. However breathing also evolves certain occult powers in our body. We only know the physical part of breathing but there is a spiritual part too. Our breathing pattern can also help us in knowing the disturbances of our spiritual state. If some one is in positive state the breath will come out forcefully from right nostril and vice versa.
There are many different types of ethers in our body and they need to be in equilibrium with universal ether. Indian philosophy believes that there are many vital powers present in the nature. These powers entering through breathing have the ability to set right the non equilibrium in body ethers. Body has six different nervous plexuses called Chakras and they are all supplied with spiritual life current present in the atmosphere by the act of breathing.
Pranayam is the right science of breathing where deep, regulated and rhythmic breathing is done along with mental purification. Its practice plays important role not only in the cure of physical ailments but also for moral and spiritual progress.
"Mr Virchand Gandhi in his lectures gave practical details about the science of breathing along with concentration. Such science was unknown to the west. His logical presentation made great impressions on the people who participated in his course."
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