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human perception is confined to these three states and one is not able to perceive the deeper levels of existence.
The four higher dimensions of existence are described symbolically as maha loka, janah loka, tapah loka and satya loka. The gross prana is incapable of penetrating into these subtle dimensions. The purpose of pranayama, therefore, is to refine and transform prana into a subtler force and then extend it into the higher lokas or ayamas. When the pranas are awakened beyond the first three dimensions, then the real purpose of pranayama is fulfilled.
Pranayama for transformation In the practice of pranayama, prana unites with apana and the united prana-apana is directed upwards to the head. At this time, prana leaves the passages of ida and pingala and travels through the channel of sushumna. When prana passes through sushumna, the light of jnana is kindled and the kundalini is awakened. The mind enters a thoughtless region. All the karmic seeds of the yogi are burnt away. The oblation of the senses is offered into the fire of prana. As the practitioner undergoes this process, the sleeping centres of the brain are awakened.
Usually the brain and the mind are trained through the perceptions available and intelligible to the senses. Yoga, however, has a completely different view of mind control. It says isolate the mind and consciousness from the pathways of sensory stimulation. The brain, mind and consciousness can function independent of the senses. By isolating the brain and mind, the consciousness enters a more powerful state of understanding and realization, and this is the beginning of yoga.
The practice of pranayama has a direct effect on the functioning of the intricate, sophisticated functions of the brain. When the yogis investigated the possibility of an independent method to develop the silent areas of the mind and brain in order to transcend the limiting barriers of the human personality, they discovered pranayama. It is possible
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