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from the right side to first subdue pingala, the vital energy and heat in the body. By practising pranayama systematically for a few years, a gradual transformation is brought about in the structure of the nervous system. Ultimately, there comes a moment when one closes the eyes, goes in and achieves meditation.
Greater concentration In the Yoga Sutras (2:53), Maharshi Patanjali says:
धारणासु च योग्यता मनसः॥ The mind becomes fit for concentration (by the practice of pranayama).
The cumulative effect of pranayama is that the mind becomes steady like a candle flame in a still room. The disturbing energies are removed and the prana moves in the ether principle. The velocity of the mind is slowly decreased, but its power is increased. Rajas and tamas are subdued and the tossing of the mind is arrested. The mind becomes one-pointed and achieves dharana, concentration, and dhyana, meditation.
The advantage of stepping into meditation through pranayama is that the mind remains dynamic and does not slip into a state of hypnosis. Some forms of dhyana yoga may induce hypnosis, if practised for too long. Pranayama prevents this, and also keeps the mind from becoming distracted during meditation. Usually, during meditation the mind wanders and ponders upon daily interactions and passions. One may bring it back to the meditation, but again and again it dissipates. When pranayama is combined with the practice of meditation, this wandering tendency of the mind is overcome, because the process of pranayama stills the mind and makes it one-pointed.
Experience of higher consciousness The practices of pranayama develop the quality of human consciousness and should be adopted with this attitude.
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