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others and not allow himself to be touched by others." One becomes highly sensitive in the beginning stages of pranayama sadhana and is easily disturbed by external influences. The resulting fluctuations hamper the steadiness of sadhana. Interactions also involve a pranic element. Exchanges that are not uplifting, such as criticism, gossip or catering to emotional demands, deplete one of prana as well as create or reinforce the negative samskaras that one is trying to eliminate through the sadhana. Emotional dependency expressed through an exchange translates into pranic dependency and makes it difficult to generate prana as well as remain selfreliant - the two hallmarks of a yogi.
Deep faith in the practice itself is most essential. Only through a commitment born of faith will one be able to continue the practice, irrespective of the signs of progress and the inclination to give up when the circumstances are unfavourable. The Shiva Samhita says (3:18):
फलिष्यतीति विश्वास: सिद्धेः प्रथमलक्षणम् । The first condition of success is the firm belief that it (the vidya) must succeed and be fruitful.
However, even if all the conditions are fulfilled, the sadhaka will not be able to achieve his goal without the grace of guru. The guru and the sadhaka's devotion to him are indispensable when the pranayama practice is taken to the level of sadhana. The Shiva Samhita says (3:11):
भवेद्वीर्यवती विद्या गुरुवक्त्रसमुद्भवा ।
अन्यथा फलहीना स्यानिर्वीर्याप्यतिदुःखदा ॥ Only the knowledge imparted by a guru, through his lips, is powerful and useful; otherwise it becomes fruitless, weak and painful.
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