Pran and Pranayam

Author(s): Niranjananand Saraswati Swami
Publisher: Yoga Publication Trust

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It has been the purpose as well as the contribution of Satyananda Yoga to bring the knowledge of the realized rishis to yoga aspirants in a language and method that is applicable in the current age. This is also the gift and blessing of our gurus, Swami Sivananda and Swami Satyananda.
This book provides a complete description of the science of pranayama as presented in the classical texts and as taught in the Satyananda Yoga tradition by the Bihar School of Yoga. Prana and pranayama are investigated as philosophy, physiology and practice. The scriptural analogies of the concept of prana have been rendered comprehensible for the modern reader so that an essential understanding of the basis of the practices is acquired. In addition, the scientific framework of the concepts is explained, and the practices are presented in a stage-by-stage, systematic method so that the yogic counsel of gradual perfection may be understood and practised.
The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 explains the theory of prana, and related yogic concepts such as koshas, chakras, nadis and mantra. Part 2 describes respiratory physiology as relevant in understanding yogic and pranic physiology, the process of pranayama and the research undertaken by science on pranayama and related practices. Part 3 provides the guidelines for practising pranayama, and the preparatory and classical practices of pranayama. There are also four appendices describing yogic practices that complement pranayama, including neti and agnisar kriya, asanas, mudras and bandhas. The pranayama sutras from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika are also provided as an adjunct.
Prana The Upanishads tell the following story. Once all the deities that reside in the body - air, fire, water, earth, ether, speech and mind - had an argument. Each claimed that it was superior to all others, declaring, "I sustain this perishable body." Prana was listening to this debate, and ultimately said to them, "Do not delude yourself. It is I, having divided