________________
Introduction
To Breathe is to live
It is possible to live without food for many days, without water for several days but without air, normally, not more than a few minutes. Thus breathing is the great vital source of energy. It is life. Each and every activity of life is intimately connected with the process of breathing.
'Breathe is life. This aphorism states that our life is controlled by breath. In the Preksā system of Meditation it has been taken as a basic principle. We in bale oxygen and convert it into vital energy, by the process of internal respiration. Proper breathing, therefore, can become an important tool for physical as well as mental health and happiness.
Supreme importance of proper breathing cannot be overstressed. Many of the symptoms of poor health are caused by insufficient oxygenation of blood, and slow circulation. Not only are the nerves, glands and vital organs inadequately nourished, but the excretory systems cannot function properly and the bodily waste- products are not removed efficiently. Not only do we breathe badly, but often the purity of the air leaves much to be desired. Consequently, our nervousness and irritability increases and even the slightest physical effort may leave us exhausted. Worst of all, our resistance to diseases is reduced drastically and we develop greater susceptibility to germs and infections. Correct breathing, by ensuring complete ventilation of the lungs, immunizes us against diseases like Tuberculosis. :
In a single day we breathe about 23000 times. Depending upon one's posture as well as physical and emotional state, the
vii
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
