________________
154
THE SCIENCE OF BREATHING
both of these systems the breathing is done through the lungs. Our Hindu way is neither the one nor the other; it is both; that is, we have to expand the lungs both ways, vertically and literally, horizontally and also vertically, so that all the organs may be given the exercise which is necessary to them. The very constitution of the ribs, lungs and diaphragm require us to breathe in this way. The middle ribs being very stiff, when any force is exerted" on them, most of the force is wasted. If we do not use any force on the sides of the ribs, then we do not give any exercise to them. Both of these, the sides and the diaphragm, must be expanded. The lungs must be filled with air. The system which will effect this, is what we call the deep breathing. We must first of all take the air in very deeply, feeling at the same time that the sides expand and that the lower part is also expand. No effort ought to be made to expand the upper part, because the shoulder-bones, collar bones, etc., are not designed for this purpose ; they are not a part of the breathing apparatus; and no special effort should be made, therefore, in that direction. If the effort is made, that is, if high chest breathing is resorted to, that is simply wasted offort; it is not necessary for breathing at all. The Hindu science gives further rules for breathing also. It seys that the air which comes into the body is composed of different ethers and that there are different ethers in the body, all of which have different qualities. Under
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
