Prana is not an impersonal
concept. It is something, which is
to be experienced directly. In
order to develop the sensitivity
to feel it, a certain amount of
training and commitment is
required.
INTRODUCTION
The term pranayama is derived
from: pran meaning life-force, vitality,
breath, or intelligence; ayama, which
means to expand, and also yama which
means to direct or control. Thus,
pranayama is a means by which we
expand and direct the forces of
intelligence, breath, vitality, and power.
In the simplest terms, pranayama
involves breathing techniques, which
increase the store of pranic energy.
At the level of the
Human Being, Prana
is the vital force
fueling all the
functions of the
body and mind. This
works in the same
way that
electricity powers
machinery.
BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA
Pranayama increases vitality,
health & energy. It activates dormant
parts of the brain, which give access to
the higher centers of human
consciousness. Pranayama also
balances different systems of the body,
particularly the glandular system,
nervous system, digestive system and
uptake of oxygen in the circulatory
system.
Patanjali tells us that the practice of
pranayama helps us to “dissolve the
veils that cover our inner light” and
allows access to subtle levels of
consciousness and healing.
UNDERSTANDING PRANA
Yogis understand Prana as the
vehicle or the medium of
consciousness. Without Prana,
consciousness would be unable to
express itself. There is Prana
everywhere; it permeates every subtlety
of the living Universe. All movement
requires Prana, and through it, one
becomes aware of new dimensions of
existence.
At the level of the Human Being, Prana
is the vital force fueling all the functions
of the body and mind. This works in the
same way that electricity powers
machinery. Yogis understand how to
build this inner power, how to store it
and direct it in such a manner that they
can awaken their dormant potential.
Prana is not an impersonal concept. It
is something, which is to be
experienced directly. In order to
develop the sensitivity to feel it, a
certain amount of training and
commitment is required. Asana
practice, pranayama and meditation all
help build this sensitivity.
Dec. 2018 www.yogicherald.com
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