Mostly three types of Pranayamas are described in the scriptures for the panca kosiya sadhana of Gayatri. Whether it is the Sadhana of Kundalini, Gayatri or the awakening of the panca kosa, the basic practices in each deal with the Sadhanas of refinement and elevation of the prana. The Savitri Sadhana is also similar. The knowledge of these Sadhanas of Mahaprana is defined in the Upanishads under the name of pancagni vidya. Practicing of pranayamas is an essential component of these Sadhanas. Mostly, the following five steps are involved in these preeminent spiritual experiments. Each of these could be practiced at home by anybody who has received intensive guidance and demonstrative training.
These fundamental steps are (a) the ajapa japa of Gayatri that is, the Soaham Sadhana; (b) khecari mudra; (c) Sakti calini mudra; (d) Tratak and (e) nada yoga. Of these, the Soaham sadhana is supposed to be most facile. It can be performed all the twenty-four hours of the day and is equivalent to the paramount spiritual Sadhanas in terms of its super natural attainments.
In general, a pranayama is based on two crucial features - (a) controlled breathing to harmonize the system in a measured way and churning of the prana so inhaled and (b) Attracting the maha prana by a samkalpa - determination with strong will power and intrinsic urge. The attraction of the maha-prana and its circulation inside the body together make one complete cycle of prana yoga. Only one of the above activities would not serve the real purpose. Because, deep breathing alone would remain just a good exercise of the lungs, which can also be performed by many other exercise of the body recommended by the physiologists such as - jugging, up and down stretching, surya namaskar etc. On the other hand, only the determined attempts to attract the maha-prana would be like a meditation. This alone will not be so effective unless coupled with the controlled breathing and churning of the maha-prana in the body and the inner self.
There are about sixty-four types of methods for controlled breathing as described in the Nepalese Sastras on yoga Sadhanas. Several other type of breathing activities associated with the yoga Sadhanas of pranayamas do offer the positive effects of physical health along with rousing mental alertness and inner strength.
The Samkalpa part of the pranayama largely depends upon the Sadhaka's willpower and mental concentration. A variety of mantras and pictorial patterns or images for mediation are prescribed for this purpose. The japa (repeated enunciation) of these mantras and focused imagination of the specific objects helps develop the mental engrossment necessary for the initial training of meditation. The Sadhaka should feel as though he is immersed in the ocean of divine prana and attempt to consistently suck this subtle energy through each breath.
The 'magnetic' power of viswasa and sraddha and the potential of determination are not mere imaginations. Indeed they are conscious streams of immense power. The unlimited power of emotions and strong will has also been well recognized and experienced in the present era of scientific developments. The philosophers, psychologists and the experts of the science of spirituality know that the limitless world of the mind and the sentimental core - the mana (mind), buddhi (intellect), citta (subconscious mind) and ahamkara ( sense of self existence), works on the basis of this sublime power of the cetan (consciousness). The vital energy and hence all the functions of the (gross) body also materialize with the help of this power only. It is the basic source of liveliness, charm and glory of one's personality.
These fundamental steps are (a) the ajapa japa of Gayatri that is, the Soaham Sadhana; (b) khecari mudra; (c) Sakti calini mudra; (d) Tratak and (e) nada yoga. Of these, the Soaham sadhana is supposed to be most facile. It can be performed all the twenty-four hours of the day and is equivalent to the paramount spiritual Sadhanas in terms of its super natural attainments.
In general, a pranayama is based on two crucial features - (a) controlled breathing to harmonize the system in a measured way and churning of the prana so inhaled and (b) Attracting the maha prana by a samkalpa - determination with strong will power and intrinsic urge. The attraction of the maha-prana and its circulation inside the body together make one complete cycle of prana yoga. Only one of the above activities would not serve the real purpose. Because, deep breathing alone would remain just a good exercise of the lungs, which can also be performed by many other exercise of the body recommended by the physiologists such as - jugging, up and down stretching, surya namaskar etc. On the other hand, only the determined attempts to attract the maha-prana would be like a meditation. This alone will not be so effective unless coupled with the controlled breathing and churning of the maha-prana in the body and the inner self.
There are about sixty-four types of methods for controlled breathing as described in the Nepalese Sastras on yoga Sadhanas. Several other type of breathing activities associated with the yoga Sadhanas of pranayamas do offer the positive effects of physical health along with rousing mental alertness and inner strength.
The Samkalpa part of the pranayama largely depends upon the Sadhaka's willpower and mental concentration. A variety of mantras and pictorial patterns or images for mediation are prescribed for this purpose. The japa (repeated enunciation) of these mantras and focused imagination of the specific objects helps develop the mental engrossment necessary for the initial training of meditation. The Sadhaka should feel as though he is immersed in the ocean of divine prana and attempt to consistently suck this subtle energy through each breath.
The 'magnetic' power of viswasa and sraddha and the potential of determination are not mere imaginations. Indeed they are conscious streams of immense power. The unlimited power of emotions and strong will has also been well recognized and experienced in the present era of scientific developments. The philosophers, psychologists and the experts of the science of spirituality know that the limitless world of the mind and the sentimental core - the mana (mind), buddhi (intellect), citta (subconscious mind) and ahamkara ( sense of self existence), works on the basis of this sublime power of the cetan (consciousness). The vital energy and hence all the functions of the (gross) body also materialize with the help of this power only. It is the basic source of liveliness, charm and glory of one's personality.
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