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Pranayama:
The spiritual way |
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spiritual seeker, however, also requires tranquillity of mind
as an essential prelude to spiritual practice. To this end,
many pranayama techniques utilise kumbhaka, breath retention,
to establish control over the flow of prana, calming the mind
and controlling the thought process.
Once the mind has been stilled and
prana flows freely in the nadis and charkas, the doorway to
the evolution of consciousness opens, leading the aspirant
into higher dimensions of spiritual experience. |
| TIPS
However, for those who seriously
wish to take up the advanced practices of pranayama, the guidance
of a guru or experienced teacher is essential. Here are some
basic tips.
Breathing: Always breathe through the nose
and not the mouth unless specifically instructed otherwise.
The nose should be cleaned regularly by jala neti prior to
the practice session.
Time of practice: The best time to practise
pranayama is during the early morning when the body is fresh
and the mind has very few impressions. If this is not possible,
another good time is just after sunset. Try to practise regularly
at the same time and place each day.
Place of practice: Practise in a quiet, clean
and pleasant room, which is well ventilated but not draughty.
Generally, avoid practising in direct sunlight. As the body
will become over heated, except at dawn when the soft rays
of the early morning sun are beneficial. |
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Sitting
position: A comfortable, sustainable meditation
posture is necessary to enable efficient breathing and
body steadiness during the practice. Sit on a folded
blanket or cloth of natural fibre to ensure the maximum
conduction energy during the practice.
Sequence: Pranayama should be |
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performed after asanas
and before meditation practice. After practising pranayama
one may lie down in Shavasana for a few minutes.
Clothes: Loose, comfortable clothing made
of natural fibres should be worn during the practice.
Bathing: Take a bath or shower before commencing
the practice, or at least wash the hands, face and feet. Do
not take a bath for at least half an hour after the practice
to allow the body temperature to normalise. Empty
stomach: Wait at least three to four hours after
meals before starting pranayama.
Diet: A balanced diet or protein, carbohydrates,
fats, vitamins and minerals is suitable for most pranayama
practices. A combination or grains, pulses, fresh fruit and
vegetables, with a little milk product if necessary, is recommended.
Avoid strain: With all pranayama practices
it is important to remember that the instruction not to strain,
not to try to increase your capacity too fast, applies, just
as it does to asana practice. Breath retention should only
be practised for as long as is comfortable.
Contra-indications: Pranayama should not
be practised during illness, although dimple techniques such
as breath awareness and abdominal breathing in Shavasana may
be performed.
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