Pranayama is a word of Sanskrit. In Sanskrit ‘prana’ refers to the cosmic energy, that we also call as ‘Breath’ ‘Ayama’ means to control the prana i.e. to control the breathing. Every living creature has to breathe for existence. Breathing is a continuous process, which provides vital energy to the body. From various studies we come to conclusion that Pranayama refers to controlling of the breath.
The concept of Pranayama, which is derived from “Pranasya ayamah Pranayama” i.e., command or mastery over prana, is Pranayama. One who controls his own breath is nothing but a perfect stage of Pranayama. From the studies of olden epics and
Vedas it was known that the prana is the integral part of all human existence and also to attain moksha. In Atharva Veda 18.2.56 it is rightly said:
“O man, I yoke thy soul that goes to the next
World through breath, with tow carriers,
The Prana and Apana.
Through this control through yoga,
Every living creature knowingly or unknowingly requires breathing with our any break. We have read in several books and also concluded from various scientific studies that oxygen is required for breathing, more than that for our existence. But we do not know how to breathe and the concept of breathing and the advantages of systematic breathing. In Pranayama one does not only learn the art of breathing but also gains command over one’s own Prana. Hence Pranayama is considered as an important concept in Yoga and Meditation.
“The pure soul, cleaned through the control of
Breath and Meditation soon attains salvation
And becomes one with God through yogic Samadhi.”
From the above Vedic verse we came to know that the Soul can be cleaned and attain salvation through control of breath. For all the living creatures the Prana is the vital force of existence, without which there will be an end of life.
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Pranayama: Regarding the process of breathing and respiration there are scores of research studies available all over the world. Even the advanced medical research agrees that breathing is an art; a systematic breathing alone controls entire human body system. From various studies we come to know that he normal rate of respiration is about 16 to 20 cycles per minute and during sleeping the rate comes down 4 to 6 cycle per minute. That is, during the stage of meditation or during utmost concentration of mind and body. From this we can come to conclusion that there is a relationship between Pranayama and meditation.
The Pranayama is the main part of the yogic science and may researches have already been done in this area. Here an attempt has been made to explain in short, the basic values and advantages of Pranayama.
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