Pranayama
Pranayama is generally defined as 'breath control'. Although this interpretation
may seem correct in view of the practices involved, it does not convey
the full meaning of the term. Prana means 'vital energy' or 'life
force', ayama means 'to expand', accordingly pranayama is expansion
of the vital energy. This vital energy is responsible for all life experiences
including physical and spiritual.
Pranayamas harmonise the pranic body which is a network of nerve channels
carrying the vital force to each and every cell and organ infusing them
with life and dynamism. Pranayamas are also the preparatory practices
for the awakening of the chakras (psychic centres) and aid in the
perfection of kriya and kundalini yogas.
In the past pranayamas were taught to a select few as a part of higher
yoga practice, but in the course of time Swami Satyananda Saraswati reintroduced
the subject of pranayama as a part of daily yoga sadhana. The sequence
in which the pranayamas are taught today by many yoga schools were developed
by the Bihar School of Yoga.
The main publication dealing with this subject is .
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