Video details
How To Practice Pranayam
The subject is the divine Śakti, known as Kuṇḍalinī, the hidden power within every individual. This energy accompanies the soul, governs the body's formation, and sustains all functions through the prāṇamaya kośa. It concentrates in the main chakras and flows through the network of nāḍīs, primarily Iḍā, Piṅgalā, and Suṣumṇā. Purifying these channels through disciplined Prāṇāyāma is essential. Practice begins with Nāḍī Śodhana, using specific inhalation and exhalation ratios, always starting with the left nostril to tranquilize the mind. Correct posture and abdominal breathing are fundamental, as they develop lung capacity and conserve vital breath. Prāṇāyāma consists of rechak, pūrak, and kumbhaka. Techniques like Ujjāyī can purify the body and regulate energy. Bandhas, such as Jālandhara Bandha, manipulate this energy by creating and releasing blockages. Physical practice requires proper sequence: body warming, gentle stretching, then āsanas with counter postures. Discipline in all aspects of life is the foundation. Practice must be correct and under guidance to avoid harm and progress from the annamaya to vijñānamaya kośa.
"Yogaḥ citta vṛtti nirodhaḥ, but before that he said, 'Atha yogānuśāsanam.'"
"Alpāhāra means a small portion of food, little eating, but we do not know how to control."
This text is transcribed and grammar corrected by AI. If in doubt what was actually said in the recording, use the transcript to double click the desired cue. This will position the recording in most cases just before the sentence is uttered.
The text contains hyperlinks in bold to three authoritative books on yoga, written by humans, to clarify the context of the lecture:
- Yoga in Daily Life - The System
Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda. Ibera Verlag, Vienna, 2000. ISBN 978-3-85052-000-3 - The Hidden Power in Humans - Chakras and Kundalini
Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda. Ibera Verlag, Vienna, 2004. ISBN 978-3-85052-197-0 - Lila Amrit - The Divine Life of Sri Mahaprabhuji
Paramhans Swami Madhavananda. Int. Sri Deep Madhavananda Ashram Fellowship, Vienna, 1998. ISBN 3-85052-104-4
