To suit the different constitutions, temperament and purpose, in Pranayama there are many varieties of exercises, viz., deep breathing exercise, Sukha Purvaka (easy comfortable) Pranayama during walking, Pranayama during meditation, Rhythmical breathing, Suryabheda, Ujjayi, Sitkari, Sitali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Murchha, Plavini, Kevala Kumbhaka, etc. Of all the above exercises only the last eight are described in the Hatha Yogic texts.

Excerpt from the book Kundalini Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Pranayama exercises: Pranayama Exercises for Awakening the Kundalini

See also:

Pranayama, Pranayama - Control of breath, Pranayama - Quotes, Pranayama - Cautions

Read more here: » Pranayama: Encyclopedia II - Pranayama - Control of breath

Breathing Exercises. See HATHA YOGA; PRANAYAMA

(See also: Breathing Exercises, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

The increasing power of inhalation or exhalation is associated with the strengthening of upward or downward currents of energy in the spine.

The balance of these two currents results in a state of mental poise, and in a deepening inner awareness. When the two currents are perfectly balanced, even the movement of physical breathing is stopped. Only in breathlessness is one able completely to concentrate the mind.

The practice of kumbhak, or forcible retention of breath, is done for brief periods in order to focus one's mind on a particular thought or state of consciousness.

(See also: Breathing exercises, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Read more here: » Breathing exercises: Balancing the Breath to Increase Mental Poise

To suit the different constitutions, temperament and purpose, in Pranayama there are many varieties of exercises, viz., deep breathing exercise, Sukha Purvaka (easy comfortable) Pranayama during walking, Pranayama during meditation, Rhythmical breathing, Suryabheda, Ujjayi, Sitkari, Sitali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Murchha, Plavini, Kevala Kumbhaka, etc. Of all the above exercises only the last eight are described in the Hatha Yogic texts.

From "Kundalini Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Pranayama: Breathing Exercices - Pranayama

Pranayama is defined as breath control, but actually, Prana is energy, the type of energy that is received from Kether or from the spiritual world. It is sometimes defined as a white light that emanates from on high or that is surrounding us at all times. Call it what you like, it is possible to energize our electrochemical bodies by controlled breathing, and the Pranayama methods are highly effective in attaining specific energy states.

Read more here: » Pranayama: Pranayama Techniques

The first breath of life eventually leads to the last exhale at death, but for whatever span that lies between, breathing is an unassuming, if essential, part of living. It seemed odd to me that one would need lessons in how to breathe.

Yet people worldwide are turning to the intensive Art of Living course on lowering stress and finding renewed vigour and clarity through age-old Hindu breathing techniques.

(See also: Pranayama, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Read more here: » Pranayama: The Art of Breathing

There are eight kinds of prayanams in Hatha yoga . However before doing these eight pranayams we need to do Narishodhan pranayama..

The most crucial thing is to learn doing pranayam in its correct method. This pranayama is best done early in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening, after at least 4 5 hours after lunch.

Instructions and benefits for:

-       Narishodhan pranayama

(See also: Pranayama, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Read more here: » Pranayama: Narishodhan pranayama

Pranayama or breath control signifies stretching, extending and regulating our breathing process. Pranayama can be used as a preparation for meditation wherein it cleanses the body and the mind. It also helps to maximise the benefits of the practice of yogasanas and also focusing the mind.

(See also: Pranayama, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Pranayama: Breathe Some Life Into Your Soul - Pranayama  

Instructions, benefis and cautions for:

-       Narishodhan Pranayam

-       Suryabhedi Pranayam

-       Ujjayi Pranayam

-       Shitali Pranayam

-       Sitkari pranayam

-       Bhastrika pranayam

-       Bhramari pranayam

(See also: Pranayama, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Read more here: » Pranayama: Hatha yoga Pranayams

We will now explain some pranayams of Maharishi Patanjali.

Patanjali kriya gets rid off all negative emotions and feelings and negative energies. It also strengthens the mind and the five 'prans' in our body (pran, apan, saman, vyan and udan). The five 'kosh' or bodies (annamay kosh, pranamay kosh, manomay kosh, vigyanmay kosh and anandmay kosh) within us are also purified with these pranayam.

Practise of these pranayam leads one to a thoughtless state (where one is without any thoughts) or the state of meditation.

Instructions and benefits for:

-       Bahyavriti Pranayam

-       Abhyantarvriti Pranayam

-       Stambhvriti Pranayama

-       Bahya-abhyantar visyakshapy Pranayama

(See also: Pranayama, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Read more here: » Pranayama: Pranaymas of Maharishi Patanjali

Pranayam term is formed of joining two words- pran and ayam. It means strengthening and expanding the life force. Pran is the life energy or force, which empowers all the work of mind, body and senses. Without pran, our body is dead.

Ayam means expanding or strengthening this pran. It is essential for keeping our body and mind healthy and powerful. Pranayam is important for protecting us from diseases, sickness.

It is very important to understand the methods of pranayam before actually practicing it.

(See also: Pranayama, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Read more here: » Pranayama: Basics of Pranayam

In this Pranayama, the Bhavana is more important than the ratio between Puraka, Kumbhaka and Rechaka.

Read more here: » Pranayama: Kundalini Pranayama

. Early morning, answer the calls of nature and sit for the Yogic practices. Practise Pranayama in a dry, welt-ventilated room. Pranayama requires deep concentration and attention. Do not keep anyone by your side.

Excerpt from the book Kundalini Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Pranayama: Instructions On Pranayama

When you practise the following, concentrate on the Muladhara Chakra at the base of the spinal column, which is triangular in form and which is the seat of the Kundalini Shakti.

Read more here: » Pranayama: Pranayama for awakening of kundalini

Breathing: God Is In The Gap Between Breaths

God is in the breath inside the breath, said Kabir. He showed that anyone can become illumined from within. Osho once explained a sutra from Kabir's song: "Student, tell me what is God?" he asks. He provides the answer: "He is the breath inside the breath."

God is your subjectivity; He is your innerness. Buddha made it a great technique for meditation, watching the breath, because through watching it you will come to know the breath inside the breath. 'Breath' means life. In Sanskrit it is pran or life. In Hebrew,

Read more here: » Breathing: God Is In The Gap Between Breaths

Tamas and Rajas constitute the covering or veil. This veil is removed by the practice of Pranayama. After the veil is removed, the real nature of the soul is realised. The Chitta is by itself made up of Sattvic particles, but it is enveloped by Rajas and Tamas, just as the fire is enveloped by smoke. There is no purificatory action greater than Pranayama. Pranayama gives purity, and the light of knowledge shines.

Excerpt from the book Kundalini Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Pranayama: Importance Of Pranayama

Kundalini Pranayama

In this Pranayama, the Bhavana is more important than the ratio between Puraka, Kumbhaka and Rechaka.

From "Kundalini Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Pranayama: Kundalini Pranayama

Pranayama is the fourth limb of Raja Yoga expounded in the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali. Prana is the source of which energy evolves from. It is the universal substrate. Pranayama is the knowledge and control of Prana. In a systematic manner Patañjali proceeds from the external sheath of man and slowly proceeds to the subtler and subtler sheaths. Breath and mind are closely interdependent and interpenetrating. Pranayama - Control of breath. Control of breath means the cessation of the outgoing and ingo ...

Including:

Pranayama - Control of breath Pranayama - Quotes Pranayama - Cautions

Read more here: » Pranayama: Encyclopedia - Pranayama

The floating exercise is an important part of the meditation practices of kundalini Tantra, and as such is normally one of the first exercises taught to a new student. Mastery of the floating exercise can bring alignment to virtually any technique or physical world method wished. The floating exercise can also open the student to alignment to any spiritual world method or benefit imagined.  

Read more here: » Floating Exercise: The Floating Exercise of Kundalini Tantra