Pranayama is the practice of controlling one’s breathing, which has an important place among the eight limbs of yoga. Pranayama involves expanding one’s breath or prana, which can increase vitality and play a key role in spiritual progress, concentration, and control of the mind.
The expansion of breath or prana through pranayama has the ability to increase vitality and purify the mind, which ultimately leads to achieving the ultimate goal of life, moksha. However, it is essential to understand the science behind pranayama and follow certain rules and precautions to avoid harm.
The followings are the rules and precautions of pranayama:
Pranayama should not be limited to physical health only but should be practised with the aim of spiritual progress, concentration, and control of the mind.
Pranayama should not be practised with the sole intention of living longer or losing weight.
Regularity and discipline are crucial for a successful practice. To deepen concentration, pranayama should not be practised with eyes and mouth open.
The practice of truthfulness, perseverance, and faith is required before any yoga practice. While doing the exercise, the waist should not be bent, and one should not sit with the support of anyone.
During pranayama, the spine, body, face, eyes, etc., should not be kept too tight. While doing pranayama, there should be no tension in the body, and everything should be kept calm.
Overusing energy while doing pranayama should be avoided. Sweating during pranayama indicates a flaw in the method. Every breath should be relaxed and stress-free.
Chanting “ohm” during pranayama can help to purify the mind and soul. Negative energy is released during pranayama, allowing the mind and soul to become purified.
People with high blood pressure should practice pranayama at a slow pace and avoid Kapalbhati pranayama. If someone has undergone surgery, they should wait for 4-5 months before gradually starting the practice of pranayama.
During the practice of pranayama, it is essential to focus on the experience rather than on whether it will bring benefits or harm in the future.
In conclusion, pranayama is an essential part of yoga that has the ability to increase vitality and purify the mind. However, it is important to follow specific rules and precautions to avoid harm. Practicing pranayama with the aim of spiritual progress, concentration, and control of the mind, and maintaining regularity and discipline, is crucial for a successful practice. Additionally, it is important to avoid tension and overusing energy, and to focus on the experience during the practice of pranayama.