prana vayu

Contd...

   The ten vayus are the bio-motor forces of the system, of which the main is prana vayu; it is also called prana vidya.(vidya means shakti, Force). The prana vayu is closely associated with the breathing to such an extent that the life-force (prana) is breathing by itself is prana! The vyana works in such a way that the jiva turns towards or away from any object; the Apana vayu works in the belly, and lower regions below waist;lumbar region.The vyana works between the eye-brows (bhru)  and the ears, toes, nose throat and mouth. the udana works in the hands and the samana works through the entire body assisting general circulation.The udana vayu helps to raise or lower the body and the samana vayu works to feed and develop it. The naga vayu brings forth vomiting and the devadata produces sleep. Inhaling by ida (surya) brings heat and cleanses the nadis, The pingala (soma) is cooler and maintains the system in a balanced way and the person should exhale through this.

  Performing the systematic deep breathing exercises for about three months, regularly two to three times daily, will induce cleansing of the nadis and purify blood.

  Inhale from ida (left nostril) and exhale from pingala (right nostril), and keep the inhaled breath in suspense (kumbhaka) for double the time, says the  Yoga Shastra (pranayama).The time taken for each deep breath, in and out, should be in the ratio of 1:2:1 or 2:4:2 or increase in this ratio till 8:16:8. This will establish the jiva in a state of the highest brahmn, calm, quiet, undisturbed and in good health and vigour.The maximum retention period, a world record is about 7 mins. and ordinarily one can hold breath in kumbhaka for only 1 or 2 minutes.

   The breathing is closely associated with blood pressure and the mind and moods. brisk breathing brings High Blood Pressure and slow breathing induces normal blood flow. When a person is in tension, anxiety and worries, it is advisable to take long and deep breaths. This will calm the mind and reduce tension. The postures, asana advised in yoga are many and varied and should be practised under proper guidance of an expert yoga teacher. It is dangerous to practise yogasana with thc help of CD, TV Shows or books. There should be a guide with the students to correct the postures. Surya namaskar and ordinary exercises done during the school-days are enough for us!

    Most of the yoga schools are not suited to yoga for spiritual practices. Moreover, This ancient vidya should be handled carefully to promote evolutionary process taking the man with animal propensities to a more human and, then on, to divine existence here and now..