Pranayama - control of the breath

Prana is the vital energy that pervades our beings. When the prana leaves the body there is no more life. Yama means having control over something, whereas Ayama means to expand or extend. Some sources disagree as to which word is added to prana to form pranayama, but in either case we see that pranayama means controlling or extending the flow of the vital energies in the body. Initially we do this through controlling the flow of the breath.

We all breathe constantly, but not always consciously. It is something we don't have to think about and it will continue regardless of where our thoughts are. Sometimes the breath is deep, sometimes it is shallow, but it is always there. The breath is the bridge between the physical body and the mind. By controlling the breath we can control the mind, which is, as we have seen, the primary goal of yoga practice. The breath can influence the mind, and the mind can control the breath, which in turn will influence the mind. In the practice of pranayama we use the mind to gain mastery over the mind via the breath.

The practice of pranayama can have a very powerful impact on the mind. It shouldn't be underestimated and should be practiced with precaution. It helps to purify the mind and the body and balances the flow of the vital energies. It can still the mind and allow the kind of clear focused concentration required for meditation.

During our classes we introduce pranayama in a careful and structured manner which make the practice safe for our students. As with the practice of asana it is important to gradually build up one's capacity in order to lay a firm foundation.

palm in the wind

As a wind drives smoke and impurities from the atmosphere, pranayama drives away the impurities of the body and the mind.

- B.K.S. Iyengar