After the practice of asana,
We are introduced to the next branch of the path,
Pranayama.
Patanjali states that there must be a progression from asana to pranayama.
He suggests that pranayama should be attempted only after a certain mastery and steadiness is attained in asana.
It is helpful to understand why this physical preparation is so essential.
In the practice of pranayama,
Our spine acts as the source of action while our lungs serve as the sensitive instrument that receives the breath.
Through our work in asana,
We have already started to culture the body.
We have taught the lungs how to expand and create the necessary space within the ribs and spine.
This ensures that when we breathe,
The energy can flow with the minimum amount of strain.
The word prana represents our vital life force and ayama is the act of extending and expanding that force.
So,
Pranayama isn't just a breathing exercise,
It is about widening the reach of our internal energy.
According to ancient wisdom,
Our being is a combination of five elements.
When we are in a state of pranayama,
We are able to breathe.
When we sit for this practice,
The spine provides the solid foundation of earth while the torso creates the vast open space of ether.
Within that space,
The breath we draw in represents the element of air.
Naturally,
Forces like fire and water within us can feel as though they are pulling in opposite directions,
Which often scatters our mental focus.
By practicing pranayama,
We begin bringing these conflicting energies into a state of harmony.
This process builds a sense of inner stability and allows our energy to flow in a much more balanced way.
Ayama implies an expansion that moves in every direction.
It's an upward lift along the spine and a wide horizontal opening through the chest.
As we learn to lengthen the inhalation,
The exhalation and those quiet moments of retention,
We shift away from an irregular flow into a conscious,
Steady rhythm.
The practice of pranayama gradually brings more clarity and steadiness to the mind.
From my own experience of practicing pranayama over the years,
This is one of the reasons the practice continues to remain meaningful to me.
It makes the mind a fit instrument for meditation.
