Knowing the importance of Pranayama, our sages have discussed Pranayama very simply and clearly. "Prana" is the pure and sattvic part of air, Pranayama is to expand this life force in the whole body. By using Pranayama one can live life well. Its usefulness in every field of life is being proved through various researches. Physical, mental and spiritual progress can be achieved by continuous practice of Pranayama. Undoubtedly Pranayama is a unique gift of our sages to mankind. To know the importance of Pranayama, we can discuss the following points.
1. Physical Development through Pranayama-
The physical condition of the seeker improves through Pranayama. The principle of Ayurveda is that those who are healthy should be kept healthy and those who are sick should be cured of diseases.
"Svasthasy svaasthyarakshannam aaturasy vikaaraprashamanam"
"स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्यरक्षणं आतुरस्य विकारप्रशमनम्"
This recognition of Ayurveda applies to Yoga in the same way. Pranayama has been called the essence of yoga. Pranayama fulfills both the above approaches. By practicing Pranayama, the seeker is able to attain immense strength, sharpness and intelligence and awaken the inner powers.
A strong body is the first requirement for all daily activities and for progressing in the spiritual field. Therefore, pranayama is used to strengthen the body. The tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) can be kept in balance by the practice of Pranayama, due to which all the metals (juice, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow, Sperm) are confirmed and the body remains healthy.
The life force in the body makes the seeker energetic. In this way, the practitioner of Pranayama gets a healthy and strong body. There are innumerable sacs in our lungs that hold air. But the vital air does not reach some cells and they are not used due to which they do not remain healthy and gradually the condition of decay in the body. The body can be kept healthy by filling the air completely in the lungs and reducing the carbon dioxide in the blood.
The seeker who practices Pranayama remains safe from various physical ailments and his efficiency increases. When the impurities of the body are removed, the three doshas come into balance, due to which the cause of the disease is destroyed. The description of the prevention of various diseases is obtained by different differences of Pranayama.
As mentioned in Hatha Yoga Pradipika-
By Suryabhedan Pranayama – Kapalshodhak, Vatrog and Krimiri killer etc.
From Ujjayi Pranayama - phlegm in the throat, anti-inflammatory, factor of gastric fire, dropsy, metal defects etc.
From Sitkari Pranayama - Destroyer of appetite, thirst, sleep and laziness, gives control over the body, creates a beautiful body like Cupid.
From Sheetli Pranayama - Beneficial in air ball, spleen, fever, bile, appetite, thirst etc. and destroys the effect of poison.
From Bhastrika Pranayama - Beneficial in Vata-Pitta-Kapha related disorders and it is a stimulating factor in gastric fire.
2. Mental progress through Pranayama-
Pranayama practitioner has a high mental state due to a healthy body. Doshas are destroyed by the practice of Pranayama. A healthy mind resides only in a healthy body.
'Asane Rujo Hanti Pranayamen Patakam'
Diseases are removed by asana and mental disorders are removed by pranayama. The mind does not move as per its wish and becomes under the control of the seeker. And because the conscience of the seeker is pure, there is no place left for defects or disorders in it. That is why such a seeker has a sense of oneness in the world. On attaining the stage of- no attachment, no hatred, a person becomes free from all sins and moves forward on the spiritual path. Such a seeker becomes the jewel of the world and rules over everyone's heart.
3. Spiritual advancement through Pranayama
From the spiritual point of view, the purpose of Pranayama is the stability of the mind so that the seeker can attain the state of Samadhi and enter the limits of Kaivalya. It is said in Hatha Yoga Pradipika-
"Chale waate chlam chittam nischale nischalaam bhavet" (H.P 2/2 )
"चले वाते चलम् चित्तं निश्चले निश्चलम् भवेत्" (हि.प. 2/2)
That's why pranayama is practiced to end the restlessness of the mind. Pranayama plays an important role in controlling the mind after the practice of Asana becomes firm in the initial stage of Sadhana. It is said in Yogasutra-
"Tatah Kshiyate Prakashaavaranam" (Yogasutra 2/ 52)
"ततः क्षीयते प्रकाशावरणम्" (योगसूत्र 2/52)
By the practice of Pranayama, the cover of ignorance in the form of avidya, which is on the discretionary knowledge, is weakened. And it has been said-
"Dharanasu ch yogyata manasah" (Yogasutra 2/ 53)
"धारणसु च योग्यता मनसः" (योगसूत्र 2/53)
The ability of perception, meditation and samadhi arises in the mind, through which it becomes possible to attain the ultimate goal of Kaivalya.
Pranayamadescribed in Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Meaning and Definitions of Pranayama |Classification of Pranayama
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