Understanding the Basics of Breathing and Respiration Breathing involves the passage of air in and out of the lungs, and respiration involves the process of gas exchange between the lungs and the blood.1 During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts, the abdomen moves down, while the ribs expand and oxygen moves into the lungs.1 On expiration, the …
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The Goal of Pranayama One of the main goals of pranayama is to prepare the body for deep meditation, by withdrawing the senses form the outside world1. However, the effects of pranayama can be altered according to the desired result, via the influence of the breath on the physiology of the body. Thus, one can …
“Prana is the divine force of all function in the body.” Hello beautiful soul, I salute you from the most divine part of me to the most divine part of you. Together, we will be progressing through a series of articles dedicated to the topic of pranayama, one of my favorite topics and of extreme …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 11 Obstacles & Solutions – Yoga Sutras (1.30-1.32) Overview: As your practice evolves obstacles are to be expected. Yoga sutra 1.30 lists nine predictable obstacles that arise on your inner journey, and sutra 1.31 mentions four consequences that grow out of these obstacles. Although the serious student may …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 10 Samadhi Attained by Devotion, cont. – Yoga Sutras (1.25-1.29) This practice takes the student on a direct route inward, systematically penetrating each level of consciousness. Here it will be shown how Ishvara is represented and invoked by OM and how consciousness contains the seed of omniscience which …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 9 Samadhi Attained by Devotion – Yoga Sutras (1.23-1.24) Patanjali uses the next few sutras to focus on the concept of Ishvara in the framework of yoga. Early writings often used Ishvara to mean “master.” A yogesvara was therefore a “master of yoga.” Ishvara is derived from the …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 8 Effort & Commitment, cont. – Yoga Sutras (1.21 – 1.22) These two sutras (1.21 and 1.22) discuss the levels of intensity applied to actual practice and commitment to the goal. This way each person can progress at their own rate and still have a direct experience. Remaining …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 7 Effort & Commitment – Yoga Sutras (1.19 – 1.20) Yoga Sutras 1.19 and 1.20 describe two kinds or types of aspirants, both of whom can attain the goals of Yoga: Advanced, born with true insight: These aspirants are those who have made tremendous advancement in previous lives …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 7 Effort & Commitment – Yoga Sutras (1.19 – 1.20) Yoga Sutras 1.19 and 1.20 describe two kinds or types of aspirants, both of whom can attain the goals of Yoga: Advanced, born with true insight: These aspirants are those who have made tremendous advancement in previous lives …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 6 Types of Concentration – Sutras (1.17 – 1.18) These two Yoga Sutras describe the entire process of Samadhi, the higher tool of meditation. Therefore, the whole process of yoga is summarized in these two and the preceding sutras. It reviews how the meditator systematically moves inward. First …