Pranayama
Pranayama is the practice of breath control in yoga. In modern yoga as exercise, it consists of synchronising the breath with movements between asanas, but is also a distinct breathing exercise on its own, usually practised after asanas.
तस्मिन् सति श्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेदः प्राणायामः॥2.49॥
tasmin sati shvaasaprashvaasayorgativichChedaH praaNaayaamaH
tasmin sati = on its attainment (of a steady and comfortable asana); shvaasa = inhalation; prashvaasayoh = exhalation; gati = movement; vichChedaH = regulation; praaNaayaamaH = pranayama (breath control)
In texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and later in Hatha yoga texts, it meant the complete suspension of breathing. Word pranayama is comprised of two sanskrit roots:
‘prana’ – Vital force
‘ayama’ – Control
Prana refers to ‘vital energy’ or ‘life force’. Although casually referred to as the air we breathe, in Yoga science, it’s defined as subtle energy that Emanates life in all things. Pranayama, therefore, is much more than merely a breathing exercise. It is aimed at developing control over the ‘vital energy’ through the Nadis ( Channels for energy flow in the body) and eventually leading to full control over Prana (Pranamayakosha) and Mind (manomayakosha).
HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA 2.1
अथासनेदॄढेमोगी वशी श्चहतश्चभताशन् ।
गरूु ऩश्चदष्टभागण प्राणामाभान्सभभ्यसते ॥१॥
Athāsane drdhe yogī vaśī hitamitāśanah
Ghurūpadishtamārghena prānāyāmānsamabhyaset
Posture becoming established, a Yogî, master of himself, eating salutary and moderate food, should practise Prânâyâma, as instructed by his guru.
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