Pranayama in Raja Yoga

The following sutras in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali discuss pranayama:

(Sutra 2.49) - This having been established (that is, having mastered a comfortable and firm seated posture (asana), pranayama is defined as the cessation of inspiration and expiration.

(Sutra 2.50) - Its fluctuations are internal, external or suppressed; it is observed according to time, place and number, and becomes prolonged and subtle.

(Sutra 2.51) - The fourth variety is the one that goes beyond the sphere of internal and external.

Benefits of Pranayama

The benefits of Pranayama are discussed in the following two sutras:

(Sutra 2.52) - From that (practice of pranayama) is dissolved the covering of light

(Sutra 2.53) - and the mind develops the ability for Dharana (concentration)

In addition to the above sutras which are described as part of the Ashtanga Yoga (eight limbs of yoga), sutra 1.34 in chapter 1 (Samadhi Pada) also mentions about pranayama with respect to controlling the fluctuations of the mind (chitta vritti nirodhah):

(Sutra 1.34) - Or by the expiration and retention of breath (mind is stabilized).

Pranayama in Hatha Yoga

In the Hatha Yoga Pradeepika (a free online translation and commentary is available here), Chapter two covers the topic of Shatkarma (six cleansing techniques) and Pranayama in detail. There are many shlokas which describe the philosophy and techniques of pranayama. Below are given a few of the representative shlokas related to pranayama:

(Shloka 2.1) - Thus being established in asana and having control of the body, taking balanced diet, pranayama should be practiced according to the instructions of the guru.

(Shloka 2.5) - When all the nadis and chakras have been purified, then the yogi is able to retain prana.

The following pranayama, including kumbhaka (breath retention) practices are provided:

Pranayama in Integral Yoga Class

In the beginners class, we introduce three basic techniques of pranayama:

Easy-to-follow instructions for practicing the above techniques are given here. Once the students develop a basic understanding of these techniques, they are gradually introduced to some variations on these techniques along with some other pranayama techniques as stated above, including the concept of 'kumbhaka' (breath retention).

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Last modified: 04/21/08