Abstract

IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA- A LITERARY REVIEW

Dr. Ajay Kumar Pandey*, Dr. Arun Kumar Sharma and Ankita Pandey

Abstract

Introduction- Pranayama word is composed of two Sanskrit words Prana (extension of life force or vital energy) and Ayama (to extend or draw out). It is originated as a Yogic practice in ancient India. According to Patanjali Yoga Sutram, it is a regulation of breath (stoppage of inhalation and exhalation), which follows after securing the steady posture or Asana. According to Shri Shankaracharya, it is the control of all life forces by realizing naught but Brahman in all things as the mind. The Gita says “others offer Prana(outgoing breath) in Apana and Apana in Prana, restraining the passage Prana and Apana, absorbed in Pranayama. Pranayama is the method of breathe control. Literary review- The process of Pranayama is concerned with breathing. Breathing is indicator of life. The breathing process chiefly involves two things, first one is inhaling and other one is exhaling. The inhaling procedure is called as „Puraka‟. Whereas exhaling procedure is called as „Rechaka‟. The state when these two activities are made to halt is called as „Kumbhaka.‟ The halt after inhaling is called as „Abhyantara Kumbhaka.‟ and the halt after exhaling is called as „Bahya Kumbhaka.‟ Many yoga teachers advise that Pranayama should be part of an overall practice that includes the other limbs of Patanjali's Raja Yoga teachings, especially Yama, Niyama and Asana. Importace and benefits of Pranayama- Pranayama has the capacity of freeing the mind from untruthfulness, ignorance and all other painful and unpleasant experiences of the body and mind. When the mind becomes clean it becomes easy for the Sadhaka to concentrate on the desired object. By concentrating on desired object he progresses further in the direction of Dhyana and Samadhi. Physically, Pranayama appears to be a systematic exercise of respiration, which makes the lungs stronger, improves blood circulation, makes the man healthier and bestows upon him the boon of a long life. Physiology teaches us that the air (Prana) we breathe in fills our lungs, spreads in the entire body, providing it with essential form the body, take them to the heart and then to the lungs, which throws the useless material like carbon dioxide out of the body through the act of exhalation. Several diseases can be averted by regular practice of Pranayama. Hence it is obvious that the knowledge of the science of Pranayama and its regular practice enables a man to lead a healthy and long life.

Keywords: Pranayama, Anuloma- Viloma, Ujjayi, Bhastrika, Kumbhak, Kapalbhati and Importace of Pranayama.