Author’s Note This book on the Essence of Pranayama Kaivalyadhama has been prepared keeping in view the needs of all those who would like to undertake the practice of Pranayama in all its seriousness . It is also addressed to those who are interested in using these practices , not only for the spiritual purpose but also for its application in the field of health and healing . For the last several years , Kaivalyadhama has been organizing practical workshops for imparting training in Pranayama called ” Prānāyāma Sadhana Shibir “, in the city of Mumbai. In these workshops , participants are taught the various types of Pranayama with all its intricate technical details . But the real emphasis in these workshops is always on the subtle essential aspect of Pranayama which makes it possible for the participants to have at least a few glimpses of the spiritual experiences at first hand , which would then act as the main motivator for them to progress on this path through further work on their own . In these workshops , quite often , it has been observed that there is a tendency in many a people to give exclusive or undue importance to the technical features of Pranayama at the cost of its essential and subtle nature. In the absence of the knowledge of which is the essential and the relevant aspect of the technique , and which is the superfluous and optional aspect ; the student gets waylaid easily into the plethora of techniques and then misses the opportunity of entering into deeper and spiritual experiences . This situation could easily be averted if one is alert to understand the practical aspect of Pranayama in its totality and can follow its essential aspect with full vigilance . The aim of this book is to help the student to grasp this essential nature of the Pranayama . All the relevant information from this point of view can be found in this book , yet it does not claim to be either the exhaustive treatise on Pranayama or the work which could replace personal teaching . It is to be used mainly as the friendly companion while learning Prānāyāma under the guidance of some expert teachers . The practical information presented here is based on the author’s own understanding of this subject based on the scriptures and living tradition , as also its application in personal life as well as in the life of myriads of other Sadhakas . For more exhaustive treatment of this subject , the reader should refer to the “Pranayama “,an excellent book written by Swami Kuvalayananda , the founder of Kaivalyadhama. Kaivalyadhama, Mumbai. 18th April , 1997 Shrikrishna INDEX * Foreword * Author’s Note 5 * Acknowledgement * Introduction 11 1. Yogic Concepts of Body Functions in the Context of Pranayama 17 Panchakosha Prana Nadi Pranaspanda and Swarayoga Chakra, Kundalini and Chakrabhedana Effects of Pranayama as Described in Traditional Texts. 2. Evolution of Pranayama 43 3. General Consideration of the Practical Aspect of Pranayama 49 Components of Pranayama: – Puraka, Kumbhaka, Rechaka Sagarbha and Agarbha Pranayama Sahita and Kevala Kumbhaka Consideration of Matra, Desha and Kala. 4. Technical Consideration of the Practical Aspect of Pranayama 63 Correct Posture for Pranayama Technique of Puraka Technique of Kumbhaka Technique of Rechaka Different Varities of Pranayama 5. Preparation For Pranayama Sadhana 85 Consideration of Season, Physical Activity and Diet Physical Preparation by Elimination of Mala 6. Important Practical Hints for the Daily Practice of Pranayama 91 Daily Routine During the Course of Pranayama Sadhana Use of Some Other Yogic Practices as an Adjuant For Pranayama Sadhana The Asana for the Practice of Pranayama The Time, Duration and the Sequence of the Practice of Pranayama The Pale for the Pranayama Sadhana The Seat for the Pranayama Sadhana The Daily Regimen of Pranayamic Practices The Use of Kumbhaka, in the Daily Practice of Pranayama Sadhana Other Difficulties Arising During Pranayama Sadhana and How to Deal with them 7. Appraisal of the Scientific Investigations 111 8. Prayers and Mantropasana 123 Signifance of Praying Shanti Patha Mantropasana: – Chittashuddhi and Manolaya – Kriyayoga Om: The Pranava Japa The Savitru-Gayatri Mantrajapa The Tryambaka Mantrajapa The Ajapajapa-Soham Japa Om Stavana Prayer foe the Well-being of all 9. References 153 * About Kaivalyadhama 159
