Pranayama

Chandra · 05-25-2005, 05:13 PM

Dear Mukunda,

There have been several posts on the General Discussion forum regarding the hazards and dangers of a Pranayama practice. Some are looking for a style of yoga which omits pranayama, others are concerned about anxiety, unsteady heart beats and other disturbances.

Your insight and comments regarding Pranayama, its benefits, its dangers and the need for proper guidance would be highly appreciated.

Jai Jai Ma,
Chandra

Questioner · 06-18-2005, 04:20 PM

In general my major recommendation is to not mix styles. Every yoga tradition has a different direction (intention) for pranyama. One can learn the same named technique from 3 or 4 different schools and their prana and mind become confused. Thus its benefits are lost.

Optimal is to study deeply in one tradition that encorporates pranayama as a tool in the direction you wish to pursue. the basic practices balance the mind and can create peace; as in the Sivananda lineage. Other methods focus on pranayama as a healing tool for being free of physical or psychological diseases; as in the Bihar School. Some for directing the mind into positive thoughts and empowering prayer; as in Ananda Yoga. A few focus on pranayama for its ability to awaken the spiritual force and deepen devotion to the God/dess of your understanding; as in Kundalini and Tantrik Yogas. Still other focus on pranayama for maintaining mindfulness as in Asthanga Yoga. Many different directions. Best is to find a teacher you respect, one who has gone deep in the direction you wish to pursue. namaste mukunda

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05-25-2005, 05:13 PM	#1
Chandra Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: yoga teacher, massage therapist Posts: 243	Dear Mukunda, There have been several posts on the General Discussion forum regarding the hazards and dangers of a Pranayama practice. Some are looking for a style of yoga which omits pranayama, others are concerned about anxiety, unsteady heart beats and other disturbances. Your insight and comments regarding Pranayama, its benefits, its dangers and the need for proper guidance would be highly appreciated. Jai Jai Ma, Chandra

06-18-2005, 04:20 PM	#2
Questioner Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 479	In general my major recommendation is to not mix styles. Every yoga tradition has a different direction (intention) for pranyama. One can learn the same named technique from 3 or 4 different schools and their prana and mind become confused. Thus its benefits are lost. Optimal is to study deeply in one tradition that encorporates pranayama as a tool in the direction you wish to pursue. the basic practices balance the mind and can create peace; as in the Sivananda lineage. Other methods focus on pranayama as a healing tool for being free of physical or psychological diseases; as in the Bihar School. Some for directing the mind into positive thoughts and empowering prayer; as in Ananda Yoga. A few focus on pranayama for its ability to awaken the spiritual force and deepen devotion to the God/dess of your understanding; as in Kundalini and Tantrik Yogas. Still other focus on pranayama for maintaining mindfulness as in Asthanga Yoga. Many different directions. Best is to find a teacher you respect, one who has gone deep in the direction you wish to pursue. namaste mukunda