There are 8 procedures in Ashtanga Yoga ( अष्टांग योग) mentioned in verse 2.29 in the the Yug sutras of Patanjali, named as Patanjali Yog Sutra. Patanjali was a Hindu Rishi/ Sage, who drew an advanced ,scientific and specific approach to Yog for the benefit of entire humankind. They are Yam (self restraint), Niyam (fixed observance), Asan (specific posture), Pranayam (breath control exercise), pratyahar (abstraction), Dhyan (contemplation), dharana (concentration) , and Samadhi (trance).
Pranayam is conscious respiration of vital force by increasing it’s dimension. Pranayam is actually the expansion of your regular breath in a particular mode, by controlling the speed and depth of breath, between inspiration, holding of breath and expiration. We can expand the amplitude of the breath voluntarily. When we breathe in (inhale), we feel the vital energy force of the universe with a superior consciousness, behold it within us for a while just to replace the negativity inside as and when we breathe out (exhale), we feel that our viscous thoughts, feelings and imaginations are being thrown out.
The power of Pranayam opens the door of our inner eternal power , in such a manner that from the smallest atom to the greatest galaxy in the Universe can be moved from their place.
Pranayam usually consists of three steps-
Purak ( Conscious Inhalation )
Kumbhak ( Breath retention within)
Rechak ( Conscious exhalation)
Purak (पूरक) -means breathing in ( inspiration)- where breath is taken in as the cosmic vital force, scientifically it’s pure and clean oxygen incorporated with our soulful consciousness. Time span is usually 5 seconds.
Kumbhak ( कुंभक) – In kumbhak, this inspired energy in the form of oxygen is retained, so that scientifically it allows the lungs to achieve a longer exchange period. It is the breath retention physically the lungs in expanded position. Kumbhak is both internal and external. Time span is usually 10 seconds.
Rechak (रेचक)- It means throwing out or cleaning. Here we breathe out or expire the viscious or negative thoughts, feelings and imaginations, which are harmful for us in the form of exhaled air or scientifically carbon dioxide. Time span is usually 5 seconds .
In Yogis ( mystics) the time span can be prolonged by practice accordingly.
Actually pranayam helps one to expand their breathing from an individual level to the cosmic level. In other words we can say this energy which is confined to an individual is expanded and connected with the cosmic energy of the universe. and this actually is Pranayam, the extension of our vital force or bringing vitality in our inhalation and exhalation process. It is an essential breathing exercise which helps to improve our concentration and hence our internal power is directly connected to the cosmic power.
Pranayam is also mentioned in verse 4.29 of Bhagwat Geeta. According to it- “Pranayam is trance induced by stopping all breathing” .
We actually incorporate, the Pran (प्राण) , or the vital energy in the cycle of breathing. It is a very simple technique in which we control the breath just to input the Prana or vital life force. It helps us in increasing our energy, bringing ultimate concentration, improves our mental ability, imparts us physical strength, releases stress and negativity and makes a soulful.
Slowly we are able to master the breath at the levels of internal holding, breath retention and external holding. As breathing is an involuntary action, when we start practicing Pranayam, we introduce regular exercise in our breath control, which includes deliberate methods of inhalation, breath retention and exhalation. It is designed and essential for our mental ,physical, spiritual, Universal and cosmic benefits and well being.
In previous blogs we have already discussed about the aspects of meditation. Now the question arises what are the exactly proven methods of meditation.
Yes, words have power. As a single word can create or destroy our life, build or break a relationship, unite or divide the families ,societies, nations. Words can begin and end war, words can hurt or heal, design or destruct, motivate or discourage.When a child utters MUM( mother), a flash of vibrant and positive energy spreads around which brings smile, hope and positivity and is definitely diffusive to others also.Words have energy and power hence it has a powerful force. Your words lead to the direction of your mind, body, soul surroundings, environment etc. The reality you inhabit is the outcome of your words actually. It’s a very powerful tool to uplift and heel someone’s energy level and personal vibrations.
It’s written in our Vedas that your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits , your habits become your values… which actually is responsible for shaping up our destiny.Words are more powerful than actions as they create thoughts in us and change your mind completely. Words help us to spread the concept, ideas, thoughts and influence the society and world both at work and personal level.Positive thoughts, words and speech can actually redesign and reshape the world much better than it is; where as negative thoughts words and speech has driven the world into depthless dark.Words captivate, ignite, activate, stimulate and power up your thoughts and brain.The Neuroscience behind this is that positive words stimulate the frontal lobe activity of the brain and affects other areas of the brain too . When we speak, the sound waves carry the (spoken) message and create impact on the receptor.
A Japanese water researcher and scientist Dr. Masaru Emoto has made studies on water through high speed photography, which shows water reacts to the sound vibrations and affects the molecular structure of water. Positive words showed beautiful geometric patterns and negative words showed distorted and destructed shapes of the water crystals. A negative word increases the activity of the fear centre(amygdala) of the brain. This releases stress producing hormones and neurotransmitters which hinders the functions of brain by bringing a shut down to the logic and reasoning centres of the frontal lobe of the brain responsible for our positive thought process and languages we know, which connects to the motor cortex responsible for your actions. That’s why a series acts.. of thoughts, then words, then actions and finally our parietal lobe of the brain is responsible for the the perceptions. When frontal lobe is affected, parietal lobe too gets affected and hence changes our perceptions and interactions. Hence the cognitive functioning of the brain is affected.
Words create us and our surroundings and hence words create the universe. Words and universe both are the centric concentrate of energy and power.If you want to transform your thoughts into actions and reality, word is the only power which will help you, as every word matters. The tremendous power of word can nurture, nourish, inspire, heel, encourage, uplift, love and even can bring lives in the dead ones.Your words, if soulful, can really touch the heart of a person even though unseen. It can change the direction of time and force. It can bring the almighty on the earth. It is only the word that has such an enormous superpower. So be careful while choosing a word, before speaking, as it can affect your entire personal, emotional, psychological, social, universal status and of your surroundings too.
Smile is that divine expression which appears involuntarily over your face and reflects your peaceful happiness . A happy smiley face has a hidden power of making others smile without uttering a word or taking up an action .
The body finds the best alignment with the nature in the Brahma Muhurtam and hence , an ease and urge to meditate arises during this hours. It may be a daunting task for people who follow an indisciplined and unorganised life pattern and daily regimen.
Confidence is not an attire, not a precious rare piece of jewellery, neither a makeup nor a thing which can be bought and learnt in a scheduled class. Confidence is that attitude which not only defines you, not only strengthens you but also develops that aura of positivity which helps you to pave up your path always in a right direction. But the question arises both the positive and negative characters exhibit confidence at almost equal level. They confront each other and stand opposite in their regular wars.
Now again the grey shade arises to speak out -“I am not wrong”.
Wear your confidence as your soul wears your body. Don’t forget if you loose your confidence you may lose this body; which I have already discussed is the temple of your soul.
In the last blog I had explained how a human body is superlative than any other living being, though all of them possess a soul within.
1. Muladhaar (मूलाधार) Chakra/ Root Chakra/ Foundation Chakra- According to metaphysics, the colour of this Chakra is bright red. Physiologically, it is at the centre of our anal and genital points. It is related with our genital parts, excretory areas, lower limbs. It’s major qualities are food and sleep limitations, exactly like animal, also known as animal behaviour. It is blocked by fear, insecurity, instability, past life’s bitter experiences etc. To heal it, we need to surrender all these negative factors and flow down our fears.
5. Vishuddhi( विशुद्धि) Chakra/ Throat Chakra- It is light blue in colour. It is located near the throat. It is related with our throat region, vocal chords, pharynx, larynx, trachea. It deals with truth, presentations, voice, survival instincts and sense of being powerful. It is blocked by lie. One will be non- expressive with speech disability, stutter or dysphrasia. It is healed by making positive sounds during sunrise at sea shores or simply by chanting “Om”.The person needs acceptance and compassion.
Knowing ourselves is more than knowing this Universe….
” An immortal idol – soul in your body temple.”
Now again a question arises – How to treat our body and our soul ? This question arises in an intermediate matter known as mind. You can say – Body is a chariot drawn by the horses of mind and the soul makes a control over the direction to be travelled. As soon as the control is lost, mind drags you in a direction where you find a zone of comfort, fun, entertainment and superficiality.
Your surroundings matter a lot while creating your Aura. Aura develops only on the purification and rectification of soul. A pious soul is humble, innocent, lovable, cheerful and full of energy just like an innocent child. It’s presence brings smile and happiness on your face and tenderness in your heart.
