Meditation & Pranayama
Meditation (Dhyana)
Meditation or Dhyana is the seventh ang of the eight-step yoga elucidated by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This is the penultimate state to Samadhi. Dhyana comes from the root words ‘dhi’ (meaning the mind) and ‘yana’ (meaning moving or going). Dhyana means a state of deep, effortless calmness. In this refined meditative state, one experiences the stillness of the mind and a deeper awareness of one’s consciousness. Dhyana yoga also finds reference in the Bhagavad Gita where Dhyana Yoga is mentioned as one of the found branches of Yoga. It has been described as the Yoga of meditation.
Meditation is usually seen as a state of abiding calmness. However, it is much more than. One needs to practice the preceding six levels of Yoga before practicing to meditation. Meditation builds upon the practices of asana (bodily postures practice), pranayama (breath work), Pratyahara (control of the senses, moving the focus inward) and Dharana (concentration). These preparatory levels train the body for the deeper state in meditation.
The meditative state can become so deep and immersive that there is no separation between the yogi and the meditative act. The meditative state merges with the overall existence of the yogi.
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Meditation (Dhyana)
Meditation or Dhyana is the seventh ang of the eight-step yoga elucidated by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This is the penultimate state to Samadhi. Dhyana comes from the root words ‘dhi’ (meaning the mind) and ‘yana’ (meaning moving or going). Dhyana means a state of deep, effortless calmness. In this refined meditative state, one experiences the stillness of the mind and a deeper awareness of one’s consciousness. Dhyana yoga also finds reference in the Bhagavad Gita where Dhyana Yoga is mentioned as one of the found branches of Yoga. It has been described as the Yoga of meditation.
Meditation is usually seen as a state of abiding calmness. However, it is much more than. One needs to practice the preceding six levels of Yoga before practicing to meditation. Meditation builds upon the practices of asana (bodily postures practice), pranayama (breath work), Pratyahara (control of the senses, moving the focus inward) and Dharana (concentration). These preparatory levels train the body for the deeper state in meditation.
The meditative state can become so deep and immersive that there is no separation between the yogi and the meditative act. The meditative state merges with the overall existence of the yogi.
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Pranayama
Pranayama is the fourth limb of yoga. It comes from the Sanskrit words ‘prana’ (meaning vital life force or breath) and ‘ayama’ (meaning extension). It is the yogic practice of focused and controlled breathing, aimed at extending and expanding the prana or breath through various controlled and manipulated breathing techniques.
Pranayama encompasses various techniques involving controlling, retaining, splitting the breath or altering the breathing pattern. Various foundational breathing practices (such as breath awareness, alternate nostril breathing or anlom-vilom, diaphragmatic breathing, two-to-one breathing etc.) are performed using slowing, softening or braking the breath. Another important aspect here is the elimination of the pause between breaths. A deeper sense of calmness and focus is attained with the smoothening of the transition between the breaths.
The meditative state can become so deep and immersive that there is no separation between the yogi and the meditative act. The meditative state merges with the overall existence of the yogi.
Though prana operates within the pranayama kosha, it penetrates and affects all 5 kosha or stealths of the existence. Pranayama is instrumental in cultivating steadiness of the mind, and help achieve balance and holistic wellness for in the body and the mind. It also offers several physiological benefits including improved oxygen saturation, enhanced heart-rate variability. It also promotes re-balancing of the nervous system.
Pranayama offers several benefits towards the holistic wellbeing of the body. These include:
- Reduces stress & lowers Blood pressure
- Improves the quality of sleep
- Enhances mindfulness and clarity
- Reduces anxiety and gives calmness
- Enhances the lung capacity
- Improves the immune system and digestive system
- Rejuvenates entire body & mind
