The Real Pranayama: Energy Vital- and Not Breath-Control Exercise

The breathing exercises very well-known as “basic pranayama” are essentials for the wellness and health. Our breath, what Yoga calls “prana” or the vital force of life is a vehicle that moves us into subtle layers of our energy body. With the help of this vital force, we come contact with our core self-establishment, our true nature. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of pranayama in human health, as well as the different types of pranayamas, their methods of actions and objectives. In the West during present time, most of the people believe that pranayama is only a respiratory technique. However, for the Hindu doctrine Suddha Dharma Mandalam introduced in South America by Sri Vayera Yogi Dasa, the significance of the word pranayama breath-control is its surface meaning only, the Sanskrit word for it being “swasabandana” (mastery of the Energy of Life). Prana is a general word to indicate energy, life-force, intellect, spirit and so on; And the approximating exact word to convey its idea is “Consciousness”; Similarly, “ayama” does not merely mean restrain and control, but it also means “expand”; So that, its importance is best conveyed by “leading to”. Pranayama means “leading to Consciousness”. According to Suddha teachings, there are three types of pranayamas with different objectives: a) Prakrita (matter) Pranayama: it is defined as physiological breathing rhythmic exercise, which involves a breath-control for puraka:khumbaka:rechaka stages with different time-proportions among each of them. This practice leads to strengthening the physical body and it is therapeutic for organic diseases; b) Atmiya (personal Spirit) Pranayama: It is defined as a mental-spiritual breathing rhythmic exercise, which involves a breath-control for puraka: khumbaka:  rechaka stages combined with a union thought to Atman (personal Spirit) and an adequate mental mantra repetition. This practice is aimed at reaching a conscious contact that allows to experience the excellent qualities of the Atma-Yoti or Light of our personal Spirit or Consciousness, which is housed in the etheric chamber of our heart; And c) Suddha (Universal Spirit) Pranayama: it is defined as a mental-spiritual breathing rhythmic exercise, which involves a breath-control for puraka:khumbaka:rechaka stages combined with union thought to Brahm (cosmic Spirit) and adequate mental mantra repetition. This practice is aimed at reaching a conscious contact with Pure-Transcendent-Immanent-Power of Supreme Bright of Universal Consciousness which compenetrates all beings giving them life. In physical appearance, we are separated, but in reality, we are united by very subtle forces and ethers until reach the Atma-Sutra or atomic thread, which forms and maintains the unity of all beings. Pranayama improves physical health, calms emotions and mind, and gives internal peace connecting with the eternal spirit lodged in subtle chamber of heart.