1. Suryabhedana :-- In this variety inhalation is made through the right nostril. The word 'surya' stands for the light nostril. After in
halation the breath is held inside and exhalation is done through the left nostril.
2. Ujjayi : Inhalation is done through both nostrils and after retention of breath exhalation is done through the left nostril. The sound is produced during inhalation and exhalation by the partial closure of the glottis.
3. Sitkari : Air is inhaled through the crevices of the teeth and after holding the breath, exhalation is done through the two nostrils.
4. Sitali : Air is sucked up through channel made of the tongue. Exhalation is done through the two nostrils after comfortably holding the breath.
5. Bhastrika : The technique consists of Kapalabhati to the capacity followed by Kumbhaka. There are different varieties of Bhastrika. Gheranda Samhita requires 20 strokes of Kapalabhati followed by inhalation through both the nostrils and exhalation through the left after holding the breath comfortably. Hatha pradipika reco mends Kapalabhati to be continued until fatigue sets in and then to practise inhalation through the right nostril and exhalation through the left after due restrai-ining the breath. In these two varieties there is no difference in the pattern of Kapalabhati but the difference lies in the manner of inhala and exhala tion. Brahmananda, however, describes in his commen-BLtary Jyotsna on Hatha pradipika two more varieties of Bhastrika in which Kapalabhati is practised by the manipulation of the nostrils for inhalation and exhalation. Bhastrika is a favourite variety of Pranayama which is practised by the students of Yoga.
6. Bhrsmari: The technique requires production of humming sound resembling that of a male bee during inhalation and of a female bee during exhalation. In between the inhalation and exhalation the breath is also held for a short duration, The nasalized sound is produced by pronouncing the word like 'king' accompanied by the vibrations of the soft palate.
7. Murccha : At the end of inhalation through the two nostrils one is to practise Kumbhaka with Jalandhara-bandha which is tightly fixed and is to be retained, even during exhalation. This leads to a stupor which is not only pleasant but helpful in concentration.
8. Plavini : Air is filled into the stomach and the regular technique of inhalation, retention and exhalation is followed.
9. Kevali : This is an abhyantara Kumbhaka preceded by an inhalation through both the nostrils, according to Cheranda Samhita, V-87-91. In this variety the Soham mantra is mentally repeated.
What is Sudarshan Kriya
Sudarshan Kriya incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath which harmonise the body, mind and emotions.This unique breathing technique eliminates stress,fatigue and negative emotions such as anger,frustration and depression, leaving you calm yet energised,focused yet relaxed.
Emotions affect the breathing pattern. For example, when you are:
Angry: Your breath comes in short, quick cycles.
Sad or upset: Your breath comes in long and deep cycles.
Sudarshan Kriya - Experience the Power of Rhythmic Breathing
Breath is the link between the body and the mind. For example, when you are angry, the breath is short and fast, when sad, the out-breath is long and heavy. So, we can learn to skilfully use the breath to change the way we feel, hence release the negative emotions called stress - anger, anxiety, depression and worry, leaving the mind completely happy, relaxed and energised.
This is where SudarshanKriya comes in. Just as there are rhythms in nature - day and night, season after season, similarly, there is a rhythm in the body, mind and emotions. When these rhythms get disturbed, say due to over-working, food habits or busy lifestyle, we feel stressed, discomfort or get an illness.
Sudarshan Kriya harmonises the whole system cleansing daily and accumulated stresses, one feels happy and healthy again!
Millions of people from all walks of life have been touched by the healing power of the SudarshanKriya. Villagers, corporate employees, housewives, teenagers, trauma victims, soldiers, leaders in business to government officials, prisoners, factory workers, university students and everyone in between, across all continents, all bear testimony to the numerous and varied benefits of this powerful breathing technique.que.
"We need to do a cleansing process within ourselves. In sleep we get rid of fatigue, but the deeper stresses remain in our body. SudarshanKriya cleanses the system from the inside. The breath has a great secret to offer."- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Meditation & Breathing
The question of how to start meditating and what to do can seem a little scary to those who have no experience with it. There are a million books out there on the subject, and many of them say contradictory things, which adds to the confusion. Since the question came up on a few of the groups I post on, I wanted to put something up to help those who are looking for a place to start. Keep in mind, I'm no Guru, but I can share what I've found works well for most of he people.
Every mystical or spiritual tradition I've studied have certain key aspects in common, but the most basic one seems to be controlled breathing. Even the most advanced meditation techniques usually start with some basic breath techniques. Here's a place to start:
Sit in a comfortable and relaxed position. Some people prefer to sit cross-legged or in the lotus position, but a comfortable chair with both feet planted on the floor works equally well for these exercises. If you're having trouble concentrating, feel free to close your eyes or sit in front of a blank space like a wall so there is nothing distracting you visually.
1) AWARENESS. Become aware of your breath. Notice if it is slow or rapid, shallow or deep. Don't try to alter or change it, just notice the body's natural rhythms. As you do so, you may become more aware of other things, such as the feel of the air on your skin, your pulse throughout your body, and so on. As you become more comfortable, allow your body to relax, bit by bit. Start at the soles of your feet and work your way up to the top of your head. Become aware of each part of your body, how it feels, what sorts of things it's doing as you relax. You might get a twitch here and there, or the occasional itch. Don't worry about it; scratch where it itches and maintain your state of relaxation. Keep your focus on your breathing throughout this exercise, noticing if it changes or stays the same.
This can be done at work, at home, in bed, or wherever the urge strikes you. This is particularly good to do if you feel stressed out, angry, scared or frustrated. Try it three times a day, seven days in a row. You might be surprised at the results of such a simple exercise.
2) CONTROL. Once you're comfortable with the above exercise and wish to move on to something a little more involved, start to focus on deepening and controlling the breath. A key point here is to focus on pulling your breath deep into your belly and diaphragm.
Start by making a slow, controlled inhale for eight seconds, hold for a second or two, then exhale for ten seconds, and hold for another second or two. Doesn't sound like much, but for those of us with asthma or a smoking habit even this can be a challenge. If you find this too easy, see how many seconds you can comfortably inhale and exhale for, and then work at extending the inhales and exhales by a second or so every couple of days.
You might find yourself getting a little dizzy or light-headed during this exercise due to a combination of hyperventilation and increased energy flow. This is fine, just return to the earlier technique of observing your body's natural breathing rhythm until you feel comfortable again.
3) FOCUS. In the above two exercises you might have noticed that your mind tended to run off in different directions at the slightest provocation. Worries about the day, mental to-do lists, thoughts about work or school, random memories of conversations, and more are constantly fighting for attention in the mind. Many of us are not even aware of how much internal dialogue is actually taking place on a constant basis. This technique will help you to focus and calm the mind.
As you're breathing deeply and comfortably, think of something that evokes a feeling of peace in you. It can be anything, as long as it's simple; the image of a clear lake or sky, the sound of a stream running over rocks, or even just slowly repeating a single word, such as "love" or "peace" itself. If you have a water fountain in the room, try to focus on the sound of the trickling water. If you have trouble maintaining a mental image, you can even start by looking at an actual photo of a peaceful scene. If nothing else seems to work, try mentally or verbally chanting a basic vowel sound, such as "Aaaahhhh" or "Ooooohhm".
At first it may be difficult to stay focused. Your mind will try to skip around from thought to thought. Don't worry about it and don't get upset with yourself; just notice the thought, let it go, and return to the object of your focus. If you start getting frustrated, go back to counting your breath for a while until you're ready to try again.
It helps to have an egg-timer or digital watch while doing this. Set the timer for three minutes the first time. Once you can maintain focus for three minutes, work your way up to five, then ten, then fifteen. Do this at least once a day, preferably twice; once as you're getting out of bed in the morning, and again just before you go to sleep at night.
If you can maintain your focus on one word or image or sound for fifteen minutes without distraction, and do so every day, Congratulations! Not only will you find your body is less tense and your mind more focused in your daily life, but you are also ready for pretty much any meditation technique or spiritual discipline available.
Lovely Thoughts for Lovely People Just Like You
Yoga and Pranayama
Prana (vitality) and Pranayamas breathing (with Prana Control)
Yoga is essentially a trade union - body, mind and spirit
- And breathing to connect body and mind.
Breathing
Yoga breathing is an important body - according to Patanjali Yoga Sutra *.
Breathing is the main source of Prana.
Breathing breathing techniques to achieve by the ancient sages.
The benefits of the breathing (when implemented correctly under the guidance of correct)
1.Increases quantity and quality of Prana
2.Pranayam clears the nadis
3.Harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit
4.Rejuvenates and recharges the body and mind
Prana
Prana is the universal life force. This is an important energy from your body and your level of need for the existence of subtle. Prana through the subtle energy known as 'channel, the flow of tens of thousands of nadis'.
The quantity and quality of Prana and the manner in which flow through the nadis determines your state of mind
If the Prana is high, the flow is continuous, smooth and stable - then the mind remains calm, positive and enthusiastic.
In most people's nadis even partial or complete obstruction
To prevent nadis:
• Quality: Prana broken and dry
• Possible reasons: lack of knowledge and lack of attention to one's self
• Result: increased anxiety, fear, uncertainty, conflict, tension and other negative qualities
* "Yoga" is an old yoga paper, attributed to sage Patanjali. In the yoga mentioned here eight limbs, breathing - Article, it is important to a healthy body and mind, and achieve a higher state of consciousness.
