Swara Yoga : The art & technique of breathing.

Dear Friends, Only recently I was reading a book on ayurveda which had a chapter devoted to Swara Yoga, or the science of breathing. We have two sense organs related to sight and sound (two eyes, two ears) to give us a better perspective. But why two nostrils? This is to balance our energy and better coordinate our actions depending on the energy flow. Thus practicing the science of breathing is very important. In an acidic and hot body, the right nostril will be active while in an alkaline body the left will dominate. We can thus control this aspect by studying and applying the technique of swara yoga. When both the nostrils operate it is time to introspect and meditate. The June edition of the magazine "Life Positive" carries a very good article on Swara Yoga. Those of you in India may try to procure the magazine and read it. Lord Shiva is credited to be the author of Swara Yoga. The last link given at the end carries a few chants that may be useful. I will try to write more on the subject. Meanwhile please go through the following article and links. Regards, Jagannath. What is Swara Yoga? http://www.yogapoint.com/info/article6.htmSwara is Sanskrit word, meaning sound or note. It is also a continuous flow of air through one nostril. Yoga means union, so Swara yoga is a science which is realization of cosmic consciousness through control and manipulation of breath. Swara Yoga is science which is a complete study, observations, control and manipulation of breath or Swara. Pranayama is only related to control of breath in various ways. In swara yoga, you will find association of breath in relation to activities of sun, moon, various seasons, physical and mental conditions of individuals etc. So Swara Yoga is more comprehensive in theory and practices related to breath. Applications of Swara Yoga as per Sanskrti Text "Shiva Swarodaya" - Swara yoga is useful while initiating any action starting from waking up in the morning, having bath, eating, involving in different types of works, mental activities, physical activities etc. One can easily make out that Swara Yoga touches all parts of human life. Few applications of Swara Yoga- o Fighting wars, Overcome enemy, winning friendso Gaining wealth, prosperity, popularityo Winning favor of king, o Knowledge of past, present & futureo Achieving sound mental, physical & spiritual healtho Swara in Daily Life- Journey, eating, exercising, working, excreting, sleeping- For Yoga & Meditation 3 Types of SwaraThere are 3 main swara, Ida Nadi or Left Swara (Nadi is flow of pranic energy in body), Pingala Nadi or Right Swara and Sushumna or third Swara.o Ida / Lunar / Left Swara - The breath through left nostrilo Ida Nadi located on the Left side of spinal Cordo It represents Moon / female Shakti (Energy) principleo Left Swara is associated with Mental Activities, Parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation)o Connection to right hemisphere of braino Left Swara is considered to be Auspicious, smooth & virtuouso Bright fortnight (15 days starting from next day of no moon to full moon day)o Fruitful results when Left Swara is active on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Monday.o Zodiac signs during Lunar flow- tauras, cancer, virgo, scorpio, capricorn, pisces o Pingala / Solar or Right Swara

- The breath through right nostrilo Pingala Nadi located on the right side of spinal Cord o It represents Sun / Male Shiva(consciousness) principleo Right Swara is associated with Pranic activities (Physical activities), Sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response / stress response)o Connection to left hemisphere of braino Right Swara is considered as Rough, non virtuouso Dominance during dark fortnight (15 days from the next day of full moon to no moon)o Right Swara gives fruitful results Sunday, Saturday, Tuesdayo Zodiac signs during Solar flow - aries, aquarious, libra, gemini, sagittarius Acts to be performed when Left Swara is Activeo All auspicious actso Stable, permanent actionso Purchasing jewelry, clothes, journey etco Construction of houseo Offices, temple etc.o Marriages, religious rights, peaceful worko

Treating incurable diseases Acts to be performed when Right Swara is Activeo Extreme tantra techniques.o Meanest & worst actionso Drinking wine, destroying enemieso Sensual pleasureso Work requiring extreme dynamism, o physical worko Solving Mathematics, o Eating, gratifying senses, captivating women Third Swara "Sushumna" o Located Center of the spinal cordo It represents "Shiva" (pure consciousness) in the state of "So-Ham"o Sushumna is said to be active when Left & right swara flows togethero No worldly action recommended, work gives no resulto It indicates non attachment to the mundane thingso While third Swara is active Meditation

recommended Rhythms of Swarao Each Swara (Left and Right ) Alternates in 60 Min - One Swara is active for about 1 to 1.5 hours depends on individual, and after that 2nd Swara starts flowing, this cycle continues during day and night.o These Swara Activities are related to Moon phases o Sunrise timing is crucial - Generally for healthy people the Swara should change at the time of sunrise and sunset. o Lunar / left Swara o Active during 1st 3 days of Bright fortnight at sunriseo Right / solar Swarao Active during 1st 3 days of dark fortnight at sunrise Readjusting the Swarao Close active nostril with finger or cotton woolo Inhale through active nostril & exhale through inactiveo Apply

pressure to the armpit of the active nostrilo Lie down on the same side of the active nostrilo Cold bath or hot water changes the Swarao Food consumed changes Swara- Chilli, ginger - Solar / right Swara- Yogurt, bananas - left / lunar Swara Swara Indication - Physical & Mental activitiesCommon Cold - common cold indicates dominating Left Swara, which indicates cold. One can change this dominating left swara to right swara and cure the common cold or other diseases. Acidity - if Right swara dominates, it indicates the person will suffer from either acidity or fever. Right Swara is Hot in nature. Swara Yoga is still unexplored area and lot of scientific research needs to

be carried out before all facts and exact relation of Swara and physical and mental activities is known. Hari Om Another good article is available at: http://www.sanatansociety.org/yoga_and_meditation/swara_yoga.htm and also more details at: http://www.swarayoga.org/MorningSadhana.htm "Our ideal is not the spirituality that withdraws from life but the conquest of life by the power of the spirit." - Aurobindo. Tired

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