Guest guest Report post Posted April 3, 2010 Hello, I have been practising the primary series for 22 months now using Manju's cd...I am interested in developing the pranayama discipline and would like suggestions on where to learn the ashtangi way? Any help would be very much appreciated. OM NAMAH SHIVAYA MIKE DILLON Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 4, 2010 Tim Miller leads pranayama in the mornings at his shala. This is not something you learn from a CD. On Fri, Apr 2, 2010 at 4:39 PM, Mike Dillon <mikedillon07wrote: > > > Hello, > I have been practising the primary series for 22 months now using Manju's > cd...I am interested in developing the pranayama discipline and would like > suggestions on where to learn the ashtangi way? Any help would be very much > appreciated. > > OM NAMAH SHIVAYA > > MIKE DILLON > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 6, 2010 I know Tim Miller has a place in Carlsbad CA which is way to far to go for me....is that the only option available? MIKE DILLON - Tom Hunter ashtangayoga Saturday, April 03, 2010 3:57 PM Re: ashtanga yoga pranayama Tim Miller leads pranayama in the mornings at his shala. This is not something you learn from a CD. On Fri, Apr 2, 2010 at 4:39 PM, Mike Dillon <mikedillon07wrote: > > > Hello, > I have been practising the primary series for 22 months now using Manju's > cd...I am interested in developing the pranayama discipline and would like > suggestions on where to learn the ashtangi way? Any help would be very much > appreciated. > > OM NAMAH SHIVAYA > > MIKE DILLON > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 6, 2010 there is a great pranayama teacher, O.P. Tiwari. He does some workshops around the world. If you learn from him he will give you a practice and then you can continue on your own until you see him or one of his teachers again. He's amazing!!!! Linda Munro Ashtanga Paris www.ashtangayogaparis.fr Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 6, 2010 There are of course other alternative, even if Tim Miller seems to be one of the best... I recommend you read this article (if you haven't already) " Prescriptions for Pranayama " http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/673 There are no in-depth manuals to an Ashtanga pranayama practice, that I know of. Except for Yoga Mala (p. 18-) which is about pranayama in general, though of course interesting, and Lino Miele's Astanga Yoga book (1999) with a short introduction to pranayama practice, I don't think there is much to read on the matter. BKS Iyengar's " Light on Pranayama " (1978?): The Yogic Art of Breathing; 320 p. - is of course a good book... i.e. if you are not an Ashtangi purist, and absolutely prefer to remain within the bounds of one school/style - http://www.yogapranayama.net/ And there are actually a few cd:s, but I'm not sure how closely related they are to the traditional pranayama practice as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois... • Richard Freeman (2002): Yoga Breathing; 2 cd:s, 2 hours (includes " internal breath " , drishti, " tree of breath " practice, lying and seated pranayama etc.) • Michael Gannon: Awaken Your Life Force and Quiet Your Mind; 79 min. (4 breathing exercises, progressive 30 day format, safe & simple 20-minute daily practice, guided relaxation) [http://www.ashtanga.com/html/p.lasso?p=10071] • Richard Freeman: Breathing and Bandhas; 2 cd:s, 2 hours (informal studio talks; how to work with blockages in your breath's natural flow, etc.) • Derek Ireland (before 1998): Pranayama; 1 cd, 30 min. (guided pranayama practice) Any book or cd, you can find either at www.ashtanga.com or www.amazon.com The best way is of course always to learn from an experienced teacher, especially if you are attempting more advanced or potentially harmful pranayama techniques (when done incorrectly or by someone not ready for them). But then there are quite a few pranayamas that are pretty basic, and that can be practiced by almost anybody - with or without any asana practice under the belt. Best of luck! ashtangayoga , " Mike Dillon " <mikedillon07 wrote: > > Hello, > I have been practising the primary series for 22 months now using Manju's cd...I am interested in developing the pranayama discipline and would like suggestions on where to learn the ashtangi way? Any help would be very much appreciated. > > OM NAMAH SHIVAYA > > MIKE DILLON > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 7, 2010 When you use the Ujjayi breathing technique during your Ashtanga practice, you ARE practicing Pranayama: Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly. I apologize in advance and I do not mean to offend you but 22 months is a rather short period of time to be practicing hence my concern about moving on to more advanced techniques. Mastering the Ujjayi breathing technique takes many years of practice and it distinguishes the Yoga practitioner from someone who merely performs calisthenic exercises. I haven't even scratched the surface and am practicing Ashtanga for about the same time as you. I would humbly suggest that you focus on that rather than going out and buying books and DVD's describing advanced Pranayama technique. Otherwise, if you feel you must, find an accredited teacher with a good reputation under whose guidance you can study safely. " Slow progress is good, fast progress is dangerous " - Sri K. Pattabhi Jois http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjayi_breath OM Shanti, Nick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 9, 2010 Hello Nick, That is the advise that I needed to hear and humbly accept your words. It takes a load off of my mind to learn that doing the practice includes Ujjayi technique so I don't need to be concerned about it now....THANK YOU VERY MUCH... OMNAMAHSHIVAYA MIKE DILLON - Nick Ruechel ashtangayoga Wednesday, April 07, 2010 5:19 AM ashtanga yoga Re: pranayama When you use the Ujjayi breathing technique during your Ashtanga practice, you ARE practicing Pranayama: Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly. I apologize in advance and I do not mean to offend you but 22 months is a rather short period of time to be practicing hence my concern about moving on to more advanced techniques. Mastering the Ujjayi breathing technique takes many years of practice and it distinguishes the Yoga practitioner from someone who merely performs calisthenic exercises. I haven't even scratched the surface and am practicing Ashtanga for about the same time as you. I would humbly suggest that you focus on that rather than going out and buying books and DVD's describing advanced Pranayama technique. Otherwise, if you feel you must, find an accredited teacher with a good reputation under whose guidance you can study safely. " Slow progress is good, fast progress is dangerous " - Sri K. Pattabhi Jois http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjayi_breath OM Shanti, Nick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 10, 2010 I just listened to a podcast by Kino regarding pranayama and she said that Guruji always said you should not start pranayama until you were in the 3rd series and then only with a one-on-one teacher. I trained with Noah Williams in India and he said the same thing. He said it is not something you pick up from books or do lightly. He told us a story of how when he first started pranayama while doing his first practice, his hair turned from dark brown to gray in one sitting and he was so scared that he stayed away from pranayama for a long while until Guruji told him he had to take pranayama. It is definitely not something to enter into lightly or alone! Laura On 7 Apr 2010, at 14:19, Nick Ruechel wrote: > When you use the Ujjayi breathing technique during your Ashtanga > practice, you ARE practicing Pranayama: Guruji warned explicitly > against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of > Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being > harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is > my guru and i trust his words implicitly. I apologize in advance and I > do not mean to offend you but 22 months is a rather short period of > time to be practicing hence my concern about moving on to more > advanced techniques. Mastering the Ujjayi breathing technique takes > many years of practice and it distinguishes the Yoga practitioner from > someone who merely performs calisthenic exercises. I haven't even > scratched the surface and am practicing Ashtanga for about the same > time as you. I would humbly suggest that you focus on that rather than > going out and buying books and DVD's describing advanced Pranayama > technique. Otherwise, if you feel you must, find an accredited > teacher with a good reputation under whose guidance you can study > safely. > > " Slow progress is good, fast progress is dangerous " - Sri K. Pattabhi > Jois > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjayi_breath > > OM Shanti, Nick > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 11, 2010 Aloha it is very simple , you start pranayama when you born so you still alive so u did prana and have life force energy B4 doing the intermediate or others series.....but guruji is right some pranayama techniques cannot be put in hands of dangerous --- En date de : Sam 10.4.10, Laura J Valle <laurajvalle a écrit : De: Laura J Valle <laurajvalle Objet: Re: ashtanga yoga Re: pranayama À: ashtangayoga Samedi 10 avril 2010, 9h35  a I just listened to a podcast by Kino regarding pranayama and she said that Guruji always said you should not start pranayama until you were in the 3rd series and then only with a one-on-one teacher. I trained with Noah Williams in India and he said the same thing. He said it is not something you pick up from books or do lightly. He told us a story of how when he first started pranayama while doing his first practice, his hair turned from dark brown to gray in one sitting and he was so scared that he stayed away from pranayama for a long while until Guruji told him he had to take pranayama. It is definitely not something to enter into lightly or alone! Laura On 7 Apr 2010, at 14:19, Nick Ruechel wrote: > When you use the Ujjayi breathing technique during your Ashtanga > practice, you ARE practicing Pranayama: Guruji warned explicitly > against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of > Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being > harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is > my guru and i trust his words implicitly. I apologize in advance and I > do not mean to offend you but 22 months is a rather short period of > time to be practicing hence my concern about moving on to more > advanced techniques. Mastering the Ujjayi breathing technique takes > many years of practice and it distinguishes the Yoga practitioner from > someone who merely performs calisthenic exercises. I haven't even > scratched the surface and am practicing Ashtanga for about the same > time as you. I would humbly suggest that you focus on that rather than > going out and buying books and DVD's describing advanced Pranayama > technique. Otherwise, if you feel you must, find an accredited > teacher with a good reputation under whose guidance you can study > safely. > > " Slow progress is good, fast progress is dangerous " - Sri K. Pattabhi > Jois > > http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Ujjayi_breath > > OM Shanti, Nick > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 11, 2010 all these stories and dire warnings aside pranayama particularly those incorporating kumbhaka require you to be able to sit still/quietly in relative comfort, preferably with a fairly straight spine for an extended period of time (think 40 minutes) Most folks simply cannot do this until they have been practicing a significant period of time On Sat, Apr 10, 2010 at 4:23 PM, Luc Quelquechose <ashtangayogacatwrote: > > > Aloha > it is very simple , you start pranayama when you born so you still alive > so u did prana and have life force energy B4 doing the intermediate or > others series.....but guruji is right some pranayama techniques cannot be > put in hands of dangerous > > --- En date de : Sam 10.4.10, Laura J Valle <laurajvalle<laurajvalle%40me.com>> > a écrit : > > De: Laura J Valle <laurajvalle <laurajvalle%40me.com>> > Objet: Re: ashtanga yoga Re: pranayama > À: ashtangayoga <ashtangayoga%40> > Samedi 10 avril 2010, 9h35 > > a > > I just listened to a podcast by Kino regarding pranayama and she said > that Guruji always said you should not start pranayama until you were > in the 3rd series and then only with a one-on-one teacher. I trained > with Noah Williams in India and he said the same thing. He said it is > not something you pick up from books or do lightly. He told us a > story of how when he first started pranayama while doing his first > practice, his hair turned from dark brown to gray in one sitting and > he was so scared that he stayed away from pranayama for a long while > until Guruji told him he had to take pranayama. It is definitely not > something to enter into lightly or alone! > > Laura > > On 7 Apr 2010, at 14:19, Nick Ruechel wrote: > > > When you use the Ujjayi breathing technique during your Ashtanga > > practice, you ARE practicing Pranayama: Guruji warned explicitly > > against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of > > Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being > > harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is > > my guru and i trust his words implicitly. I apologize in advance and I > > do not mean to offend you but 22 months is a rather short period of > > time to be practicing hence my concern about moving on to more > > advanced techniques. Mastering the Ujjayi breathing technique takes > > many years of practice and it distinguishes the Yoga practitioner from > > someone who merely performs calisthenic exercises. I haven't even > > scratched the surface and am practicing Ashtanga for about the same > > time as you. I would humbly suggest that you focus on that rather than > > going out and buying books and DVD's describing advanced Pranayama > > technique. Otherwise, if you feel you must, find an accredited > > teacher with a good reputation under whose guidance you can study > > safely. > > > > " Slow progress is good, fast progress is dangerous " - Sri K. Pattabhi > > Jois > > > > http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Ujjayi_breath > > > > OM Shanti, Nick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 11, 2010 >He told us a story of how when he first started pranayama while doing his first practice, his hair turned from dark brown to gray in one sitting and he was so scared that he stayed away from pranayama for a long while I call bullshit on this one. Pranayama is simply breathing techniques; it's silly to get all reverential & consider it some sort of mystical mumbo-jumbo. Amanda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 11, 2010 If you knew Noah Williams you would never ever be able to write what you wrote below. Dorion Davis On 11 avr. 2010, at 13:04, Amanda Kirk wrote: > >He told us a story of how when he first started pranayama while > doing his first > practice, his hair turned from dark brown to gray in one sitting and > he was so scared that he stayed away from pranayama for a long while > > I call bullshit on this one. Pranayama is simply breathing > techniques; it's silly to get all reverential & consider it some sort > of mystical mumbo-jumbo. > > Amanda > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 11, 2010 No, pranayama is not simply breathing. Pranayama as taught to the advanced practitioners by Guruji was, if you will, advanced breathing techniques that included retention. Noah Williams, a certified teacher, told this story of his pranayama experience and Sharath confirmed it. I do not think either would have any reason to lie. It is also well known amongst other teachers. You are welcome to contact Noah Williams himself regarding the story. He is on Facebook and his website is here: http://ashtangayogashala.com/. I am sure he would be happy to share with you what he shared with us. Pranayama, as it was taught by Guruji and is taught by Sharath and others is for advanced practitioners and Noah and Sharath both said that it is not something to be taken lightly or without guidance from an experienced teacher. Pranayama is not solely breathing - otherwise everyone would be doing pranayama. It is more advanced and goes beyond the physical practice of yoga. Laura On 11 Apr 2010, at 19:04, Amanda Kirk wrote: > >He told us a story of how when he first started pranayama while > doing his first > practice, his hair turned from dark brown to gray in one sitting and > he was so scared that he stayed away from pranayama for a long while > > I call bullshit on this one. Pranayama is simply breathing > techniques; it's silly to get all reverential & consider it some sort > of mystical mumbo-jumbo. > > Amanda > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 11, 2010 I do know Noah Williams. I studied with him in Goa, India for 2 weeks. What I wrote is exactly what he said to us in conference. He ate all meals with us, led Mysore, had conference and even hung out with us on the off time. I would never say anything that is not true. This story is what he told all of us at Purple Valley. I am sorry if you do not believe me, but it is nothing but the truth. Laura On 11 Apr 2010, at 19:24, Dorion Davis wrote: > If you knew Noah Williams you would never ever be able to write what > you wrote below. > Dorion Davis > > On 11 avr. 2010, at 13:04, Amanda Kirk wrote: > > > >He told us a story of how when he first started pranayama while > > doing his first > > practice, his hair turned from dark brown to gray in one sitting and > > he was so scared that he stayed away from pranayama for a long while > > > > I call bullshit on this one. Pranayama is simply breathing > > techniques; it's silly to get all reverential & consider it some > sort > > of mystical mumbo-jumbo. > > > > Amanda > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 11, 2010 another case of physiology versus airheadedness. No way any practice is going to turn your hair white overnight. While physiological changes could lead to hair whitening -- this would appear at the root of the hair over time as the hair grows (much the way hair color appears at the root when growing out a dye job). Physiological changes would be manifested in the follicle and show at the root of the growing in the growing hair. The rest of the hair is dead. Not likely to be changed in anything going on the the body. Noah, like pretty much everyone else is given to hyperbole on occasion. problem is critical thinking is a vanishing art in this culture, but what do you expect when " research " for most folks these days means wikipedia or texting your facebook pals. On Sun, Apr 11, 2010 at 10:24 AM, Dorion Davis <doriondaviswrote: > > > If you knew Noah Williams you would never ever be able to write what you > wrote below. > Dorion Davis > > On 11 avr. 2010, at 13:04, Amanda Kirk wrote: > > > >He told us a story of how when he first started pranayama while > > doing his first > > practice, his hair turned from dark brown to gray in one sitting and > > he was so scared that he stayed away from pranayama for a long while > > > > I call bullshit on this one. Pranayama is simply breathing > > techniques; it's silly to get all reverential & consider it some sort > > of mystical mumbo-jumbo. > > > > Amanda > > > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 12, 2010 Thank you so much for this information I was in same boat...I was practicing same way the Pranayam... I used to strain why breathing and I was thinking I am expanding and stretching myself... I learnt from my guru no to strain while pranayam.... Just stay relax... Thanks Darshana ________________________________ Nick Ruechel <ruechel ashtangayoga Wed, 7 April, 2010 5:49:52 PM ashtanga yoga Re: pranayama When you use the Ujjayi breathing technique during your Ashtanga practice, you ARE practicing Pranayama: Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly. I apologize in advance and I do not mean to offend you but 22 months is a rather short period of time to be practicing hence my concern about moving on to more advanced techniques. Mastering the Ujjayi breathing technique takes many years of practice and it distinguishes the Yoga practitioner from someone who merely performs calisthenic exercises. I haven't even scratched the surface and am practicing Ashtanga for about the same time as you. I would humbly suggest that you focus on that rather than going out and buying books and DVD's describing advanced Pranayama technique. Otherwise, if you feel you must, find an accredited teacher with a good reputation under whose guidance you can study safely. " Slow progress is good, fast progress is dangerous " - Sri K. Pattabhi Jois http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Ujjayi_breath OM Shanti, Nick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 12, 2010 Thank you for this wise message (even if it was not adressed to me). I didn't know this quote of Guruji. When did he say that ? --- On Wed, 7/4/10, Nick Ruechel <ruechel wrote: Nick Ruechel <ruechel ashtanga yoga Re: pranayama ashtangayoga Wednesday, 7 April, 2010, 12:19 Â When you use the Ujjayi breathing technique during your Ashtanga practice, you ARE practicing Pranayama: Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly. I apologize in advance and I do not mean to offend you but 22 months is a rather short period of time to be practicing hence my concern about moving on to more advanced techniques. Mastering the Ujjayi breathing technique takes many years of practice and it distinguishes the Yoga practitioner from someone who merely performs calisthenic exercises. I haven't even scratched the surface and am practicing Ashtanga for about the same time as you. I would humbly suggest that you focus on that rather than going out and buying books and DVD's describing advanced Pranayama technique. Otherwise, if you feel you must, find an accredited teacher with a good reputation under whose guidance you can study safely. " Slow progress is good, fast progress is dangerous " - Sri K. Pattabhi Jois http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ Ujjayi_breath OM Shanti, Nick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 13, 2010 >Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly. This is the sort of mentality that bothers me -- blind trust w/o explanation. WHY is it harmful? One could potentially hyperventilate, and change the O2/CO2 ratio in the bloodstream with certain ways of breathing but, what else? Are they implying that you can trigger an arrhythmia? Questions about why any physical practice is harmful need to be answered with science, not smoke & mirrors. If there is a concrete reason, explain it. There may very well be one, but " Because I said so " is not an acceptable answer for a 5 year old, let alone an adult. Amanda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 13, 2010 Importance Of Pranyam And Its Benefits (from: Patanjali Yog Peeth (UK) Trust) Pranayama has the capacity of freeing the mind from untruthfulness, ignorance and all other painful and unpleasant experiences of the body and mind; and when the mind becomes clean it becomes easy for the Sadhaka to concentrate on the desired object and it becomes possible for him to progress further in the direction of Dhyana and Samadhi. By Yog asanas, we remove the distortions and disabilities of the physical body and bring it into discipline. However Pranayama influences the subtle and the physical bodies in a greater measure than Yogsanas do and that too in a perceptible manner. In the human body, lungs, heart and brain hold very important positions and they depend on each other heavily for their health. Physically, Pranayam appears to be a systematic exercise of respiration, which makes the lungs stronger, improves blood circulation, makes the man healthier and bestows upon him the boon of a long life. Physiology teaches us that the air (Prana) we breathe in fills our lungs, spreads in the entire body, providing it with essential form the body, take them to the heart and then to the lungs, which throws the useless material like carbon dioxide out of the body through the act of exhalation. If this action of the respiratory system is done regularly and efficiently, lungs become stronger and blood becomes pure. However, most of the people do not have the habit of breathing deeply with the result that only one-fourth part of the lungs is brought into action and 75 percent remains idle. Like the honeycomb, lungs are made of about 73 million cells, comparable to a sponge in their making. On normal breathing, to which we all are accustomed, only about 20 million pores in the lungs get oxygen, whereas remaining 53 million pores remain deprived of the benefit, with the result that they get contaminated by several diseases like tuberculosis, respiratory diseases and several ailments like coughing, bronchitis etc. In this way, the inefficient functioning of the lungs affects the process of blood purification. Heart weakens because of this with a constant possibility of untimely death. It is for this reason that the importance of Pranayama has come to be recognised, for a healthy long life. Several diseases can be averted by regular practice of Pranayama.Hence, it is obvious that the knowledge of the science of Pranayama and its regular practice enables a man to lead a healthy and long life. It is for this reason that in several Hindu religious rites, Pranayama is found to have been introduced as an essential element. Mental disturbances like excitement, anxiety, fear, anger, disappointment, lust for sex (lasciviousness) and other mental perversions can be calmed down by regular practice of Pranayama. Besides, Pranayama practice improves the functions of the brain cells with the result that memory and the faculty of discrimination and observation improves, making it easy for the Sadhaka to perform concentration and meditation. Another benefit of Pranayama is that by its regular practice, habit of deep breathing is developed which results in several health benefits. It is said that the nature determines our life span on the basis of the number of respirations we do. Man gets the next birth in accordance with his karmas (deeds) done in the present life. Our karmas (deeds) result in the formation of certain tendencies, which determine the nature of our next birth either as humans or as animals of various categories. A man, who regularly performs Pranayama, is required to take lesser number of breaths and therefore lives longer. Some rules for Pranayam Select a clean and peaceful place for doing Pranayama. If possible, choose a place near a clean pond or river. As there is a lot of pollution in the cities, some kind of incense can be lit like Guggulu and purified butter, to create a clean environment at that place, igniting a lamp with purified butter only, can also serve the purpose. Sit either in any of the Asanas, viz. Padmasana, Sidhasana or Vajrasana, which ever you find convenient. The sheet or cloth (cotton or wool etc.) on which you sit must be a non-conductor of electricity. Breathe only through the nose, because by doing so the air which you take in, is filtered. During daytime when you are not sitting for the performance of Pranayama make it a habit to do respire only through nose and not through mouth. Nasal respiration keeps the temperature of the Nadis (Vessels) -'Ida',Pingala and 'susmana' even. It also prevents foreign and harmful objects from getting into lungs. Like 'Yog', Pranayama should also be performed four or five hours after taking food. In the morning Pranayama should be done after finishing daily routine acts like cleansing mouth, emptying of bowels etc., it should also be done before Yogsana. In the beginning Pranayama should be done for five or ten minutes gradually the time may be increased up to about 1/2 or 1 hour. Maintain a specific number of repetitions and do not variate. Maintain a specific rhythm. If it is not possible to clean the bowels by morning, at night take some mild laxative like terminalia chebula (Indian Hardaya) or any other mild laxative (a non habit forming medicinal herb having a laxative effect). Kapala-bhati Pranayama, if done regularly for a few days will help in curing constipation. Keep your mind calm and composed. However, Pranayama can also calm down the disturbed mind and keep one happy. Methods of Pranayama may be varied according to the seasons and your own physical make up and mental attitude. Keep this in mind and modulate the method accordingly. Some Pranayama increase the body temperature, whereas, some bring it down. Some Pranayama maintain the temperature at the normal level. If you feel fatigued in the course of doing Pranayama , rest for sometime and then begin deep breathing, which will remove the fatigue. Pregnant women, hungry persons, persons suffering from fever and those who are lustful having no control on their passions should not do Pranayama . If you are sick, keep in mind the instructions to be followed by sick persons while during Pranayama. For prolonged exercises of Pranayama, observance of celibacy is necessary. Besides, food should be simple not containing irritating spices. It should be 'Sattvika' - (Plain and simple, non-spicy food). Use of cow's milk, ghee (clarified butter), fruits and green vegetables can be said to be ideal food. Moderation also is a good rule to observe. Do not strain yourself while doing 'Kumbhak' i.e. retaining the breathed air inside or keeping the air out after exhaling (Breathing in is called 'puraka', retaining the breathed air in is called 'Kumbhak' and exhaling the air is called 'Recak'). Pranayama does not mean just breathing in, keeping the breathed air in and exhaling it. It also means establishing control on the entire breathing process, and maintaining mental equilibrium, and concentration of mind. It is beneficial to chant the mantra (a group of words that carry vibrations and energy) Om (the first cosmic soundless sound), aloud and repeat the same several times before doing Pranayama. Even recital of sacred songs in the praise of almighty God or recital of some sacred hymns may be beneficial. This will calm your mind and make you fit for Pranayama, because a peaceful mind is very essential while doing Pranayama . Mental or loud recitation of Gayatri Mantra (considered as one of the greatest mantra, used in meditation and also for chanting) or any other sacred hymn brings spiritual benefits to the Sadhaka. See that while doing Pranayama , none of your organs such as mouth, eyes, nose, etc. feels any strain and it should be done gradually without any undue stress or strain. All the organs of the body should be kept in normal condition. While doing Pranayama sit in an erect posture. Keep your spine and neck straight. This is essential for reaping the full benefit of Pranayama . If possible Pranayama should be done after your usual morning functions like cleansing of mouth, evacuation of bowels, bathing etc. However, if it becomes necessary for you to take bath after Pranayama , keep an interval of about 15 to 20 minutes between Pranayama and bathing. For acquiring proficiency in Pranayama do not depend on books or what is done and preached by others. Seek the guidance of an expert and do Pranayama under his direct supervision. Different treatise advocating or dealing with the subject of Pranayama describe several methods and each of them has its own importance. However, it is not possible for most people to do all these exercises daily. Hence, with the blessings of our teachers and in view of our experience, we have evolved seven methods of Pranayama , which incorporate into themselves, almost all the peculiarities of Pranayama rendering them scientific and useful from a spiritual point of view. All these seven types of Pranayama can be done, as a routine and in a time bound programme of about 20 minutes. The person who does these exercises daily and regularly can attain following benefits which are briefly described as under: All the three Doshas (Humors) - Vata , pitta and Kapha get adjusted in proper proportion and abnormalities in them are removed. Digestive system improves and diseases pertaining to digestive organs are cured. Diseases pertaining to lungs, heart and brain are also cured. Obesity, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Constipation, Flatulence, Acidity, Respiratory troubles, Allergy, Migraine, High blood pressure, diseases pertaining to kidneys, sexual disorders of males and females etc. are also cured. Resistance against diseases is stepped up. Immunity develops. Hereditary diseases like diabetes and heart disease are can be avoided. Falling of hair or its premature graying, appearance of wrinkles on face or other parts of the body at young age, diminution of eye sight, forgetfulness, etc. are relieved and process of aging is retarded. Face becomes bright, luminous and calm. Energy Chakra are cleansed and enables the practitioner to awaken the Kundalini. Mind becomes stable and tranquil. A sense of contentment and enthusiasm or zeal develops. Conditions like depression are relieved. Performance of yogic exercises like meditation will be easy. All the diseases of the physical and etheric bodies will be cured. Freedom from negative and harmful mental conditions like anger, lasciviousness, greed for money, arrogance etc. will be achieved. All the physical and mental disorders and abnormalities are cured and toxins eradicated from the body. Freedom from negative thinking is achieved and the mind develops the habit of positive and constructive thinking. _______________ Vårfina smileys till Messenger här! http://springpack.msn.se Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 13, 2010 Although it may seem disrespectful at times, I agree. I am reminded of Buddha's admonishment to question all teachings, to take nothing to heart without examining it for myself. It is possible to question with respect. D On Mon, Apr 12, 2010 at 6:09 PM, rowenakirk <rowena28 wrote: *>Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly.* This is the sort of mentality that bothers me -- blind trust w/o explanation. WHY is it harmful? One could potentially hyperventilate, and change the O2/CO2 ratio in the bloodstream with certain ways of breathing but, what else? Are they implying that you can trigger an arrhythmia? Questions about why any physical practice is harmful need to be answered with science, not smoke & mirrors. If there is a concrete reason, explain it. There may very well be one, but " Because I said so " is not an acceptable answer for a 5 year old, let alone an adult. Amanda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 13, 2010 Hi Amanda,  I understand your approach as it is the Western approach that wants to question everything. I used to think like that before I went to spend some time in Mysore. But one of the things we learn with yoga, it is humility. Traditionnally, practicionners followed their guru advice without questionning. This is not blind faith in my point of view, since the guru is someone who you choose carefully, and who is very experienced as he was himself taught during several years in a traditional way that have worked for about 5000 years. It is not like following advice from some folk with little training and 3 years practice as it is common in our countries. I have tried pranayama, though I could practice only half of the primary serie, and i have felt very bad. I experienced headaches, breathing difficulties, and even depression. --- On Mon, 12/4/10, rowenakirk <rowena28 wrote: rowenakirk <rowena28 ashtanga yoga Re: pranayama ashtangayoga Monday, 12 April, 2010, 22:09  >Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly. This is the sort of mentality that bothers me -- blind trust w/o explanation. WHY is it harmful? One could potentially hyperventilate, and change the O2/CO2 ratio in the bloodstream with certain ways of breathing but, what else? Are they implying that you can trigger an arrhythmia? Questions about why any physical practice is harmful need to be answered with science, not smoke & mirrors. If there is a concrete reason, explain it. There may very well be one, but " Because I said so " is not an acceptable answer for a 5 year old, let alone an adult. Amanda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 13, 2010 Amanda the explanations you offer for why would doing pranayama incorrectly could be harmful could be correct. or there could be more esoteric ones such as it may " disturb the waters in your body and cause you to levitate on carpets " . (i made that one up.) i don't think this is a forum for scientific investigations on the effects of yoga on the body. when i have inquired as to medical benefits of yoga elsewhere, i have been pointed to studies coming from India. maybe you can interest someone to fund medical studies in the the Americas or in Europe as to what happens to the body as a result of the practice and why certain practices should carry warnings. there is nothing wrong with someone trusting their teacher. for many of us this is a spiritual practice. and traditions are handed down from teacher to student. trust is necessary. the western mind is very rational, wanting scientific explanations for everything. there is nothing wrong with that - you just need to find that scientific information elsewhere. if you want to experiment with pranayama on your own, you could find a teacher, use DVDs, read on it, and do it mindfully using your common sense. If doing it does not feel comfortable, then just take up meditation that does not involve unusual breathing techniques, such as vipassana, mahayanan or zen. cheers, Arturo --------------------- Re: pranayama Posted by: " rowenakirk " rowena28 rowenakirk Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:47 pm (PDT) >Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly. This is the sort of mentality that bothers me -- blind trust w/o explanation. WHY is it harmful? One could potentially hyperventilate, and change the O2/CO2 ratio in the bloodstream with certain ways of breathing but, what else? Are they implying that you can trigger an arrhythmia? Questions about why any physical practice is harmful need to be answered with science, not smoke & mirrors. If there is a concrete reason, explain it. There may very well be one, but " Because I said so " is not an acceptable answer for a 5 year old, let alone an adult. Amanda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 13, 2010 Well said, Arturo. Laura On 13 Apr 2010, at 23:19, Arturo Veve wrote: > Amanda > > the explanations you offer for why would doing pranayama incorrectly > could be harmful could be correct. or there could be more esoteric > ones such as it may " disturb the waters in your body and cause you > to levitate on carpets " . (i made that one up.) > > i don't think this is a forum for scientific investigations on the > effects of yoga on the body. when i have inquired as to medical > benefits of yoga elsewhere, i have been pointed to studies coming > from India. maybe you can interest someone to fund medical studies > in the the Americas or in Europe as to what happens to the body as a > result of the practice and why certain practices should carry > warnings. > > there is nothing wrong with someone trusting their teacher. for many > of us this is a spiritual practice. and traditions are handed down > from teacher to student. trust is necessary. the western mind is > very rational, wanting scientific explanations for everything. there > is nothing wrong with that - you just need to find that scientific > information elsewhere. > > if you want to experiment with pranayama on your own, you could find > a teacher, use DVDs, read on it, and do it mindfully using your > common sense. If doing it does not feel comfortable, then just take > up meditation that does not involve unusual breathing techniques, > such as vipassana, mahayanan or zen. > > cheers, > Arturo > > --------------------- > Re: pranayama > Posted by: " rowenakirk " rowena28 rowenakirk > Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:47 pm (PDT) > > >Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners > practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru > due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is > referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words > implicitly. > > This is the sort of mentality that bothers me -- blind trust w/o > explanation. WHY is it harmful? One could potentially > hyperventilate, and change the O2/CO2 ratio in the bloodstream with > certain ways of breathing but, what else? Are they implying that you > can trigger an arrhythmia? Questions about why any physical practice > is harmful need to be answered with science, not smoke & mirrors. If > there is a concrete reason, explain it. There may very well be one, > but " Because I said so " is not an acceptable answer for a 5 year > old, let alone an adult. > > Amanda > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 14, 2010 Hi Amanda, I assume you are not a mother yet since you said ³Because I said so " is not an acceptable answer for a 5 year old, let alone an adult. Most of the times, explanation cannot be done by words. It has to be felt especially in the presence of good teachers or gurus & /or through live demonstration. In fact, as a mother, I do sometime say, ŒBecause I said so¹ to my 5-yr old kids. I think MOST important is the TRUST element. If U trust someone, U would not question much. If U trust yoga is the key, U would take the advice of those who have RESULTS. I would definitely & faithfully trust the teachers who provide results OR I have felt the good RESULTS after experiencing it. Sometimes, life is much easier if there is a path to follow especially it such advice has been time-tested. Amy On 4/13/10 10:54 PM, " Darrell King " <DarrellGKing wrote: > Although it may seem disrespectful at times, I agree. I am reminded of > Buddha's admonishment to question all teachings, to take nothing to heart > without examining it for myself. It is possible to question with respect. > > D > > On Mon, Apr 12, 2010 at 6:09 PM, rowenakirk <rowena28 > <rowena28%40earthlink.net> > wrote: > > *>Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing > other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it > potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to > specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly.* > > This is the sort of mentality that bothers me -- blind trust w/o > explanation. WHY is it harmful? One could potentially hyperventilate, and > change the O2/CO2 ratio in the bloodstream with certain ways of breathing > but, what else? Are they implying that you can trigger an arrhythmia? > Questions about why any physical practice is harmful need to be answered > with science, not smoke & mirrors. If there is a concrete reason, explain > it. There may very well be one, but " Because I said so " is not an acceptable > answer for a 5 year old, let alone an adult. > > Amanda > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 14, 2010 I think, and I don't know of course, that there is a sort of middle ground. Yes, in general we should ask why always, question things that jar with what we know, ask for proof... That's right, and the way things should be; it's the scientific approach to life that I applaud. " Because I said so " is not enough. But (and here is where I find myself reaching out for clarity) in a practice-based activity, where you " understand " things by doing them many times, you may have to occasionally take a leap of faith and hope things will become clear to you eventually. (Of course, if they don't, it was probably rubbish all along. Your leap of faith was misplaced and you were misled.) But certainly in yoga, many asanas are meaningless, and seem to give you no benefit, the first zillion times you do them. Suddenly, one day, you feel that moment of power, the beauty of the pose. Of course, I am still waiting for it in about 95% of asanas... Particularly the " broken toe " asana... Nonetheless, I am willing to accept that there might be areas were is it hard to " explain " what's going on. You just practice until it becomes apparent. One day, you just " get it " . and you realise it actually was really hard to put into words. As I said, I am reaching out for clarity here. But I think there is room for some open mindedness. After all, the " models " that yoga uses to describe things are in many cases just that - models. There are no organs, buried in the body, that correspond to the chakras. They don't actually " exist " . But they are none the less useful visualisations in meditation and suchlike... Perhaps all that I am saying is that there is room for some open mindedness - after all, scientists don't yet understand the causes of many negative health issues, so when it comes to negative reactions to yoga, perhaps there is not - yet - a scientific explanation for everything? " Because I said so " is not OK. No. But perhaps there might be room for " we don't yet have a scientific explanation for why this happens, but 5000 years of practice would appear to show that it does " ? Yours respectfully, Alice. ashtangayoga , " rowenakirk " <rowena28 wrote: > > >Guruji warned explicitly against inexperienced practitioners practicing other forms of Pranayama without the guidance of a guru due to it potentially being harmful. I do not know what he is referring to specifically but he is my guru and i trust his words implicitly. > > This is the sort of mentality that bothers me -- blind trust w/o explanation. WHY is it harmful? One could potentially hyperventilate, and change the O2/CO2 ratio in the bloodstream with certain ways of breathing but, what else? Are they implying that you can trigger an arrhythmia? Questions about why any physical practice is harmful need to be answered with science, not smoke & mirrors. If there is a concrete reason, explain it. There may very well be one, but " Because I said so " is not an acceptable answer for a 5 year old, let alone an adult. > > Amanda > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
