Prānāyāma

By Swami Harshananda

Prāṇāyāma is control of the prāṇic energy through the regulation of the breathing process as detailed in the works on yoga. It's three steps are:

1. Puraka - inhalation
2. Kumbhaka - retention
3. Recaka - exhalation

The Gāyatrīmantra along with the vyāhṛtis is used in prāṇāyāma to keep time. Prāṇāyāma helps to control the mind also.

References

• The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore

Contributors to this article

Deval Sancheti

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