Pranayama

Pranayama in Sanskrit means "restraint of the Prana or breath". The word is composed of two words; Prana, meaning life force, or vital energy, particularly the breath, and "ayama", wchich means to suspend or restrain. It is often understood as controlling the life force (Prana). When used as a technical term in Yoga, it is often translated more specifically as "breath control" . 

Etymology of Pranayama 

There can by several, up to fifteen meaning of the word, such as these:

* Breath, physiological respiration
* The breath of life, vital air, main principle of life (usually plural in this sense, there being five such vital airs generally assumed, but three, six, seven, nine, and even ten are also spoken of
* Energy of life, vigor
* The Spirit or Soul (!)

Of these meanings, the concept of "vital air" is used by Bhattacharyya to describe the concept as used in Sanskrit texts dealing with Pranayama. Thomas McEvilley translates "Prana" as "spirit-energy" As we can see, there are many possible meanings of Prana, which is very wide conception. Its most subtle material form is the breath, but is also to be found in blood, and its most concentrated form is semen in men and vaginal fluid in women.

Monier-Williams defines the compound Pranayama as the three 'breath-exercises' performed during breath exercises (See Puraka, Recaka, Kumbhaka" This technical definition refers to a particular system of breath control with three processes as explained by Bhattacharyya: Puraka (to take the breath inside), Kumbhaka (to retain it), and Recaka (to discharge it). There are also other processes of Pranayama in addition to this three-step model.

Macdonell gives the etymology as Prana + Ayama and defines it as "suspension of breath".

Apte's definition of Ayama derives it from a + yam and provides several variant meanings for it when used in compounds. The first three meanings have to do with "length", "expansion, extension", and "stretching, extending", but in the specific case of use in the compound Pranayama he defines ayama meaning as "restrain, control, stopping".

An alternative etymology for the compound is given by Ramamurti Mishra, who says that:

"Expansion of individual energy into cosmic energy is called Pranayama (prana, energy + ayam, expansion)."

The word "yama" (Devanagari) means "cessation" or more generally "control" or "restraint".

Hatha and Raja Yoga use of Pranayama

Some scholars distinguish between Hatha and Raja yoga varieties of Pranayama, with the former usually prescribed for the beginner. According to Taimni, Hatha-Yogic Pranayama involves manipulation of pranic currents through breath regulation for bringing about the control of chitta-vrittis and changes in consciousness, whereas Raja-Yogic Pranayama involves the control of chitta-vrittis by consciousness directly through the will of the mind. Students qualified to practice Pranayama are therefore always initiated first in the techniques of Hatha Pranayama.



Yoga Sutras of Patanjali on Pranayama

Pranayama is the fourth 'limb' of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga mentioned in verse 2.29 in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Patanjali discusses his specific approach to Pranayama in verses 2.49 through 2.51, and devotes verses 2.52 and 2.53 to explaining the benefits of the practice. Patanjali does not fully elucidate the nature of Prana, and the theory and practice of Pranayama seem to have undergone significant development after him. He explains Pranayama as essentially an exercise that is preliminary contributed concentration, as do the earlier Buddhist texts.

Many Yoga teachers advise that Pranayama should be part of an overall practice that includes the other limbs of Patanjali's Raja Yoga teachings, especially Yama, Niyama, and Asana.

Pranayama in Buddhism

According to the Pali Buddhist Canon, the Buddha prior to his enlightenment practiced a meditative technique which involved pressing the palate with the tongue and forcibly attempting to restrain the breath. This is described as both extremely painful and not conducive to enlightenment. According to the Buddhist scheme, breathing stops with the fourth jhana, though this is a side-effect of the technique and does not come about as the result of purposeful effort.

The Buddha did incorporate moderate modulation of the length of breath as part of the preliminary tetrad in the Anapanasati Sutta. Its use there is preparation for concentration. According to commentarial literature, this is appropriate for beginners.

For the Buddha, the most important aspect of breath meditation is the consciousness attending to the breath. Buddhist tradition in general has urged moderation in the area of manipulation of the breath.

Medical aspects of Pranayama

Several researchers have reported that Pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders, improving autonomic functions, relieving symptoms of asthma, and reducing signs of oxidative stress. Practitioners report that the practice of Pranayama develops a steady mind, strong will-power, and sound judgement, and also claim that sustained Pranayama practice extends life and enhances perception.

Cautions

Many Yoga teachers claim that this practice can be dangerous and recommend that Pranayama techniques be practiced with care, and that advanced Pranayama techniques should be practiced under the guidance of a teacher. These cautions are also made in traditional Hindu literature.