From: mimir@u.washington.edu (Grendel Grettisson)
Newsgroups: alt.magick
Subject: Pranayama
Date: 16 Jun 1993 08:25:35 GMT

BASIC YOGIC BREATHING CONTROL
"PRANAYAMA"

Prana has been said to translate as "breath." In actuality, the
Sanskrit word "Prana" means life-force or life-energy. In fact,
classic Pranayama with its inhale/retain/exhale teaches that during
the retention segment, one should consciously retain the prana, then
release the ordinary oxygen from the lungs during exhalation, storing
the prana in the solar plexis (power) chakra.

Pranamaya is the "science of prana," and linear yards of books have
been written about it! However, prana is the basis of Hatha Yoga, and
should be studied by anyone on a spiritual path, eastern or western.
Interestingly, the literal transliteration is Prana + Yama. Yama has a
dual meaning: restraint and death. ;) Meditate on that!!

It would be impossible to go into any detail without taking up gig's
of memory, but I've included a few basic prana/breath techniques for
novices interested in getting started--they're also useful for more
experienced people as regular practice.

"Breath is Life. He who controls breath controls life."
"When the breath is controlled, the mind is controlled."
"When Prana is met and conquered, one gains ascendency over death."

"Prana, the vital breath, is born of Self. Like a person and his
 shadow, the Self and the Prana are inseparable. Prana enters the body
 at birth, but does not die with the body." --Prana Upanisad.

"The wise speak not of senses of speech, sight, hearing, feeling, but
 only of a grou of Pranas, for these are all the manifestations of
 Prana." --Ch arakha Samhita.


Let's get *BASIC* now!!

Several of the oldest Tantras state that the body is a Yantra, the
breath its Mantra. In order to facilitate better understanding of this
concept. "Bhramari Breath" is an excellent starting point. It is
simple, aids concentration, and provides a feeling of oneness with
body and breath, a consciousness, rather than a simple autonomic
nervous system function. Technique: Take a deep breath, exhale all
stale air from lungs, contracting abdominal muscles to squeeze out the
last remnants.  Inhale through the *nose* while making a buzzing
sound, like that of a bee, with the inhalation. Retain for a few
seconds (as long as comfortable; working toward longer retention with
practice, but not forcing), concentrating on storing the Prana Energy
in the solar plexus (*manipura chakra*; literally manipura means
'jewel of great consciousness)--or for non-chakra oriented people, the
area above the navel--and separating the Prana from the regular "air."
Now exhale, through the nose, making a humming sound. Focus your mind
on the sounds during inhalation and exhalation, on vital life energy
being stored and saved during breath retention. Each in-retain-out
counts as one "cycle."  Begin with five or so cycles, adding more as
you master Bhramari Breath and it becomes natural to you.

COMPLETE BREATH is the second basic that should be mastered. Most
people breathe shallowly, and even those who draw breath down to the
abdomen consciously may be missing a step along the way! Again, blow
out all air, contracting abdomen to help. Inhale deeply, *pulling* the
breath toward the abdomen, expanding it. Continue inhaling, next
*pulling* into the rib cage/middle of lungs. Continue, *pulling*
breath into upper lungs, chest, and throat area. Retain for a few
seconds; be sure your face is relaxed. No tension. Let it be
natural. Exhale slowly, releasing air oppositely from inhalation:
first *pull* out of throat/chest, then from ribcage/mid lungs, finally
*pull* from the abdomen, contracting abdominus recti, forcing all air
out. Work up to longer inhalation/retention/exhalation holds as
complete breath becomes more natural. Do not "count" with a clock;
allow your body to be your clock.  The ratio sould be 1:1:1 with
complete breath, unlike certain other prana techniques. As well as the
mental/mystical benefits, complete breath increases oxygen supply to
the blood--hemoglobin levels. Also slows the heart rate. Calming
effect on central nervous system. Complete breath is used in
conjunction with many Hatha Yoga a sanas (*postures*).

VITALIC BREATH: Very easy. Strengthens lungs, energizes. Breathe
through nose in short, sharp sniffs until lungs are expanded to
capacity. Blow out through mouth, making a loud HAAA! sound. If
desired, focus on bringing in energizing prana, blowing out all
tension and anything that separates you from realizing your spiritual
goals.

KAPALABHATHI: Also easy to master. There are many variations; this
being a quite simple rendering, no less beneficial than more advanced
techniques. Sit in Lotus position, or with legs crossed; back and head
kept straight. Inhale, keep mouth closed, and "sneeze." With mouth
closed--the lower abdomen will balloon out. Snap it back in sharply.
Begin with ten-fifteen rounds, work up to 50 and above *naturally*
without forcing. You should feel nothing in upper lungs, chest, or
throat area. On a purely physical level, Kapalabhathi also pumps
oxygen in, increases hemoglobin levels, has soothing effect on many
glands, and can be used for relief by asthmatics or smokers
;). Attention focused on solar plexus chakra. After rounds complete,
sit quietly, feeling bodily changes and mental effects on yourSelf.

PRANA-VAYU RASA: or vigorous cycle. A recharging breath cycle. To be
performed while standing, with eyes closed, or turned upward, focused
on AJNA CHAKRA, the *third eye* chakra in middle of forehead. (1)
Inhale, lock air in chest. Swing arms twice backward and twice forward
vigorously. Exhale. (2) Inhale. Stretch arms forward at 90 degree
angle from body; swing them o ut sideways at shoulder level
twice. Exhale, drop arms. (3) Inhale. Swing arms up twice and down
twice, parallel at sides, arch small of back slightly. Exhale, drop
arms. (4) Inhale, lock breath in chest again. Stretch arms slowly
forward. Clench fists and pull them against the chest. Retain breath
while shaking entire body.  Exhale. (5) Inhale. Swing arms overhead
and bend body to the right from the waist, *not* collapsing the
ribcage. Concentrate on parts being stretched. Exhale whi le
straightening, repeat to the left. (6) Inhale.  Retain breath, massage
ribs. Exhale. (7). Inhale. Retain breath, patting breasts or pectoral
muscles. Exhale. NOTE: the idea of recharging prana is to tap
individual energy/life force (*Atman*) and unite it with universal
energy/life force (*Brahman*). Physically, it energizes, provides
limbering of physical body, cleanses and exercises lungs.

PRANA SUKHA/HEALING BREATH: Literally, "breath of joy; joyous
life-force."  This breath is the simplest extension of simple prana
into "rhythm." One must consciously alter the time spent on each part
of the breathing cycle. The rhythm of Prana Sukha is said to be
perfectly suited to extraction of vital energy from the
atmosphere. The ratio of inhalation/retention/exhalation is 1:4:2. In
other words, inhale, hold breath four times as long as inhalation
takes, then exhale, taking twice as long as inhalation. The inhalation
establishes the time ratio for the other two; never progress into
discomfort. Generally, begin by inhaling just slightly longer than
when breathing unconsciously and proportion retention and exhalation
thereto. Gradually increase, to comfort. Sukha slows down breathing
process, which is beneficial to both body and mind.  IMPORTANT: Do
*not* "count" either mentally or verbally, the rhythm
lengths. Counting is a *logial* process which can sometimes interfere
with meditative/spiritual *abstract* practice. Measure the rhythm
against pulse, heartbeat, or by focusing the mind on the sounds of
inhalation and exhalation of breath, and of the heart beating during
retention. This is ideal, as it creates an audio rhythm and helps the
body and mind merge. The Gheranda Samhita suggests: "In entering, the
breath makes the sound 'SOH' and in exiting, the sound 'HAM.' Thus the
breath makes the power word SOHAM; (or, I am It). The subtle sound
reverberates in the root chakra, the heart chakra, and the third eye
chakra. The Yogi should perform this repetition consciously." Another
measuring process is concentration o n a mantra, such as AUM, or
whatever one's personal prefernce. Feel the rhythm of each AUM.


PRANA AS APPLIED TO TANTRIC SEXUAL UNION

The above beginning prana practices should be mastered first: they
form the basis for deeper exploration into pranayama and Hatha
Yoga. There are many prana breaths which apply directly to Tantric
practice and Tantric lovemaking. A true follower of the Tantric path
should develop complete breath until it is totally natural; then
healing breath to purify the vital and subtle channels of the
body. Thus, physical and emotional damage from the highly-charged,
intense energies created by Tantric Union can be prevented.

The flows of prana, the mind, and sexual energy are interdependent.
Breath control is vital to correct Tantric Union; breath is
power. Fear not the power; but lean to use it carefully. Yoga and
Tantric raditions believe in a five-fold division of Prana. "The
original Prana contains four other Pranas, each assigned to rule over
a specific bodily function. Together, these are the five subtle
breaths."

The original Prana is seen as upward moving; the Apana is downward
moving. These are the first and most important of the five suble
breaths. Tantra seeks to reverse the flow of Prana and Apana, then
merge them, transforming the body/mind/soul. According to Krsna in the
Bhagavad Gita: "Some Yogis offer the Prana into the Apana; others the
Apana into the Prana." NOTE: traditionally, the Prana is considered
*higher*, the Apana *lower*. Many spiritual paths have similar ideas;
but remember, in Tantric Pran ayama, they are not considered "good"
vs.  "bad," but different flows of energy, both vital, the union of
which leads to enlightenment. The Gorakasatakham (*teachings of a
great Indian Guru) states: "The Atman (individual soul) is in thrall
to Prana and Apana. Whosoever knows and controls these two forces is a
true Yogi and will taste the ecstacy of Liberation. Draw up the Apana
and unite it with the Prana."

The five subtle breaths take place in prana during the period of
retention. Inhale Prana, as if it w ere a fluid, lighter than water.
During retention, *see* the air divide into earth, water, fire, air
and ether. Exhale with fire, burning up the impurities. Pause slightly
before inhalation, concentrating on impurities returning to *earth*
for regeneration.

THE CROW BEAK: The very first to master prior to Tantric Union. Roll
the tongue into a "beak" drawing the sides inward to form a "straw" or
"tube." Protrude rolled tongue through slightly parted lips and inhale
through the tongue. Retain, exhale through nostrils. This process,
also referred to as "Sithali" (*cool*) cools the body, activates liver
and spleen, and strengthens the subtle pranas of *sight* and *sound.*


UNION OF PRANA AND APANA: Solar and lunar symbolism are central to
Tantra, as they are to many other mystical teachings of both east and
west. Most, interestingly, have similar meaning: anient Hebrew
tradition conidered the sun masculine and paternal, the moon feminine
and maternal; Taoist Chinese tradition considered the sun
Yang/hot/mascul ine, the moon Yin/cool/feminine. As these beliefs
developed at different times in far-flung places, perhaps a "Jungian"
archetypal truth is at work here.

HA: literally sun. THA: literally moon. YOGA: derived from root word
"Yug," meaning Yoke. HATHA YOGA = union of sun and moon. Hatha Yoga is
derived from Pranayama. The breath is linked to celestial influences;
thus, when breath is controlled, the influences are controlled. The
synthesis of HA and THA brings equilibrium, union, the goal of all
Yogis.

Tantra associates the Sun with the right side of the body, masculine
energy, the element of fire, the color red, and intellect. The solar
energy is stored in the solar plexus--power chakra--its energy is
upward flowing (pranic) and considered celestial energy. The Moon is
associated with the left side of the body, feminine energy, cooling
(Soma) quality, the color white, the element of water and the
intuitive processes. Lunar energy is stored between the Crown Chakra
and Third-Eye Chakra, approximately the hairline, in a crescent-shaped
portal. Its energy is downward flowing (apanic) and is considered
earthly energy. The union of the two can be accomplished meditatively
in Savasana with the assistance of visualization. With or without
visualization, Pranayama has techniques to consciously unite HA and
THA, both within the individual and within a Tantric couple, one to
the other. Below are a couple of Solar/Lunar prana techniques.

ANALOMA-VILOMA PRANAYAMA: Alternate Nostril Breathing, also called
SOLAR-LUNAR BREATH. A major key to control of sexual energy. Solar
breath = Siva, transcendence; lunar breath = Sakthi, creative energy.
When both exist in balance, the life-force travels the Great Axis
(spinal column), rising through the chakras. Solar-Lunar breath
employed in Tantric Union provides a thrill which impels the Atman in
an evolutionary direction toward cosmic union and enlightenment. But
this breath must first be controlled through the practice of *white*
Tantra--solo, the union of HA and TH A within oneSelf.

Technique: Sit straight in Lotus or with crossed legs, back and head
straight. The rhythm may be 1:1:1 or 1:4:2, as with healing breath
above.

(1) Take right hand, bend index and middle fingers into palm. (2)
place hand above nose. Exhale. (3) Close right nostril with right
thumb.  Inhale through left nostril, focusing mind on flow of air/
vital force/energy. (4) Use thumb and ring finger to pinch both
nostrils closed. Retain breath. (5) Lift thumb, exhale through right
nostril, keeping left nostril closed with ring finger. (6) Inhale
through right nostril, focusing as above. (7) Pinch closed, retain
breath. (8) Exhale through left nostril, lifting ring finger. This
constitutes one complete "round" of Solar-Lunar breath. Begin with
five to ten repetitions of rounds; work up gradually to tolerance.

*White* or solo HA-THA breath has physical benefits: balancing the
breath greatly assists with gaining control of parasympathetic
processes such as heartbeat, circulation and body temperature. It acts
as something of a natural tranquilizer, calming nerves, relieving
tension, and quieting mind. Mystically, it helps the individual unite
the forces within him/herself and gain ascendency over
Prana/Apana--which together equal the life force itself.

The GHERANDA SAMHITA illustrates a meditative white Tantric form of
solar/lunar breathing: "Contemplate the primordial seed sound YANG, of
the air element and heart chakra, and visualize this syllable as of a
smoky color, filled with energy. Draw in the breath through the le ft
nostril, repeating the syllable mentally 16 times. Restrain the breath
while repeating the syllable mentally 64 times, then exhale all air
through the right nostril during the period required to mentally
repeat the syllable YANG 32 times."

TANTRIC PRANA PRACTICED BY A COUPLE, PRIOR TO TANTRIC SEXUAL UNION.

Ramana Dass illustrates one technique for a couple to combine tantra
with mantra through prana. "Experience the other as a mirror of
oneself; identify each partner's dual nature; surrender to the imp
ersonal flow of these energies; and, finally, mege into that
underlying union. Both partners sit in a comfortable position facing
each other. The gaze of each is directed to the right eye and the
breath coordinated in such a way that the inbreath of one partner is
the outbreath of the other.  Breathing is slow, deep, and
trusting. Once coordination is established, both partners should
visualize ocean waves as the breath experience, rolling inward and
outward. After a short period, one partner begins to say, aloud, AUM
with the outbreath, directing the AUM to the heart chakra of the
other. This process is reversed as the first partner begins to breathe
in anew, while the other now breathes out, AUM on his or her
outbreath. After several complete cycles, a deepening aof
concentration and fullness will be experienced by both, as well as a
growing awareness of clear love and unity. The final period of resting
in the realization of oneness may be had by closing the eyes while
maintaining the sound and coordinated breathing."

PRANA DURING TANTRIC UNION.

When one is ready for Tantric lovemaking, the Siva and Sakthi
principles unite within themSelves and each other. There is a
convergence and synchronization of their breaths; life-forces merging
into a vortex, physical and subtle energy exchange taking place. Lying
on one side causes the opposite side's nostril to dominate the
breathing pattern.  The Tantras state that during lovemaking, the man
should consciously draw in the exhaled air from the woman's left
nostril t hough his right nostril, and allow her to consciously
breathe in his exhaled breath from the right nostril through her left
nostril. Face-to-face lovemaking with each couple lying on his/her
side facilitates this exchange naturally.

One Tantric text states: "By meditating on the breath during
lovemaking one should seize the life-force of the other with the
life-force of oneSelf and bestow the life force of oneSelf on that of
the other."  During Tantric Union, the commitment of the couple is
TOTAL--whether f or the duration of the Act alone, for some set time
limitation, for life, or for Eternity. The exchange of life forces,
when done for the purpose of Tantric Commitment, binds souls together
for Eternity, far transcending the Christian "till death do us part."

FINAL THOUGHTS FROM SOME MASTERS:

"The solar breath leads to transcendence; the lunar breath is a
 form-giving substance. Their union evokes the Eternal."--Prana Upanisad.

"When the breath is unsteady, all is unsteady; when the breath is
 still; all i s still. Control the breath carefully. Inhalation gives
 strength and a controlled body; retention gives steadiness of mind
 and longevity; exhalation purifies body and spirit."-- Goraksasathakam.

"The oracle of breath unfolds its secrets to those who know the keys.
 The elements in breath are known as fire, water, earth, air and
 ether."--Swara Chinthamani.


The above tactics and practices are taken from traditional sacred
texts; with some commentary added by Yogini Padma Ushas Suryananda,
Tantric Dancing Yogini of the Kali Yuga.

TAT TWAT ASI
HARI AUM TAT SAT
AUM SHANTI
NAMASTE
TAT TWAM ASI