Muni Kishan Lal
Pranayam and Health
Just as yogasana is important for good health so is pranayam since it infuses our well being with a new lease of life and fresh energy. Pranayam helps awaken and develop prana energy. Pranayam is thus medium that aids in stirring up of this vital energy. Organized and controlled inhalations and exhalations result in perfect Pranayam. Thus Pranayam is not only breathing in and breathing out but breathing in, holding breath and breathing out. But difference between two can be gauged only by one who meditates.
The presence of electricity is manifested through a light bulb. Although electricity is channelized through wires and light bulb, the electricity that flows through the wires is different from wire and the bulb.
Pranayam is similarly a conduit to harness Prana. According to Maharishi Patanjali to break flow of breath is Pranayam. 'Prana Vai Balam' meaning Prana is power. So when Prana, empowered with practice of Pranayam, diffuses through body, it makes body a powerhouse to reckon with.
Pranayam has potency (sanjivani) to give life, to not only rejuvenate body but also purify mind. This helps dormant spiritual energy to rise to fore. Pranayam assists in laying down path that augments mental peace and spiritual development. Samadhi is attained and a person comes face to face with his real self, that self which is 'Sat-chitta-anand'.
Discussing benefits of Pranayam Maharishi Patanjali has written 'Tattha Kshyite Prakashvaranam' meaning with help of Pranayam veil of 'agyan' (lack of knowledge) covering 'gyan' (knowledge), of darkness covering light within and unconsciousness is torn aside. Pranayam is not just a breathing exercise but is important action which helps to shed past karmas thus enhancing knowledge and purifying mind. The five senses become sharp; mind develops and becomes more focused.
(Dahyante Dhyaymananam Dhatunam Hi Yatha Malaha.
Tatheindriyanam Dahyante Dosha Pranasya Nigrahaat.)Just like fire purifies gold, silver and other metals similarly impurities of senses can be purified by Pranayam. The holding of breath is known to purify body and mind.
Effect on Health
Prana propels journey of life forward. If food and water are necessary ingredients to sustain body then Prana keeps body alive. Its existence depends upon Prana. Prana is a constantly flowing life force. Prana is activated by inhalation, holding breath and exhalation. Pranayam purifies blood, keeps digestive fires burning and body active, flexible and in pink of health.
