Light on Pranayama

Excerpts from Light on Pranayama by BKS Iyengar:

“When the breath is steady or unsteady, so is the mind, and with it, the yogi.
Hence, the breath should be honored” - Hatha Yoga Pradipika Ch 11.2

art by Erzbet s

“The tree of life is said to have its roots above and its branches below, and so it is with man, for his nervous system has its roots in the brain.

The spinal chord is the trunk descending through the spinal column, while the nerves run down from the brain into the spinal cord and branch off throughout the body.

The arteries, veins and nerves are channels for circulating and distributing energy throughout the body. The body is trained by practicing yoga postures, which keep the channels free from obstruction. Energy does not radiate throughout the body if the channels are choked with impurities.

If the nerves are entangled, it is impossible to remain steady, and if steadiness cannot be achieved, the practice of pranayama is not possible. If the nadis are disturbed, one’s true nature and the essence of things cannot be discovered.

The practice of asanas [yoga postures] strengthens the nervous system, and the practice of savasana soothes ruffled nerves. If the nerves collapse, so does the mind. If the nerves are tense, so is the mind. Unless the mind is relaxed, silent and receptive, pranayama cannot be practiced.

[…] The practice of pranayama should not be mechanical. The brain and the mind should be kept alert, to hold the body in correct position and the flow of breath from moment to moment. One cannot practice pranayama by force of will; hence, there should be no regimentation. Receptivity of the mind and intellect are essential.

In pranayama the relationship between chitta (mind, intellect and ego) and breath is like that between a mother and her child. As a mother cherishes her child with love, care and sacrifice, citta should cherish prana”

~ BKS Iyengar, Light on Pranayama