Prānāyāma
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Sometimes transliterated as: Pranayama, PrAnAyAma, Praanaayaama
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:
- Puraka - inhalation
- Kumbhaka - retention
- 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
