Yoga Vaani 79 – September 2004
On Pranayama
A collection of quotes and philosophical insights from BKS Iyengar on the nature and practice of pranayama, including definitions of prana and ayama and spiritual perspectives on breath regulation.
Guruji on Pranayama
Extracted interviews with BKS Iyengar explaining pranayama practice, the difference between pranayama and deep breathing, and detailed instructions on breath channeling, inhalation, retention, and exhalation techniques.
The Art of Pranayama: Understanding the Difference Between Deep Breathing and Pranayamic Breathing
Guruji explains the fundamental distinction between ordinary deep breathing and true pranayamic breathing, emphasizing gradual energy distribution and the importance of working with all five elements rather than just the earth element.
The Diaphragm as Mediator Between Physical and Spiritual Self
Interview excerpt discussing how the diaphragm balances the physical and mental bodies, its role in stress responses, and the importance of developing diaphragmatic elasticity through yoga and pranayama practices.
Strain in Pranayama Practice: Discipline, Discrimination, and the Role of Intelligence
Comprehensive guidance on understanding and managing strain in pranayama, including the concept of 'creative vs. obstructive' stress, the use of discriminative intelligence as an internal judge, and maintaining balance between opposing forces during breath practice.
Body Shaking During Pranayama: Nervous System Strength and Kundalini Misconceptions
Brief but important clarification that body shaking during pranayama indicates insufficient nervous system strength rather than kundalini awakening, with advice to halt practice and develop nerve stability before continuing.
Complete Relaxation Through Pranayama: The Need for Total Yoga Practice
Discussion on why pranayama alone cannot produce complete relaxation, emphasizing the necessity of cleansing the entire system (body, organs, nerves, mind, intelligence, consciousness, conscience) and the interconnected nature of all eight aspects of yoga.
Pranayama by Geeta Iyengar: Teaching Bandhas and Bhastrika
Detailed guidance on teaching bandhas (particularly jalandhara and mula bandha) and bhastrika pranayama, including preparatory stages, proper corrections, the use of props like eye bandages, and avoiding common mistakes with beginners.
Bhastrika Pranayama: Teaching Guidance
Comprehensive guidance on teaching bhastrika pranayama in progressive stages, from open nostril blasts to advanced digital nasal control techniques, with emphasis on proper technique, safety considerations, and the importance of Savasana following practice.
Asanas Before Pranayama
Describes the importance of preparatory asanas to condition and regularise pranayama practice, including specific poses that bring freedom to respiratory organs and prepare body and mind for pranayama.
Left Hand Digital Pranayama
Guidelines on using the left hand for digital pranayama practice when necessary due to injuries or conditions, and the pedagogical approach of teaching both hands in pranayama mudra for proper finger education.
Getting Up From Savasana
Detailed instructions on proper technique for rising from Savasana with explanation of the physiological and traditional rationale for rolling to the right side, including considerations for directional alignment and activation of surya nadi.
During Menopause
Specific guidance for women experiencing menopause during pranayama practice, addressing hot flashes and the importance of sternal lengthening through specific backbend poses.
Pranayama With Open Eyes
Technique for teaching pranayama with open eyes to beginners and medical students, emphasizing development of awareness of chest movement and the interaction between body, breath, and mind.
Pranic Awareness in Asana
Explanation of how awareness of the five prana vayus (apana, samana, prana, udana, vyana) and their balancing improves asana practice quality, based on Guruji's 85th birthday celebration presentation.
Report from the President - September 2004
Presidential report covering focus on pranayama in Yoga Vaani, reference materials from Astadala Yogamala, upcoming AGM, constitutional guidelines from RIMYI, and website information.
How does the practice of asanas change when performed by balancing the different pranavayus?
Discusses how balancing pranavayus during asana practice enhances awareness, brings characteristic changes to the practitioner's nature, develops discriminative intelligence, cultivates humility and submissiveness, creates rhythmic practice, and objectifies the brain to achieve pratyahara, dharana, and dhyana states.
Pranayama – coming to the practice
A comprehensive guide to establishing a pranayama practice, covering optimal timing (early morning or evening), location selection, essential cautions about breath quality and facial tension, synchronization of breath and chest movement, body settling techniques using blankets, and foundational principles for correct pranayama practice.
Ujjayi Pranayama
A comprehensive guide to practicing Ujjayi pranayama, the foundational breathing technique in Iyengar yoga. The article provides detailed instructions on body alignment, mental quietness, and the progressive deepening of inhalation and exhalation cycles.
Anatomy of Padmasana
An anatomical explanation of Padmasana focusing on proper positioning and alignment of feet, thighs, knees, and legs. The article emphasizes how correct anatomical adjustments support pranayama and meditative practices, drawing on Guruji BKS Iyengar's teachings.
Demand for Assessment Grows
A report on Iyengar yoga assessments conducted in May and June, listing successful candidates at various certification levels and acknowledging yoga studios and assessors involved in the certification process.
Understanding Yogic Terminology
Educational reference guide explaining the five elements (Prthvi, Ap, Tej, Vayu, Akasa) and their bodily/mental manifestations, and the five pranas (Apana, Samana, Prana, Udana, Vyana) with their locations and functions in the body.
Pronunciation: Getting it Right
Comprehensive guide to Sanskrit pronunciation for yoga postures, explaining the historical importance of accurate pronunciation in oral transmission of Vedas and providing detailed phonetic guidance for Sanskrit letters and sounds.
Pronunciation: Getting it Wrong
Practical article addressing common mispronunciations of Sanskrit yoga posture names, providing corrections for frequently mispronounced poses and explaining naming conventions for related poses.
NEW Books, CD, DVD
Catalog and product listing of educational media including pranayama CDs by Geeta Iyengar and practice DVDs featuring BKS Iyengar, along with teacher training materials available through iyogaprops.
Invocation
Traditional Sanskrit invocation to Patanjali presented with both original Sanskrit text and English translation, honoring Patanjali's contributions to yoga, grammar, and medicine.
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Published in: Yoga Vaani
