Pranayama
The suppression and regulation of the breath in Yoga practice. (TG)
Pranayama of all kinds in its essence is directed to the kindling of the fires of the heart. Of course, of the multitudes who practice pranayama only very few receive positive results. Wherein lies the cause? A complex exercise is devised and the consciousness strives towards the calculation or alternation of bodily movements, in other words towards superficial methods. But no earthly calculations will kindle the talisman of the heart. The sun’s energy is non-existent without the sun; thus, also, the heart will not be kindled without striving towards the focal point. Thus, it is easier to kindle the heart through transporting oneself to the focal point than by relying on material calculations. Of course pranayama has been wisely established as an auxiliary means towards the hastening of results. But as soon as the mantram of the heart lost its significance, pranayama also turned into a mechanical remedy against cold. Therefore, let us remember about the sacred heart as the path toward the focal point. (H, 378)
During illnesses, especially those in the nature of colds, it is useful to perform a fiery Pranayama. This Pranayama is very simple; the usual inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth, the while directing the Prana to the seat of the disease. But for intensification of action one should keep in mind that the Fire of Space is inhaled and the consumed Ur is exhaled. Thus, Fire is again the remedy, and the physician can alleviate the condition of the patient by assuring him how easy it is to attract the basic energy. (FW I, 369)
Do not exaggerate the importance of pranayama. The science of breath that is practised by the true Raja Yogis has little to do with pranayama. The Hatha Yogis are interested in the control of the vital breath of the lungs, whereas the ancient Raja Yogis understood it as mental breathing, for only the control of this mental breath brings a high state of clairvoyance and the restoration of the functioning of the third eye, together with all the real achievements of the Raja Yogi. (LHR I, p 297)
The science of Hatha Yoga rests upon the ‘suppression of breath’, or Pranayama, to which exercise our Masters are unanimously opposed. For what is Pranayama? Literally translated, it means ‘death of (vital) breath’ … Several impatient Chelas, whom we knew personally in India, went in for the practice of Hatha Yoga, notwithstanding our warnings. Of these, two developed consumption, one of whom died; and one developed into almost idiotic; another committed suicide; and one developed into a regular Tantrica, a Black Magician, but his career, fortunately for himself, was cut short by death.
(SD quoted in LHR I, p 297))
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