Benefits of Pranayama
Pranayama should be done gradually
Benefit
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Yoga-Chudamani Upanishad (116-119)
Original Verse: "प्राणायामेन युक्तेन सर्वरोगक्षयो भवेत् । प्राणायामवियुक्तेभ्यः सर्वरोगसमुद्भवः ॥ ११६ ॥ हिक्का कासस्तथा श्वासः शिरःकर्णाक्षिवेदनाः । भवन्ति विविधा रोगाः पवनव्यत्ययक्रमात् ॥ ११७ ॥ यथा सिंहो गजो व्याघ्रो भवेद्वश्यः शन्ऐः शन्ऐः । तथ्ऐव सेवितो वायुरन्यथा हन्ति साधकम् ॥ ११८ ॥ युक्तंयुक्तं त्यजेद्वायुं युक्तंयुक्तं प्रपूरयेत् । युक्तंयुक्तं प्रबध्नीयादेवं सिद्धिमवाप्नुयात् ॥ ११९ ॥"
Transliteration: "prāṇāyāmena yuktena sarvarogakṣayo bhavet | prāṇāyāmaviyuktebhyaḥ sarvarogasamudbhavaḥ ॥ 116 ॥ hikkā kāsastathā śvāsaḥ śiraḥkarṇākṣivedanāḥ | bhavanti vividhā rogāḥ pavanavyatyayakramāt ॥ 117 ॥ yathā siṃho gajo vyāghro bhavedvaśyaḥ śanaiḥ śanaiḥ | tathaiva sevito vāyuranyathā hanti sādhakam ॥ 118 ॥ yuktaṃyuktaṃ tyajedvāyuṃ yuktaṃyuktaṃ prapūrayet | yuktaṃyuktaṃ prabadhnīyādevaṃ siddhimavāpnuyāt ॥ 119 ॥"
Translation: For him who is possessed of Pranayama, there will be the destruction of all diseases. For those devoid of Pranayama, there will be the generation of ail diseases. Hiccup, Asthma, hard breathing, diseases of the head, ears and eyes and various kinds of (other) diseases are generated out of the ill-regulation of the vital air. Even as the lion, the elephant and the tiger get tamed by slow stages, even so the vital air that is well regulated; otherwise it kills the practitioner. One should leave off the vital air according to exigencies, should fill it in according to exigencies, should hold it bound according to exigencies; and by so doing will finally achieve success.
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: "Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (4, 24-25)"
Original Verse: "प्राणायामेन युक्तेन सर्वरोगक्ष्यो भवेत् ॥ अयुक्ताभ्यासयोगेन सर्वरोगसमुध्ववः ॥ २४ ॥ हिक्काकासस्-तथा श्वासः शिरःकर्णाक्षिवेदनाः ॥ भवन्ति विविधाः रोगाः पवनस्य व्यतिक्रमात् ॥ २५ ॥"
Transliteration: "prāṇāyāmena yuktena sarvarogakṣyo bhavet // ayuktābhyāsayogena sarvarogasamudhvavaḥ // 24 // hikkākāsas-tathā śvāsaḥ śiraḥkarṇākṣivedanāḥ // bhavanti vividhāḥ rogāḥ pavanasya vyatikramāt // 25 //"
Translation: "A judicious practice of prāṇāyāma will alleviate all the ailments. An improper practice, on the contrary, gives rise to all the diseases. 24 The faulty course of prāṇā causes several disorder - like hiccup, cough, asthma and pain in head, ears and eyes. 25"
Qualities of Yogic Body
Description
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita 31
Original Verse: "प्रौढवन्हिः सुभोगी च सुखीसर्वान्ङ्गसुन्दरः | सम्पूर्णह्रदयो योगी सर्वोत्साहबलान्वितः ॥ जायते योगिनोऽवश्यमेतत्सर्वं कलेवरे ॥ ३१ ॥"
Transliteration: "prauḍhavanhiḥ subhogī ca sukhīsarvānṅgasundaraḥ | sampūrṇahradayo yogī sarvotsāhabalānvitaḥ ॥ jāyate Yogino'vaśyametatsarvaṃ kalevare ॥ 31 ॥"
Translation: The following qualities are surely always found in the bodies of every Yogi: Strong appetite, good digestion, cheerfulness, handsome figure, great courage, mighty enthusiasm and full strength.
Benefits of Pranayama and purifying the nadis
Benefits
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Yogatattvopanishad 44-46
Original Verse: "एवं मासत्रयाभ्यासान्नाडीशुद्धिस्ततो भवेत् । यदा तु नाडीशुद्धिः स्यात् तदा चिह्नानि बाह्यतः ॥ ४४ ॥ जायन्ते योगिनो देहे तानि वक्ष्याम्यशेषतः । शरीरलघुता दीप्तिर्जाठराग्निविवर्धनम् ॥ ४५ ॥ कृशत्वं च शरीरस्य तदा जायेत निश्चितम् ।"
Transliteration: "evaṃ māsatrayābhyāsānnāḍīśuddhistato behave | yadā tu nāḍīśuddhiḥ syāt tadā cihnāni bāhyataḥ ॥ 44 ॥ jāyante Yogino dehe tāni vakṣyāmyaśeṣataḥ | śarīralaghutā dīptirjāṭharāgnivivardhanam ॥ 45 ॥ kṛśatvaṃ ca śarīrasya tadā jāyeta niścitam |"
Translation: By practicing thus for three months, the purification of the Nadis will result therefrom. When the purification of the Nadis is attained, then will external symptoms arise in the body of the Yogin. I shall relate them in their entirety: Lightness of the body, lustre, the rousing of the Jatharagni (increase of digestive power) and shiness of the body; these will surely result then.
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: "Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 15)"
Original Verse: "यदा नाडीशुद्धिः स्यात् तदा चिह्नानि बाह्यतः ॥ कायस्य कृशता कान्तिर् जायते निश्चितं तथा ॥ १५ ॥"
Transliteration: "yadā nāḍīśuddhiḥ syāt tadā cihnāni bāhyataḥ // kāyasya kṛśatā kāntir jāyate niścitaṃ tathā // 15 // "
Translation: "When the nāḍīs are purified, the external signs surely appear, such as slimness of the body and lustre. 15"
Purification of the nadis and experience of bliss
Technique
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Sandilyopanishad VII 8-10
Original Verse: "यथेष्टधारणं वायोरनलस्य प्रदीपनम् । नादाभिव्यक्तिरारोग्यं जायते नाडिशोधनात् ॥ ८ ॥ विधिवत् प्राणसंयाम्ऐर्नाडीचक्रे विशोधिते । सुषुम्नावदनं भित्त्वा सुखाद्विशति मारुतः ॥ ९ ॥ मारुते मध्यसंचारे मनःस्थ्ऐर्यं प्रजायते । यो मनःसुस्थिरीभावः स्ऐवावस्था मनोन्मनी ॥ १० ॥"
Transliteration: "yatheṣṭadhāraṇaṃ vāyoranalasya pradīpanam | nādābhivyaktirārogyaṃ jāyate nāḍiśodhanāt ॥ 8 ॥ vidhivat prāṇasaṃyāmairnāḍīcakre viśodhite | suṣumnāvadanaṃ bhittvā sukhādviśati mārutaḥ ॥ 9 ॥ mārute madhyasaṃcāre manaḥsthairyaṃ prajāyate| yo manaḥsusthirībhāvaḥ saivāvasthā manonmanī ॥ 10 ॥"
Translation: "Holding the breath as long as desired, the rousing of the fire, the manifestation of the Nada, and freedom from disease: from the purification of the Nadi-s (the above consequences) are produced.
When the plexus of the Nadi-s is purified by Pranayama (rarefaction of breath) as prescribed in the rules, the vital air enters freely, after bursting through the mouth of the Susumna Nadi.
When the vital air courses through the middle (of the Susumna), there is generated the fixity of the mind. The state of intense fixity of the mind; that alone will be the ecstatic state of the mind."
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: "Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 29)"
Original Verse: "विधिवत् प्राणसंयामैर् नादीचक्रे विशोधिते ॥ सुषुम्नावदनं भित्वा सुखाद् विशति मारुतः ॥29॥"
Transliteration: "vidhivat prāṇasaṃyāmair nādīcakre viśodhite ॥ suṣumnāvadanaṃ bhitvā sukhād viśati mārutaḥ ॥29॥"
Translation: "When the group of nādīs is purified through prescribed practice of prāṇāyāma, prāṇa easily pierces and enters the opening of suṣumnā. 29"
Effect of Pranayama, Dharana, Pratyahara, Dhyana
Benefits
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Srimat Sarvajnanottra Agama. Yoga Pada 16
Transliteration: "pra’n.a’ya’mair dahed dos”a’n dharan.a’bhistu kilbis”am ll 16 pratya’ha’ren.a samsarga’n dhya’nena’nas’vara’n gun.a’n l"
Translation: By the practice of Pranayama, the sadhaka incinerates all the defilements. By Dharana, he annihilates all of his sinful effects. By Pratyahara, he maintains himself completely free from the negative thoughts and vices. And by Dhyana, he becomes capable of nullifying the effects of even those qualities which do not decay.
"Achieving union with Shiva through such practice"
Benefits
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Srimat Sarvajnanottra Agama. Yoga Pada 14
Original Verse: "अविनाभाव संयुक्तो ज्योतीरूपं सुनिर्मलम् ॥ १४ सुसूक्ष्मं व्यापकं नित्यं निर्विकल्पं सदा बुधः।"
Transliteration: "avina’bha’va samyukto jyoti’ru’pam sunirmalam ll 14 susu’ks”mam vya’pakam nityam nirvikalpam sada’budhah"
Translation: "Through the continued practice of such discipline, the sadhaka becomes capable of establishing himself in unfailing and inseparable union with the luminous form which is extremely subtle, pervasive, eternal and immutable."
Pranayama destroys Karma (of this and past lifetimes)
Description
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 49
Original Verse: "पूर्वार्जितानि कर्माणि प्राणायामेन निश्चितम् । नाशयेत्साधको धीमानिहलोकोद्भवानि च ॥ ४९ ॥"
Transliteration: "pūrvārjitāni karmāṇi prāṇāyāmena niścitam । nāśayetsādhako dhīmānihalokodbhavāni ca ॥ 49 ॥"
Translation: "The wise practitioner surely destroys all his Karma, whether acquired in its life or in the past, through the regulation of breath."
Sixteen Pranayamas to destroy the virtues and vices from past lifes
Description
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 50
Original Verse: "पूर्वार्जितानि पापानि पुण्यानि विविधानि च । नाश्येत्षोदडशप्राणायामेन योगि पुंगवः ॥ ५० ॥"
Transliteration: "pūrvārjitāni pāpāni puṇyāni vividhāni ca । nāśyetṣodaḍaśaprāṇāyāmena Yogi puṃgavaḥ ॥ 50 ॥"
Translation: "The great Yogi destroys by sixteen Pranayamas the various virtues and vices accumulated in his past life."
"Pranayama destroys sins and bonds of good or bad actions"
Description
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 51
Original Verse: "पापतूलचयानाहोप्रदहेत्प्रल्याग्निना । ततः पापविनिर्मुक्तः पश्चात्पुण्यानि नाशयेत् ॥ ५१ ॥"
Transliteration: "pāpatūlacayānāhopradahetpralyāgninā । tataḥ pāpavinirmuktaḥ paścātpuṇyāni nāśayet ॥ 51 ॥"
Translation: This Pranayama destroys sin, as fire burns away a heap of cotton; it makes the Yogi free from sin; next it destroys the bonds of all his good actions.
When Yogi moves freely through the Three Worlds
Benefits
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 52
Original Verse: "प्राणायामेन योगीन्द्रो लब्ध्वैश्वर्याष्टकानि वै । पापपुण्योदधिं तीत्रवा त्रैलोक्यचरतामियात् ॥ ५२ ॥"
Transliteration: "prāṇāyāmena yogīndro labdhvaiśvaryāṣṭakāni vai । pāpapuṇyodadhiṃ tītravā trailokyacaratāmiyāt ॥ 52 ॥"
Translation: The mighty Yogi having attained, through Pranayama, the eight sorts of psychic powers, and having crossed the ocean of virtue and vice, moves about freely through the three worlds.
Increase of duration of Pranayama leading to powers
Benefits
Panama: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 53
Original Verse: "ततोऽभ्यासक्रमेणैव घटिकात्रियतं भवेत् । येन् स्यात्सकलासिद्धि येगिनः स्वेप्सिता ध्रुवम् ॥ ५३ ॥"
Transliteration: "tato'bhyāsakrameṇaiva ghaṭikātriyataṃ behave । yen syātsakalāsiddhi yeginaḥ svepsitā dhruvam ॥ 53 ॥"
Translation: Then gradually he should make himself able to practice for three gharis (one hour and a half at a time, he should be able to restrain breath for that period). Through this, the Yogi undoubtedly obtains all the longed for powers.
Powers acquired by the Yogi
Benefits
Panama: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 54
Original Verse: "वाक्सिधिः कामचारित्वं दूरदृष्टिस्तथैव च । दूरश्रुतिः सूक्ष्मदृष्टिः परकायप्रवेशनम् ॥ विरामूत्रलेपने स्वर्णमद्रश्यकरणं तथा । भवन्त्येतानि सर्वाणि खेचरत्वं च योगिनाम् ॥ ५४ ॥"
Transliteration: "vāksidhiḥ kāmacāritvaṃ dūradṛṣṭistathaiva ca । dūraśrutiḥ sūkṣmadṛṣṭiḥ parakāyapraveśanam ॥ virāmūtralepane svarṇamadraśyakaraṇaṃ tathā । bhavantyetāni sarvāṇi khecaratvaṃ ca Yoginām ॥ 54 ॥"
Translation: "The Yogi acquires the following powers: vakya siddhi (prophecy), transporting himself everywhere at will (kamachari), clairvoyance (duradristhi), clairaudience (durashruti), subtle-sight (shushma-drishti), and the power of entering another's body (parakaypravesana), turning base metals to gold by rubbing them with his excrements and urine, and the power of becoming invisible, and lastly, moving in the air."
The Ghata Avasta states reached by Yogi through Pranayama
Benefits
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 55
Original Verse: "यदा भवेद्धटावस्था पवनाभ्यासने परा । तदा संसारचक्रेऽस्मिन्नास्ति यत्र सधारयेत् ॥ ५५ ॥"
Transliteration: "yadā bhaveddhaṭāvasthā pavanābhyāsane parā । tadā saṃsāracakre'sminnāsti yatra sadhārayet ॥ 55 ॥"
Translation: When, by the practice of Pranayama, the Yogi reaches the state of ghata (water-jar), then for him there is nothing in this circle of universe which he cannot accomplish.
Ghata Avasta described
Description
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 56
Original Verse: "प्राणापाननादबिन्दुजीवात्मपरमात्मनः । मिलित्वा घटते यस्मात्तस्माद्वै घट उच्यते ॥ ५६ ॥"
Transliteration: "prāṇāpānanādabindujīvātmaparamātmanaḥ । militvā ghaṭate yasmāttasmādvai ghaṭa ucyate ॥ 56 ॥"
Translation: The ghata is said to be that state in which the prana and the apana vayus, the nada and the bindu, the jivatma (the Human Spirit) and the Paramatma (the Universal Spirit) combine and co-operate.
Pratyahara when Kumbaka for three hours
Description
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 57
Original Verse: "याममात्रमं यदा धर्तुं समर्थः स्यात्तदाद्भुतः । प्रत्याहारस्तदैव स्यान्नांतरा भवति ध्रुवम् ॥ ५७ ॥"
Transliteration: "yāmamātramaṃ yadā dhartuṃ samarthaḥ syāttadādbhutaḥ । pratyāhārastadaiva syānnāṃtarā bhavati dhruvam ॥ 57 ॥"
Translation: When he gets the power of holding breath (i.e., to be in trance) for three hours, then certainly the wonderful state of Pratyahara is reached without fail.
Yogi balance himself on his thumb (due to Advanced Kumbaka)
Benefits
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 59
Original Verse: "याममात्रं यदा पूर्णं भवेदभ्यासयोगतः । एकवारं प्रकुर्वीत तदा योगी च कुम्भकम् ॥ दण्डाष्टकं यदा वायुर्निश्चलो योगिनो भवेत् । स्वसामर्थ्यात्तदांगुष्ठे तिष्ठेद्वातुलवत्सुधीः ॥ ५९ ॥"
Transliteration: "yāmamātraṃ yadā pūrṇaṃ bhavedabhyāsaYogataḥ । ekavāraṃ prakurvīta tadā yogī ca Kumbhakam ॥ daṇḍāṣṭakaṃ yadā vāyurniścalo Yogino bhavet । svasāmarthyāttadāṃguṣṭhe tiṣṭhedvātulavatsudhīḥ ॥ 59 ॥"
Translation: When, through, great practice, the Yogi can perform one Kumbhaka for full three hours, when for eight dandas (3 hours) the breathing of the Yogi is suspended, then that wise one can balance himself on his thumb; but he appears to others as insane.
Yogi Acquires knowledge of Vayu-Sadhana
Description
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 68
Original Verse: "इदानों क्लेशहान्यर्थं वक्तव्यं वायुसाधनम् । येन संसारचक्रेस्मिन् भोगहानिर्भवेद् ध्र वम् ॥"
Transliteration: "idānoṃ kleśahānyarthaṃ vaktavyaṃ vāyusādhanam । yena saṃsāracakresmin bhogahānirbhaved dhra vam ॥"
Translation: Now we have described the management of the air in order to remove the troubles (which await the Yogi); through this knowledge of vayu-sadhana vanish all sufferings and enjoyments in the circle of this universe.
Yogi Destroys Fatigue, Fever, Decay, Old Age and Injuries by Drinking Ambrosial Air
Description
Pramana: Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण
Source: Shiva Samhita. III. 71
Original Verse: "सरसं यः पिबेद्वायुं प्रत्यहं विधिना सुधीः । नश्यन्ति योगिनस्तस्य श्रमदाहजरामयाः ॥ ७१ ॥"
Transliteration: "sarasaṃ yaḥ pibedvāyuṃ pratyahaṃ vidhinā sudhīḥ । naśyanti Yoginastasya śramadāhajarāmayāḥ ॥ 71 ॥"
Translation: The wise Yogi, who daily drinks the ambrosial air, according to proper rules, destroys fatigue, burning (fever), decay and old age, and injuries.
Benefits of Pranayama
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: Hathatatvakaumudi Chapter 11.8
Original Verse: "रुक्स्त्यानादिनवान्तरायकलुषे चित्तेऽत्र विक्षेपजा दुःखाद्याः खलु पञ्च ते तनुभृतः स्युः संयमस्यारयः मैत्र्यादेः परिभावनेन तु कलौ चित्तप्रसादः क्वचित्प्रा नाभ्यासत ईरणस्य विजयो योगः स्वमीड्यो भवेत् ॥ ८ ॥"
Transliteration: "rukstyānādinavāntarāyakaluṣe citte'tra vikṣepajā duḥkhādyāḥ khalu pañca te tanubhṛtaḥ syuḥ saṃyamasyārayaḥ maitryādeḥ paribhāvanena tu kalau cittaprasādaḥ kvacit prānābhyāsata īraṇasya vijayo Yogaḥ svamīḍyo bhavet ॥ 8 ॥"
Translation: The nine antarayas like disease, languour, etc. defile the citta. The set of five like duhkha etc. arise from viksepa (disturbance of mind). These are the enemies of a person in the path of Samyama. In this Kaliyuga pacification of the citta may be attained by assuming the attitude (bhavana) of maitri, etc. Through the practice of Pranayama, one controls prana and becomes respectable.
Yogis Reduce Heart Rate
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: Yoga-rahasya of Srinatha-muni I.57
Original Verse: "श्वासोच्छ्वासगतीरेताः सर्वेषां प्रायशः समाः । प्राणायामेन ताः संख्याः संकोच्या योगिना सदा ॥"
Transliteration: "śvāsocchvāsagatīretāḥ sarveṣāṃ prāyaśaḥ samāḥ । prāṇāyāmena tāḥ saṃkhyāḥ saṃkocyā Yoginā sadā ॥"
Translation: The respiratory rate is generally the same for everyone. Yogis reduce this rate through the practice of Pranayama.
Impurities of senses melted away though Pranayama
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source: Yoga-rahasya of Srinatha-muni I.56
Original Verse: "दह्यन्ते ध्मायमानानां धातूनांहि यथामलाः । प्राणायामैस्तु दह्यन्ते तदेन्द्रियजा मलाः"
Transliteration: "dahyante dhmāyamānānāṃ dhātūnāṃhi yathāmalāḥ । prāṇāyāmaistu dahyante tadendriyajā malāḥ ॥"
Translation: During the practice of asanas, movement of the breath must be regulated. Just like the impurities in metals are burnt away by heat when melted, so also the impurities born out of the senses are burnt away through the practice of Pranayama.
"Poised state of mind is called Manonmanī"
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 30-31)
Original Verse: "मारुते मध्यसञ्चारे मनःस्थैर्यं प्रजायते ॥ यो मनःसुस्थिरीभावः सैषावस्था मनोन्मनी ॥30॥ तत्सिद्धये विधानज्ञाश्चित्रान् कुर्वन्ति कुम्भकान् ॥ विचित्रकुम्भकाभ्यासाद् विचित्रां सिद्धिमाप्नुयात् ॥31॥"
Transliteration: "mārute madhyasañcāre manaḥsthairyaṃ prajāyate ॥ yo manaḥsusthirībhāvaḥ saiṣāvasthā manonmanī ॥30॥ tatsiddhaye vidhānajñāścitrān kurvanti kumbhakān ॥ vicitrakumbhakābhyāsād vicitrāṃ siddhimāpnuyāt ॥31॥"
Translation: "Mind becomes poised, as the prāṅa moves in the middle path (suṣumnā). The poised state of mind is called manonmanī. 30. To attain such a state (manonmani), the adepts (of Yoga) practise various Kumbhakas. Surprising results can be achieved by practicing various Kumbhakas. 31."
Pranayama brings success in Yoga
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: "Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 2)"
Original Verse: "षट्कर्मनिर्गतस्थौल्यकफमेदोमलादिकः ॥ प्राणायामं ततः कुर्यादनायासेन सिध्यति ॥२॥"
Transliteration: "ṣaṭkarmanirgatasthaulya-kaphamedomalādikaḥ ॥ prāṇāyāmaṃ tataḥ kuryādanāyāsena sidhyati ॥2॥"
Translation: "Practice of prāṇāyāma brings about an easy success, after removing the impurities, such as fat and phlegm, through the practice of ṣaṭ-karmas. 2."
Detox with Pranayama
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: "Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 3)"
Original Verse: "प्राणायामैरेव सर्वं प्रशुष्यति मलाकुलम् ॥ आचार्याणां तु केषाञ्चिद् अन्यत्कर्म न सम्मतम् ॥ ३ ॥"
Transliteration: "prāṇāyāmaireva sarvaṃ praśuṣyati malākulam ॥ ācāryāṇāṃ tu keṣāñcid anyatkarma na sammatam ॥ 3 ॥"
Translation: "The host of impurities certainly gets dried up through prāṇāyāma. According to some teachers, there is no need for other practices. 3."
Attain perfection through Pranayama
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: "Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 4)"
Original Verse: "ब्रह्मादयोऽपि त्रिदशाः पवनाभ्यासतत्पराः ॥ तेन सिद्धिं गतास्ते च तस्मात् पवनम् अभ्यसेत् ॥ ४ ॥"
Transliteration: "brahmādayo'pi tridaśāḥ pavanābhyāsatatparāḥ ॥ tena siddhiṃ gatāste ca tasmāt pavanam abhyaset ॥ 4 ॥"
Translation: "Even the deities like Brahmā and others attained perfection through the consistent practice of prāṇāyāma. Therefore, one should practice prāṇāyāma. 4."
"Calm your mind with Pranayama"
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 5)
Original Verse: "चले वाते चलं चित्तं निश्चलं दृढबन्धने ॥ योगी स्थाणुत्वम् आप्नोति ततो वायुं निबन्धयेत् ॥ ५ ॥"
Transliteration: "cale vāte calaṃ cittaṃ niścalaṃ dṛḍhabandhane ॥ yogī sthāṇutvam āpnoti tato vāyuṃ nibandhayet ॥ 5 ॥"
Translation: "Mind becomes active as the breathing increases. When breath is controlled, mind becomes steady. To attain mental stability, a Yogī should practice prāṇāyāma. 5."
Pranayama Overcomes Death
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: "Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 6)"
Original Verse: "यावद् वायुः स्थितो देहे तावद् जीवो न मुञ्चति ॥ मरणं वायुनिष्क्रान्तिस् ततो वायुं निबन्धयेत् ॥ ६ ॥"
Transliteration: "yāvad vāyuḥ sthito dehe tāvad jīvo na muñcati ॥ maraṇaṃ vāyuniṣkrāntis tato vāyuṃ nibandhayet ॥ 6 ॥"
Translation: "The jĪva (embodied soul) does not leave the body so long as prāṇa remains. Death means exit of prāṇa. Therefore, prāṇa should be controlled. 6."
The attitude while doing Pranayama
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: "Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 7)"
Original Verse: "प्राणाभ्यासं ततः कुर्यान्-नित्यं सात्विकया धिया ॥ यथा सुखम् अवस्थाय मलाः शोषं प्रयान्ति च ॥ ७ ॥"
Transliteration: "prāṇābhyāsaṃ tataḥ kuryān-nityaṃ sātvikayā dhiyā ॥ yathā sukham avasthāya malāḥ śoṣaṃ prayānti ca ॥ 7 ॥"
Translation: One should undertake regular practice of prāṇāyāma with pious attitude. Thus, one gets rid of the impurities and attains (deep) sense of well being. 7.
Deep cleanse with Prāṇāyāma
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: "Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 9)"
Original Verse: "प्राणायामो भवत्येव पातकेन्धनपावकः ॥ भवोदधिमहासेतुः प्रोच्यते योगिभिः सदा ॥ ९ ॥"
Transliteration: "prāṇāyāmo bhavatyeva pātakendhanapāvakaḥ ॥ bhavodadhimahāsetuḥ procyate Yogibhiḥ sadā ॥ 9 ॥"
Translation: Practice of prāṇāyāma certainly removes the sins, as fire burns the wood. Yogīs say that it forms a great bridge to cross the ocean of worldly sufferings. 9.
Stay centered and beyond fear
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 4, Verse 28)
Original Verse: "यावद् बद्धो मरुद् देहे तावच्चित्तम् निरामयम् ॥ यावद् दृष्टिर् भ्रुवोर्मध्ये तावत्कालभयं कुतः ॥28॥"
Transliteration: "yāvad baddho marud dehe tāvaccittam nirāmayam ॥ yāvad dṛṣṭir bhruvormadhye tāvatkālabhayaṃ kutaḥ ॥28॥"
Translation: "Mind remains poised, so long as prāna is controlled in the body. Fear of death (kāla) will not arise, so long as the gaze is fixed at the center of the eyebrows. 28"
The Flowering of the practice of Pranayama
Description
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: Goraksh Paddhati (2, 6-9)
Original Verse: "अधमे चोद्यते धर्मः कम्पो भवति मध्यमे । उत्तिष्ठत्युत्त्मे योगी ततो वायुं निरोधयेत् ॥ ६ ॥ बद्धपद्मासनो योगी नमस्कृत्य गुरुं शिवम् । भ्रुमध्ये दृष्टि रेकाकी प्राणायामं समभ्यसेत् ॥ ७ ॥ ऊर्ध्व्माकृष्य चापानवायुं प्राणे नियोजयेत् । ऊर्ध्वमानीयते शक्त्या सर्वपापैः प्रभुच्यते ॥ ८ ॥ द्वाराणां नवकं निरुद्धय मरुतं पीत्वा दृढं धारितं नीत्वाकाशमपानवन्हिसहितं शक्त्तया समुच्चालितम् ॥ आत्मस्थानयुतस्त्वनेन विधिवद्धिन्यस्य मूर्ध्नि ध्रुवं यावतिष्ठति तावदेव महतां संधेन संधेन संस्तुयते ॥ ९ ॥"
Transliteration: "adhame codyate dharmaḥ kampo bhavati madhyame । uttiṣṭhatyuttme yogī tato vāyuṃ nirodhayet ॥ 6 ॥ baddhapadmāsano yogī namaskṛtya guruṃ śivam । bhrumadhye dṛṣṭi rekākī prāṇāyāmaṃ samabhyaset ॥ 7 ॥ ūrdhvmākṛṣya cāpānavāyuṃ prāṇe niyojayet । ūrdhvamānīyate śaktyā sarvapāpaiḥ prabhucyate ॥ 8 ॥ dvārāṇāṃ navakaṃ niruddhaya marutaṃ pītvā dṛḍhaṃ dhāritaṃ nītvākāśamapānavanhisahitaṃ śakttayā samuccālitam ॥ ātmasthānayutastvanena vidhivaddhinyasya mūrdhni dhruvaṃ yāvatiṣṭhati tāvadeva mahatāṃ saṃdhena saṃdhena saṃstuyate ॥ 9 ॥"
Translation: "In the lower [stage], the “substance” (Dharma) [i.e., sweat] is forced out; in the middle [stage] there is trembling; in the superior [stage] the Yogin rises [from the ground]. Hence he should [carefully] restrain the air (vâyu). (2.6) The Yogin, [seated in] the bound lotus posture and saluting the teacher and Shiva, should practice breath control in solitude (ekânta), with his gaze on the middle between the brows. (2.7)
Drawing up the apâna air, he should unite it with the prâna. When it is led upward with the [Kundalinî] power, he is released from all sins. (2.8)
Having closed the nine gates (dvâra) [i.e., the openings of the body], having sucked in the air and holding it firmly, having conducted it to the “space” (âkâsha) [of the heart?] together with the apâna and the [abdominal] fire (vahni), starting up the [Kundalinî] power and placing it in the head, for sure according to this rule, as long as [the Yogin who is] joined with the abode of the Self [at the crown center] remains [thus], he is praised by the host of the great ones. (2.9)"
Pranayama Multifold Benefits Leading to the Power of Immortality
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Praman Source, Source, Chapter, Verse: Hathatatvakaumudi Ch.11.2
Original Verse: "मूर्च्छाङ्गतो हरति रोगसम्हमद्धा बद्धः करोति गगने गमनं नराणाम् | वातोऽमृतो वितनुतेऽमरतां समस्तम् अभ्यासतः सुलभमेव समीरणस्य ॥ २ ॥"
Transliteration: "mūrcchāṅgato hart rogasamhamaddhā baddhaḥ karoti gagane gamanaṃ narāṇām | vāto'mṛto vitanute'maratāṃ samastam abhyāsataḥ sulabhameva samīraṇasya ॥ 2 ॥"
Translation: Pranayama renders prana invariably inactive which removes diseases, stabilizes prana which takes one to gagana (brahmarandhra) and causes prana secreting ambrosia which leads one to immortality.
Pranayama Removes the Host of Bodily Impurities
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: Hathatatvakaumudi Ch.11.3
Original Verse: "अदाह्यं सत् स्वर्णं धमितमनले याति न लयम्भु वि न्यस्तो वज्राद्यखिलविषयः शीर्यति चिरम् ॥ इदं सर्वं सूतो दहनमुखगो जारयति वै तथा प्राणोऽभ्यासानलवलवलीपुद्गलमलान् ॥ ३ ॥"
Transliteration: "adāhyaṃ sat svarṇaṃ dhamitamanale yāti na layam bhuvi nyasto vajrādyakhilaviṣayaḥ śīryati ciram ॥ idaṃ sarvaṃ sūto dahanamukhago jārayati vai tathā prāṇo'bhyāsānalavalavalīpudgalamalān ॥ 3 ॥"
Translation: Even though gold is put in fire, it does not perish. While hard objects like stones etc. would perish lying idle on earth for long. Just as all the (impurities of) mercury are destroyed when it is subjected to fire, similarly, fire generated by the practice of Pranayama removes the host of bodily impurities.
Pranayama Leads to Dharana and Dhyana
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: Nathamuni Yoga Rahasya I.99
Original Verse: "धारणास्स्मृतिसन्ताने प्राणायामात् भवन्ति हि । इति समान्यतो ज्ञेयः सफलः प्राणसंयमः ॥"
Transliteration: "dhāraṇāssmṛtisantāne prāṇāyāmāt bhavanti hi । iti samānyato jñeyaḥ saphalaḥ prāṇasaṃyamaḥ ॥"
Translation: Through Pranayama, Dharana and Dhyanam indeed happen. Thus, the regulation of breath is always known to be fruitful.
Benefits of Sagarbha Pranayama
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source, Chapter, Verse: Nathamuni Yoga Rahasya I.98
Original Verse: "सगर्भः चित्तचाञ्चल्यं विनाशयति सत्वरम् । आयुर्वृद्धिस्सत्वशुद्धी रोगनिवृत्तिरेव च ॥"
Transliteration: "sagarbhaḥ cittacāñcalyaṃ vināśayati satvaram । āyurvṛddhissatvaśuddhī roganivṛttireva ca ॥I.98॥"
Translation: Sagarbha Pranayama destroys very quickly the agitation of the mind, increases life span, cleans the mind of heaviness and also remove illness.
Chandra Kumbhaka
Pramana: Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana, Source, Chapter, Verse: Kumbhaka Paddadhi 120
Original Verse: "द्वासप्तति-सहस्राणां नादीनां मल-शोधनम् । यथेष्टं धारणं वायोर्-विकाराभाव एव च॥ १२० ॥"
Transliteration: "dvāsaptati-sahasrāṇāṃ nādīnāṃ mala-śodhanam l yatheṣṭaṃ dhāraṇaṃ vāyor-vikārābhāva eva ca ॥ 120 ॥"
Translation: This practice results in hearing of mystical sounds, slimness of the body, feeling of wellbeing, increase in gastric fire, clarity of vision, lustrous face, control of bindu, purification of all the seventy-two thousand nadis and capacity to retain breath willfully and absence of all the disorders of vata humour.
Benefits of Control of apana
PRAMANA：Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Apta Pramana Source：
Kumbhaka Paddadhi 57-59
Original Verse：
"मूल-बन्धो धारणासु मुद्रा-विषय-गोचरः
गूथ-मूत्राल्पता वह्नेर्-जाथरस्य प्रदीपनम् ॥ ५७ ॥
कुण्डली-बोधनं चैव ब्रह्मरन्ध्र-प्रवेशनम्
पाटाल-गमनं चैव लीलया जायते मुनेः ॥ ५८ ॥
क्षतस्य रोहणं स्वात्म्यं बहुभोजन-रुग्-जयौ
सत्वात्मकत्वं स्युश्-चान्येऽप्यपानस्य जये गुणाः ॥ ५९ ॥"
Transliteration：
"mūla-bandho dhāraṇāsu mudrā-viṣaya-gocaraḥ
gūtha-mūtrālpatā vahner-jātharasya pradīpanam ॥ 57 ॥
kuṇḍalī-bodhanaṃ caiva brahmarandhra-praveśanam
pāṭāla-gamanaṃ caiva līlayā jāyate muneḥ ॥ 58 ॥
kṣatasya rohaṇaṃ svātmyaṃ bahubhojana-rug-jayau
satvātmakatvaṃ syuś-cānye'pyapānasya jaye guṇāḥ ॥ 59 ॥"
Translation：
"The benefits of control of apana are facilitation of Mulabandha, proficiency in the practice of Dharana and different Mudras, reduction in urine and feces, increase in gastric fire, arousal of Kundalini and its entry into Brahma randhra, Patala-gamana (traveling to the world underneath), healing of the wounds, assimilation of all food, conquest of all diseases and increase in sattva-guna, etc.. "