The Most Important Lesson From India

[Raquel]

4 hours ago, kurt said:

@Raquel Quick question about pranayama Raquel.  

And that is, what do you hope to achieve with the method?

From what I understand the practice is learned to be able to eventually control the elements so that when you are ready your subtle body can leave your body and "merge" with consciousness.  You will die of course, but you will have "attained enlightenment". 

In a more simple way than that, acording with pantajali sutras this is the limb that will prepare you for being in control of your senses.

Pranayama uses breathing to influence the flow of energy in the body, yes, and by influencing the breath (which we can control) we acess other body functions that are automatic such as hearth beat, temperature, etc.

You can experience a strengthening in the energetic body, detoxification, it calms the nervous system, clears the mind to the point of absolute focus and above all you notice life force itself, in the end it is like the breath that breathes us..

If breath is a string between the state of life and death...what would happen if you pull it and tighten it up? You will get closer to what..? 

Other thing, if you notice your left nostril and your right nostril, they are not always both open. Sometimes you breath more from the right and sometimes you breath more from left, but never both at the same time. This cycles change during the day. You can verify it. This will have influence in your hemispheres, therefore your state of mind. With pranayma you can clear both nostrils at same capacity...for the yogic tradition this means "being fully connected with the source".

I personally don't know what it means but I know from experience that being in this state gave me the most powerfull, out of body meditation I have ever had. It contribute massively for my awakening..

[Hunter Arrington]

I enjoyed reading this post! It's definitely a top priority to visit many spots in India. I'm fascinated with so many aspects of the culture. I dated a girl from India for a while and was immersed in the food and culture to an extent here in Atlanta GA. I started visiting Hindu temples with other Indian friends, and picked up a copy of the Gita and other texts. Heck, I almost threw it all alway to go sit Zazen for many many years as a traveler and a beggar(was practicing zazen at the time). I'm so happy you had a heart opening experience and learned some original yoga!