Pranayam

Many years back my neighbour persuaded me to join the Basic Course of Art of Living. (More about Art Of Living in some other post). It was a three day program. Each day we were taught a simple exercise of concentration on breathing. During the process we had to inhale and exhale in different rhythms – slow, medium and fast- without putting unnecessary pressure on the chest, muscles or stomach. It has to be effortless. This process is known as Sudarshan Kriya.

Such breathing exercises are basically forms of Pranayams. Pranayam is a yogic method stimulating mind and body and bringing both in alignment with the soul. Our body has its own cadence which at times gets lost or erratic with a surge of adrenaline, undue stress and stiff work targets. Pranayam helps bring the body back to its original laya or cadence. Therefore, rhythm in Kriya is of utmost importance.

Thoughts may flow in and out while trying to keep the mind focussed during Kriya. But focus is not to be shifted from breath to thoughts. Thoughts will just be like clouds sailing in and away.

Pranayam is relaxing, de-stressing, facilitates decluttering of mind and increases blood circulation in every part of the body. It is, therefore, both a physical and mental exercise. It is noteworthy that at times blood flow is also hampered in our body due to various reasons.

As we all know a decluttered mind brings in clarity of thought, purpose and action and single minded focus. Clear thinking helps keep us calm and composed in the face of sudden ‘storm’ and the routine of the day is completed in a seamless manner. Thought is the seed of all actions and reactions. If our thoughts are clear so shall be our actions and reactions.

In the beginning, the initiation of Kriya in one’s daily routine is hard. But once one gets to know it’s benefits, the process automatically fits in the day’s time table. Early morning, especially 4.00 am, is supposed to be the ideal time for Kriya when pin drop silence resides and one is able to concentrate inwards without any disturbance. The perfect posture for Pranayam or Kriya is Padmasana. Those who are not able to sit in that particular position should ensure that their spine is ram rod straight, body is not inclined forward or backward and while breathing in and out one does not fall asleep which can be a natural tendency borne out of too much exhaustion.

At first it was difficult for me to do this exercise keeping my eyes closed. In such a situation, one can do it with open eyes as well. Gradually, the system fell in place and I was able to do it unhindered with eyes closed. Regular practice, thus, is a must.

Sometimes, due to pressure of work and time constraints, I may miss doing this exercise but picking up the thread is very important. Not doing it does not mean giving up on it. We were told to do the Kriya alone and empty stomach. The process is to be learnt as the art of inhalation and exhalation follows a particular pattern which if done wrongly may not deliver it’s intended outcome and also may result in serious physical fall outs like high blood pressure, head ache, heart palpitation etc.

As I said before, given its positive outcomes, doing the Kriya on a regular basis has kept me in good stead. We tend to gather, even unknowingly, a lot of stress doing our daily chores in a time bound manner. The stress makes us irritable, tense, anxious and sometimes nervous. As a result, the easiest task seems like a mammoth job. Kriya steadies the nerves and smoothens the creases on the forehead.

Years later when I enrolled into the online spiritual course of Swami Yogananda’s Spiritual Institute, I was told to give up any form of Pranayam or meditation which I was habituated to follow. Though the purpose may be the same, in order to learn a new method one has to unlearn the old one. However, I was so set into Sudarshan Kriya, I could not get out of it. As a result, I have not been able to follow any other way of doing meditation.

Oh! Did I tell you Sudarshan Kriya is also a form of meditation which helps you get in touch with your core? But that needs years of practice and does not come easy. Those who are into it should continue doing. Am sure they will see success one day.