Pranayama is an important, yet little known part of Yoga. Its techniques have been practiced for centuries by ardent students of Yoga in remote ashrams, and have been preserved for us through many generations both in practice and in handwritten books. Until recently, this art and science of Yogic breathing was almost completely unknown to the common man like many other ancient Indian arts. Those who knew it used to be very reluctant to share their knowledge and experience with anyone, unless a student proved by tests that he was ready to receive it. During the last three decades, however, this situation has changed; and subjects such as Yoga, pranayama, meditation, and even Kundalini, are being discussed all over the world, not only by Yoga teachers, but also by the general public and by scientists. More recently, various techniques of Yoga have begun to attract the attention of physicians, therapists, and medical consultants. It is common to find both patients and doctors who can narrate their own experiences about the cure of various diseases by using Yoga techniques. It has been proved beyond doubt that Pranayama is a very important means for preventing and curing many ailments. It is this factor more then any other that has prompted the writing of this book. Its aim is to bring the traditional knowledge of this great art of the common man, so Blat it can be used without much external help for the maintenance as well as the restoration of health.
Pranayama is the fourth part of the eight-fold Yoga described in the Yogasutra of Patanjali. This is the most authoritative book on yoga. It was written or according to many experts on the subject, in the second century before Christ. The eight limbs of yoga mentioned in Patanjali's system are: (1) Yama, (2) Niyama, (3) Asana, (4) Pranayama (5) Pratyahara, (6) Dharana, (7) Dhyana, and (8) Samadhi. When we start thinking about pranayama with this background some questions arise in our mind. We shall discuss them here one by one. The questions are as follows: -
It is essential for everyone interested in learning and practicing pranayama to know what it can and cannot do. For instance, it should be understood that not every disorder can be treated by pranayama. Similarly, it is not equally useful to all of us. There are certain conditions under which pranayama can not end should not be practiced. It is also necessary to know how pranayama works, so that all possible dangers in its practice can be avoided.
A student who wants to learn pranayama and continue -practicing it needs to have a clear idea regarding its scope and limits. As a part of yoga, pranayama should normally be practiced along with other parts, such as asanas and meditation. This gives better results especially in the prevention or cure of disorders.