Pranayama basics – the Iyengar method by Myka Ransom
चले वाते चलं चित्तं निश्चले निश्चलं भवेत् ।
योगी स्थाणुत्वम् आप्नोति ततो वायुं निरोधयेत् ॥२॥
cale vāte calaṁ cittaṁ niścale niścalaṁ bhavet |
yogī sthāṇutvam āpnoti tato vāyuṁ nirodhayet ||2||
“When the breath is unsteady, the mind is unsteady. When the breath is steady the mind is steady, and the yogi becomes steady. Therefore one should restrain the breath” – Hatha Yoga Pradipika II.2 (translated by Brian Dana Akers)
Prana’ is usually translated as ‘breath’, but breath is only one of its manifestations: in addition to breath, prana means respiration, life, vitality, energy, or strength*. Pranayama is the yogic discipline of guiding life energy by regulating and controlling the breath according to place, time, and number**. In yoga, breath and consciousness are conceived as paired, and pranayama, when practised appropriately, has beneficial mental effects such as improved self-awareness, capacity for concentration, and relaxation.
There are hundreds of yogasanas ranging from beginning to advanced - similarly there are many and various pranayamas. Just as there are foundational asanas such as Tadasana, Trikonasana, Dandasana, there are foundational pranayamas such as Ujjayi, Viloma, and Bhramari.
In this 4-week course at Yoga Metta we will survey concepts and practices fundamental to pranayama as taught in the Iyengar method, including:
· Recognizing intrinsic connections between familiar yoga poses and the breath
· Exploring supported asanas and wall rope work to help understand preliminary requirements for supine and seated pranayama practice
· Acquainting ourselves with basic patterns associated with Ujjayi, Viloma, and Bhramari pranayamas
Prerequisite: at least 3 months’ regular practice of Iyengar yoga
At the end of the course you will have tools to help you further explore connections between body, breath, and mind in your yoga practice. Beginners to pranayama will also be equipped to start a simple home pranayama practice.
* BKS Iyengar Light on Pranayama
** Patanjali yoga sutra II.50
4 week course Thursday evenings 5.30pm-6.30pm in April (4, 11, 18, 25) Book here
