Pranayama as Yajna:
In the previous article, we discussed Swadhyaya Yajna (Yajna of yogic practices) and in this article we will discuss Prana Yajna (Yajna of breath regulation)
Pranayama, the yogic practice of regulation of breath, can also be performed as Yajna. By consciously regulating the breath, we offer our “Prana” and “Apana” as oblation to the divine.
Prana is the dimension of our breath that governs homeostasis and Apana is the dimension responsible for waste-elimination and reproduction.
Lord Krishna says, pranayama should be performed in such a way that Prana is offered as oblation in the fire of Apana and Apana should be offered as oblation in the fire of Prana.
Simple agnihotra:
Pranagnihotra: Agnihotra is an ancient Vedic fire ritual that involves offering specific substances into a sacred fire at precise times, typically sunrise and sunset. Pranagnihotra is one such ritual in Vedic tradition. Pranagnihotra is a unique spiritual practice rooted in ancient Vedic traditions. It involves offering oblations to the inner fire or ‘prana-agni’ at precisely dawn and dusk.
Prana yajna: Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita, gives a simplified essence of both Agnihotra and Pranayama – in the form of Prana Yajna. Unlike agnihotra, Prana Yajna can be performed by everyone, at any time and enjoy the benefit of Vedic wisdom.
How to perform Prana Yajna?
Oblation to almighty: By performing Pranayama, one is fusing “prana” and “apana” to generate spiritual energy. This fusion should be offered as oblation to almighty who is immanent in both Prana and Apana of your body.
Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama: Alternate nostril breathing is the simplest form of Prana Yajna one can perform.
Kapalabhati: Rapid and forceful exhalations involved in Kapalabhati must be learnt from appropriate Guru. This generates a profound radiance in the inner body which can be offered as oblation to the almighty.
Bhramari Pranayama: Humming the breath like a bee creates an esoteric experience and in the silence immediately followed by the pranayama one can observe the sound of “Om” in the head. The esoteric experience can be offered as oblation to the almighty.
There are many more techniques of Pranayama and all of them can be performed like a Yajna.
In Prana Yajna, regulation of breath is elevated to an act of devotion, where each breath becomes an offering to the divine.
Remember:
Attention: Pay close attention to each phase of the breath: inhalation (Puraka), retention (Kumbhaka), and exhalation (Rechaka).
Focus: Be fully present in the moment, observing the sensations of the breath without judgment or distraction. Use the breath to focus the mind on the almighty immanent in all of the cosmos including your own microcosm.
Word of caution:
Consult a Doctor: If you have any underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or respiratory problems, consult with your doctor before starting Pranayama.
Gradual Progression: Start with basic Pranayama techniques and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your practice.
Avoid Overexertion: Don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re a beginner.
Vedic Tribe is happy to have brought you this series covering the eight commoners’ Yajnas explained by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita.
Our intention is to create enough curiosity in you to enable you to study Bhagavad Gita and adopt its teachings in your day-to-day life.
All the best
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
