The Vedic system of yoga offers a structured approach to pranayama, involving an eleven-step process.
One cycle of pranayama involves inhalation, retention, and exhalation. From inhalation till exhalation, the eleven-step process is followed in order to elevate the consciousness.
This process is designed to guide your mind through different levels of existence, culminating in a profound meditative state.
In Vedic tradition, this process involves mental chanting of “dheerga Gayatri mantra” which is found in Yajurveda (Taittiriya Aranyaka 10-35-01). This mantra involves:
Seven vyahritis: ओं भूः। ओं भुवः। ओ सुवः। ओं महः। ओं जनः। ओं तपः । ओ सत्यम्॥ (Om bhuh, Om bhavah, Om suvah, Om mahah, Om janah, Om tapah, Om satyam)
Gayatri mantra:
ओं तत्स॑वि॒तुर्वरे॑ण्यं॒
भर्गो दे॒वस्य॑ धीमहि।
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्।
(oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt)
Gayatri shiras mantra:
ओं आपो ज्योती रसोऽमृतं ब्रह्म भूर्भुवस्सुव॒रोम्
(Om apo jyoti raso amrutam brahma bhurbuvassuvarom)
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Mindful Inhalation with Seven vyahritis: As you inhale, your mind consciously moves through seven distinct levels of existence. Each level is associated with a seven vibration or sound, culminating in the mental utterance of seven vyahritis.
2. Mindful Retention with Gayatri Mantra and Gayatri Shiras Mantra: Continuing the journey, your mind elevates to three higher levels of existence, deepening your connection with each one. Each level is associated with contemplation of super-consciousness. Till now a total of ten steps are crossed. If you observe the aforesaid mantras, you will see that you have uttered “om” ten times (seven in vyahritis and three in gayatri). Next step is absolute silence!
3. Mindful Exhalation: As you exhale, your mind dissolves into absolute silence, reinforcing the meditative state. This is the eleventh and final level. With this you have completed eleven levels in one cycle of pranayama.
You may repeat these cycles in alternative nostrils.
Benefits:
1. Calms the mind: Pranayama techniques help regulate the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, which are common obstacles to meditation.
2. Enhances focus and concentration: By consciously controlling your breath, you cultivate mindfulness and presence, essential for deepening your meditation practice.
3. Improves overall health: Pranayama can enhance lung capacity, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep quality, all of which contribute to a more conducive environment for meditation.
In the next eleven articles, we will explain each of these eleven steps and how the consciousness elevates through these eleven levels.
The “Vedic Tribe” is dedicated to sharing this profound knowledge and guiding you through this eleven-step process. By understanding and practicing this technique, you will unlock the full potential of pranayama and experience its transformative effects.
In the next article, the first step “Om bhuh” will be discussed.
All the best.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
