Light on Yoga - Day 48

Tribute to Guruji and Light on Yoga - Day 48

The last sections of Light on Yoga before the appendix continues with the technique and effects of pranayama and then pranayama.

Ujjayi pranayama is explained first in this section.  Mr. Iyengar writes ud is a prefix and means upward or expanding and conveys the sense of power.  Jaya means conquest, victory, success and Mr. Iyengar writes that also when looked at in another way implies restraint or curbing.  Ujjayi pranayama is the process where the lungs are fully expanded and the chest puffed out like a proud warrior.

A detailed outline of the basic technique is given and the effect of this pranayama is said to aerate the lungs, remove phlegm, give endurance and soothe the nerves.

 



Surya Bhedana Pranayama is explained in the technique and effect section too.

Surya means the sun and Bhedana is explained as meaning to pierce, break or pass through.
Going back to the information on the nadi's - in this pranayama the breath is inhaled through the right nostril, where the prana passes through the pingala or surya nadi.  The breath is exhaled through the left nostril, the path of the Ida nadi.

This slow, steady breath also soothes and invigorates the nerves and cleans the sinuses.

Last in this section is Nadi Sodhana Pranayama.
Nadi as you recall means a tubular organ.  Mr. Iyengar says that this nadi has three layers like an insulated electrical wire.  The innermost layer is the sira, the middle is the damani. 
Sodhana means to purify or cleanse.  In this pranayama the nerves are purified. 
The inhalation begins through the right nostril while the left nostril is closed,  at the top of the inhalation the right nostril is gently closed, the left opened to exhale through the left nostril.  Then inhale through the left and exhale from the right.

The nerves are refreshed, calmed and purified.



It is recommended at the end of a pranayama session to lie in Savasana.

This section gives many more tips, hints and cautions and is important to read and digest.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.BlogSpot.com