Unable to do Pranayama
Question
Respected Dhananjay ji,
Thank you very much for showing us the right path of Yoga.
I have been trying to do pranayam for last many years, but every time I'm forced to stop it after 2-3 days. I start feeling feverish and hot all over and my mind becomes very sad, agitated and upset. It is a very unpleasant experience. I have tried all kinds of pranayams but the end result is the same.
As advised by Swami Sivanand in his book "Science of Pranayama" I tried having warm sweetened milk with ghee, but it did not help.
I have read somewhere that pranayam should not be practiced by people suffering from psychological or problems of the nervous system. I have suffered from severe depression and weak nervous system from birth.
Is there any alternative to pranayam that I can practice?
Thanks.
Answer
Apply effort on establishing prowess in Asana (Yogic physical postures) along with the strict practice of the Yama-Niyama-s. These do's and don't's of Yama-Niyama are meant to strengthen the mind, develop an awareness of reality and make the mind ready for the practice of Asana which requires much mental resolve. They are the foundations on which Asana will be established. Upon achieving adeptness in the Yama-Niyama-s, the mind and psyche become ready for the practice of Asana. The practice of Asana strengthens the body and nerves and calms the nervous system. It increases Prana (vital energy) within the system. It destroys many of the toxins which have been the cause of debility and weakness. Asana is the foundation on which Pranayama will be established. Upon achieving proficiency in Asana, the body becomes geared to take the load of Pranayama without trouble. One then becomes successful in Pranayama without doubt.
The practice of Asana must always involve slow, smooth and jerk-free movements. Breathing should be very slow with Puraka (inhalation) while rising up and Rechaka (exhalation) while moving down. Asana-s inovolve Kumbhaka (retention) of breath in their final resting point, either within the lungs (antara kumbhaka) or outside the lungs (bahya kumbhaka) depending on the final point of the Asana. All these should be correctly learnt in person from one who is proficient in the subject and then practiced. These things cannot be described or instructed through the medium of the internet. One should keep the mind calm and practice twice everyday, before Sunrise and at Sunset with regularity. The stomach should neither be loaded nor be empty. A cup of milk or malt can be consumed prior to practice. A life of Brahmacharya should be maintained without fail. There is no Yoga without Brahmacharya and no Brahmacharya without Yoga. Sathwic food free from strong spices and without much chilly should be the staple diet. Practice the following Asana-s in a gradual manner until complete mastery is attained.
1. Paschimothanasana
2. Padahasthasana
3. Halasana
4. Sarvangasana
5. Bakasana
6. Padmasana
7. Dhanurasana
8. Matsyendrasana
9. Shirshasana
Within two years of correct practice, the mind, body and nerves will get strengthened. They will become eligible for the successful practice of Pranayama. Psychological instability gets greatly diminished. One's efforts must be very consistent and sincere. The practice must be carried out with commitment and devotion to God. Pray to God for success in Yoga and Brahmacharya after the end of Asana practice. Genuine and sincere intentions with correct and sustained efforts will lead to success.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)