Duration of Pranayama & waking time
Question
Hi dhananjay,
how are you, want to clear some doubts regarding pranayama.
1.you have suggested in the previous posts i.e. while performing pranayama the person should inhale and hold the breath for 16 seconds and exhale, if the person is not able to hold breath for 16 seconds as mentioned can he reduce the time to say 8 or 12 seconds till he is comfortable or he should practice from 16 seconds, can we practice other pranayams like kapalbhati,brahmri coz i have some ear problem and a yoga guru suggested me to do.
2.In a blog or some site i read that if the person doing yogic sadhna doesn't wake up at 4am he will not attain self realisation and your answer was two hormones which release in brahmi muhurtam help in keeping up brahmacharya and if a person is not able to get that time he should practice at sadhi kalas,so my question is if a person performs yogic sadhana in sandhi kalas and by any problem he is not able to wake up at 4am will he attain self realisation or not and is there a difference between their progress plz help us overcome this problem as some people have different work shifts which are rotational.
Thanking you,
Ganapathi.
Answer
1. If the 16 second duration is found to be difficult due to the ear condition, 8 or 12 second durations can be applied at the start and later increased when one becomes comfortable. Kapalabhati and Bhramari are preliminary Pranayama-s which can be practiced BEFORE performing the regular Pranayama described, if one so desires. However, do not miss the regular Pranayama.
2. If it is not possible to indulge in Yogic practice at Brahmimuhurtham (3.00 A.M~5.30 A.M) due to a late night work shift, one should do so at any two of the other three Sandhi Kâla-s. Ones profesion which is a part of ones destiny is the result of past karma and the will of the Almighty. Hence inability for Brahmimuhurtham practice due to engagement at work will not be an impediment to self-realization if Yogic practices are adhered to during the other two times as mentioned. When ones profession is the will of God, how can his will go against man attaining self-realization? There need be no worry as regards this matter. God wishes each man to come back to him. Each and every soul or Jiva is dear and special to God, whatever be ones profession. He who performs Yogic practices twice a day (during any two Sandhi Kâla-s) with honest Brahmacharya, love and devotion to God is assured of Kaivalya (self-realization) when the time gets ripe. Since the lack of Brahmimuhurtham practice is unavoidable further to presence at work, it will not be an impediment to Mukti (liberation.) When the time is ripe, God will arrange for more suitable work hours. However, early morning practice should on no account be missed due to waking up late fueled by lethargy/laziness.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)