Pranayama & Meditation
Question
Hello,
In Yoga, strating as a form school, Pranayama or retention of breath precedes concentration, meditation and samadhi.
Are there many type of Pranayama one can practice?
For example the Anapana or watching or counting mentally the breath can be considered pranayama even if there is no forceful retention of breath?
When you practice third eye meditation or visualizations, is it recommended to practice pranayama at the same time?
Answer
1. The elementary kinds of Pranayama-s are performed to purify the system for health. Controlled inhalation, retention & exhalation of breath is ultimately required to succeed in controlling & finally annulling the mind for Samadhi.
2. Pranayama precedes meditation. In meditation, there is only the object or seed of meditation which eventually merges into the subject. No other activity is performed.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)