“Pranayama should be performed daily sattwic state of mind, so that the impurities were removed from the Sushumna – nadi , and was cleansing.”

Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

One would immediately begin our discussion with a description of the most powerful, intense breathing practices. But perhaps it should be said is this: in any treatise on yoga emphasizes the importance of not any complicated asanas and pranayama, it not is given indications of the desire to improve the practice of quantitative indicators at all costs. On the contrary, as in this passage from the immortal “Pradipika”, over and over again the wise yogis of the past remind us – reaching them followed suit in the ineffable – “quality over quantity” Sattva expensive Rajasa, the most difficult, the most powerful yoga poses – the most “simple” ( padmasana , Siddhasana , Paschimottanasana , Virasana and Savasana ).

Shatkarmas and Bhastrika-pranayama for a couple with Nadi shodhana divide the palm in the field of breathing techniques (on the effects on the body and prana). But, of course, such sophisticated Pranayama like Ujjayi and Bramari, directly leading to the achievement of Pratyahara (and behind it and Dhyana) – should not be underestimated. Another thing is that by making such technology, we are entering the realm of Raja Yoga meditation. About Bhastrika we have already mentioned in connection with Shatkarmas about Nauli you too can read on our website. So let’s analyze in detail the advanced options Nadi shodhana.

A very important condition for the advanced techniques of pranayama – I would even say crucial – is Sattvic state of mind. The mind must be defeated, comforted, and not ride with thoughts on the idea as “mad monkey”, which was mentioned by many masters. If the mind is immersed in Tamas (inertia), Nadi (pranic flow) are closed, the energy does not flow, the sewage collected. When dominated by Rajas prevails solar energy, the body is strongly heated, sweats, emotions are going wild, it seems – is about to happen or the miracle rise of Kundalini . But the energy flow of the Sushumna is accompanied by complete peace and bliss – a state of Sattva. Achieving this state is possible or meditation (Jnana Yoga), which under force only to a few among modern yogis, or preparing the body for a long comfortable seat (asana), sedation and breathing (pranayama, Nadi Sodhana especially, and to a lesser extent Ujjayi). When both nostrils are equally open and balanced prana, the energy automatically enters the Sushumna, there is meditation. It is in this true meaning of pranayama practice, rather than a set of 150 cycles powerful Bhastrika unconscious or furious, extreme delays (although they, too, can lead to meditation, his hard way)!

Everyone who wants to learn pranayama at an advanced level, is well acquainted with the science of Swar Yoga – Tantric science of brain respiration or breathing meditation. This will give a real depth of breathing practices. Some spontaneously, simply by inflexible daily effort, reaching the level of Prana -type (direct vision of the energy in your body, which helps to learn pranayama). Usually, however, necessary and practice, and theory.

The first thing should learn how to succeed in Pranayama – is to determine the leading (active) nostril: because it flows right or left nostril, the practice of pranayama is undesirable. Sometimes you can change and for the nostrils, setting the average flow (in both nostrils), which is highly desirable for good practice pranayama advanced level and also for meditation. It is worth mentioning here that such a fine detuning will be difficult, if life itself is erratic and not sattvichen unclean. The use of any amount of drugs, alcohol, meat – and Radzhastichesky, self-serving approach to yoga that emerges from these impurities – are incompatible with the extreme practices of pranayama, it is dangerous for the psyche and health. Also, those who would like to in the early time to gain experience of powerful states in pranayama, should learn to keep the sexual energy: a banal abstinence and practice inverted postures ( Viparita-Karani Mudra , Sirshasana , halasana et al.), A Tantric (or Taoist ) methods. Such indications lead many of the classic texts of yoga.

So Nadi shodhana technology for advanced.

Nadi Sodhana has conventionally allocated a plurality of levels (stages) of development. Each step usually takes a month or two at a daily practice, and much more – at irregular. In practice, we are moving (if not the Guru , who suggests and monitors) feels in this and in the other case. We remember that the proportion and the score given to us not to, that would break the light as “accordion at a wedding”, but simply a guide!

1. 
   In the practice of alternating the cleaning of breathing is necessary to achieve a comfortable first length of inhalation and exhalation through 21 (roughly, for the modern man, about 20 seconds). Pose for practice – Padmasana (lotus posture) or Siddhasana (perfect pose) – which is more convenient to hold 15-20 minutes (estimated duration of a full practice Pranayama Nadi Sodhana – 60 breaths).
2. 
   Basic breathing – with the proportion of 1: 1 (no delay), starting with the five accounts. We believe in the mind ” ohm -1 ohm-2, 3-ohm, 4 ohm, ohm-5 …” (or instead of “ohms” optionally substitute the name of his or Flame Ishtadevata) to achieve a comfortable length breaths at 24:24. When it becomes readily available, it goes to the proportion of 1: 2 (exhale twice as long as inspiration), practice until the account in the comfort of 12:24.
3. 
   When it is available, include a delay of breath (Antar Kumbhaka) ratio becomes 1: 1: 1, then 1: 2: 1, then 1: 2: 2. The proportion of 1: 2: 2 is considered the practice of the core layer. We begin with the five accounts, and gradually (comfort !!) lengthen the breath. After 1-2 months of regular practice with this proportion, we must begin to add on 1 account for the length of inspiration, while adding 2 accounts to the length of the delay and expiration. So it is possible to lengthen the breath counting 7:14:14. Then gradually we reach 24:48:48 account.
4. 
   Go to the provisional ratio: 1: 3: 2, and then at a workshop: 1: 4: 2.
5. 
   After a delay, you can turn on an exhalation (Bahir Kumbhaka). We begin with a ratio of 1: 4: 2: 2 (again initially starting the base accounts 5 and continue the sensations or by mentor instructions).
6. 
   Adepts of yoga, leading sattwic lifestyle and eating perfectly correctly, living at this moment in ecologically clean regions, able to advance further. The practice involves bandha : Jalandhar, Mula and Uddiyana: Jalandhar first only with a delay of breath, then Jalandhar delayed exhale, then parallel to Jalandhar done Mula- bandha (first on the inside of the delay, and then on the outside). When this is achieved, we include also Uddiyana bandha (of course, only if the delay on the exhale). It is very useful to have “at hand” Guru (knowledgeable practice), since it is likely that the proportion in the background bandh have to adjust individually.

Common mistakes that allow Nadi shodhana even experienced practitioners:

1) We are not forcing your breath, no voltage should not be. Discomfort in breathing and delays we avoid. Let the proportion of elongated “itself”: you’ll see, in the last month (or two weeks) of daily practice, you will observe a clear progress! It can vary, ie, in one day given the proportion of lighter in the other – more difficult, this is normal and happens to everyone, so do not persist, if today is “something not breathe.” At the slightest discomfort reduce the length of the inhalation, and exit delays, and if it is necessary, and cancel the current practice. Yogi always find that to practice; the real heroes are sometimes cut corners.

2) Breath (if we do not do parallel Ujjayi), completely silent – sitting next person can not hear your breathing. If breathing is a little difficult due to climatic conditions – practice Jala Neti necessary, and sometimes Nasyu (1-2 instillation almond oil droplets into the nasal passages at bedtime). If the problem is that one nostril breathing, and the other as if not – do a few laps Surya Namaskar ).

3) And again – we support Sattvic state of mind! In fact, breath and mind are working here in a bundle: if the mind is restless, an increase in the proportion can be forgotten; and if breathing is not extended, and the mind is not calm down – that’s a paradox. But in practice, problems are solved persistence – a vicious cycle does not exist and breathing gradually slows and calms the mind. Pranayama should not do “on the record”, we are not magicians, and yoga. Ideally, pranayama is practiced in the mode of ” Città Vrittis Nirodha ” – or Unmann Mudra – in a state of no-mind. Do not think about anything in particular, to merge mentally breathing. Do not try speaking to himself, even “take a breath” just breathe. And then all the enticing promises Svatmarama and Patanjali about the effects of practices and Siddha probably will gradually manifest in your real life. Just remember: Yoga does not tell all in a row or on its progress in practice, neither of siddhis (supernormal) that may come and go, “magical” way. After all, we remember: the true goal of pranayama is self-knowledge, and it alone, and this is quite sufficient.