Pranayam Ek Chintan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Pranayam Ek Chintan" by Mahasati Pushpavati, focusing on the key points presented:

Pranayam: A Contemplation

This essay, "Pranayam: A Contemplation" by Mahasati Pushpavati, delves into the significance of Pranayama (breath control) within the context of both Hatha Yoga and Jain spiritual practices.

Pranayama's Importance in Spiritual Paths:

• Central Role: Pranayama is highlighted as a crucial element in Hatha Yoga and a valuable tool for controlling the body, a necessity in any spiritual path.
• Widespread Recognition: Its importance is acknowledged across various spiritual traditions, with mentions of "Prana-Japa," "Prana-Dharana," "Prana-Rodha," and other related concepts found in Upanishads. The text notes that the Upanishads detail the locations and functions of ten vital breaths (pranas).
• Connection to Kundalini and Higher Experiences: Practices like Prana-Japa are linked to the awakening of Kundalini, leading to spiritual illumination within the "Shatchakra Mandala" and other profound experiences. The author suggests that Patanjali's concept of "Prakasha-Avarana-Kshaya" (removal of obscurities of light) might refer to similar experiences.
• Bridging Philosophy and Practice: The detailed descriptions of the effects of asanas and Pranayama indicate that ancient masters were not just philosophers but also experiential practitioners. The author acknowledges the esoteric nature of these experiences, requiring clarification from modern thinkers and practitioners.

Pranayama and the Body:

• Life Force: Hatha Yoga emphasizes that the body's existence is tied to the continuous flow of Prana.
• Health Benefits: "Yukta" (appropriate) practice of Pranayama leads to freedom from all diseases, while "Ayukta" (inappropriate) practice can cause many illnesses. The concepts of "Yukta" and "Ayukta" practice, along with purification techniques, are deemed essential.
• Mental Calm and Detachment: Pranayama calms the body and leads to a state of mental detachment or "nirashraya." This state of being unattached is suggested as a primary aim of Pranayama.
• Modern Applications: The essay points out that modern physiologists have begun utilizing Pranayama for disease diagnosis and treatment. Hospitals are employing basic Pranayama techniques to stabilize the body and improve blood circulation.

Prerequisites and Guidance for Pranayama:

• Diet and Asanas: Yogis emphasize the importance of appropriate diet and Asanas before starting Pranayama. Achieving stability in Asanas is crucial.
• Shatkarmas: The use of "Shatkarmas" (six purification techniques) is considered beneficial for cleansing the body, as needed.
• Nourishing Diet: A nutritious diet is essential for mastering Asanas.
• The Ambiguity of "Yukta" and "Ayukta": The author notes that the precise meaning of "Yukta" and "Ayukta" is not explicitly explained by yogis or in texts like the Bhagavad Gita.
• Guru's Guidance and Self-Awareness: This ambiguity suggests that ancient masters intended for all yogic practices, including diet, asanas, and Pranayama, to be performed under the guidance of a guru and with complete self-awareness. The author believes there's nothing inherently secret but rather an emphasis on self-discovery through practice, preceded by scriptural knowledge.
• Pranayama as a Step, Not the Goal: Pranayama is presented as a step in the spiritual path, not an end in itself. While necessary for many, it's not universally mandatory. The application and form of Asanas and Pranayama can and should adapt to the practitioner's stage.

Pranayama in Jain Tradition (specifically Acharya Hemachandra):

• Mind Control: Jain Acharya Hemachandra, in his "Yogashastra," considers Pranayama indispensable for conquering the mind, stating that "Pavan-Jaya" (victory over breath) is necessary for this.
• Similarities and Differences: Hemachandra's approach largely aligns with general yogic practices. However, a slight difference is noted in the use of specific seed syllables (bijaksharas) to control the five vital airs (Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, and Vyana).
• Kundalini and Breath: The awakening of Kundalini is also described with the help of these seed syllables.
• Breath Control and Disease: Jain Acharyas connect breath control ("Vayu-Vijaya") to disease liberation.
• Swarashastra (Nasal Breathing Science): Hemachandra's work also includes Swarashastra, discussing the changing flow of breath through the left (Chandra Nadi) and right (Surya Nadi) nostrils based on lunar phases. This is linked to life signs and future predictions, an aspect that the author finds remarkable for its attempt to determine lifespan.
• Interconnectedness of Practices: The text highlights Hemachandra's comprehensive explanation of how Pranayama relates to other bodily processes, indicating a tradition of in-depth study.
• Call for Modern Research: The author concludes by stating that these ancient practices, like many others, await scholarly research in the current era of scientific advancement.

Conclusion:

The essay asserts that Pranayama is intrinsically linked to numerous other subjects, and the distinctions in spiritual paths are less important than the context and purpose. The ultimate responsibility for determining the appropriate "Yukta" and "Ayukta" aspects of diet, asanas, and Pranayama lies with the practitioner, with gurus, scriptures, and traditions serving as guides.