Question

How many parts of Pranayam is Maharshi Patanjali? *
A​

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Dvandvanbhighata - means pranayama should be practiced only after one becomes unaffected from conflicts (Dvandva), which is achieved by getting mastery over Asanas.

2. Asana - means pranayama to be done always in sitting in Asana and mastery over it not required.

In both meaning one thing is common that, pranayama should be done often adopting an Asana. And pranayama practice will be much effective when mastery over Asana has been achieved.

3. Third meaning of word is that - while being still in asana and when all conflicts are resolved (dvandvanabhighata), respiration itself automatically and spontaneously leads “gativiccheda” the break in regular rhythm of inhalation and exhalation and pranayama happens. As result of effortlessness in asana (prayatna-shaithilya) and merging the awareness in infinity (anant-samapatti) pranayama happens spontaneously.

Swas means Inhalation and Praswas means Exhalation.

Gativiccheda has two meanings. First - any disruption or break in regularly or rhythmic patterns of breathing. Second - total pause or cessation in movement of breathing.

Both meanings are applied in pranayama as retaining breathing (kumbhaka in Hathayoga) and modifications of inhalation and exhalation.

As Hathayogic pranayamas Patanjali doesn’t use the terms like Puraka (inhaling), Rechaka (exhaling) and Kumbhaka (retaining). If word ‘Gati’ means regular rhythmic mode of movement of respiration then word ‘Vicchheda’ means any alterations or bringing change in the regular breathing. So Viccheda doesn’t mean only retention or Kumbhaka alone, but controlled inhalation and exhalation also.

Another difference - Patanjali does not name pranayama as Hathayogic type of pranayamas which are 8 types.

As described by Patanjali, Gativiccheda in swas & praswas is pranayama and that possible modification or Gativiccheda of normal respiration can be of 4 types. The term vritti in Sutra can be applied to 3 of them so full name will be:

1. Bahya Vritti

2. Abhyantara Vritti

3. Stambha Vritti

4. Chaurthah (Sutra 2:51)

Explanation:

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