Prana Bramana Flow in Asanas.
Asana is action involving multi-dimensional movements in the body including vertical, horizontal, and circumferential. There is an energy formed in asanas that varies quantitatively and qualitatively and which moves in particular patterns creating different sensations in the body and mind. This pranic flow continuously distributes and assimilates with every part of the body, including the mind, which strengthens a neuromuscular connection and improves metabolism by increasing circulation and balancing hormonal functioning. As the energy in the mind becomes more refined, it is then sent back to the body further increasing the action and distribution in the pose. When the flow of energy reaches the physical and physiological sheaths, it will naturally and spontaneously extract a necessary amount of energy to maintain the normal functioning of the body. When a practitioner consciously directs the energy flow evenly to every part of the body, energy is also voluntarily released with a tremendous impact and influence in particular areas of the body. This voluntary discharge of the energy allows the organs and muscules to become healthy and strong with endurance and flexibility. Moreover, the energy (prana) increases sensitivity and creates a strong communication between the body and the mind. This cyclic pranic flow facilitates coordination and integration between the pranic sheath and the body and mind. The total energy obtained by conscious breathing and moving the inhaled prana (under the direction of the mind) to different areas of the body, builds a strong electro-magnetic field. This field causes the mind to develop sensitivity and awareness in order to internally scan the body and assess not only the functioning quality and health of the organs but also what the organ(s) needs to attain health. These higher states of awareness and intuition, developed by the cyclic flow of prana practice, assists the practitioner to voluntarily direct the prana to imbalanced parts of the body and the mind so healing can take place.
The practice of asana means: developing stability (Sthiratha), tenderness (Soumyatha), astheticism (Sundaratha), a feeling of totality (Sampurnatha); and directing each asana towards inner divinity through constant observation, austerity, sincerity and intensity with complete involvement of body, mind and the breath. When each asana is practiced with total awareness, then energy is restrained and refined (Dharana) and this ability of controlling the energy within the body, helps the body to assimilate the energy (Prana) with continuity (Dhyana). The practitioner can then experience the unity of the body with the mind and can communicate naturally with the soul and cosmic energy (Samadhi). When there is integrity within, cosmic energy is then able to enter the body from all sides and thereby unite inner energy with the cosmic energy. The body, mind, and spirit will identify and unite with each cell that naturally pulsates with the universal vibration.
Asana practice is an instrument to understand how the elemental force and influence is acting upon the body. Every element is tested in each pose and the specific pose is a defining factor in influencing the elements. The aim of asana practice is to connect the gravity of the earth and its relative influence on the skeletal structure through working with awareness in each joint. Precise alignment coordinates and creates uniformity with the internal and the outer gravity, bringing stability and ease in the pose. Directing the flow of blood to each part of the body, nourishes the whole body and facilitates the element water.
Finding the rythym and quality, controlling the speed and force, and directing the breath to every part facilitates the elements of fire and air. Experiencing a sense of comfort and freedom in thinking and feeling while maintaining the intensity and integrity of the body, mind and spirit, is understanding the element ether.
Asana practice is a building block to construct a strong, healthy body and sound mind. Breath (Prana) is the primary and fundamental force that stimulates, activates, and balances metabolic functioning. Breath is the essential and primary source of all mind/body functioning. When breath is constantly observed by the mind, then the mind naturally gets controlled and becomes prepared for self-evaluation and transformation. The body, mind, and spirit are inseparable and are manifested by the same energy; however, the varied properties of the energy make them function differently. Developing awareness and understanding the truth, that energy is the source for the manifestation of all three entities and uniting them through the medium of the breath (Prana), leads the practitioner to embody their natural state of peace, serenity, and harmony.
Energy (Prana) flows circularly throughout the entire universe, and similarly within our bodies. The energy flows during the process of circulation, respiration, digestion, reproduction, elimination, and within states of thought, feeling and experiencing. This energy flow refines the cause and effect cycle of human life. Thereby one has more control over future actions and over developing contentment. Even in the smallest particle of an atom, there is a circular flow of energy. In this circular flow there is a natural selection and environmental balance that maintains the equalibrium within the entire world. Developing an understanding of this circular flow of energy within the body, by the practice of asanas, is a way to understand the environment, external to the body, and it's cosmic connection with the body and the mind. The practice of each asana is used as a building block to connect these two energies, both the inner and outer, to experience the state of oneness.
The practice of asanas is a medium to purify the body and mind by eliminating toxins. When these toxins are reduced, then abundant energy is available to be used to attain an intensive practice. Prana Bramana Yoga is a way to create and understand internal resources available to the practitioner and how to use these resources by improving the understanding of how breath builds strength and vitality and to heal when needed.
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