Relationship between Mind and Breathing

March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Mind and prana (the core life force that supports life, generally said life here) are closely related. Though we know the presence of both, we canÂ’t identify the exact state or shape of both. According to yoga concepts, respiration (breathing) is the visual indication of prana (life). Thus the relationship between mind and breathing is also the relationship between mind and life.

Yoga compares the relationship between mind and breathing like the relationship between a chariot and charioteer (Ratha-Sarathy). (Concept from the older time, we can conveniently change it to the relationship between a driver and its vehicle). The charioteer moves with the chariot and the charioteer controls the movement of the chariot.

In a similar fashion, mind vibrates when prana (here breathing) vibrates and vice versa. Whenever our mind is calm, our breathing will be steady and normal. Whenever our mind is troubled because of fear/anger or concerned because of sexual desires, it reflects in the breathing pattern. The reverse is also true.

Pattern of breathing will be according to the exact mental state of the person. This led to the development of the core concept of yoga – controlling mind by controlling respiration. Thus to control mind we should first control our respiration.

Pranayama, the fourth anga or organ of yoga deals with the techniques of effectively controlling our mind by controlling our breathing patterns.

Controlled breathing is about attracting and retaining more of the life force or vital force, which we call prana, which is present in the entire universe. When you control your breathing, all the sacs of lungs are fully filled and completely emptied, thereby giving you more room to retain the all important vital life force called prana in your body system.

Practicing respiration control techniques, or life-force controlling techniques or pranayama ensures health and longevity.