Working with Vāyus, Prāna and Prānāyāma in Yoga

Abstract

The paper deals with the practical implementation of the terms prāna and vāyu in teaching yoga. Different yoga schools and traditions use various terms such as vāyu, vāta, prāna, pavana, samīrana, anila, māruta, śvasana, prabhañjana while highlighting the importance of the subject of prānāyāma and for describing the related techniques and their effects. The paper gives the different meanings and understanding of terms vāyu, prāna and prānāyāma. The author deals also with the psycho-physiological mechanisms related with the doctrines of vāyu and prāna in relation to prānāyāma.

Keywords

• prāna
• vāyu
• prānāyāma
• self-perception