WHAT IS THE NEED OF BREATHING SCIENCE?WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ORIGINAL TEXT?BREATHING SCIENCE -0

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BREATHING SCIENCE ;- 04 FACTS;- 1-In any electrical circuit, three specific wires are required for conduction - one positive, one negative and one neutral. Likewise, within the body there are three specific nadis for conducting energy.

2-In yoga we refer to the negative line as ida, the channel of manas shakti or mental force. The positive line is pingala, which channels the dynamic energy of prana shakti. 3- In order to avoid short-circuiting of these lines there is a third channel, sushumna , which functions as an earth wire, being rooted in mooladhara chakra, when it is in its dormant state.

4-But the real purpose of sushumna is to provide a channel for the spiritual energy, which is a greater force than either manas or prana shakti. For this reason the yogis developed particular techniques to activate sushumna.

MODERN SCIENCE & SWAR YOGA:-

14 FACTS;-

1-During the last half of the twentieth century scientists

have been investigating pranic phenomena and finally

they seem to have come up with a feasible explanation.

2-Just as yoga talks about the universal prana which permeates the entire creation, modern scientists

have discovered the same presence of electromagnetic

energy.

3-Investigations show that the atmosphere is charged with electromagnetic energy which is vital to the preservation of life.In yogic texts prana is equated with lightning, thus implying that its properties have some similarity to electrical energy.

4-Prana is also described as being magnetic as it has positive and negative aspects. Therefore, in order to understand the basis of swara yoga, it is useful to discuss a little about the nature of electromagnetic fields.

5-A living magnet Scientific investigations have brought modern science and man closer to yoga. Swara yoga talks of the positive and negative energy currents flowing in the body, and science has proven the existence of these flows, which are furthermore influenced by the ions and the electromagnetic field in the atmosphere .

6-The electromagnetic energy which surrounds the earth makes it appear to be a gigantic magnet, the north pole being positive and the south pole negative. Each pole attracts opposite and repels like electromagnetic particles, thus creating energy circuits around the terrestrial plane.

7-The particular movements of these electromagnetic currents affect the energy balance in every form of life. Furthermore, the cycle of these currents greatly affects our entire being, and the particular nature of the charged particles influences the different mental and physical processes.

8-Swara yoga explains this a little more deeply. Here the body is also considered as a living magnet. The head is the positive pole and the feet are the negative pole. To be more precise, we can say that the energy currents circulate specifically in the region of the spinal column, the base of the spine being the negative pole and the top the positive.

9-This magnetic field creates a constant flow of energies between the two poles in an attempt to equalize the energy circuits. In fact, many people even say that you should not sleep with the head towards the west, because the circulation of energy must flow with the earth's energy field.

10-Though the external influence of energy and prana affects the internal structure, the practices of swara yoga regulate the inner pranic mechanisms, enabling them to function harmoniously irrespective of the outer conditions.

11-Today science is proving this in experiments to control the bioelectromagnetic fields. Science is only now beginning to view the human organism in the light of a living transmitter of energy.

12-The brain and central nervous system in particular have been seen to act as transmitters and receptors of electromagnetic waves, receiving external information and sending internal information back into the cosmos.

13-Just the simple process of the heart beat sends out a wave of 1-3 cycles per second. So you can imagine how much subtle transfer of energy is going on constantly between you and the cosmos.

14-Therefore, it is of great importance to maintain harmony and equilibrium in our inner and outer environment. The sadhaka practises not only for himself but in order to raise the energy throughout the atmosphere. HOW CAN WE INVESTIGATE THE ENERGY FIELD? 07 FACTS;-

1-Investigating the energy field When researchers examined the nature and flow of electromagnetic fields, they found they were made up of positively and negatively charged particles called ions, which are so microscopic they can interpenetrate the earth, air and everything.

2-The positive or negative charge of ions in the body has also been seen to influence specific physical and mental functions . Therefore, if you can control these energies, you can control the body and mind.

3-A predominance of negative ions has been observed to have a stimulating and vitalizing effect on the body, whereas a predominance of positive ions depresses the system .

4- For example, when people are exposed to an excess of positive ions, they become lethargic and if there is constant stimulus, then irritation, headaches and respiratory defects can also develop.

5-When negative ions are again increased, the whole system is revitalized and reactivated . It has been found that ionic charges are essential to the atmosphere and to life. If they are absent, not one creature will survive.

6-The presence of positive and negative ions in the system ultimately affects the entire body mechanism. They influence the nervous system, rate of respiration, digestion and regulation of the endocrine system ,which in turn influences the way we think and respond to certain situations in life.

7-Therefore, the absorption of positive and negative ions in the air we breathe is an important function of the respiratory system. So swara yoga regards breathing as an electrifying experience.

WHAT IS THE NEED OF BREATHING SCIENCE IN THIS ERA?- 13 FACTS;-

1-In search of negative ions and prana ;When you leave the city and all its industrial complexes and go to a hill station, forest, seaside or river, you always feel invigorated. This is due to the natural abundance of negative ions that cluster in the atmosphere of such regions.

2-When we say 'breath of fresh air', what we really mean is breath of negative ions. Fresh air in the city may contain an abundance of positive ions, so even a breath of fresh air there won't make you feel refreshed.

3-Modern technology is recklessly destroying the natural balance of ions in the atmosphere, especially in more populated areas.

4-Deficiency of negative ions is a major contributing factor to the rise of physical and mental depression people are suffering today. When the mind and body are depressed, how can you expect to live or think correctly? 5-Therefore, in swara yoga or any yoga the sadhaka is advised to breathe pure air and live in a simple environment in order to come closer to the Self. 6-The negative force of ida, the positive force of pingala and the neutral force of sushumna are present in

all forms of creation. These three aspects of energy, in different proportions, enable nature to produce diverse manifestations and the quantum of energy determines the particular characteristics of that form. 7- In swara yoga we begin to see the positive, negative and neutral aspects of the three nadis. 8- The tantric concept of Shiva/Shakti, the twin forces existing within each individual, can be seen in the structure of the brain and pranic body in terms of ida and pingala.It certainly substantiates the idea of a person having two minds, one positive and the other negative, and even the theory that there is a male and female side in everyone. 9-We have seen how the body is divided into two definite divisions or zones according to the flow of energy and magnetic pull of positive and negative forces. 10 -However,there is a third aspect yet to be mentioned. In the central axis where the two adjoining sides meet,the positive and negative energies become equalized and create a neutral energy field running straight up and down through the centre. In yoga this important pathway is called sushumna nadi. 11-Sushumna emerges from the base of the spine, the sameas ida and pingala, but without diverging right or left, it travels directly up through the centre, piercing the main chakras and plexuses along the route. Sushumna unites with ida and pingala at ajna chakra in the region of the medulla oblongata. 12-Thus it is considered to correspond with the central or cerebrospinal nervous system (CNS). The CNS carries impulses to the whole system. It is one main system, running from the base of the spine to the brain, and sushumna is also located in the same position. 13-At man's present stage of evolution sushumna lies dormant. We know that it has tremendous potential, but unless we can apply some particular method to activate it, at the rate we are evolving it will take thousands of years. Therefore, through the manipulation of the swara ;yogis devised the means of awakening sushumna. HOW TO KNOW THREE NADIS? 20 FACTS;- 1-Three nadis are of particular interest to yogis. The sushumna (most gracious) nadi is the body's great river, running from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, passing through each of the seven chakras in its course. It is the channel through which kundalini shakti (the latent serpent power) —and the higher spiritual consciousness it can fuel—rises up from its origin at the muladhara (root) chakra to its true home at the sahasrara (thousandfold) chakra at the crown of the head. 2-In subtle body terms, the sushumna nadi is the path to enlightenment.The ida (comfort) and pingala (tawny) nadis spiral around the sushumna nadi like the double helix of our DNA, crossing each other at every chakra. If you visualize the caduceus, the symbol of modern medicine, you'll get a rough idea of the relationships among the ida, pingala, and sushumna nadis. 3-Eventually, all three meet at the ajna (command) chakra, midway between the eyebrows.The ida nadi begins and ends on the left side of sushumna. Ida is regarded as the lunar nadi, cool and nurturing by nature, and is said to control all mental processes and the more feminine aspects of our personality. 4-The color white is used to represent the subtle vibrational quality of ida. Pingala, the solar nadi, begins and ends to the right of sushumna. It is warm and stimulating by nature, controls all vital somatic processes, and oversees the more masculine aspects of our personality. 5-The vibrational quality of pingala is represented by the color red.The interaction between ida and pingala corresponds to the internal dance between intuition and rationality, consciousness and vital power, and the right and left brain hemispheres. 6-In everyday life, one of these nadis is always dominant. Although this dominance alternates throughout the day, one nadi tends to be ascendant more often and for longer periods than the other. This results in personality, behavior, and health issues that can be called ida-like or pingala-like. 7-Ida-like individuals have lunar, or nurturing, qualities but may lack the verve(vigour and spirit or enthusiasm) to sustain a strong yoga practice. They are full of potential, but unless they develop their pingala side may never manifest that potential in either worldly affairs or spiritual development. 8-Pingala-like individuals have solar qualities: type A personalities, lots of creativity, abundant vitality. But unless they develop their ida side, they may lack the quietude, introspection, and receptivity necessary to yield to the grace of spiritual awakening. 9-The Cyclic Breath In Swara Yoga, breath alternates cyclically from one nostril to the other approximately every 90 minutes and this can be readily verified by personal observation. There is a period of 3 or 4 minutes in each 90 minute cycle when the breath crosses over from one side to the other. In this short period, both nostrils flow equally, and this is the period traditionally advocated for successful spontaneous Meditation. 10--The Effects of Yogic Breathing During inhalation, the flow of air in each nostril stimulates specific unilateral autonomic nerve centres lying within and beneath the mucus membranes. These specific stimuli subsequently influence the autonomic processes of respiration, circulation, digestion and so on. 11-Comparison of a few people's swara rhythms showed that at sunrise the swaras usually coincided, but as the day progressed the active periods of each nadi began to vary. Possibly this is due to different kinds of work, involvement with different types of people, different metabolism and biorhythmic cycles. By evening, however, the cycles usually began to synchronize again. 12- It was generally found that pingala flows from 10- 10.30 a.m. This is the specified time for taking lunch because the digestive power reaches a peak. 13- At twelve o'clock midday the flow of sushumna is generally more common. By 12.30 ida often comes into operation and there is a noticeable lull of energy, externally and internally. 14-Naturually the flow of Prana in Pingala Nadi predominates during the day, while Ida predominates at night. But those who purify the network of Nadis through Yoga induce Ida to flow during the day and Pingala at night.However, the natural cyclical rhythm cannot be easily broken. 15-The five Tattwas (elements) have to be first realised, and then purified. In Kundalini Yoga, each element is associated with a Chakra or psychic centre, and these centres must be awakened. Everyone can become aware of the state of his breath in relation to his various daily activities, states of mind and feelings, no matter how busy he is. 16- In Swara Yoga, this sadhana alone can lead directly to sushumna awakening and entry into dhyana.Secondly, the health and optimal function of the body and mind is enhanced via the powerful autonomic nervous influence of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama . 17-Swara Yoga is one of the most effective way to develop continuity of consciousness in both the gross and subtle planes and to acquire homogeneous awareness throughout the waking, sleeping and dreaming states. 18-It is a path which leads to Dhyana in the Because nadis—like the chakras (psychoenergetic power centers), prana, and other aspects of the subtle body—don't show up under microscopes, medical science has relegated them to the realm of the merely metaphorical. 19-But traditional yogis believe that the subtle body is real, and that understanding it and working with it complement and counterbalance the emphasis on gross physical anatomy that predominates our current yoga culture..

20-By concentrating on the two dualistic

energy forces, and eliminating all of the

accumulated impurities within the

energy pathways of the physical, mental and psychic

bodies,the third most powerful force can be generated. That is the spiritual energy which awakens

the higher faculties in the brain and consciousness.

.....SHIVOHAM...