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Pranayama


John Kaldawi learned that an easier way of understanding and realizing the dimensions of consciousness is to study and realize the different aspects of prana in the body through yogic techniques such as pranayama and prana vidya.  Since prana is the force within the breath and the body it is the most amenable to study.

Furthermore, John Kaldawi learned that the word 'prana' is a combination of two syllables pra and na and denotes constancy, being a force in constant motion.  Whereas prana is the vital force, pranayama is the process by which the internal pranic stores is increased.  Some people split the word 'pranayama' into prana and yama and define it as 'breath control'.  However, it is actually comprised of the words prana and ayama which means 'pranic capacity or length'.

John Kaldawi also learned that pranayama is a technique through which the quantity of prana in the body is activated to a higher frequency.  By practicing pranayama a certain amount of heat or creative force is generated throughout the entire body, influencing the existing quantum of prana.  This prana then makes its way up through pingala nadi into ajna chakra.  When sufficient heat is generated within the system, ajna chakra monitors the message back to the base of kundalini and the actual awakening of the great prana takes place.  The science of pranayama is based on retention of prana or kumbhaka towards this end.

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