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Awareness of the Subtle Breath
You
oga is a science and pranayama is an application of this science. The breathing techniques alone, as a purely mechanical operation, create an appropriate effect on the body, mind and spirit. However, it has been observed that the effect of these techniques can be greatly amplified when they are applied with sensitivity and awareness of their subtle influences, and with a deeper understanding of the relationship between the body, energy and mind. Application of a technique without awareness will produce results; however, the process becomes more efficient with awareness, and the inner knowledge begins to awaken.
By developing the sensitivity of the breath from the gross to the subtle levels, one understands the secrets of the intimate relationships in the cycles of life. Once this knowledge awakens, self-mastery follows. In daily life, most things are mechanical and automatic. One eats, works and plays, experiences anger, jealousy and joy, without awareness of what one is doing or feeling. This lack of awareness is carried over into the yogic sadhana also. Many practitioners perform as many practices as possible in the allotted time, so they can finish in time for breakfast. But what do they accomplish? Where is the awareness?
The following techniques are methods of increasing sensitivity to the subtle levels of the breath, the flows of swara and the pancha pranas. These practices are intended
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