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Yoga and Pranayama have their origin in India and have taken a form of Science, which is considered to be a great legacy of India to the world.
Though its origin is shrouded in antiquity, it was organised in a definite system by Maharshi Patanjali in his treatise “Yoga Darshana” (Philosophy of Yoga) or “Yoga Sutra” (Aphorisms on Yoga) as it is popularly known.
Every science develops its own terminology. So is the case with the science of Yoga.
In the ‘Yoga Darshana’, we often come across words like “Prana”, “Yoga” etc. Therefore, it is necessary to understand their specific meanings.
Let us first understand the meaning of the terms “Yoga” and “Pranayama”, as they are understood in the Science of Yoga.
The dictionary meaning of the world “Yoga” is “to join” or “to combine”, to “to establish unity or proximity with.”
This term has been derived from the Sanskrit root “Yoga” which almost accords with its dictionary meaning quoted above.
But the question then arise is, “with what or with whom to join? With whom unity, proximity or communion to be established.
Answer which the Yogacharyas give is : “To unite with Brahma the ultimate Reality, from which this universe has emerged and in which it will ultimately dissolve.” This reality in popular parlance is addressed and known as “God”.
It is believed that this kind of unity or proximity can be established by concentration of mind, by observing the physical and mental disciplines and doing exercises as professed by those who claim to have been successful in bringing about such unity or proximity by development of certain virtues etc.
Maharshi Patanjali’s ‘Yoga Sutras’ delineate these disciplines and exercises in a very terse language.
These Sutras constitute the formulae for reaching the goal. Having dwelt shortly on the meaning of Yoga, let us now try to understand the meaning of the word “Prana”.
Its simple meaning is Vital air (Vayu), but in the Science of Yoga it is understood as meaning that Vayu, which infuses life, renders animate objects which are lifeless or otherwise inanimate.
In Yogic Parlance, it means breath, i.e. air which we breathe in and breathe out; in short, ‘breath’, without which life is impossible. It is described as ‘Vital force’, which pulsates with regular frequency and rythms in all living beings.
And Pranayama is the technique by which “Parna” can be controlled and regulated, in a manner, which enables as aspirant to establish unity with Ultimate Reality, or reach the state of Samadhi.
Maharshi Patanjali propounds eight fold disciple for those who desire to travel on the path of Yoga.
They include : (1) Five Yamas (2) Five Niyamas (3) Several Asanas (4) Pranayama (5) Pratyahara (6) Dharana (7) Dhyana and (8) Samadhi.
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