Mental calmness by breathing exercises

Pathanjali Yoga Sutras: Samadhi pada

Sutra 34: 'Prachchardhan - vidharanabhyaam vaa pranaasyah'

The mind may also be calmed by expulsion and retention of the breath.

Explanation:

The word used here by Pathanjali is Prana. Prana actually means energy - the vital energy which we draw into ourselves from the surrounding universe. Since this energy is obtained primarily by breathing, we may translate prana as 'breath' in this particular context.

Later on, we shall learn more about the system of breathing exercises to which Pathanjali refers. It is known as Pranayama. But, without going into details, it is necessary to make two general observations here.

First, we must note that Pathanjali sees control of the mind as a psychological problem. In this he agrees with modern scientific thought. Studies of breathing have shown that the method of respiration affects the whole organism. Calmness can actually be induced by deep steady inhalations and exhalations. Mental disturbances and despondency are accompanied ( as Pathanjali notes in sutra 31 of this chapter) by irregular breathing; rapid, shallow and uncontrolled.

Secondly, it must never be forgotten that Pranayama is merely a physical means to a spiritual end. Many uninformed people imagine that yoga is nothing but a system of breathing exercises and complicated postures -- "holding your breath and standing on your head". When they speak of "yoga" they really mean Hatha yoga, which is the correct name for this system of exercises, as originally practiced in ancient India. Hatha yoga was designed to prepare the aspirant for spiritual experience by perfecting his body; but it has been condemned by spiritual teachers because it tends, in practice, to concentrate the mind upon the body itself. In the West, it is to be found in a completely degenerated form, as a cult of physical beauty and prolonged youth. As such it may be effective, certainly, but also dangerous. Overindulgence in breathing exercises, just for the sake of agreeable "Oxygen-jag" which they produce, may lead to hallucinations and possibly, insanity. And even at best, an excessive preoccupation with our physical appearance and well-being is obviously a distraction, causing us to forget, in silly vanity, our proper purpose.

--Swami Prabhavanada.