Yogasūtra II.49 - tasmin-sati śvāsa-praśvāsayoḥ-gati-vicchedaḥ prāṇāyāmaḥ

Through Āsana practice, we slowly understand how the breath behaves. Breathing patterns vary as a result of our state of mind or bodily changes, which can be caused by both internal and external forces. This knowledge of the breath, gained through Āsana practice, becomes the foundation for Prāṇāyāma.

On its achievement, Prāṇāyāma, conscious and deliberate regulation of the breath, is the cessation of disturbed and unconscious inhalation and exhalation.

Prāṇāyāma is the fourth limb of Aṣṭāṅga-yoga. A reasonable amount of practice of Āsana is needed to commence Prāṇāyāma. This is because working with the body, consciously regulating our breathing according to each movement and position, helps us develop a relationship with the breath.

Secondly, breath is more subtle than the body, and if we are unable to focus without distraction on the body, it will be harder still to focus on the breathing.

Thirdly, we should not be distracted from focusing on the respiration by discomfort in the body.

Finally, the spine is a key factor in breathing, and Āsana will prepare the spine to be strong and supple enough for Prāṇāyāma practice. However, it is important to realise that this is not at all the same as saying that all Āsana-s have to be mastered before beginning Prāṇāyāma.

Excerpt from Truth Unclouded, The Yogasūtra-s of Patañjali by TKV Desikachar with Dr Kausthub Desikachar. If you wish to purchase a copy, please visit https://khyf.net/shop/

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