Prana, apana and the vayus (breath as life)

Sh: In your body there is the abode of prana. Prana continues, it is immortal also. ‘Prana’ is the name of the soul and spirit also. It keeps on collecting all the experience which you go through life and in many many lives.

Prana is spirit. Also it is one of the names of Shiva. So when you are practicing pranayama so many things are connected with that. Your life force, Shiva himself as a Guru , all your past experience, memory – everything. You are actually regulating them as well as regulating your breathe. That is supposed to be a gross carrier of prana and that carries the memories of your karmas with all the experiences which you went through.

Q: So if prana is a record of all the experiences, when the person passes away it goes away with him.

Sh: But it is immortal. It is recorded in the breath also. Do you know the phenomena of Caesar’s breathe? Some of the Physics books say that. At the moment Brutus stabbed Julius Caesar, he said: “And you too, Brutus” – and breathed for the last time. The last breathe contained so many air molecules that all the years they envelope the whole earth and now when everybody is taking a breathe one molecule of Caesar’s breathe is going in and going out. And all the molecules retain some sort of memory and energy and the vibration of that particular person. That is in India where Avatars have done their major work: you see, when Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill , he must have breathed a little bit heavily. So we are living here and a lot of air molecules which Krishna himself breathed are going in and out. So air molecules, water – all these are carriers of prana. All the five elements – mind it – contain the memory also. Your particular memory is in your prana which is replicated in the breathe. As long as there is life, you will have all the record available at your command. And life is eternal, it continues even if the body is no longer there.

Q: And if there is no body still karma is recording.

Sh: Of course. The body is just a carrier, no more than that. And also in India we talk about the air body, the Vayu Shareer. How is it developed? The more you practice pranayama, the more retention of breath you will master in many certain ways. So air will become condensed and concentrated in the shape of your body. That’s why the finishing of ‘Nadi’ is so important so the air, the breath will reach every corner of your body and so a perfect air body will form.

You will be able to enter any body also after leaving your body through the breath. It is everywhere and it is individual like that. So Hridaya or the heart is a very complicated term. You simply cannot imagine: this is my heart. It is the heart and it is the carrier of your prana also. When yogis go to samadhi , their heart stops, their breath stops, everything stops but even then their Hridaya remains alert. The heart will always remain in you, even without your physical body.

Q: So the center of the prana goes into the brain with the practice of yoga .

Sh: Yes, when sushumna is opened then your brain will wake up and will be your heart also.

Q: Is it so that the air body can be used as a matrix to assign molecules of the physical world to build a new body?

Sh: Why not? If somebody needs that they can do that. Always remember the air body is much more powerful than the physical body. If it has been formed by the continuous practice of yoga, it can do any miracles. Air is everywhere all over. And air means not only oxygen, every gas is a part of air.

During our short life we are able to regulate our breathe to a little or a certain extent only. But even that much is enough to realize so many things with that. It is the basis of our knowledge. No breathe – no life, our very life depends on that.

When three elements: the earth element, the water element and the fire drop up, only air and the ether remain. It is like a super body, you can be anywhere simultaneously.

Q: But karma must also be absorbed and accumulated with that body.

Sh: What you are practicing is an art which will take you beyond every result of your karmas . It is such a strong karma itself that all the ways of karma will be washed away with that. As long as the tongue is in khechari mudra position, no karma will touch you. That’s why higher practices are given only after khechari mudra when you are beyond your karma. If you remain under the influence of your karma no matter what you practice, it will always remain incomplete and very high sidely experience or physical experience which evade you, they will never be there. You have already gone beyond your karmas from yogic point of view.

* * *

DUALITY AND NON-DUALITY

Duality is very hypothetical thing; in Gorakhbodh you’ll find exactly, what is duality and what is non-duality. I’ve give the very different understanding of this topic. And maybe first time it is written like this; usually people are just try to put philosophy on it.

in Gorakhbodh it’s not philosophy?

Guruji: they are sound philosophical – but they are very practical yogic things. We also need to remember, that two immortals yogi are talking.

apana is triggering us to do inhale?

Guruji: nobody knows, why we’re inhaling – whether it’s instinct or it’s the powerful force which we called apana, makes us to inhale. Prana is always running out.

but it’s not the inhale itself?

Guruji: no, we’re inhaling air, and it’s another thing. But why we’re doing it – that is the question. Apana is the cause to do inhale.

but in commentary to 34th shloka it’s vice versa?

Guruji: by yoga practice you need to change this. Simple thing – that’s how immortals breathe. We’re inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. When you reverse it – you will start to inhale carbon dioxide and release oxygen, and your body will become like a diamond – pure form of carbon.

that means in diamond body prana is holding apana?

Guruji: yes. Only then it will become immortal. Shiva is holding Shakti, finally. It’s very simple: when a girl is running after a boy – he is running away. When a boy is after a girl – it’s fine.

here You’re talking about origin or source: what is it?

Guruji: you see, prana and apana is not originating inside us. We need to find their real origin also. Origin of prana and apana – from where they are and how.

they have different origin than spirits?

Guruji: that’s you have to find out.

prana, apana and nada: they have different origins?

Guruji: nada is the property of the Void. One origin will be very much simplification of things.

for what purpose in the yogic diamond body prana must holding apana?

Guruji: that is the only way to become immortal.

prana couldn’t be without apana?

Guruji: no. they will be together forever. “Gorakhbodh” was waiting for 15 centuries – and finally some comments come. actually prana and apana are just words – until we begin to understand them.

You said, that prana and apana became Kundalini?

Guruji: together. It is essential power of the earth element. I written about it in Gorakhbodh. Muladhar chakra – everybody knows, and it represents the earth element. That means Shakti is sleeping in earth element. When it is awakening – it means it is connecting earth with 4 elements also; then only all other elements will linked up. This is the first time such type of explanation is given; people are too much into philosophy.

when Kundalini is rising, activating – prana and apana is just in it, they are not to inhale or exhale?

Guruji: it’s simple – they are not connected with the source of energy, they are sort of let’s say independent; all five element will remain linked up together. Then you’re ready to form another union with the Mother.

but how breath comes again after that? It must come again or not?

Guruji: it’s your choice – kevala state is described. When you talk – you need some breathe. Some air to blow the horn. But you don’t need to breathe after that.

but You write in commentary on Gita…

Guruji: when I wrote that commentaries on Gita 25 years before my mind was not ready to tackle Gorakhbodh. First I wrote Gita, then Yoga Sutras, then Shiva Sutras. It was sort of warming up process. Hatha Yoga Pradipika also. Now I can’t believe that I said these things.

So what is duality and non-duality?

For me it’s very simple: your brain is in duality – conscious and subconscious. When your consciousness will develop to the level when subconscious will not remain subconscious – then you will be in the state of non-duality. No conscious, no subconscious – that is the real non-duality. After developing conscious will become one in non-duality. But even to understand this statement you must have some developed consciousness( laughing)

Even before modern psychology came into be they have discussing about chetan and achetan – conscious and subconscious, thousands of years before. Yogis were knowing something. This is modern psychological discovering – but Matsyendranath was talking about it centuries before. This work is very ancient. Very simple question: what is I and who is He? And he is answering: consciousness is I and subconsciousness is He. When they will be together – it will be non-duality. So famous statements: I am that, I am He: ok, I’m 2% I , but 98% is He; in fact it is also me. They discussed conscious mind and subconscious mind thousands years before; - who were able to understood that? Now it’s modern education, everybody knows about it.

VAYU AND AGNI

Ayurveda says that all diseases begins from vayu disbalance?

Guruji: and from digestive fire. Usually it begins from digestive fire – and that unbalances the vayus. Fire is the direct effect of the vayu. Jathara agni is an expression of fire element in the body. Ayurveda is not discussing immortality – but they discussing living very long. But Hatha Yoga Pradipika said that very long lived attains immortality slowly. Maybe Yoga must around with Ayurveda.

can we balance the agni by vayu?

Guruji: I will give you the very simple example – we were talking about nauli. Without involvement of the vayu nauli is impossible. It’s another form of pranayama, which is done without realizing - that is form of pranayama. Every mudra without vayu is impossible. Vayu is involved in everything, whatever we do.

but in the beginning we’re learning to do it without breath?

Guruji: even then you have to use some muscle control and the breath will be involved there. You will need to create a vacuum to bring out those things – so air is involved already. Even if you’re doing bench press – vayu is involved. First purpose of saying that was – we need to understand that it is not that you’re sitting and doing some prototype breathing exercises, thinking “I’m doing pranayama” – only in that vayu is involved. Vayu is involved in every action you’re doing with your physical body .

if some diseases are recorded in DNA, and pranayama could change the DNA – could we overcome them?

Guruji: when the yogi is extremely advanced – then it may be possible. It will be side effect.

agni must be controlled and balanced?

Guruji: let’s say – make it your friend . Trying to control everything will lead to problems.

that’s why navel is so important in all technics?

Guruji: because of navel your body was formed. It will remain important. It connect with agni directly…

again Gorakhbodh, comment to shloka 61: the breathing of life is drinking during pranayama with khechari mudra?

Guruji: yes. That will come from your breath. Amrita will come from your breath. And take the breathe is like amrita to us, so that’s why yogi said: as long as air is inside you – you’re alive; because air is giving you life. If you’re able to retain it inside indefinitely – it will work like amrita, you will live forever. It’s a direct connection.

PRANA IS SHIVA

we discussed so many times that prana is the Time?

Guruji: look at the Sanskrit dictionary: Prana is one of the names of Shiva, and only Shiva is worshipped as Time.

so could we say that prana is the embodiment of Time?

Guruji: maybe the Time itself.

the notion of liana: you’re entering the house of the 108 lianas – what it could be?

Guruji: this is the house with 108 doors: maybe it’s the door to the different dimension. A door is a very mysterious thing.

it’s not connected with nadis?

Guruji: you can connect it; and it may be connected with your breath also: in 12 hours – 108.

chitta is above the sun and jiva is above the moon?

Guruji: moon is mind and also prana and apana both – you can connect them. Sun is apana, and existence of chitta depends on apana. Apana is the basis of life; it is the nature of prana to move out of the body: thanks to the apana – it continues to pull it back. Chitta depends on a breathe – so apana is responsible for the chitta. And chitta also means spirit. Because atma is body – chitta also could mean the body.

it’s not consciousness?

Guruji: body IS consciousness. Body is a solid expression of consciousness.

Shakti is within and Shiva is without. Time is in space and causing ages?

Guruji: Shakti is apana and prana is Shiva. Only as long as apana is living inside – Shiva continues to visit it. Or it keep pulling Shiva inside – that creates life. Only prana goes out, apana always remain inside. The day apana leaves the body – that is death. Apana stop catching prana, prana will go and apana will also go with it. It is all affair between apana and prana, love between them and life is just a play for them. You can also say that apana represents your body. These are words which are easily said, but their meanings takes very long time to understand. If Bhushundi can become immortal simply by knowing essentially – just imagine the power of them. He knew it essentially. And some goddess gave him upadesh – in Yoga Vasishtha it is written in detail.

vital breath wants food. Food is consumed by fire. Vital breath is awake during awakening, sleep and deep sleep?

Guruji: well, it’s a very deep thing, that only fire – whatever you burn in fire, turn into gases form. So breath is also depending on fire somehow. To continue to this engine you need food, which fire consumes and turn into breath or gases and you are able to breathe.

the middle Shakti is in the navel, and the Shakti above is without description?

Guruji: inside your skull. And also inside your hridaya – that Shakti is beyond description. Let’s look at it from the Kriya yoga angle: throat is very important, navel is extremely important and muladhara is extremely important. Every technic directly connected with this. No system is near Kriya yoga. It’s most mysterious thing.

description of upapranas: naga moves upward, kurma is situated in tirthas?

Guruji: eyes are considered as the greatest of tirthas, it lives in eyes and their protectors – eyelashes.

dhananjaya is the only prana, which leaves after death?

Guruji: yes, that’s true. Because the skull is remain: that’s why it’s very important to crush it while cremation. Because dhananjaya vayu doesn’t leave the body even after death; that means, if you’re able dhananjaya vayu permit your whole body, bring it down from the skull, - you will not die. The vayu will remain in your body all the time. That’s why everything is connected to bring down the dhananjaya vayu.

it must be some technic to control dhananjaya vayu?

Guruji: from the hridaya granthi bhed everything is connected with dhananjaya vayu. It’s a combination of technics, which is bring it down. They connect dhananjaya vayu with all other vayus inside the body. That is the main property of dhananjaya vayu: it remains.

but for normal person it’s just circulated inside the skull?

Guruji: It remains stationally, it’s not circulated. Remember, the conversation in Gita is between Dhananjaya and Krishna. Maybe only after stimulating dhananjaya Vasudeva will talk with you.

krikara is connected with crying?

Guruji: crying is stimulated very different movements inside the whole body.

tears are coming?

Guruji: if you laugh too much – tears will also come. But the crying has different action in the body.

In local slang breath is also called dam. Strength is also called dam. They are almost the same. All strength depends on your breath. Anyone smoking a chillum is called dam.

Here it is translated like vital breath; is it the same?

Guruji: Not exactly the same – but more or less same.

Some sort of weaknesses are able to be developed to the will power of that level – if it was there in the essential form, like a seed. Without will power what can you do?

I SAID – BELIEVE IN A FAIRY TALE!

Vital breath is air breathing?

Guruji: The air is amrat; as long as you’re breathing – you’re alive. A- mrat, un-dead: the moment your breath stops you’re dead, mrat. The point is to keep breathing.

What is the meaning of the word samaras?

Guruji: Samaras means equilibrium: everything is equal – in equilibrium and harmony. Maybe that is moksha – the liberation.

How should you feel if a mantra is inimical to you?

Guruji: Well, you will get an instant feeling – if it’s not suitable to you. You will be irritated, some bad mood will come, you will become angry without any reason – almost all the signs you will know. By dreams, nightmares, slipping in the bathroom (smiling).

THE HIDDEN POSSIBILITIES OF YOGIN

I think blinking and contraction go together – from your breath. Contraction means parasympathetic things (of the pupil). Nadi means 24 minutes. Kurma nadi concerns this. It’s the most simple thing to blame it on any channel. “Nadyia” means 24 minutes – I’ve done it in commentaries.

Can we apply it to all upapranas?

Guruji: Only nadi is connected with kurma vayu – that’s why it’s stressed in Yoga Sutras, nowhere else.

Interesting how they discovered that connection between blinking and so high of a state?

Guruji: They were much wiser than us.

You wrote in Your commentary that by taking samana vayu under control a yogi can burn his own body after death?

Guruji: Actually it is written: after ruling the saman you can burn. While alive – burning doesn’t mean anything; you just fix the program and do it. That is the ultimate cremation.

So it's like a case of emergency for a yogi?

Guruji: Not emergency – it’s a well-planned, well thought of thing.

But it can be done both – dead or alive?

Guruji: Anytime, yes.

“Yogin knows all the possibilities” – what does it mean?

Guruji: Whatever possibilities you have inside you – you will know that. That is a part of your self-knowledge. Not self-knowledge, not the time, not body- I’m the spirit; whatever possibilities the body is carrying -possibilities of possibilities of possibilities. It’s a long way. We already have it: we just need to discover all the possibilities. That’s the main point.

Who tries to discover possibilities? Only a person who is able to think – or become a disciple of Shailendra Sharma. Most religious teachings are to close down your possibilities and surrender yourself to the god. That means you will never do anything except kill people in the name of god.

Simplest possibility…

Guruji: That is the only possibility.

yogis calculated the quantity of breath cycles of the humans – and it is 21600 during life time; if we take 60 years – it’s about 7,5 breath cycles in a minute. During practice of Kriya we’re trying to reduce it : so if we could breathe only 1,5 breath in a minute – could we live up to 300 years?

Guruji: more than that! Recently one big turtle died in Kolkatta zoo: he was 300 years plus. Breathing only 4 times in 1 minute.

could the normal person decrease his breath rate without yoga practice?

Guruji: if he is able to do that – that means he is not normal. He is doing something mysterious, maybe rasayana or something.

maybe just by will power – that I will breath slowly?

Guruji: no, this thought will not even enter his brain. We’re aware of the breath only 2 times: when the first breath is there and when the last breath is there – otherwise who cares for breathing? Here I will quote James Bond – from the book: Yan Fleming quoted the Japanese poet, Baku: you only live twice, you only live twice- once when you’re born and when you look death in the face. You’re extremely aware of life in only these two moments. And I like these poems – so I still remember it. Even though I may read it 50 years before.

SIGN OF THE MOTHER

how much samadhis person must experience till his Kundalini rise?

Guruji: depends on person to person

but it exist some minimal qualification number?

Guruji: no

but he must be the master of samadhi?

Guruji: of course. Otherwise his brain will burst when Kundalini reach it. I think the body quality changes with so many samadhis. The cellular energy is different: when Ilya Khanykov brought that test: dead person has 2000 – my started near 4300 then settle down near 3000; it maybe the effect of samadhi, when body’s qualities are different – which otherwise impossible to look and see. At least sophisticated machine is giving us some information. I think my cellular energy must be different.

it’s so little research because very limited quantity of people can do that?

Guruji: what research can do? This result cannot be duplicated by some medicine or chemicals. Many scientists researched on Arnold Schwarzenegger – but they didn’t look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is something different.

how it is connected: Kundalini will rise only when you reach the safety level when you can tolerate it – or no?

Guruji: in Kriya yoga only then. at least it must be thousands of samadhis . Awakening of Kundalini is the final certificate of becoming immortal. As we have seen in different books: the person, whose Kundalini is awaken, becomes immortal. Earth element’s power in the greatest form. It is connected with the Earth herself: and of the Mother is started to take care of you – who can harm you?

You see in Gorakhbodh: Mother Earth and who is her husband – vayu mandala, the Air: so if Earth element is awaken – Air will never leave you. It is from Gorakhbodh .

in the root of brahma danda of Madhya nadi, in the center of…

Guruji: it means in between of exhalation and inhalation

…lives that, who has an auspicious aspect: bhaga kara?

Guruji: bhaga means “looks like a yoni” . in between the Shakti – bhaga is the symbol of Shakti. Shakti is inside us. Now you will come to the Nabhi Kriya: I’ve told you – the power of the Mother is sleeping behind the navel; this is where the samana vayu – inhalation and exhalation is the center of it. So these are indicated towards nabhi. Sign of Mother is bhaga.

When we talked about it – people start to think about sex; but they are called generative organs – not only sexual organs, which can create the new life: they carry a great mystery with them. The power of Mother is sleeping behind your navel, bank naal; so they are telling exact things.

You feel the consciousness of that living beings?

Guruji: yes

and could it affect the consciousness of the owner of the body?

Guruji: they are affecting

You know the form inside, which is subtle than virus?

Guruji: form of your consciousness is far more subtle than virus. And that mysterious force: for name them we give Prana and Apana – they are so subtle. You feel them, You’re intensely aware of their presence, but you can’t comprehend them; until unless they bless you- there is no understanding of them. The virus is nothing.

what about prana?

Guruji: prana is neutral: it just gives you life and that’s it.

prana is the same from birth to death?

Guruji: prana is animating everybody – but it is your mind and something, which is carrying forward.

it is some kind of energy?

Guruji: energy is just a word. It’s so many talks about positive energy, negative energy – but what is energy?

that’s why I’m trying to understand, what is prana?

Guruji: it’s a different thing. The scientists says – the energy cannot be created and cannot be destroyed; now Government is saying – save energy! – and we still don’t know, what we’re going to save.

and what about the prana?

Guruji: you cannot save prana, it is already there and it is almost beyond your control. What you cannot control – what you can do with it?

prana has any signs like plasma or whatever?

Guruji: prana is prana. I will give you an example – it’s not appropriate but I’ll just give it: take it as a train, prana is like a train. The train is not appreciate, who is riding – the evil, the priest, whoever – it just taking everybody to the destination, that’s it; without carrying, who is riding. So as prana: it doesn’t care, to whom it gives life – it just gives life. What you do with your life – it’s your problem.

train can move faster or slower or even stop for some time…

Guruji: train cannot – only train driver can do that. So far prana is just a term which everybody use frequently.

does person have certain amount of prana for life?

Guruji: of course. That depends on the count of the breaths you have.

prana has any memory?

Guruji: it has all memories.

when prana comes to new body life – it brings them there?

Guruji: prana is already there. It is only mind and the spirit or dehi, who is coming to enter the body.

any part of prana has all memories?

Guruji: yes. Just a single piece of your hair is enough to carry all your DNA memories.

but who is bringing prana into new body – mind or dehi?

Guruji: prana is already there, and karma is catalytic thing.

but without prana body is dead?

Guruji: no, it is looking like dead – but the new form of life is taking over. Bacteria eating the rotten body – it’s a new form of life.

prana is not entering with the first breathe?

Guruji: your consciousness is entering, prana is already there. Otherwise the fetus will not grow.

Actually all these things we are practicing are for knowing what is prana. Reach the source of life; by reaching the source of life you will begin to understand why it is life and why it was created.

FRIENDSHIP WITH PRANA AND APANA

Ten breaths – ten pranas – and ten different aspects, ten Mahavidyas; only ten great arts can be representing by them.

but it’s impossible to master them one by one?

Guruji: they are different work of prana and apana, different ways – that’s why they are given the different names according their work in physical body and different places. If you’re sort of friendly with prana and apana – they will also be friendly with them. They are not separate from them. Only prana and apana hold them together. Directly you cannot approach them even. You cannot approach someone – first I will be friendly with your hand or your nose. That’s how it happens.

first you have to be friendly with the brain?

Guruji: and also with the heart and personality – everything is coming together.

when the people is talking about life force: it is about prana – it’s quantity and quality?

Guruji: about strength of the body and mind.

but it’s connected somehow with prana?

Guruji: of course

how? Someone has more prana or prana of better quality?

Guruji: more active prana.

when we start to communicate with the spirit: it’s comparatively easy than to know prana and apana or to know Vasudeva in the heart?

Guruji: communication with the spirit is easier than understanding the essence of prana and apana. It’s like the first step.

meditation is a tool for keep attention on the breath?

Guruji: very simple observation: breath is the connecting element between your physical body and your spirit; so if you begin to understand your breath – one day definitely you will begin to see your spirit also. Simply becoming aware of the breath may take you very deep. Also – we’re alive, the sign is we’re breathing; breath is life force as well, connecting thing with body and spirit also; it’s a very potent thing. Very good thing to do. Whole concept is not to calm down your mind: but to calm down your mind and make it powerful – so they can understand the deep so many deep mysteries of the nature, creation and your own existence.

PRANA APANA – SHIVA SHAKTI

Could prana and apana be in conflict during the process of churning and not lead to the Kundalini but some other effects?

Guruji: If somebody is doing the exact yoga practice – then there is no conflict. Only in the Kriya yoga system it is told, that apana will rise and replace prana in the heart; no other system or nowhere else you will find it. You will find it is written that prana will enter sushumna, but prana lives in the heart; until unless you’re able to bring it down to muladhar level – only then it might enter. This simple fact escapes so many people.

So there is no conflict between these two?

Guruji: Absolutely not. They are like Ardhanarishwar.

There is no conflict between inhale and exhale, prana and apana?

Guruji: This is not a conflict, that is just a movement. Shiva and Shakti, prana and apana.

Should we not label them as negative or positive?

Guruji: No, no negative no positive: one and the same.

The best example they give: like a pot, an empty pot is full of air – but it is not breathing; so the body will become like that. Air will continue to remain there without becoming stalled and you don’t need to breathe: that will give a very different mental state – and maybe the beginning of immortality. Samadhi is a very different thing. But it is a very great physical thing, which will give a very super mental state. In Samadhi the whole breath goes out, it doesn’t remain inside.

question about nadis and vayu flowing in it

Guruji: not in every nadi.

each nadi has their own vayu?

Guruji: there is common vayu. The main problems is that: because nadis are not open – so the air flow is not there. That’s why the air body remains incomplete – that’s why ghosts look so horrible, because some portions are missing and some are there. With very hard yoga practice all the nadis are open and the air is flowing, so your air body is becoming very powerful and condensed. You will look beautiful, not as a half-portion is missing, complete.

so in ideal condition vayu must flow in every nadi?

Guruji: in ideal condition – yes. Nowadays so many people are full of hot air, but their nadi remains closed – they talk too big, but actually – nothing.

when we made our air body complete, all nadi will be full of air and it will be equal proportion – how it will look?

Guruji: it will take five elements in your body equally balanced. It will give different qualities to your physical body.

I was trying to see the shape of my breath – but it was just spots every time, not triangles or squares

Guruji: that is for advanced people, but you can judge which nostril is on. This much you can do, but going for the elements need more time.

but this shape of breathe exists?

Guruji: yes. I have come across 2-3 people – they were masters in this. They could tell you the future simply by looking at you. You can just do some breath out – and they could tell you so many things.

but it’s impossible to reach some level in swara without doing pranayama?

Guruji: let’s say – it’s a branch of yoga. And only advanced yogi can do it. Some people take it as a part of professional astrology. But the base is yoga.

NABHI, MULABANDHA, KEVALA KUMBHAK

yogin should take the vayu in the middle: what does it mean?

Guruji: middle means sushumna; and also middle means between prana and apana, between breathing inhale and exhale – in the middle.

here we must consider vayu as prana or vayu as vayu?

Guruji: vayu as vayu: vayu is atma according to Sanskrit dictionary; that is your soul, your spirit – everything. Pavan – vayu – is synonym with the word atma.

outside vayu becoming one in the middle; what is it?

Guruji: one in the middle means prana and apana becoming equal in the middle; that equality is desired by every yogi.

what is outside vayu here?

Guruji: outside is in general; when the inside and the outside will remain the same – that will happen when you will attain kevala kumbhaka. No inhalation, no exhalation – but it will remain.

why prana and apana should become equal?

Guruji: only then some meeting may take place. If wife is running this way, husband is running that way – they will never meet. When they will sit together, become equal – then some meeting will take place.

this is the stage before they unites?

Guruji: yes.

when the vayu is under control – the fire and Kundalini awakens? Where is this fire?

Guruji: fire – after you have understood the nabhi: samana vayu is the carrier of the fire element. When all vayu joined, prana and apana going into muladhar: with that fire of mulabandha that activated. Read the description of mulabandha – it activates the fire.

the fire was in muladhar or it starts in the nabhi?

Guruji: everything starts with the nabhi; then different things come.

first it comes down and then unites?

Guruji: you see, there is great fire in earth element itself – we discuss it so many times. With the mulabandha that earth element’s fire, atomic reaction will take place and it will grew up. We have discussed all 5 elements with the light of fire.

because of prana siddhi are attained, because of apana the diseases are destroyed, because of samana all auspicious are attained, because of udana poverty destructed and because of vyana Ishwara is attained?

Guruji: exactly. Samana is connected directly with fire, and with fire all the auspicious things are done. And it also creates digestive fire: when there is no food – nothing auspicious is possible. When you’re highly developing consciousness – you’re able to destroy all negativity inside you, but if you wish – you can destroy anything. Vyana is actually all pervading in your body, so when you’re connected with the vyana – the all pervading element, you also become aware of it. Prana and apana are the basic, and their expansion are three more and five more sub.

How the concept of moving and stable prana, which Lahiri Mahasaya was talking about, relates to the definition of time, which you give in your commentaries?

A: Moving prana is when you are breathing. Your prana is moving and it leads to your aging and normal ways of life. When prana becomes stable then people’s mind become very stable, and it will also help your physical body to become more stable; your aging will slow down. This what stable prana means. Even scientists are talking about that oxygenation is the real cause of growing old. The less you will breathe, or the less your body has a demand for breath, your aging will slow down dramatically. This is what he meant there.

and what is the connection with your definition of time?

A: We are experiencing many layers of time; your biological clock; your physical body – breaths are acting like seconds; then we are into earth time – 24 hours brings us a day; the Earth is moving around Sun that is 1 year – this is the solar time we experience; then the whole solar system is moving; and the whole galaxy is moving – galactic time is there. We cannot experience time in its totality until unless we are able to develop our consciousness to that level. So first to be able to work with our breath, we will become aware about biological time; everything is indication towards knowing the time; whether we are breathing, or heart is beating; or day/night – all of this is indicating towards knowing the time and we are trying for that. Plus, the more you will concentrate on your breath, then your consciousness will develop. And remember one thing: there are 2 worlds on the both sides of your breath – when you are breathing you are in this world; and when you are not breathing you are in another world; that is the main link here – the more you know about breath, the more you will be able to make it stable; the more your mind will open up and the more you will become aware about existence of the time as it is.

when the real relationship with prana and apana starts? We can stop the breath to the certain limit, but?

Guruji: only by knowing their essence these things may happen.

could we say that during yoga practice we start to communicate with them?

Guruji: all mudras and all pranaayamas are taught for this aim: that one day you will have kevala kumbhaka – the breathless condition and your mind will stop and you will have access to your subconscious mind: this is the ocean of the knowledge, wisdom and all experiences – vast ocean of consciousness, all mysterious.

so the little understanding of prana and apana starts from the kevala kumbhaka?

Guruji: this control is not a good thing: friendly relationship is the best way

but that friendly relationship starts from the kevala kumbhaka?

Guruji: from regulating your breath, from the day one

PHYSICAL BODY OR MIND

What is the time of prana and time of apana?

Guruji: Breathing normally – prana and apana.

Guruji: That is because of apana. All downward movements are for apana.

In Yoga Darshan You are saying that before samadhi there is a natural breathless state: when will it come – during practice?

Guruji: As a result of the practice. Suddenly the demand of breathing from your body will stop. And the heart will slow down; because the heart is supplying the oxygen to every cell. Then something will click.

Will it last a long time?

Guruj i: Depends on the practice; initially it will be not so long- than the gap will come. Then your breath will slow down: normal breath will occur 4-5 times in a minute and it may go down even more as you continue to practice. It comes as a result of the practice.

spirit is more subtle than prana and apana?

Guruji: prana and apana is Shiva and Shakti. Even we don’t know the true nature of prana and apana. Kak Bhushundi become immortal by understanding the true nature of prana and apana. Looks like reality show: we have given the certain frame of time and then let’s see what you can do.

why emotions influences the breath so much?

Guruji: yogis are saying for thousands of years that your mental state is directly influenced by breathe. If you’re angry – you will breathe faster, if you’re highly emotional – you will breathe faster; when your mind is calm and quiet – you will breathe much less. It depends on the mind.

it’s so close connection…

Guruji: everything is connected. Breath is the carrier of life: you’re breathing – that’s why we discuss. No breathe – no sound will come.

nada sound?

Guruji: the words! We’re creating sounds( smiling)

Then will the quality of prana change?

Guruji: No. It is prana, which is continuously going out exhaling: because of apana, Shakti, it keeps pulling it back. If you will somehow make prana agree – that yes, I will remain inside you – your own free.

But when prana enters the body: does it change its qualities?

Guruji: It is everywhere: only when the spirit comes- a different reaction starts and the body is animated and the breathing starts. Prana is everywhere, air is everywhere.

Here is another point you must remember: in Sanskrit it is said- na tasya prana utkramanti; His pranas never leave the body: they merge with the source inside the heart with Ishwar. So it is not leaving the body of the accomplished yogi – they merge inside. A spirit will go its own way. But prana will merge along with his consciousness into the Ishwar, which is living inside your heart.

Then will prana have the same qualities as the outside prana?

Guruji: It will be one with the prana – but while retaining individuality as well.

After you have gone through many-many samadhis and when Shiva himself and Guru Dattatreya and Babaji Maharaj will give you grace – then maybe.

BLOOD AND APANA

Don’t you think – blood is just the carrier of the prana? That is stand to reason, that blood is apana. The form of apana, which is carrying prana all over the body. Blood is an expression of apana.

can we say that blood is an expression of prana?

Guruji: no, it is a carrier of prana. Blood is the carrier of prana and represents apana in the body. Also prana and apana expressing themselves like breath. They are two deep mysteries.

apana represents blood?

Guruji: no, blood represents apana and it carries prana. So because of apana prana is able to flow all over the body. Wherever attention is – blood is flowing there( laughing)

TO KNOW THE ESSENCE OF PRANA

question about the beginning of Shambhavi mudra: apana should rise up to the heart…

Guruji: this is not the beginning – this is pretty advanced program

it’s not the beginning of Shambhavi?

Guruji: no.

why apana starts to go upward instead of going down, how it happens?

Guruji: where it will go?

usually it is said that apana is going down

Guruji: no, it is misunderstanding: you swallowed chai – that was because of apana. Even inhalation is because of apana. Even though: we keep using these terms – prana and apana – actually we don’t understand the true nature of them. What is prana?

energy

Guruji: what is energy?

some kind of vibration

Guruji: what is vibration?

moving in space

Guruji: who is moving? And why it is moving in a space? And what is space? See: from prana we came to a space. We keep using words, which we have been exposed, thinking we’re understanding them: in fact we understand nothing. But we keep using them. Kag Bhushundi, the great immortal crow, became immortal by knowing the true nature of prana and apana. You must read Yoga Vashishtha. The day we’re begin to understand their true nature – immortality will come and knock at the door of you.

we swallow chai because of apana?

Guruji: no, it’s just a 0,0000000001% of its work in fact; but we don’t actually understand the nature of apana.

what is the simple example of prana in the same way?

Guruji: there is no simple example. if you will give the simple example of prana – then definition of life you will understand instantly. It will start a chain reaction. That’s why I think learning hindi is very great thing: every living being is called “prani” because they are an expressions of prana. Prana, prani, jiv, Jeevan; every language has its mystical level. I think hindi and Sanskrit are very great in this. We said: jiva; in the moment we translate as a spirit or soul – the sense is lost. Jiv- Jeevan; tongue is called “jivha” – they are all connected. That’s why khechari considered so important: otherwise it’s just another technic. What is technic in hindi? Kriya. Kriya is technic. Kriya yoga – technical yoga; yoga technics. So some understanding of language will do us good.

in Russian language the words живой, живот are coming from the same root?

Guruji: jiv, yes.

Sushumna will become center of prana: so even when your heart will stop – you will continue to live. It’s highly technical program. Kriya Shakti – power of the technic.

prana will distributed through sushumna, not through the body?

Guruji: the physiology will be different now, which no scientists has opportunity to study. That will be the different body.

so it will remain only in sushumna and the brain?

Guruji: like it lives in the heart- then sushumna will become a heart. Very great achievement.

When a person is not even aware, what is yoga – that is a lowest achievement in yoga.

LIKE STARTING THE CAR

how all the processes in the body – I mean pranicmovements begin in the body?

Guruji: it is just like starting the car – ignition point: and so many things begin in the car.

prana and apana have no opposite directions in our body?

Guruji: no, without them life not be beginning in this way.

how it is possible with first breathe breath in all the five pranas and upapranas?

Guruji: everything is there: it’s just the ignition thing – you switch on the car and it runs. Everything is already in the place.

PRANA; CHAKRAS; KUNDALINI; FOR WHAT SHAVASANA IS NEEDED

Q: You said that only with the help of apana prana remains inside the body?

Guruji: yes, that’s true. You’re alive because of apana – it keeps pulling prana again and again with every breath. Prana is trying to run away, but apana pulling it back.

Yoga Vishaya by Matsyendranath: prana, apana, samana, udana and vyana with the five forces of action are forming the Kriya Shakti?

Guruji: of course, Kriya Shakti is whatever you’re able to do.

but five upapranas together with the five devices of knowledge are forming Gyana Shakti?

Guruji: yes, these are like involuntary actions. Usually we have not much control over it. They are forming the Gyan because they are keeping the body in running condition. Only by gaining the certain type of control over them you will be able to control the involuntary actions of your body.

how dhananjaya connects with sound?

Guruji: the resonance inside your skull. Whatever you’re talking is resonating inside your skull. It’s affecting your cerebral fluid also and it is directly affecting your brain at the same time. That’s why “OM” is vibrating inside your skull and create some different changes in your brain. I’m sure nobody told you this before – that by using certain sounds you can create resonance inside your skull which will bring about definite changes in your cerebral fluid, which will directly influence your brain – and the brain will begin to develop, you will have superconscious state of mind. This is amazing thing – I’m hearing it myself first time(laughing).

Guruji, prana is circulating in the different tattwas?

Guruji: it is because of the prana all tattwas are uniting and your being is possible. Prana is the catalystic power.

so tattwas are the frequency of prana?

Guruji: Tattwas are expression of prana, not frequency. Expression is the right word. No matter how much we talk about prana and elements – it’s just the word play, until unless we go through experience and understand them first.

from what step of yoga practice you start to work with the elements?

Guruji: from the day one. From the day one from the initiation you begin to work with all elements, all pranas, everything.

when vayu sharira is completely formed – what happens with three other elements?

Guruji: they will stop bothering you after that.

equal proportion is coming later?

Guruji: equal proportion maybe the beginning of it – when vayu sharira is ready, then it will be in proportion. Maybe the next step will be immortality.

All individuals are alive because prana is giving them life. “ Prana” means life. The brain is supported by the heart and supplied with the blood, which is a carrier of pure oxygen.

That means prana is giving life to you: all your senses, indriyas are able to work. Simply by sensing organs you ’ ll be not able to understand what prana is: for this you need to become extremely sensitive and aware about the mechanism of life, coursing through your body.

The moment you will become aware of life, of the force and the source of life – you will begin to understand the nature of prana at some level. And as you will grow in your practice of yoga, your consciousness will develop more – then you will realize the basic nature of prana. You can correspond it with life: life is based on prana and prana is giving life; ultimately it all will go back to prana, activated inside your physical body.

Is there a specific center in our body, which is responsible for this direct communication?

Guruji: Matsyendranath has already answered this question in Gorakh Bodh: “Where is jiva?” He said: “As ghee is present in milk so jiva is present in the body – it’s everywhere.”

Does Prana stay with vayu sharira – or does it prana leave?

Guruji: Vayu is the main carrier of prana. You will begin to practice real pranayama in your vayu sharira – so far you are doing just “ shvanasayama” , breathayama.

Whatever type of prana is present in the body, it travels to vayu sharira, doesn’t it?

Guruji: Yes. It attaches itself to the vayu. I will ask you a question: how to differentiate between jivatma and prana? They are always going together.

VAYU MANDALA

What is vayu mandala?

Guruji: Vayu mandala is an atmosphere surrounding us. We’re living inside vayu mandala and most of the vayu shariras are living inside that. We’re alive because of the vayu.

What is the vayu mandala of the person?

Guruji: You’re breathing – that is your vayu mandala. Inhalation and exhalation keep circling again and again. Vayu is also moving all over your body in different ways. It is there: you just need to be aware of it. Then again – you’re inside the vayu. Everything on this Earth is breathing. Even when we see something inorganic – it is like breathing because of the oxygen affecting it. Look around nature: everything is breathing. In general – we’re inside the major vayu mandala but we carry our own. When you become one with the vayu mandala which is circling Earth – you will live as long as Earth herself. It’s very hard but it can be done.

there are so many workshops on energy and chakras now?

Guruji: I will ask in a different way: MONEY IS NOT THE GOD – BUT NOT LESS THAN GOD.

For the money all goes.

kurma vayu will make your body cold and dry?

Guruji: yes, it will take you into Samadhi – you will be cold and dry there. It’s the result, not the process. But some results you will experience in the process also.

there are different actions of upapranas – like shaking, drying and fear?

Guruji: yes, if you’re practicing it - you’re practicing yoga, only then it comes into play. Otherwise that are normal effect of them. Deeper work is nowhere described. It’s just a reference.

1 ghati is 24 minutes – such time frame they observe. And to make less oxygen and levitate it will take 48 minutes – double time frame, 2 ghatis. In Yoga Darshan I also translated as nadi – and nadi also means 24 minutes in Sanskrit. But everybody translating it as channels. I did the different translation – and the whole thing became different. Kurmanadya sthairyam – everybody translates there is a special nadi which looks like a turtle; if you will concentrate on it – you will achieve steadiness. The next thing is: then siddha looks at the light of god inside his head. From a yogic point of view it will be having if you’re able to control your kurma nadi for 24 minutes – then you will see light of god inside your head. It is step by step. That’s why I told you – Shailendra Sharma’s commentary is the best. All another will lead you another direction. To achieve Samadhi kurma nadi is the most important.

Every yoga practice before attaining Samadhi always revolves around the breathe. The Bible also says: “He breathed the breathe of life into his nostrils”. That means the breathe belongs to God. It also says that the spirit is God. That is inside you which is connected with breathe. And I think you can call breathe a spirit because it is coming from God. If you worship any spirit and it is either breathe or it is connected with breathe. If you practice there is something with your breathe. It is a directly associated with God because spirit is the God.

The only way you can worship God is via your breathe. It is very direct.

When you know all the secrets of breathe, it will make you free from this mundane world, from the limitations of your body and mind also. You will get beyond that. That means being one with God or being one with the spirit because you will realise that your true nature is spiritual, not physical.

***

Prana and Apana

… akash is producing sound. But vacuum is much higher than akash. Sound and akash is one and the same. You must remember the physical experiment, which show the power of akash. When two things were put together, and there was nothing between them except vacuum – and it was impossible to take them apart. You can’t see it and feel it, but the extreme power is there.

Q: akasha is emptiness?

Guruji: akash is five gross element and emptiness is beyond that.

Q: it exists connection between five elements and five pranas?

Guruji: it possible.

You just need to feel the emptiness. Only because of emptiness all movements are possible. It is the major thing here. I will give you the different point of view to make you think: your body is apana and your mind is prana. Perfect union of that both – will give you superknowledge, superbody, and everything will become different.

…actually all five elements come together, so prana or apana can play. Prana is mind, pure consciousness. Offer your apana to prana and prana to apana – offer your body to your mind and your mind to your body, so they will change places. And also you can say that your conscious mind is apana and your subconscious mind is prana. And you also can say that your body is your conscious mind. Conscious mind is just connected with the body only. And subconscious is mind. The body is Shakti – without body – nothing.

Q: and what prana is connect with what element?

Guruji: we will discuss it later. Udana vayu is directly connected with akash. It also moves in your sushumna. Samana vayu is directly connected with the element fire. Apana is directly connected with muladhar, so it’s directly connected with earth. Vyana is everywhere, so like the water is everywhere. That also means that our five fingers represent all the five elements and five pranas; and a witch or warlock has extra finger. That means – they have some extra play of the prana, that’s why they have extraordinary abilities. It matches, if you think.

Vital breath (dam) has indescribable, invisible states

Formless and invisible, breath has never been seen. Out of five elements, Vayu (air) and Akash (ether) also remain unseen; always bound together, they form a brotherhood.

Akash, or the sky, is visible but cannot be touched; even its color is nothing but an optical illusion.

Formless ether is still “grosser” in comparison with the Void: Emptiness itself is more “formless” than the substance which infills it.

The powerful source of life, vital breath animates every carrier and is considered to be a true Shakti, or force which grants power and protection.

Part of Vayu’s properties and “responsibilities” is to express Life Itself.

Closely connected with Earth, the air element Vayu acts as Its protector. Being connected with the earth element in the human body, Vayu animates and protects our earthly bodies as vital breath. Vital breath is a carrier of Prana, which is even more subtle than Vayu.

The practitioner becomes aware of the formless and invisible ether element Akash by contemplating upon it; but first he studies and understands the nature of Vayu, or vital breath, through steady performance of pranayama.

Breath practice removes ignorance and intellectual limitations. Such “cleansing” results in the emergence of a super-intellect, able to analyze and absorb the deepest knowledge.

At that stage the yogi has already explored and realized subtle elements – he leaves them behind and moves beyond Akash, becoming aware of the Void.

Understanding and realization of the Void is possible only with sequential steps on this path: by understanding the nature of breath, by purification and “cleansing” by and through it, by befriending it and taking its guidance on the path to the higher realms.