MOORCHHA PRANAYAMA (Swooning Breath)

 MOORCHHA PRANAYAMA (Swooning Breath)

At the end of inhalation gradually become fixed on jalandhara bandha, then exhale slowly. This is called the fainting or swooning pranayama as it makes the mind inactive and (thus) confers pleasure (69).

Moorchha pranayama is only to be done by advanced practitioners who have purified their bodies and who have a good capacity to retain the breath. With practice, the number of rounds can be increased and gradually extended from five minutes up to ten minutes. The purpose of this pranayama is to expand the consciousness and store prana.

Technique 1

Sit in padmasana or siddhasana/siddha yoni asana and prepare yourself for pranayama.

Place the palms of the hands on the knees and close the eyes. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose.

Practice antar kumbhaka with jalandhara bandha and shambhavi mudra.

Keep holding the breath for even longer than is comfortable.

Close the eyes, release jalandhara, raise the chin slightly and exhale ina very controlled manner.

Breathe normally for a minute or two before commencing the next round. Concentrate on the void sensation.

Technique 2

Prepare yourself as in Technique 1, making sure the body is firmly locked in position.

Breathe in slowly through both nostrils while raising the chin up, and head slightly back, but not so far that the position is strenuous.

Practice kumbhaka while straightening the elbows, raising the shoulders and performing shambhavi mudra. Retain the breath slightly longer than is comfortable. Then close the eyes, slowly lower the head and shoulders, and exhale in a controlled manner.

Breathe normally before commencing the next round and concentrate on the sensation of voidness.

Benefits

Moorchha pranayama clears the mind of unnecessary thoughts and reduces awareness of the senses and external world. Therefore, it is an excellent preparation for meditation and enhances dharana (concentration) practices. It helps reduce anxiety and mental tension and induces relaxation and inner awareness. Anyone suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure or vertigo must not attempt this practice.

Comments

Post a Comment

Golwalkar Mission of Hindu Rashtra

The Tara Sara Upanishad (The Supreme Goddess and Her Cosmic Essence)

Image
  The Tara Sara Upanishad  (The Supreme Goddess and Her Cosmic Essence) That which is Om is the indestructible, the supreme, and the Brahman. That alone should be worshipped. It is this that is of the eight subtle syllables. The Tara Sara Upanishad is classified as one of 14 Vaishnava Upanishads attached to the Shukla Yajurveda. This Upanishad delves into the worship, symbolism, and spiritual significance of Goddess Tara Sara, guiding seekers on the path of spiritual awakening and liberation. Rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition, this Upanishad continues to hold enduring significance as it unveils the divine mysteries of the cosmic feminine principle. Goddess Tara Sara is revered as the Supreme Goddess, transcending the dualities of existence and representing the ultimate reality. The origins of this Upanishad can be traced back to the ancient Vedic period which dates back to approximately 1500-500 BC. The text is notable for its discussion of Om for yogic meditation as Taraka or that
Read more

The Muktika Upanishad (Exploring the Path to Liberation)

The Muktika Upanishad  (Exploring the Path to Liberation) The Muktika Upanishad, one of the 22 Samanya Upanishads attached to the Shukla Yajurveda, highlights various paths to liberation. It elucidates four main paths: Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), Dhyana Yoga (the path of meditation), and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) that lead to the realization of the ultimate truth. Its exact origins and dating of are uncertain however it is likely to have been composed between the 13th and 16th centuries AD. This Upanishad is composed of 108 verses, each representing a different Upanishad. It serves as a comprehensive anthology, encapsulating the essence of various Upanishadic teachings. The verses are presented in the form of a dialogue between Rama and Hanuman, where Rama seeks guidance on the path to liberation. The Upanishad explores the concepts of Brahman (the supreme reality) and Atman (the individual self). It teaches that Brahman is the
Read more