Pranayama (Tantric)

Pranayama (extension of breath/prana) is the yogic practice of controlling the breath to regulate vital energy.

Overview

Pranayama (Sanskrit pranayama, “extension of prana”) is the fourth limb of Patanjali’s Eightfold Yoga and a central practice in Hatha Yoga. It refers to the systematic regulation of breath through specific techniques — inhalation (puraka), retention (kumbhaka), and exhalation (rechaka) — to control the flow of prana (vital energy) through the nadi (energy channels). The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes eight classical pranayama practices.

Philosophical Context

The Yoga Sutras (2.49-55) define pranayama as the regulation of the breath that follows the practice of asana (posture). The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (2.1-77) provides detailed descriptions of eight pranayama techniques, including ujjayi (victorious breath), bhastrika (bellows breath), sitali (cooling breath), and bhramari (humming breath). The Shiva Samhita adds that pranayama purifies the nadi and awakens kundalini energy. In the tantric tradition, pranayama is part of shatkarma (six purificatory practices) that prepare the body for advanced yoga.

Interpretations

In kundalini yoga, pranayama is used to direct kundalini energy through the chakras. In raja yoga, it is used to still the mind and prepare for meditation. In nada yoga, the inner sounds become more vivid during pranayama as the mind turns inward. The Bhagavad Gita (4.29) describes pranayama as the sacrifice of breath into breath — the transformation of the physical into the spiritual.

Verification Notes

• Yoga Sutras 2.49-55 on pranayama.
• Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2.1-77 on eight pranayama techniques.
• Shiva Samhita 3.53-61 on pranayama and energy.
• Audited against Wikipedia and yoga philosophy references (September 2026).