Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
by Makarand Gopal Newalkar | 2017 | 82,851 words | ISBN-13: 9780893890926
Yoga-sutras 2.50-51 [The techniques of pranayama], English translation with modern and ancient interpretation. The Patanjali Yogasutras describe an ancient Indian tradition spanning over 5000 years old dealing with Yoga:—Meditating the mind on the Atma leading to the realization of self. This study interprets the Yogasutras in light of both ancient and modern commentaries (e.g., Vyasa and Osho) while supporting both Sankhya and Vedanta philosophies.
Sūtra 2.50-51 [The techniques of prāṇāyāma]
Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of sūtra 2.50-51 [the techniques of prāṇāyāma]:
बाह्याभ्यन्तरस्तम्भवृत्तिर्देशकालसंख्याभिः परिदृष्टो दीर्घसूक्ष्मः ॥ २.५० ॥
बाह्याभ्यन्तरविषयाक्षेपी चतुर्थः ॥ २.५० ॥bāhyābhyantarastambhavṛttirdeśakālasaṃkhyābhiḥ paridṛṣṭo dīrghasūkṣmaḥ || 2.50 ||
bāhyābhyantaraviṣayākṣepī caturthaḥ || 2.50 ||(50) That (prāṇāyāma) has external operation (bāhyavṛtti), internal operation (ābhyantaravṛtti) and suppresion (stambhavṛtti). These again, when observed according to space, time and number become long and subtle. (51) The fourth prāṇāyāma transcends external and internal operations.
Ancient and Modern interpretation:
[Read sūtra 50 above]
Patañjali has pointed out three prāṇāyāma in this sūtra—
- āntarkumbhaka,
- bāhyakumbhaka and
- tatkālakumbhaka.
Space, time and number influence the effect of this prāṇāyāma in the long run and at subtle level.
Hariharānanda Araṇya, has given a different opinion on above two sūtras. After exhalaing, there is temporary stoppage, which is bāhyavṛtti. Similarly, after inhaling, and there is temporary stoppage which is ābhyantaravṛtti and when both these are not happening,it is called stambhavṛtti.
Aranyahas suggested,[1] five specific points for the practice of prāṇāyāma.
1) The food intake should be moderate and sāttvika;
2) The sufficient rest for the body is necessary;
3) While practising prāṇāyāma, the touch of prāṇa inside the body should be felt;
4) The duration of prāṇāyāma should be increased at a slow pace;
5) Along with prāṇāyāma, dhāraṇā and dhyāna are equally necessary.
Taimni defines[2] prāṇāyāma as process of controlling and manipulating prāṇic currents flowing in prāṇamaya-Kośa by practice of kumbhaka for longer periods.
[Read sūtra 51 above]
Vyāsa says, suppression of movement with one effort, without considering space etc. is the third prāṇāyāma.
When regulated by space, time and number, it becomes long and subtle.After acquiring proficiency in observing space etc.during inhalation and exhalation, gradual suspension of movement transcending them is the fourth prāṇāyāma.This is difference between third and fourth prāṇāyāmas.
In Osho’s opinion,[3] this fourth one is what Buddha calls anāpānasatiyoga. It is only witnessing.
Taimni opines that this fourth prāṇāyāma is the real one for which the earlier were all preparatory practices.
The first three prāṇāyāmas are sahita-prāṇāyāma that is they can be attained through mantra. But the fourth prāṇāyāma is very subtle and is advance stage of the prāṇāyāma. Aspirant should start prāṇāyāma
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Araṇya, op.cit.,p.242
[2]:
Taimni, op.cit., p.265
[3]:
Osho, op.cit.,p.175-76