What is Pranayoga?
Pranayoga is an approach to the practice of Yoga which derives from the Raja Yoga of
Patanjali in combination with Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Tantric and other wisdom teachings,
principles and methods. It takes as its three fundamental bases the cultivation of Strength,
Mindfulness and Spiritual Awakening. These fundamentals are developed as a Yoga—a
unity. The student of Pranayoga benefits from a complete practice which supports life and
growth.
Prana
Prana is a Sanskrit word which refers to the fundamental and primary constituent element of
Energy as Consciousness. In other traditions it is referred to as Chi, Kundalini, the Tao, the Great Spirit or the Holy Spirit. Prana encompasses and manifests as all of these. Quantum physicists are also beginning to recognize and work with the universal source energy of Prana.
Pranayoga works with the Energy of Prana to cultivate, channel, direct and fuel the Self on
every level. This approach to Yoga practice accelerates the development of Strength,
Mindfulness and Spiritual Awakening.
Strength
Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual strength are equally valued and cultivated in
Pranayoga. Each of these supports the others and the entire development of the student.
This practice uses a core focusing approach which begins with and proceeds from an
essential unity and centeredness. We assume the natural integrity of our being as the
natural, basic condition. We start from wholeness. To accomplish this, we focus on the seat of the soul, the core of our being, Hridaya Chakra.
Yoga Asana practice is the essential form of Pranayoga. The practitioner fills up the archetypal form of the Yoga posture with Energy, Mindfulness and Integrity. The techniques of Pranayoga practice work from the inside. Pranayoga builds a deep strength which emanates from the core on every level. At the physical level, it builds and shapes a strong, enduring and beautiful body.
Pranayoga develops physical strength in conjunction with inner strength on the path of
Spiritual Awakening. Yoga practice challenges the student mentally and emotionally as it
does physically. A fully integrated practice becomes a source of strength for all aspects of
life.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and in-the-moment. It is being at peace with
the here and now. Pranayoga practices the Yoga postures and mudras as meditation. The
Yoga is meditation. From the beginning of class until the end of class and thereafter,
presence of mind is brought to the practice, filling up each moment and movement. It is
both the basis for and a benefit of the Strength aspect.
Pranayama is a key technique of Mindfulness. Mindful breathing as Ujayyi Breath draws in the Prana and channels it throughout the practice and serves as a flowing, moving focal point
for meditative awareness.
Spiritual Awakening
All of the practices of Yoga exist merely to support the Yogi's ability to connect with Godness.
Realization of the Self on a higher level is the purpose of Yoga. A beautiful, healthy, strong
physical body supports this. A clear, present, untroubled mind supports this. Even the
student who pretends to the attainment of physical or mental improvement alone will by the
sheer nature of Yoga eventually, with time and consistent practice, become more spiritually
aware of the Self and its relationship with Godness.
Pranayoga practice addresses the subtle energy body underlying our physical, emotional
and mental bodies. The Chakras are cleared and integrated as the student develops,
leading to increased energy, mindful awareness, centeredness, focus and spiritual
connection to Godness. In Pranayoga practice, physical strength, mindfulness and sprititual awareness are directed to and evoked from the core chakra, the seat of the soul, known as Hridaya or Hrit Padma. Working with and through this chakra is central and key to Pranayoga. It is here that we connect with the ground of being and the innate, natural integrity which is the true Self.
Mudra, Mantra and Vibration are also integrated into the practice of Pranayoga. The sacred
syllable OM (AUM) is a central energy in the practice. The use of Anjali mudra focuses
prana and mind and brings Bhakti (Devotion) to the practice. Pranayoga is congruent with a
student’s existing devotional practice; it can be a form of prayer to any chosen Deity or
Higher Being: God, Yaweh, Buddha, Tara, Jesus, Krishna, Kali, Gaia.
Your Practice
Pranayoga is an open practice which responds to the specific conditions of the individual.
Many practices are interwoven into and through Hatha Yoga; elements of Jnana (Wisdom),
Bhakti (Devotion), Tantra (Chakra Energy, Emotions), Theraveda/Vispassana
(Mindfulness), Pranayama (Breath) and more. Each individual student is given tools that
can be used in myriad combination. Some of these tools may be more practicable for
certain students and less so for others. The Pranayoga student will acquire access to these
tools and utilize them to build an individual practice. Class time is merely the access point
to training and knowledge. The real practice is the individual life. The practitioner learns to
practice Youryoga, the path that is specific to the individual. Pranayoga teaches
techniques to acknowledge, access and hear the true teacher, the Inner Self.
Pranayoga is taught by Steven Vincent in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Valley Village. He can be contacted at www.Pranayoga-LA.com; Steven@Pranayoga-LA.com or 323-876-YOGA.
Prana Yoga is a blend of Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga of Patanjali, Tantra / Chakra Yoga, Pranayama, Kundalini, Tai Chi / Ch'i-Kung and Buddhist meditation. Affordable Private and Semi-Private classes are available. Prana Yoga is an integrated practice emphasizing Strength, Mindfulness and Spiritual Awakening.
Deer Park Monastery
Visit http://www.Pranayoga-LA.com for more information.
