The Importance of Breath - Svara Yoga

The connection between our breath and the realization of Brahman, or achieving self-awareness, is firmly established. In fact, focusing on our breath can accelerate spiritual awakening more effectively than many other practices. This idea is explored in "Svara Yoga," where "svara" pertains to the air we breathe through our nostrils. Breathing is a process that includes both inhalation and exhalation. The teachings of Swara Yoga unfold through a dialogue between Shiva and His Consort, Pārvatī. In this exchange, Shiva proclaims, “svaraḥ sākṣātmaheśvaraḥ,” meaning that breath is synonymous with Shiva himself. To guide us in realizing Him through our breath, Shiva unveiled the techniques of Swara Yoga, also known as “idaṁ svarodayaṁ śāstraṁ.” This scripture thoroughly examines the inhalation and exhalation processes, which flow through three main nāḍi-s (tubular channels of prāṇa). Prāṇa is distinct from the air we breathe; it signifies the vital energy that sustains the universe, existing within that air. It embodies Cosmic Energy, the energy of Prakṛti. The Chāndogya Upaniṣhad highlights the importance of prāṇa in several verses. Nāḍi-s are not merely physical tubes; they represent subtle yet potent currents that move between different points, such as the iḍa and piṅgala nāḍi-s. Prāṇa governs the development of a fetus and guides the soul's departure from the body, illustrating that our very existence relies on this vital force. Swara Yoga teaches us how to harness prāṇa for positive outcomes. The iḍa nāḍi corresponds to the left nostril, while the piṅgala nāḍi relates to the right nostril. The third, and perhaps most essential, is the citriṇi nāḍi, residing at the center of the suṣumna nāḍi or spinal cord. Inhaling through the left nostril cools the body. These nāḍi-s are also recognized as Śakti and Śiva nāḍi-s, respectively. The concept of Ardhanārīśvara, a form of Śiva, is rooted in this understanding.

Suṣumna nāḍi is often called Brahma nāḍi, linking it to concepts like Brahman, Paramaśiva, or Parabrahman. When you breathe in through your left nostril, it activates the right side of your brain, while inhaling through the right nostril stimulates the left side. Generally, the flow of breath, or svara, shifts between nostrils approximately every 60 minutes, encompassing both inhalation and exhalation. For example, when the left nostril is actively used, the right one might be mostly or partially blocked, resulting in breathing exclusively through the left. The nostril currently being used is referred to as the active nostril. During the switch from one nostril to another, prāṇa momentarily flows into the suṣumna nāḍi before becoming active in the new one. While it's often thought that a nostril remains active for one hour, this can vary from person to person and is also affected by the surrounding weather conditions.