BALANCED BREATH FOR BALANCED MEDITATION FOR A BALANCED LIFE
Devotee: “How is breath-control the means for mind-control?”
Bhagavan replied: “There is no doubt that breath-control is the means for mind-control, because the mind, like breath, is a part of air, because the nature of mobility is common to both, because the place of origin is common to both, and because when one of them is controlled the other gets controlled.”
Bhagavan’s teaching regarding breath-control is clearly given in Chapter Six of the Sri Ramana Gita:
“One should control the fickle mind by controlling the breath and then it, like a tethered animal, ceases to stray.”
“With the control of breath, control of thoughts also is achieved. When thoughts are controlled one stands established at their source.”
“Control of breath means merely watching with the mind the flow of breath. Through such constant watching kumbhaka does come about.”
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"Pranayama, or retaining breath, etc., is more violent and may be harmful in some cases, e.g. where there is no proper guru to guide the sadhak (the one performing the spiritual practice) at every step and stage. But merely watching the breath is easy and involves no risk.”
(Day by Day With Bhagavan, A. Devaraja Mudaliar, Sri Ramanashramam)
Some simple ways to adjust and equalize the duration of inhalation and exhalation during meditation are:
1) Try to meditate before the sun rises, the appearance of the sun literally affects, and sometimes agitates the duration of the inhalation.
2) Try to eat very light and sattvic (pure) meals in the evening, the presence of tamasic (heavy) and rajasic (exciting and spicy) food remaining within the digestive tract or colon during meditation shortens the exhalation.
3) Maintaining the practice of simple hatha yoga stretching exercises in time with in-and-out breathing will profoundly affect and balance the body and breath. Surya Namaskar is the best. Begin with an inhalation on the backward stretch with pranam over the head, and then with one exhalation on the next position of touching the toes, then proceed likewise through each of the 12 positions. Try to complete the exercise 6 to 12 times morning and evening.
4) Adjusting your Asana (seated position) during meditation. Half or full Lotus (whatever remains comfortable) will extend the abdomen. Hands on the knees or thighs (as opposed to in your lap) will extend the shoulders backward and thus expand the chest.
5) Placing a small folded towel or hard pillow underneath the tail bone will hyper-extend the spine, also expanding the chest.
6) Bathing before meditation and putting on fresh cloths will remove any lingering tamas (dullness and sluggishness) from sleep or tension that can aggravate attempts to achieve smooth balanced breathing.
7). Pray to God for help, yes - even for this seemingly trivial aspect of spiritual pursuit. Remember, if you are sincere, you will achieve everything. Daily perseverance demonstrates sincerity. God knows your heart, but as a Mother, She likes all the same to hear about it! In appreciation for your attention, She will sweeten your life at a single glance.
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