Body, breath, and mind
We are the infinite consciousness, and not this individual body and mind that we think are. This is not known to us. Even if we come to listen about the infinite nature of ourself from the great Masters, the circumstances and surroundings we face in life, filled with problems, will not allow us to remain in that knowledge and understanding. So there is a need to reaffirm this truth daily through the practice of contemplation.
Pranayama is the practice of cleansing our breath and through that process our thought process. It calls for deep inhalation and exhalation. Breath and mind have a close connection. If the flow of breath is erratic, the thoughts are erratic. If the breath is slow, smooth, long and deep, then the mind is also the same. Oxygenating the lungs also fills the brain with oxygen. When there is fresh air, the flow of thoughts are in tune with nature. When there is stagnant breathing, the thoughts also have the same quality.
Slow down, and pay attention to your breath. It’s not merely commonsense advice. It also reflects what meditation, yoga, and other stress-reducing therapies teach: that focusing on the timing and pace of our breath can have positive effects on our body and mind.
Pratyahara is to withdraw the rays of the mind from its routine rumblings in the tracks of the worldly thoughts and help concentrate in performing one’s own duties. Whenever the sense organs perceive something, a train of thoughts are set in motion that takes our gaze out from our self. When we focus on our highest work of bringing the mind to our own true self, it becomes withdrawn and quiet.