pranayama

Question 1

sarīra

Answer 1

physical body

Question 2

sūksma sarīra

Answer 2

astral body

Question 3

kārana sarīra

Answer 3

causal body

Question 4

anna-maya-kōsa

Answer 4

food sheath

Question 5

prāna-maya-kōsa

Answer 5

cosmic energy sheath

Question 6

mano-maya-kōsa

Answer 6

mind sheath

Question 7

vijnāna-maya-kōsa

Answer 7

intellect sheath

Question 8

ānanda-maya-kōsa

Answer 8

bliss sheath

Question 9

what is prānayāma?

Answer 9

prānayāma is control of the life force by means of controlling the breath

Question 10

why is prānayāma practiced?

Answer 10

to gain some level of mastery over the breath and prāna as it enters into the system alpine one to improve overall wellness, better facilitate healing from disease, and bring about serenity and enlightenment

Question 11

what are the nādīs?

Answer 11

nadis are astral channels, the means by which certain astral energies enter and flow through the body

Question 12

according to yoga, how is bodily health determined?

Answer 12

through purification of the body by means of engagement with yogic, or similar, practices

Question 13

in what ways is energy regenerated in the body and mind?

Answer 13

through engagement of the five sheaths and ensuring positive healthy content from each

Question 14

idā nādī

Answer 14

left hand, lunar, feminine energy channel

Question 15

pingalā nādī

Answer 15

right hand, sun, masculine energy channel

Question 16

susumnā nādī

Answer 16

central balanced energy channel

Question 17

full chalice

Answer 17

holding the breath with lungs full

Question 18

empty chalice

Answer 18

holding the breath with lungs empty

Question 19

describe the ebb and flow of prāna in a 24 hour cycle

Answer 19

noon to midnight: physical energy is at its peak as prana circulates in the blood

midnight to noon: prāna circulates in the nādīs and intellectual activity is at its peak

Question 20

what effect does eating have on prānayāma?

Answer 20

one should practice on neither a full nor empty stomach, two to four hours after eating

Question 21

should pregnant individuals practice prānayāma?

Answer 21

they should refrain from extensive prānayāma

Question 22

what is the major goal of prānayāma?

Answer 22

to release the prānic energies, gather them dn bring them to the higher chakras so that a meditative state can be maintained

Question 23

what is the best time to begin a new practice with prānayāma?

Answer 23

when the sun is at zero degrees of Ares or Libra (March 21st and September 23rd)

Question 24

What does one need to gain the full benefits of prānayāma?

Answer 24

proper diet/nutrition

a good work/rest cycle

sufficient sleep