92. Joy through Breath
S ome activities in the human body like the heartbeat are automatic though they may follow a set rhythm while some activities like the movement of legs and hands can be controlled. But breathing is unique as it is both automatic and can be controlled. In the context of yajna (selfless action) and breathing, Krishna says, “Some offer prana (incoming breath) into apana (outgoing breath) and apana into prana as sacrifice; some are absorbed in pranayama by restraining the courses of prana and apana ” (4.29). The duration and depth of the breath indicate the state of mind. For example, when we are angry our breath automatically becomes fast and shallow. On the contrary, by making our breath slow and deep we can control our anger. This implies that by controlling the breath, one can control the mind which gave rise to many techniques of meditation and pranayama . While explaining 112 meditation techniques to Parvati, Lord Shiva mentions 16 techniques that are purely b...