Bliss Through Breath

September 14, 2026

Certain bodily functions, such as the
follow a set rhythm—while others,
like those governed by the limbic
system, can be consciously controlled.
Breathing, however, is unique because it is both
automatic and subject to voluntary control.
In the context of selfless action “Yajna” and the
breath, Sri Krishna states that some offer “Prana”
(the incoming breath) into “Apana” (the outgoing
breath) and “Apana” into “Prana” as a sacrifice;
others, by restraining both “Prana” and “Apana”,
become absorbed in “Pranayama” (4.29).
The duration and depth of the breath reflect
the state of the mind. For instance, when we are
angry, our breathing naturally becomes rapid and
shallow. Conversely, by consciously slowing
and deepening our breath, we can gain control
over our anger. This implies that the mind can be
controlled by regulating the breath—a principle
that has given rise to numerous techniques of
meditation and “Pranayama”.
While explaining 112 meditation techniques
to Parvati, Lord Shiva highlighted approximately
16 methods based entirely on the breath. In
the contemporary world, we have various
meditation techniques centered on observing
and subsequently controlling the breath.
Fundamentally, it is an art of observation;
mastering this art becomes easier by engaging
the otherwise wandering mind with the incoming
and outgoing breath, thereby bringing us to a
state of stillness. This art can subsequently be
applied to observing thoughts and emotions,
as the act of observation cannot coexist with
emotions, thoughts, or desires. Ultimately,
this culminates in the sacrificer becoming
the sacrifice, or the observer becoming the
observed. “Pranayama” literally means control
of the breath, and it is practiced through various
techniques such as “Kapalbhati”. “Prana”
signifies the life energy that flows continuously
within us, manifesting in processes like the
sprouting of a seed or the blooming of a flower.
Pranayama harmonizes that energy, making
life blissful; a lack of this harmony manifests
as nothing other than agitation, fear, and stress.
 (To be continue