Path of Fire and Light, Vol. 1: Advanced Practices of Yoga by Swami Rama

Author:Swami Rama [Rama, Swami]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-06-04T11:40:00+00:00

The Solar and Lunar Breaths and Their Relationship to the Tattvas

The Svarodaya-Vivarana is an esoteric tantric text which deals with the science of breath and the tattvas. It is highly complex and its advanced knowledge is not comprehended by most students; only one who has perfected pranayama practice can make use of the knowledge it contains. The whole aim of this text is to explain the qualities and attributes of the tattvas and to describe how and why they are used. A small part of that complex body of knowledge is provided here, to encourage the study of the tattvas as the student becomes competent on the path of yoga.

Much of the system of the science of breath is written in language that is poetic and metaphorical, and which is understood by only a fortunate few. For example the texts say that the moon falls from heaven, giving the nectar of life to the lotuses (plexuses) that arise in the body. The texts further state that, by the constant practice of right action and yoga science, one becomes immortal by imbibing the "lunar nectar." The lamps of the tattvas also are said to receive their oil from the moon. The aspirant is encouraged to protect it from the solar force so that longevity is increased. A competent teacher is able to explain the profound knowledge hidden within these symbolic expressions to the prepared aspirant.

When one succeeds in regulating the breath he will he able to understand all the various aspects and phases of the breath. This is the special art of svarodaya, the science of the tattvas. Just as there are some aspirants who practice only hatha yoga, so also are there some who devote themselves and their entire energies to the study and practice of svarodaya.

One basic distinction in the science of svarodaya is that of the solar and lunar breaths. The breath which flows in the right nostril is described as hot, and that flowing in the left as cold. Thus the right nadi is called the sun or solar breath (pingala) and the left nadi is known as the moon or lunar breath (ida). The energy which flows in the right nostril produces heat in the body. It is stimulating, and conducts energy toward the organs of the body; it promotes digestion and strength. The energy in the left nadi has a cooling effect, and is inhibitory to the organs.

Although most people believe that they generally breathe through both nostrils, the ancient texts of svarodaya and modern science together confirm that the breath alternates between the two nostrils. This results in one nostril being dominant at any point in time. When this action is normal, nostril dominance will alternate approximately every 1 hr. 50 min. These rhythms are perfectly tuned only in one who is practiced in pranayama.

In the average person the alternations in the dominance of the left and right nostrils in breathing vary greatly due to both subtle and gross causes within the individual. For

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