tan.tra

In Hinduism breath symbolizes life, energy, life support, movement, purity, fire, soul, divinity, protecting power, source of speech, measure of time, and lord of the senses. In the Vedas breath (prana) is described as the lord of the bodily organs, and next in importance to the soul or Self (Atman). Since it pervades the whole body, it is compared to Vayu (wind God) and Brahma, the all-pervading deities.

Magical Breathing can be practiced anywhere and at any time. The easiest way to learn it initially is to practice it when walking. The basic technique is very simple. Consider respiration as a cyclic process involving four phases.
[1] Breathing in – count of 8
[2] Pausing or holding the breath. -count of 4
[3] Breathing out. – count of 8
[4] Pausing.
If you can regulate your breathing so that each phase lasts for a count of eight and four, you have mastered the basic Magical Breathing technique.

Breath is also a purifier. With the help of breath and regulating its flow through pranayama, you can purify your mind and body and stabilize it. In cultural expressions, breath symbolizes love, loyalty, intimacy and sacrifice. Children are described as the breath of parents. A very close friend is considered similar to one’s own breath (pranamitra).