* Prithvi and other elements in inhaling and exhaling process and the description of Ida and other nadis with that reference. * Co-operative science of five elements like Earth in Pranayam.
Prithvi and other elements in inhaling and exhaling process and the description of Ida and other nadis with that reference.
Shri Narayan Muni said:-
One who wishes to practise Pranayama should first try to understand the five elements such as- Prithvi, Apa and others in the outgoing and incoming air through nostrils, with all its details. The yogi also ought to know the functions of Ida, Pingla and Sushumna flowing through, correctly. 1 - 2.
In addition to the above, a yogi should also know about the solar and lunar dates, etc. according to the scriptures and should manage to practice yogic techniques on right time, etc. 3.
All this is discussed in the science of Swar (i.e Nadi). I am explaining in brief the extracts of the same ,to help the aspirants of yoga. 4.
Co-operative science of five elements like Earth in Pranayam. Among the five principals the earth i.e. Prithvi is symbolized as square in shape and yellow in colour. When Prithvi prevails in breath, it is running with medium pace up to the length of twelve fingers (Angulas). Then, the yogi becomes steady by nature and love for fragrant things is developed in him and he tends to think about yellow coloured things. When Prithvi element is predominant in breath, a yogi should perform the long lasting works suitable to himself and not others. 5-7.
the water element is white in colour and crescent-moon like in shape. The breath flows downwards and at the length of sixteen fingers. When water element is predominant in breath, unsteadiness prevails, fondness for juicy and also white coloured things is developed. A yogi should perform acts which could be done in peace. 8 - 9.
the element of fire is red in colour and triangular in shape. When Teja element is predominant in breath, it flows upwards to the length of four fingers. Harsh nature is developed. Liking for beautiful objects and also red coloured things is developed. Therefore, a yogi should perform rigorous type of work suitable to himself. 10 - 11.
The Air element is round in shape and blue in colour. When it prevails the breath flows slantwise up to eight fingers, and the nature becomes unsteady. Yogi is interested in pleasure of touch and thinks blue in colour; he should thereby perform quick resulting duties. 12 -13.
The space element is grey/dark blue ( Shyam) in colour and point like in shape and length of the breath is one finger on all sides. When space element is predominant in breath, the yogi enters into neutral (shoonya) and thoughtless (sankalpahina) state and loves the pleasures of sound. He should at this time concentrate on Self. 14 - 15.
Thus, according to the difference in predominance of elements in the breath, the yogi should engage himself in suitable activity. Pranayama practised while the first (i.e earth ) element and also the fifth (i.e space) element predominate, is the superior one. Pranayama practised while the second (i.e water )element and also the third (i.e fire )element predominate, it is moderate one. Pranayama practised while the forth (i.e air) element predominates, it is inferior one. 16.
When in the Ida (nadi) i.e. left nostril water element predominates in breath, a yogi should drink water. Whereas, the fire element predominates in breath flowing through Pingala (nadi) i.e. right nostril , a yogi should take meals and / or pass faeces. 17.
When the air is flowing through Sushumna (middle Nadi), the yogi should meditate on Hari or practice Pranayama, and he better should not do any activity which needs either movement or steadiness. 18.
A Yogi should activate the Ida (left) Nadi that signifies moon, during the day; and at night the Pingala (right) Nadi which signifies the sun. Therefore, he should change the flow of breath(left or right) while drinking water, etc as advised above. 19.
A yogi should assume the bright fortnight (Sita Paksha) pertaining to the moon (ida) and the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) pertaining to the sun (pingla). So, he should take Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday as the days of the Moon and the other three days as those of the Sun. 20.
Beginning from the first day (date- pratipada) of the bright fortnight up to the last day of no moon day (Amavasya); the first three days are to be known as pertaining to the moon and further three days (4th to 6th ) pertaining to the sun. Thus, this cycle goes alternatively (during the month). 21.
When the Chandra nadi (Ida) and the forthnight, dates (Tithi) and the days (vara) of the moon correspond, all the works (to be done in the dominance of the moon) result in success. On the other hand, when the Surya nadi (Pingala) and the days etc of the sun correspond, all the works (to be done in the dominance of the sun) result in success. 22.
When these lunar and solar Nadis, the Tithis, Paksha and vara are mixed with each other the desired result of the works is not obtained speedily. 23.
I have hereby narrated to you in short, the principle (five) elements and their characteristics etc that are to be known by a yogi. Hence, a yogi should practice accordingly to accomplish his desired goal. 24.
This science of the principle element is fruitful to a yogi, who follows these rules (Niyamas) as told before, will be able to achieve success and not one who transgress these rules. 25.
One who eats prohibited food or over-eats, is negligent, addict, easily irritated, talkative, or who sleeps during the day, who is lustful will never understand this science of elements and how it works. 26.
While explaining the method of Pranayama I have narrated the principle elements corresponding to it, one who understands and follows those, will realize his success or failure in his own heart. 27.
O wise one, I have explained the first four limbs of yoga with their special features, clearly; hereafter, I will elaborate the following ones, in sequence, with their results. 28.
Thus ends the fifty-ninth chapter entitled, ‘narration of the knowledge of cosmic tenets: earth etc. in topic of Yoga’ in the fifth Prakaran of Satsangi jivan, the life story of Lord Narayan, also titled as Dharmashastra. (the rules of the code of conduct). 59