Pranayama: Samaveta Pranayama - Lesson 2.6

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SAMAVETA PRANAYAMA

Within us, there are various forms of energy that permeate and surround our bodies. These are closely connected with our health, the way we think, and how we react to the external world. Some of these energies are well known: nervous energy, chemical energy, and so on. Yet there are some which are not normally perceived in everyday life of most people. It is these subtle forms, as well as the grosser forms of energy that the practices of pranayama seek to harmonize and manipulate (57).

​This subject of prana and pranayama will be fully discussed in the next lesson, but in this topic, I will describe one of the most straightforward practices of pranayama called samaveta pranayama as I've understood it based on the amazing book we have been exploring now since March 16, 2020.

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IN TODAY'S BLOG YOU WILL FIND...

• Background information about samaveta pranayama and an explanation of the technique
• Q & A: Samaveta Pranayama. My experience so far with this technique (e.g., I apparently have a crazy monkey mind), as well as a student question ->  "When do I know when to move on to the next lesson?" (Hi! :))
• Some tips that I think will help us be more successful with this practice
• Links to previous blogs that supplement this one (in case you just joined us or simply want a more thorough understanding of what we have been studying)

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SAMAVETA = TOGETHER

The Sanskrit word samaveta means ‘together’. Therefore, samaveta pranayama is a practice where one breathes through both of the nostrils. This might seem to be an obvious and inconsequential statement, but the practice is so named to distinguish it from other techniques of pranayama where the flow of air is directed in one nostril by physically or mentally preventing the flow in the other nostril.

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Technique for Samaveta Pranayama

• Sit in a comfortable position, preferably in one of the meditative asanas. If, at this stage, you find these meditative asanas uncomfortable you can sit in a chair or against a wall with the feet outstretched. The essential thing is that the spine remains erect. If necessary, wrap a blanket around you if the atmosphere is cold
• Close the eyes
• Start to practice yogic breathing
• Try to make the movement of the abdomen and the chest as rhythmical as possible, so that as you inhale there is wavelike motion from the chest to the abdomen. Don’t strain but try to breathe as deeply as possible, expelling and inhaling the maximum amount of air
• Keep your eyes closed throughout the practice
• Continue in this way for a few minutes
• Now you will begin the practice of samaveta pranayama. At the end of inhalation, hold the breath for a second or so, without straining
• Then breathe out. Your breathing should be as slow as is comfortable
• Exhale as much air as possible and then inhale
• Again, hold the breath for a short time and then exhale
• Continue in this way for as long as you have time.

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Duration of the Retention of the Breath

Over a period of weeks slowly increase the time of breath retention from a second or so to a maximum of ten seconds. Do not hold the breath for longer than is comfortable. This is important. With practice, the time of breath retention will increase automatically. If you attempt a higher count and realize that it is causing some tension to arise in your body, perhaps back off and continue with the previous number a while longer. Be kind to yourself. Practice ahimsa = non-violence to yourself, mentally, physically, emotionally, etc. (57).

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Benefits of Samaveta Pranayama

This is an excellent practice in preparing the lungs for more advanced practices of pranayama. At the time of retention, the amount of oxygen taken up by the blood and the amount of carbon dioxide that is discharged by the blood into the lungs is increased. When people breathe quickly and shallowly, the exchange between the circulating blood and the lungs is very small. The increased exchange during samaveta pranayama helps to revitalize the body and improve one’s health (57).

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Q & A: Samaveta Pranayama & More

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Some of the things that come up for me while attempting to practice samaveta pranayama are the following:

• Apparently, I have a monkey mind that doesn't want to stop running to the past and future
• I also found it difficult to get started, to begin, and to sit still
• I was oftentimes interrupted

However, I made a few changes to my life and to my practice... more like, a few commitments. And, as a result, I've been successfully practicing samaveta pranayama for the last three days out of seven total. I'd like to share those with you now :) 

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HERE ARE SOME TIPS THAT MIGHT HELP US SUCCEED

1. Make sure you have your "space" set up! It helps you maintain a healthy routine. So, perhaps a quiet place. A peaceful place.
2. Set a timer! 10 minutes works for me so far :)
3. Tell yourself, "I am going to practice pranayama and meditation for 10 minutes and I am GOING TO BE STILL. I AM A MOUNTAIN. I WILL NOT MOVE." Something like that. Each time you think you need to move, to itch, to adjust your position, etc..., go back to your mantra, something like, "I will not move." THIS TAKES DISCIPLINE! But remember... You will never regret the time you spend in pranayama and meditation.
4. Respect the time you set aside for yourself, and others will respect it too. Make sure you avoid interruptions by turning off your phone, shutting the door, and making sure everyone in your household knows that you are taking this important and vital time to nourish yourself via pranayama and meditation. 

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STUDENT QUESTION

Yesterday, A student of yoga who happened across my Youtube Channel asked me via whatsapp the following question: 

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"When do I know when it is time to move on from one lesson to the next lesson?"

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This is a wonderful and intelligent question. Luckily for us, the answer to this question is provided by Swami Satayananda Saraswati on page 36 of the full, unabridged textbook, "A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya". He says:

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From our experience, we recommend that the techniques contained in each lesson be thoroughly mastered before progressing on to the next set of practices. Generally, this takes a minimum of fifteen days and on the average, one month. This is very important and an essential prerequisite for the eventual success of your sadhana. 

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I hope the information I have provided here helps you in some way. I'm sending everyone out there a hug and wishing you a beautiful day. ❤ Ashley

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Works Cited:
Saraswati, Satyananda. A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya. Yoga Publications Trust, 2013.