How to Use Pranayama to Enhance Your Mantra Sadhana

We all know how to quiet our thoughts, but few of us actually put those skills to use.

Here is a compilation of the Kriyas and pranayams I learned from swami ji, which have been immensely beneficial.

After completing swami ji’s meditation course, I began conducting Vase breathing as instructed, but I noticed no tangible benefits from doing so.

Then I learned that one needs first master Kapal bhati and Anoolom vilooom pranayam before attempting Vase breathing.

Here are swami ji’s exact words on the matter:

Kapal bhati is used to develop a soft belly, which is necessary for practising Vase breathing.

As you know, kapal bhati is mandatory following the completion of anooloom viloom.

I always begin my mantra meditation with deep breathing followed by Anoolom viloom, kapal Bhati, and then vase breathing.

If you’ve tried all three pranayams and still can’t seem to calm your mind, try chanting the mantra om for five minutes, followed by Brahmari pranayam, a guided meditation taught by swami ji on the Black Lotus app.

At first, I would begin with deep breathing, then go on to Anoolom Viloom, then Kapal Bhati, then Brahmari Paranayam, then finish with vase breathing and reciting Om.

Over time, though, I realised that I don’t need to engage in Brahmari pranayam or recite the sacred sound Om in order to achieve mental calm.

1. One piece of advice I picked up from a Himalayan yogi pertains to Anoolom viloom, and that is to breathe so gently during pranayam that a Diya lit in front of you doesn’t even flinch. Following the instructions provided helped me enhance my meditative abilities.
2. Active exhalation and passive inhalation characterise this straightforward pranayam known as Kapal Bhati. This concludes the discussion. You can go as quickly or as slowly as you choose. Both fast and slow helped, but I discovered that a medium tempo was best for helping my thoughts relax.
3. The technique of vase breathing is simple, and Swamiji Ji has uploaded a recording of it on YouTube/Meditation course which you can use as a guided meditation.

I found it helpful to trick my mind into doing these exercises without relying solely on my own resolve.🐸

There were times when I wanted to skip the Kriyas and go straight to japa, but I always learned my lesson afterward.🤧

Therefore, I have made it a habit to follow a swami ji’s guided vase breathing procedure before beginning my daily japa.❤️

I found that making a ritual out of the practice of vase breathing, kapal bhati, and anooloom viloom is quite beneficial.

You may have noticed that “alertness” is a metric on the “Meditation tracker” that swami ji gives out. And pranayam is essential for “sharp alttness.”

If you’re just starting out, I recommend examining your nutrition and then doing all five kriyas regularly until you reach a point where you can achieve mental quiet without them.

Although I have yet to personally feel any of the spiritual advantages that Swami ji states are associated with Vase breathing, I practise it consistently.

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Further Read~

The night regimen of Gatuam Buddha for a serene life.

Inspiring words from Om swami ji: 24 sayings to help you live a happier, healthier life

Learning Compassion and kindness from Disciple of Swami Ji