Reflective Questions & Answers
Q: What is the difference between Yoga (as commonly understood) and Yogam as described in this text?
A: Common usage of ‘Yoga’ refers mainly to Yogasanas — physical postures designed by ancient rishis. Yogam, however, is the supreme state of well-being achieved by controlling one’s vital force (Prana) and mind through Pranayama and the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. It represents the union of the individual soul (Jeevatma) with the universal spirit (Paramatma).
Q: How does the text explain the relationship between mind and breath?
A: The text draws a direct, bidirectional connection: when the mind wavers, breathing becomes fast and irregular; when the mind is happy, breathing is slow and deep. The analogy used is that the mind is like a flame — we don’t control the flame directly but the air currents (respirations) that disturb it. By controlling breath, the mind becomes still and filled with divine qualities.
Q: What is the daily energy loss through normal breathing according to the text?
A: In each breath cycle, inspiration draws air from 8 inches while expiration pushes it to 12 inches — a 4-inch deficit. At 15 breaths per minute, this adds up to 60 inches per minute, 3,600 per hour, and 86,400 inches per day of divine energy lost. This is not mere caloric energy but divine energy encompassing light, knowledge, and happiness.
Q: How does Pranayama reverse energy loss?
A: Pranayama lengthens the inspiratory phase (PRANA + AYAMA = lengthening of inspiration) while shortening expiration — the reverse of normal breathing. The breath is held voluntarily and the life force is churned through upward and downward movements, generating Yogagni (spiritual heat). Since inspiration exceeds expiration, energy is conserved rather than lost.
Q: Why does the text say every disease is psycho-somatic?
A: The text argues that every disease has both a mental (PSYCHO) and physical (SOMA) component. Modern medicine typically treats only the bodily part while leaving the psychic aspect unaddressed. Without treating both, complete eradication is impossible. Disease arises from sluggish blood circulation, which itself is influenced by the mind-body imbalance.
Q: What are the three main nadis and their significance?
A: IDA NADI (Chandra/Moon) runs on the left side, corresponds to the parasympathetic system, secretes Acetylcholine, and has a cooling effect. PINGALA NADI (Surya/Sun) runs on the right side, corresponds to the sympathetic system, secretes Adrenaline, and has a heating effect. SUSHUMNA runs through the central spinal canal. When Pranayama balances Ida and Pingala, they merge with Sushumna — the path to Samadhi.
Q: How does the text distinguish between Samadhi and death?
A: In death, Prana exits the body through the last expiration — the person has ‘expired.’ In Samadhi, Prana remains inside the body with the last inspiration, ascending through the Sushumna (spinal canal), through the fourth ventricle, aqueduct of Sylvius, and settling in the third ventricle as Divine Light. The person is freed from body-sense and world-awareness — this is Moksha.
Q: What is ‘true Pranayama’ versus external Nadi Sodhana?
A: External Nadi Sodhana involves physically closing nostrils with fingers and alternately breathing through each side — this is only an outer purification. True Pranayama is an entirely internal process without touching the nose. It involves churning the internal vital force, making it increasingly subtle until it becomes purified as Divine Light. It produces the sound OM and generates Yogagni.
Q: Why is Brahmacharyam (celibacy) emphasized for spiritual seekers?
A: During sexual activity, expiration can extend up to 72 inches (compared to 12 normally), representing massive energy loss. Since spiritual knowledge depends on conserving and building divine energy, celibacy preserves this vital force. The text suggests that if complete celibacy isn’t possible, one should at least reduce sexual activity.
Q: What is the ultimate message of this chapter?
A: The chapter’s core message is that only through Yogam — specifically through true Pranayama practiced under a learned Guru — can one achieve both perfect health (Sound Body with Sound Mind) and spiritual liberation (Moksha). By reversing the natural respiratory process, a Yogi conserves divine energy, balances the nadis, purifies the mind, and ultimately reaches Samadhi — the union of individual consciousness with universal Brahman.