Chapter-2, Sutra 49

Patanjali Yogasutra 2.49

(Pranayama)

तस्मिन्सति श्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेदः प्राणायामः

"When that (steady posture) is attained, control over the movements of inhalation and exhalation is Pranayama."

This Sutra introduces the concept of Pranayama, the regulation of breath in yoga practice. Patanjali explains that once a stable and comfortable posture (asana) is achieved, attention can shift towards controlling the breath. The breath's flow, characterized by inhalation (श्वास) and exhalation (प्रश्वास), is regulated through Pranayama, which involves deliberate cessation or modification of the natural rhythm of breathing. This form of regulation brings the practitioner into a deeper state of concentration, bridging the physical and mental aspects of yoga. Pranayama, therefore, is not merely about breathing exercises but about controlling the life force (prana) that sustains the body and mind.

The cessation of breath movement as described here points to an internalization process, where the mind becomes less distracted by external stimuli and more focused on internal awareness. In yoga philosophy, the breath is seen as a mirror of the mind—when the breath is calm and controlled, the mind follows suit. This practice of breath control prepares the mind for the higher stages of meditation (dhyana) and ultimately leads to samadhi, or the union with the Self. Hence, Patanjali presents Pranayama as a crucial step between asana (posture) and the more subtle practices that focus directly on the mind.

Pranayama is also a means of purifying the body and mind. By regulating the breath, the practitioner can eliminate impurities and restore balance to the body’s vital energies. In yogic philosophy, it is believed that irregular or shallow breathing patterns are connected to mental agitation and physical imbalances. Through consistent practice, the yogi gains mastery over these disturbances, allowing for a more refined experience of inner stillness. As Patanjali indicates in this Sutra, the successful mastery of Pranayama opens the door to further practices on the path to enlightenment.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"When the posture has been conquered, then this motion is to be broken and controlled, and thus we come to Pranayama; the controlling of the vital forces of the body. Prana is not breath, though it is usually so translated. It is the sum-total of the cosmic energy. It is the energy that is in each body, and its most apparent manifestation is the motion of the lungs. This motion is caused by Prana drawing in the breath, and is what we seek to control in Pranayama. We begin by controlling the breath, as the easiest way of getting control of the Prana."

Comparative Verses from Vedic Texts

Taittiriya Upanishad 2.8.1

   

प्राणं देवा अनु प्राणन्ति मनुष्याः पशवश्च ये। प्राणो हि भूतानामायुः प्राणं न ऋचो धिताः॥

"The gods live by the breath, so do human beings and animals. Breath, indeed, is the life of beings, and all creatures are supported by breath."

This verse from the Taittiriya Upanishad emphasizes the vital role of breath (prana) in sustaining life. It is the same 

prana that Pranayama seeks to control. By regulating prana, a yogi aligns themselves with the fundamental life force that supports the universe, demonstrating the interconnectedness of breath and life in both personal and cosmic contexts.

Yoga Vashistha 6.1.18

   

प्राणायामेन युक्तस्य सर्वरोगक्षयो भवेत्। अयुक्ताभ्यासयोगस्य सर्वरोगसमुद्भवः॥

"Through the practice of Pranayama, all diseases are destroyed. Without proper practice, all diseases arise."

This verse from the Yoga Vashistha highlights the therapeutic benefits of 

Pranayama. In line with Patanjali's teaching, Pranayama purifies and balances the body’s energies, leading to physical and mental well-being. The Yoga Vashistha adds that improper or lack of Pranayama practice results in disease and imbalance, underscoring the importance of breath control in maintaining health.

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.5.23

यथैव प्राणो हृदयं प्रविष्टो न शक्नोत्यन्तरं प्रवेष्टुमक्षिभ्यां वा वाक्समर्थः स्याद्वाचं वाऽऽत्मनोऽन्तरं च न प्रविष्टः स्यादपि तद्भवेत्।।

"Just as the breath enters the heart, and without it, the mind cannot function through the organs of speech or sight, similarly, the self cannot function without prana."

This verse from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad emphasizes the importance of prana as the essential force that sustains bodily and mental functions. Patanjali’s Pranayama aligns with this philosophy by demonstrating how controlling prana through breath regulation not only purifies but also enhances the deeper aspects of consciousness, aligning the mind with the self.

These comparative verses show that the control of prana has been regarded as essential in both physical and spiritual contexts throughout the Vedic and Upanishadic traditions. Patanjali builds on this foundation by formalizing Pranayama as a key step in the path of yoga, bridging the physical practices of asana with the mental disciplines that lead to deeper meditation and Self-Realization.