Unit 8 includes XIII On the Threshold of Peace, XIV Hints and Suggestions for the Practice of Pranayama, XV Pranayama Techniques and Effects, XVI Dhyana (meditation)
This unit bridges physical practice with subtle spiritual development through three key components: mudrās, prāṇāyāma, and meditation. Beginning with Mahā Mudrā and Ṣaṇmukhi Mudrā, Geeta explains their role in developing internal awareness and control. Her treatment of Śavāsana is particularly detailed, presenting it as “most difficult to master” with meticulous instructions for every aspect, from physical alignment to subtle breath awareness.
The prāṇāyāma section opens with traditional wisdom comparing breath control to the gradual taming of wild animals, emphasizing proper preparation through 4-6 months of āsana practice. She details six primary breathing practices, from fundamental awareness to complex techniques like Nāḍī Śodhana, each presented with precise instructions addressing physical positioning, breath mechanics, and common challenges.
The meditation chapter (Dhyāna) concludes by presenting meditation as the culmination of yogic practice, using the metaphor of the body as a vehicle (vāhana) to explain how proper physical preparation supports meditative states. Geeta provides sophisticated understanding of brain function in meditation, distinguishing between the “active brain” and the “meditative brain,” while offering practical guidance for developing stable practice.
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