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Significance of Breath control

Breath control, a practice known as pranayama, is essential in various spiritual traditions including Tibetan Buddhism, Ayurveda, and Yoga. It entails the regulation of inhalation and exhalation to manage vital energies, achieve mental clarity, and deepen meditation. This practice supports mental and physical discipline, helping practitioners attain higher states of consciousness, focus, and tranquility. Additionally, pranayama is emphasized in cultural contexts for its role in achieving spiritual liberation and its benefits for overall health and wellness.1
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Synonyms: Breath regulation, Respiratory management, Respiration control

In Dutch: Adembeheersing; In Finnish: Hengityksen hallinta; In Spanish: Control de la respiración; In German: Atemkontrolle

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Breath control'

Buddhism Books

Breath control in Buddhism, notably through pranayama, is a practice aimed at improving meditation and attaining profound trance states, as exemplified by Mkhas grub dar rgyal ba's engagement in this discipline.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) A practice related to pranayama, which Mkhas grub dar rgyal ba engaged in to enhance his meditation and achieve deep states of trance.[1]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Breath control'

Hinduism Books

Breath control in Hinduism, or Pranayama, is a vital practice combining breath regulation with meditation, aiding in spiritual growth, mental focus, and achieving harmony, while purifying the mind and preparing for worship.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The act of regulating one's breath, emphasized as a form of expiation for specific behaviours.[2] (2) A practice of regulating breath which is crucial in the context of spiritual sacrifices and offerings.[3] (3) Breath-control is one of the practices included in Austerity, emphasizing the regulation of breath as part of spiritual discipline.[4] (4) A practice that, when combined with prayer, helps in absolving sins committed through thoughts, actions, and words.[5] (5) A prescribed method of penance that may be considered sufficient to atone for the unintentional killing of insignificant creatures.[6]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) Breath control refers to the intentional regulation of inhalation and exhalation, which is crucial in achieving optimal performance during strength feats.[7]

From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) The act of regulating the breath, which is linked to the concept of Prana in the text.[8]

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The practice of regulating breath, essential for various yogic techniques including pranayama (breath control) and meditation.[9]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)

(1) The practice of managing inhalation and exhalation to achieve concentration and enhance mental focus.[10]

From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)

(1) The practice of regulating the breath involves stopping it externally or internally, and according to specific conditions such as place and time.[11]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

The concept of Breath control in local and regional sources

History Books

Breath control is a meditative practice linked to the imagery of pearls and gems in crystals, emphasizing its significance in achieving mental clarity and spiritual connection through focused breathing techniques.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Breath control is a practice related to meditative practices and is connected to the images of pearls and gems found embedded in crystals.[12]