Pt. Shri Pranesh Achar (Ananda Rangan)
General
According to our scriptures, Pranayama gives two kinds of benefits: worldly and spiritual.
The Mahabharata (Vaishnava Dharma Parva) states that when Pranayama is properly performed—through Rechaka (exhalation), Kumbhaka (retention), and Puraka (inhalation)—many sins are destroyed. This benefit is also explained in Sandhya Rahasya while describing the importance of Sandhyavandanam. This is the spiritual (otherworldly) benefit.
The worldly benefit is related to health. In our body, there are five vital airs—Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana—which are forms of Vayu. By practicing Pranayama, these five Vayus function properly. When they are balanced, we live comfortably, healthily, and with well-being.
Therefore, Pranayama is very important both for spiritual purification and physical health.
