Prana and Pranayama Seminar at Střílky Ashram

From 14 - 16 March 2025, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vivekpuriji led an inspiring weekend seminar titled Prana and Pranayama at Maháprabhudíp Ashram in Střílky, Czechia.

The event welcomed over one hundred participants, primarily from the Czech and Slovak Republics, all eager to deepen their understanding of prana and breath control.

A Transformative Weekend of Knowledge and Practice

Throughout the seminar, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vivekpuriji guided the participants from early morning until late at night. His teachings went beyond written texts, offering valuable insights and practical techniques that enriched attendees' spiritual and physical well-being.

The program included advanced pranayama techniques and guided meditations from the Yoga in Daily Life System, with an open forum for questions, fostering an environment of learning and self-discovery.

The Power of Prana and Pranayama

During the seminar, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vivekpuriji emphasized the significance of prana, the vital life force, and its regulation through pranayama. He explained:

“When we talk about prana, through asanas, we become aware of our body, feel circulation, and experience the flow within. With movement, we develop greater focus and concentration, which allows us to regulate prana within our body. Through the technique of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama from the Yoga in Daily Life System, we purify the nadis (energy channels) and harmonise prana. This results in improved concentration and mental clarity, which can lead to a deeper state of meditation, as explained in Raja Yoga’s Eight Steps of Yoga (Yama – self-control, Niyama – discipline, Asana – physical exercises, Pranayama – breath exercises, Pratyahara – withdrawal of the senses, Dharana – concentration, Dhyana – meditation, and Samadhi – complete self-realisation)."

The Science Behind Breath Awareness

Swami Vivekpuriji elaborated on the physiological and psychological effects of conscious breathing:

• The Connection Between Breath and the Brain:
  • The brain has two centres that regulate breathing: the cerebellum, an ancient part of the brain, controls automatic breathing; while the cerebral cortex governs conscious breathing.
  • By becoming aware of our deep abdominal breaths, we gradually shift control from the automatic system to the conscious mind, enhancing mental focus and awareness.
• Emotional Balance Through Abdominal Breathing:
  • Conscious abdominal breathing influences the limbic system, which is responsible for emotional regulation.
  • This practice helps calm the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting emotional stability.
• Physical Benefits:
  • Controlled breathing techniques aid in relaxation, enhance oxygenation and support overall well-being.

A Profound Experience for All

Participants left the seminar feeling revitalised, with a deeper understanding of pranayama and its transformative effects on body, mind, and soul. The weekend was filled with moments of introspection, profound learning, and shared spiritual growth. Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vivekpuriji’s wisdom and guidance left a lasting impact on all attendees, inspiring them to incorporate these techniques from the Yoga in Daily Life System into their lives.

The Prana and Pranayama seminar at Maháprabhudíp Asham was truly an enlightening experience, reinforcing the timeless wisdom of yoga and the power of breath in achieving inner harmony and self-realisation.