PRANAYAMAM

I shall try to detail the method of doing Pranayamam as practiced by Dwijas(People who have had thread ceremony). The word Dwija actually means twice borm. This is the first step in the initiation of knowing the path to spiritual knowledge. This is the core of the rituals in the performance of SANDYAVANDANAM-to be performed thrice daily by the Dwijas.

Now the Method:
1. The body should be in a vertical position.
2.Close the left nostril with ring finger of right hand and exhale or breathe out from right nostril slowly.
3.Close the right nostril with thumb of right hand.
4.Now, open the left nostril and take in air slowly.
5.Afterwards, close the left nostril also as before,so that air is held inside the body.
6. Recite mentally the following Mantra or Hymn ( 3 times)
a) Om Bhuh! Om Bhuvah ! Om Suvah ! Om Mahaha! Om Janah! Om Tapah! Om Satyam!
b) Om tasyavitur varenyam! Bhargo devesya dhimahi! dhiyo yo nah prachodayat!
c) Om Apah! Jyothi! Rasah! amitham! Brahma! Bhurbhuvassuvarom!
[Note: The above should be recited mentally. The thumb and first fingerof the Left hand should be in contact with left hand palm facing Skywards]
7.Open the right nostril and release the air slowly.(after recitation)
8. Say 'Om' and touch the right ear.
Full explanatory notes will follow this post. I invite comments to respond .
VARADHAN