The Secret Pathways of Prāṇa
A journey through the subtle currents of life
Yogic practice, the pañca prāṇa and the physiology of the subtle body in the Ayurvedic and Siddha traditions
The Seminar
A day of practice, study and direct exchange, held within the contemplative stillness of the Ashram.
Prāṇa is the vital force that sustains the body, animates the senses and makes possible the activity of the mind and the unfolding of inner experience. Within the subtle physiology of Yoga, this Energy operates through five fundamental functions—the pañca prāṇa—which govern the principal vital processes and maintain their balance.
To understand the movement of the pañca prāṇa is to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between breath, body, mind and energy. Prāṇāyāma is not simply the modification or regulation of the breath, but a precise discipline through which the practitioner learns to recognise, organise and direct the vital forces.
The morning will be devoted primarily to practice. Kriyā and Mudrā from the Haṭha Yoga tradition, together with Prāṇāyāma, will progressively prepare the physical and subtle bodies for the work with prāṇa.
In the afternoon, the experience gained through practice will be explored through the study of subtle physiology, the Ayurvedic perspective and Siddha Medicine. The functions of the pañca prāṇa will be examined, together with the way in which their activity may also be recognised through traditional pulse reading.
Through dialogue with the Master, personal experiences are understood, brought into order and placed within the authentic current of the yogic tradition.
An essential and contemplative setting in which direct practice and theoretical knowledge come together as a single path of understanding.
Programme of the Day
Morning — Yogic Practice
Arrival at 9:30 am
Welcome and opening of the seminar
Preparation for practice and traditional purification techniques
- Preparation for practice: traditional Jala Neti, without the use of a lota
- Practice of Kriyā and Mudrā from the Haṭha Yoga tradition, designed to prepare the physical and subtle bodies for the work with prāṇa
- Guided practice of Prāṇāyāma
- Introduction to and exploration of the initial forms among the traditional Aṣṭa Kumbhaka
- Practice of the nine fundamental forms of Ujjāyī Prāṇāyāma
- Inner gathering, interiorisation and preparation for meditative states
Break
Ayurvedic vegetarian lunch
Time for quiet reflection within the Ashram and its grounds
Afternoon — Study and Exploration
Introduction to the physiology of the subtle body:
- prāṇa within the yogic vision;
- the pañca prāṇa and their respective locations;
- the functions of Prāṇa, Apāna, Samāna, Udāna and Vyāna;
- the relationship between breath, energy, mind and inner states;
- the action of the pañca prāṇa within the different processes of the subtle body.
Ayurvedic exploration and introduction to Siddha Medicine:
- energetic physiology according to the traditional teachings;
- the relationship between the pañca prāṇa and the organic, psychological and subtle functions;
- introductory principles of traditional pulse reading;
- recognising the activity of the pañca prāṇa through the pulse;
- observing the different qualities of vital movement.
Satsaṅga and dialogue with the Master: a space for direct understanding in which to integrate the teachings received, clarify the experiences that emerged during practice and place them within the authentic perspective of Yoga.
Closing
The day is expected to conclude at approximately 6:30 pm.
Information
Participation fee: available on request
Booking: a deposit of €50 is required to confirm participation
Accommodation: overnight stays at the Ashram are available on request
How to Participate
Places are limited in order to preserve the quality of the practice, the teaching and the overall experience.
The practices will be adapted to each participant’s level of preparation, while maintaining the principles and depth of the traditional teachings.
To reserve your place or receive further information, please contact the Kailasha Yoga Ashram directly.
