Swar Vigyan
The Ancient Science of Breath from the teachings of Swami Sivananda
About Swar Yoga
Swar Yoga is an ancient Hindu science that analyzes the very essence of life, Prana, and the functions of life itself. It is a profound knowledge inherited from ancient Rishis and Yogis. While modern science has made immense progress, the mystery of life remains. Swar Yoga offers a practical path to understanding this mystery, not in a laboratory, but through the laboratory of our own consciousness.
This science explains the nature of the various Nadis (subtle energy channels) through which Prana (the life force) vibrates, giving life to the body and regulating health and longevity. It is considered more subtle and accessible than Pranayama. Through the practice of Swar Yoga, one can gain control over the breath, which in turn leads to control over the mind and life itself, promising health, success, and spiritual evolution.
The Three Main Nadis (Energy Channels)
Out of 72,000 Nadis in the human body, three are of paramount importance. The quality of our life, health, and consciousness depends on the nature and rhythm of the breath flowing through these channels.
Ida Nadi (Chandra/Moon)
Associated with the left nostril, Ida represents the lunar, cooling, and feminine aspect of our energy system.
- Flow: Left Nostril
- Nature: Cool, Calming, Passive, Receptive
- Represents: Moon (Chandra), Shakti (Divine Energy)
- Functions: Nurturing, nourishing the world. Promotes mental and peaceful activities.
- Favorable for: Starting long journeys, construction, purchasing property, charity, meditation, studying, and all stable, auspicious works.
Pingala Nadi (Surya/Sun)
Associated with the right nostril, Pingala represents the solar, heating, and masculine aspect of our energy.
- Flow: Right Nostril
- Nature: Hot, Active, Dynamic, Assertive
- Represents: Sun (Surya), Shiva (Divine Consciousness)
- Functions: Digestion, action, gives birth to the world. Promotes physical and strenuous activities.
- Favorable for: Eating, bathing, physical exercise, debating, practicing difficult sciences (like mantra shastra), and all dynamic or temporary works.
Sushumna Nadi
This is the central channel that runs through the spinal cord. It is active when breath flows through both nostrils simultaneously.
- Flow: Both Nostrils
- Nature: Neutral, Balanced, Spiritual
- Represents: Fire (Agni), Destroyer of Karma
- Functions: Leads to spiritual liberation (Moksha).
- Favorable for: Meditation, Yoga, concentration, and spiritual practices. Most worldly activities should be avoided during its flow as they will yield no results. It's a time for inner work.
The Five Tattvas (Elements)
The entire creation is a play of the five elements or Tattvas. With every breath, these elements are also in flux. A Yogi with subtle insight can perceive the dominant Tattva and utilize this knowledge for success and liberation.
| Tattva | Color | Shape of Exhalation | Taste (on tongue) | Length of Breath | Chakra | Favorable Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prithvi (Earth) | Yellow | Square | Sweet | 12 fingers | Muladhara | All permanent, stable works. Brings success. |
| Jal (Water) | White | Semi-circle | Astringent | 16 fingers | Svadhisthana | Temporary and moving works. |
| Agni (Fire) | Red | Triangle | Pungent / Sour | 4 fingers | Manipura | Cruel or harsh deeds. Leads to loss or destruction. |
| Vayu (Air) | Blue / Green | Spherical / Oblique | Sour / Bitter | 8 fingers | Anahata | Moving deeds, walking. Results in loss. |
| Akash (Ether) | Black / Dark | Shapeless (dots) | Bitter | Within the nostrils | Vishuddha | Unsuitable for any worldly work. Excellent for Yoga and meditation. |
Identifying the Tattvas
The Tattvas can be identified through several methods:
- Through Vision: By practicing Shanmukhi Mudra and observing the colors that appear in the inner vision.
- Through Shape of Breath: By exhaling onto a clean mirror from a distance of 6 inches and observing the shape the vapor makes.
- Through Direction of Breath: The direction of the flow from the nostrils indicates the element (e.g., straight down for Earth, upwards for Fire).
- Through Taste: The subtle taste experienced on the tip of the tongue when concentrating.
Practical Application of Swar Yoga
How to Change the Swar
It is often necessary to change the flow of breath from one nostril to another to align with a desired activity. Here are some methods:
- Lie down on the side of the active nostril. The other nostril will soon become active.
- Close the active nostril with your thumb or a cotton plug for a few minutes.
- Apply gentle pressure to the armpit of the active side.
- Practice concentration (Dharana) to mentally direct the flow of Prana.
Daily Life Guidance
Aligning your actions with the correct Swar can bring harmony and success.
- Waking up: It is auspicious to wake up when the left (Chandra) nostril is active. Place the corresponding foot on the ground first.
- Eating: Always eat when the right (Surya) nostril is active for optimal digestion.
- Sleeping: Sleep on your left side to keep the Surya Nadi active, which aids digestion and provides deep rest.
- Study: Begin studies or memorize things when Ida Nadi is flowing.
- Hard Work: Perform difficult tasks and physical labor when Pingala Nadi is flowing.
Health, Longevity, and Diet
Swar Yoga for Health
An incorrect flow of Swar is a primary cause of disease. By regulating the breath, one can prevent and even cure ailments before they manifest physically.
- A person who consistently flows Ida during the day and Pingala at night becomes a great Yogi.
- If the flow is reversed, it can lead to illness. This can be corrected using the techniques to change the Swar.
- Bathing should be done when Pingala is active.
- The practice of Pranayama (Puraka, Kumbhaka, Rechaka) purifies the Nadis and prepares the body for perfect health.
Dietary Guidelines (Ahar)
The diet should also be aligned with the Nadis and Tattvas for optimal health.
- Eat slowly when Chandra Nadi is active to neutralize any toxins.
- Avoid very hot or acidic foods.
- When the Earth Tattva is dominant, eat sweet things. With Water, liquid foods. With Fire, fried foods. With Air, root vegetables/grains. With Akash, salty items.
- A diet of Kheer (rice pudding) or Charu is considered the best for a Yogi.
Advanced Concepts
Kundalini Awakening
When a Yogi gains proficiency, they can experience signs of Kundalini awakening.
- Spontaneous retention of breath (Kevala Kumbhaka).
- Feeling of Prana rising towards the Sahasrara (crown chakra).
- Hearing celestial sounds (Anahata Nada).
- Experiencing divine visions and fragrances.
- Automatic occurrence of Asanas, Bandhas, and chanting of Om.
Ascent through Chakras
The mind of an ordinary person wanders in the lower two chakras (Muladhara, Svadhisthana). As the mind becomes pure, it ascends:
- Manipura: Experiences some power and bliss.
- Anahata: Experiences more bliss and sees the luminous form of their Ishta Devata (chosen deity).
- Vishuddha: Attains even greater power and joy.
- Ajna: Attains Samadhi (superconscious state) and realizes Brahman.
- Sahasrara: Attains Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the highest state of unity with the Absolute.
