As I practiced what I was learning from this exposition, I breathed out and could hear the sound of the syllable
so. At the end of my out-breath, my breath naturally suspended and easefully dissolved into the quiet of my heart. In this space of tranquility, I experienced a state of completeness, of simply being.
As I breathed in, I could hear the sound of the syllable
ham. I realized that the mantra
soham was repeating effortlessly in rhythm with my breath, in a dance of sheer delight!
a Siddha Yogi from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Soon after reading this exposition on
pranayama, I sat for meditation. I took three rounds of easeful and equal breaths, in and out, and then found myself in
samadhi in my own living room! As birds were chirping in the tree outside my window and traffic hummed on the periphery of my mind, I was aware of the stillness I was absorbed in. I was enjoying
satsang with myself in meditation, and I did not want it to end.
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA
I have been practicing this
pranayama exercise in different situations throughout the day today, and every time, I have found myself in a quiet, calm state. My mind is thoroughly happy to let go of thoughts when I focus it on the out-breath. What a blessing this is!
This way of conscious breathing is a wonderful tool that will be with me for a long time.
a Siddha Yogi from Hampton, Australia
As I read this whole exposition out loud to myself and followed the instructions, I watched my breathing change!
For some years, I have noticed that during meditation I naturally retain the breath between cycles in the way that Swami ji describes. The state of stillness I experience is remarkable. And this calm-inducing way of breathing often occurs during my day as well.
With Swami Akhandananda’s exposition, rooted in scripture, confirming what I had discovered in my own practice, I am enthused and inspired to allow this experience to happen freely. I can let my practice expand with the knowledge that this is one way I can practice Gurumayi’s Message.
a Siddha Yogi from Beccles, United Kingdom