I visited my wise teacher Guru Made Sumantra at the beginning of my Indonesian sojourn in May 2019 and he spoke to me about the importance of pranayama. During my training with him this year I will deepen my understanding of Pranayama.

Guru Made Sumantra through Markandaya Yoga has developed and refined various breathing techniques that will help revitalise the mind and the body. Absorbing prana through breath control connects and harmonises the body, mind and spirit. 

Pranayama is a very important stage when training at Markandeya Yoga Indonesia School. Prana , also known as our ‘life force’ or ‘life energy’ is used to purify our entire body. With breath control exercises we will be able to master subtle prana within ourselves. Pranayama is this knowledge, the knowledge of controlling the breath.

In other words pranayama teaches us the right way to breath.

Oxygen is the most important nutrient in our body responsible for the functioning and efficiency of the work of the brain, nerves, glands and other internal organs.  When there is an increase in oxygen, such as during and after pranayama, the organs in the body will be more optimal at carrying out their functions. Then we exhale carbon dioxide and remove toxic waste from our body. Through the practice of pranayama the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is achieved. 

Pranayama is therefore important for regulating internal organs – ‘innercises’ (exercise for internal organs) rather than exercises. 

Namaste Yoga incorporates these teachings so that students can practice pranayama techniques to keep oxygen intake optimal to heal and maintain good health.