Spiritual Portal

Respiration and Meditation

I’ve read in this in Tara Mata’s book this about respiration while also reading in Paramahansa Yogananda’s SRF lessons about his views and experiences with respiration. Added to my own personal experiences with respiration, I find it an important understanding to the subject of concentration and meditation.

Physiological cycles

Old Hindu records tell us that a cycle of equinoctial procession is completed and 24,000 years. Western astronomers ( who unlike the Hindus,  have not kept records even for one complete cycle) estimate the length of the cycle is 25,920 years, simply because the present rate of motion is about 50 seconds yearly or 1° in 72 years (72×360° equals 25,920) years however according to the Hindus the rate is not constant, but that varies at different stages of the cycle. The profound connection of the equinoctial cycle with human life is shown when we understand that the heartbeat of man is regulated by the equinoctial motion. The beat of a normal heart is 72 pulsations in one minute, corresponding to the 72 years which it takes the equinoxes at present to cover 1° of the zodiac. The equinoctial emotional increase as the autumnal equinox of sins on the zodiac or circle and by the time it reaches that part of its cycle which corresponds to the ascending golden age it will be covering 1° of the zodiac in about 60 years heartbeat of men will then measure only 60 pulsations to the minute as the golden age men will be superior to those of our present age, it is inevitable that their heartbeats will be less per minute than the normal rate at present. It is well known that great longevity and concentration of mind are connected with slowness of heartbeat and respiration. To have conscious  control over the heartbeat, to calm the pulsation and to slower it’s pace, is as Yogada (and Self - Realization Fellowship) students know, is to prolong life and rejuvenate the body cells.

 It interests me that at various times we can focus more easily on certain subjects and certain practices. The idea of the Yugas now has taken my interest about the zodiac and the slowing of respiration during activities that require a lot of attention such as meditation.