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[sv-rituals] Re: prAnAyAmam - one more time

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mani2 • May 8, 2002 


Rajeev,

You wrote:
> In the prAnAyAmam procedure for ritualistic 
> purposes ... one MUST hold one's breath 
> and recite the Gayatri Matram 3 TIMES (this
> is also referred as Kumbaka period)... almost
> everyone I have observed, no matter how
> prominent they are and how orthodox they may
> appear/claim to be), perform this most important
> and fundamental ritual in a very shortened manner
> (i.e. reciting Gayatri only one time and further
> shortening it by reciting it while breathing in
> and out). 

My evidence is only anecdotal, but I have known
many people who attempt to do the prANAyAma as
prescribed by the shastra. As you say, it involves
the mental recitation of three gAyatris, not just
one.  I think the alternative is prescribed for
those who are unable to hold their breath for this
long. But, like you, I do not know the shastraic
basis for this.

It is not surprising that you see most people taking
the easy way out and cutting corners. Sri Vaishnavas
are notorious for not taking their religious duties
seriously, compared to those in other Vedic traditions.
The prANAyAma is no exception!

regards,
Mani



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