Coffee and oxygen
Geetananda (disciple of Ram Gopal Muzumdar, "The Sleepless Saint" in Yogananda's "Autobiography of a Yogi") used to drink coffee regularly. I studied with an early student of Geetananda who uses coffee before doing Pranayama. He, just like Geetananda, sleeps only 4 hours every day and is very energetic and productive, while also poised and balanced
. I believe on top of his regular practices he does a short (10 mins or so, probably less) invigorating Pranayama session twice a day, after taking a cup of coffee to remain energetic and fresh throughout the day.
He explained coffee is not necessarily bad, depending on how it is used. If it is used to pep oneself up like people do in offices, it only drains more later. If it is used in combination with increased oxygen supply, it needs not be harmful at all and empowers the practice.
I do not remember the explanation he gave for the oxygen argument. In any case, he always emphasizes the importance of abundant oxygen for health. Neither do I remember whether he mentioned which pranayama he performs. (I do not drink coffee myself, so I was not that curious on this topic. Sorry about that.)
If you are very eager to know more, I can try contacting him and let you know. Feel free to send me a personal message in case I do not come back to this topic.
quote:
Originally posted by Godslave
I do spinal breathing followed by deep meditation daily. I also drink 1 cup of coffee most days. Is it better not to drink coffee? What about teas / caffeine?
I have the feeling that maybe I should stop drinking coffee and I'm trying to decide. I also sometimes drink green tea, oolong tea, and black tea which all have caffeine.
This may have been discussed before but I didn't see a search function for the forums.
Thanks in advance for any answers, hints, or comments