Is Spinal Breathing Safe?

[AdityaTumuluru]

Spinal breathing pranayama is very similar to the kriya yoga taught by paramhamsa yogananda. According to yogannada , kriya (which is almost the same as spinal breathing) has to be done after sufficient preparation of the the body and mind and after initiation, without which the body and mind will not be prepared enough to take the power of kriya yoga. Now, the spinal breathing in the AYP lessons doesn't mention anyything about preparing the body and mind. Spinal breathing is an extremely powerful pranayama which washes away a lot of karma. How should one practice this without preparing oneself? If one breathes in along a wrong nadi, it can cause great damage. Yogananda has clearly told everyone to practice kriya yoga only after the preparatory practices. What should one do? Please clarify. And, another question, who is yogani, is he an enlightened being or guru? The posts are very informative.

[AumNaturel]

Hi AdityaTumuluru, welcome to AYP forums!

On the contrary, the AYP lessons do mention how to prepare the body and mind for pranayama, and it is found throughout the lessons in the proposed schedule by which new practices are taken on, as well as a repeated emphasis on general principles of self-pacing. Lesson 43, for example, mentions that spinal breathing needs to be followed by deep meditation, while a short, normal, or enhanced asana set is suggested prior to spinal breathing.

The practices were selected because they are powerful, so it is not surprising that you too confirm this observation. Spinal breathing begins with visualization, tracing the central route along a specific pathway clearly outlined and explained, root to brow. Also, spinal breathing, along with the other practices, are themselves preparation for the rise of ecstatic conductivity, in which some unbalance and associated symptoms are expected to occur to some degree such as between the ida and pingala.

AYP is made to be as flexible as possible so that you can take on elements from it while sticking to a path you find most suitable. Just keep in mind that doing so could be at the expense of its built-in optimization of opening and self-pacing.

[Holy]

Friend,

AYP is a compilation of various effective techniques. And SBP is adviced to be practiced only if it is followed by DM. And the lessons tell to add SBP only after DM has been practiced for some months. DM helps bringing the mind to stillness where the right perspective for every energy phenomena arises.

Yogananda gave his warnings many decades ago. Back then, knowledge about kundalini and its effects were not as detailedly documented as it is today. And also communication with people who have first hand experience with kundalini, the spinal channel etc.. was not as easy as it is today. Even on youtube you can get enough information about this topic =P

So the preparation has already happened to a sufficient degree, even globally. And with this also inside the kriya lineages the limit of practicing only up to 22 kriya breaths has been eased down to: practice as much as you can handle.

Yogananda himself was authentic and was very careful with his instructions. Today most probably he would have given different instructions and cautions.

And still, breathing through the spinal channel is a premium technique. So yes, even if it has immense effects, you are invited to practice it