Bhagavad Gita 4.29

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 29 – The Path of Pranayama and Inner Absorption

Sanskrit Verse:

अपाने जुह्वति प्राणं प्राणेऽपानं तथापरे |
प्राणापानगती रुद्ध्वा प्राणायामपरायणाः ||

Transliteration:

Apāne juhvati prāṇaṁ prāṇe’pānaṁ tathāpare |
Prāṇāpānagatī ruddhvā prāṇāyāmaparāyaṇāḥ ||

English Translation:

"Some offer the incoming breath into the outgoing breath, while others offer the outgoing breath into the incoming breath, restraining the flow of both and solely absorbed in the practice of Pranayama (breath control)."

" कुछ लोग अंदर आती हुई सांस को बाहर जाती हुई सांस में डालते हैं, जबकि अन्य लोग बाहर जाती हुई सांस को अंदर आती हुई सांस में डालते हैं, दोनों के प्रवाह को रोकते हैं और पूरी तरह से प्राणायाम (सांस नियंत्रण) के अभ्यास में लीन हो जाते हैं। "

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Understanding the Verse

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 29) describes a spiritual discipline related to Pranayama, the practice of breath control in yoga. Lord Krishna explains how seekers engage in different forms of yajna (sacrificial practices), including breath regulation to achieve higher states of consciousness.

Key Concepts:

1. Breath as a Sacrifice:

   • The verse metaphorically presents the control of breath as a yajna (sacrifice), where the incoming breath (prana) is offered into the outgoing breath (apana) and vice versa.
   • This represents the conscious regulation of life energy, leading to spiritual advancement.

2. Pranayama – The Path of Breath Control:

   • By restraining the natural movement of breath (prana-apana gati ruddhva), practitioners direct their focus inward.
   • This leads to greater mental clarity, inner peace, and ultimately, self-realization.

3. Spiritual Absorption (Pranayama-Parayanah):

• The yogis who dedicate themselves to Pranayama experience purification of mind and body.
• Breath control helps in harmonizing the pranic energy, leading to deeper meditation and union with the divine.

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Relevance in Modern Life

• Physical Health: Pranayama enhances lung capacity, improves oxygen circulation, and reduces stress.
• Mental Clarity: It aids in calming the mind, reducing anxiety, and improving concentration.
• Spiritual Growth: By controlling the breath, one can achieve a meditative state and deeper self-awareness.

This verse highlights that yoga and breath regulation are powerful tools for self-transformation, ultimately leading to inner peace and liberation.

Would you like a deeper explanation on any specific aspect?