प्राणायामprāṇāyāma

प्राणायाम (prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word meaning the three breath exercises performed during Sandhya, restraining of breath, a practice for yoga. Its 8 recorded definitions are grouped into 3 contexts, among them General Yogic Breathing Practice, Specific Techniques and Types (Pūraka, Recaka, Kumbhaka), Purpose, Role in Yoga, and Benefits.

Etymology: E. प्राण breath, आ before यम to restrain, aff. घञ्
Definitions: 8

View Declension Tables , 48 forms

Meanings by context

General Yogic Breathing Practice

3 definitions

breathing in a particular way through the nostrils only, as practised by ascetics

— Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

suspending the breath during the mental recitation of the attributes of a deity

— Vaidya Sanskrit-English Dictionary

restraining of breath

— Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Specific Techniques and Types (Pūraka, Recaka, Kumbhaka)

3 definitions

the three breath exercises performed during Sandhya

— Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1899)

Breathing in a peculiar way through the nostrils during the mental recitation of the names or attributes of a deity

— Wilson Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Control of the breath by inhaling, retaining, and exhaling in a specific manner through the nostrils.

— Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Purpose, Role in Yoga, and Benefits

2 definitions

a practice for yoga

— The Purana Index

1. A three-fold practice serving as a mode of penance and a constituent of Maheshvara yoga. 2. The control of breath, comprising three forms categorized by measure.

— The Purana Index

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Definitions on this page come from 7 works: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary (1899), Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary, The Purana Index, Vaidya Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Wilson Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary. Text from the Cologne Digital Sanskrit Lexicon.