The Art of Breathing: Exploring Anustubh Chandah Meter and the Structure of the Sacred Hindu Pranayama - Paperback

by Sridhar Jagannathan (Author)

The Anustubh Chandah is a classical Sanskrit poetic meter, attributed in origin to Sage Valmiki. This meter is embedded as a fundamental method in almost all Hindu literature. So significant is this structural embedding, that it begs the question: What is the reason for this embedding and what is the intended benefit of the meter?In this book, the Anustubh meter is first detailed and its structure identified. The metrical connection to human breathing is then developed. Finally, we make the leap that the predominant use of Anustubh meter in Sanskrit literature (which was developed as poetry and passed from generations to generation in an oral tradition), is intended to serve a breathing platform. It is proposed that the architects of Indian philosophy and literature, created a container, called the Anustubh Chandah, and encouraged the content to be poured into it, such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vishnu Sahasranamam, etc. In that manner, breathing regulation could occur, amidst other benefits.Using this framework, the breathing practice called Pranayama is discussed in great detail, using the short and long form variations of this breathing method. Based on these, two types of breathing patterns are identified: "Butterfly Breathing" for daily life and "Wave Breathing" for more advanced learners. This book is a journey for the mind, body and soul...