Amma Mata Amritanandamayi says, “We need to remember to fill each breath with good thoughts. We should try to cultivate good qualities. When we do this, our breath will create good vibrations in the atmosphere.” – (The Eternal Truth, pp 75)

Yes, when we positively experience our breath, it gets filled with positive energy, not only for us, as also for the surroundings. This is what Amma calls ‘creating good vibrations in the atmosphere’. Our endeavor while breathing all the time, should be to feel divine connection and receiving His Grace; and it must be especially so, at least during Prayers and performances of Pranic Meditation.

Meditation on Prana

A 19th century Yogi, Swami Dayananda Saraswati has told some Practical points for Pranic Meditation. Strangely though, this has a striking similarity with Buddha’s Vipasana. In his Rigveda-Aadi-Bhashya-Bhoomika (Upaasana-Vishaya), the Swami suggests for Focusing, Contemplating & Meditating in Nerves or Pranic Channels.

“Wise Yogis and Meditation-Practitioners properly apportion/ departmentalize Pranic channels (Naadees) to contemplate Supreme Conscience in their selves… You worshipers, expand your bliss by meditating Him in your Naadees. This tendency of ‘Upaasana-Yoga’ (=sitting in Proximity and feeling oneness with God) destroys all afflictions and fills the practitioner with peace. Through this you should enlighten, i.e. realize the (truth of ever-existing) union with God in your soul.”

Thus, Meditation on Prana and its activity in our nervous system becomes the easiest and universally adaptable nourishment for the mind. It is simpler still when done through the breath that brings life unto us, and connects us with the whole Universe, of which we are a unique part. Praying during Satsang should be another occasion for meditation and for filling our breath with good thoughts.

Let us remember that breath is the rope that connects us with the Supreme source of life. Also breath fills us with that life which coordinates our soul with mind and body. Rev. Ken Jenkins, a Catholic priest, has rightly declared: ‘Breath is the Mediator’. “The union of body, mind and spirit is mediated through the breath, the creating energy of God. Yogic breathing is meant to focus our energy and quiet our minds… For those who are beckoned to experience union of the breath of the body with the breath of the spirit, the means are as close as a yoga class.’’