| Main Entry: | pranayama |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | a type of yogic breath awareness and regulation exercise designed to help control one's vital energy |
| Etymology: | prana 'vital energy' + yama 'self-control' |
| Main Entry: | pranayama |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | See prana |
pranayama
(Sanskrit: "breath control"), in the Yoga system of Indian philosophy, fourth of the eight stages intended to lead the aspirant to samadhi, a state of perfect concentration. The immediate goal of pranayama is to reduce breathing to an effortless, even rhythm, thus helping to free the individual's mind from attention to bodily functions
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