Yoga Breath

Rewriting the History of Modern Yoga: Exploring Modern Prāṇa and Prāṇāyāma in Depth

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A central practice to both premodern and modern yoga, prāṇāyāma (lit. “breath control”) is practised in yoga classes worldwide. Just like prāṇāyāma, the notion of prāṇa (lit. “breath”, “vitality”) has a longstanding history in South Asia. From 1850 onwards, prāṇa and prāṇāyāma are reinterpreted in light of the Hindu reform, nineteenth-century occultism, science, medicine, and hygiene. Transnational players of modern yoga and physical culture shape the history of the practices. Prāṇa and prāṇāyāma are crucial ingredients for understanding modern yoga's praxeological, philosophical, political, and religious thrust. This book provides deep insights into the various practices, functions, and interpretations of prāṇa and prāṇāyāma, and their overall impact and dissemination.