apāne juhvati prāṇaṁ prāṇe ’pānaṁ tathāpare
prāṇāpāna-gatī ruddhvā prāṇāyāma-parāyaṇāḥ
apare niyatāhārāḥ prāṇān prāṇeṣhu juhvati
sarve ’pyete yajña-vido yajña-kṣhapita-kalmaṣhāḥ
apāne — the incoming breath;
juhvati — offer;
prāṇam — the outgoing breath;
prāṇe — in the outgoing breath;
apānam — incoming breath;
tathā — also;
apare — others;
prāṇa — of the outgoing breath;
apāna — and the incoming breath;
gatī — movement;
ruddhvā — blocking;
prāṇa-āyāma — control of breath;
parāyaṇāḥ — wholly devoted
apare — others;
niyata — having controlled;
āhārāḥ — food intake;
prāṇān — life-breaths;
prāṇeṣhu — life-energy;
juhvati — sacrifice;
sarve — all;
api — also;
ete — these;
yajña-vidaḥ — knowers of sacrifices;
yajña-kṣhapita — being cleansed by performances of sacrifices;
kalmaṣhāḥ — of impurities
This verse talks about a particular form of yoga that focuses on controlling breathing, which is called 'pranayama.' To understand this better, let's break it down.
When people practice pranayama, they use different sitting positions to help control their breathing. These exercises are designed to help manage our senses and to improve our understanding of spiritual matters.
In simple terms, pranayama involves regulating how air flows in and out of our bodies. There are two main types of breath: 'apana,' which is the air that moves downward, and 'prana,' which moves upward. Imagine these two types of breath as two streams flowing in opposite directions. By practicing breathing in a specific way, practitioners aim to make these air currents balanced and harmonious, reaching a state called 'puraka.' This balance is important and can help calm the mind and body.
The next steps include techniques like 'recaka,' where the exhaled breath is directed toward the inhaled breath. Then, there is a state called 'kumbhaka,' where both breaths are held or paused completely. People who practice kumbhaka can live longer and healthier lives due to this focus on breathing.
However, there's a significant difference when someone is focused on Krishna, the divine figure in Hinduism. When a person dedicates their life to serving Krishna with love and devotion, their focus is on pleasing Him. Because they are so engaged in this spiritual service, their senses naturally become under control. They are less likely to be distracted by worldly desires or troubles. At the end of their life, this strong connection means they can leave their physical body and be lifted up to Krishna's spiritual realm without struggling to extend their physical life. It’s almost as if they seamlessly transition into a higher state of existence.
The journey of someone who is Krishna conscious begins from a spiritual high point. They live their life with a deep understanding and awareness of the divine, which prevents them from experiencing a dip or fall in their spiritual path. They enter the divine abode of Krishna smoothly, without delays or obstacles.
Regarding nutrition, this focus on serving Krishna naturally leads to a balanced approach to eating. When someone eats food offered to Krishna first, known as 'Krishna prasadam,' they tend to eat less and be more content. Eating in this way helps them control their senses better, which is vital because being uncontrolled in our desires makes it challenging to break free from the cycles of worldly concerns and attachments.
Therefore, this verse emphasizes breath control and moderation in eating as practical tools for spiritual growth. But more importantly, it highlights the power of being devoted to Krishna and how that devotion simplifies one’s life, guiding them toward spiritual fulfillment.