Meditation & Pranayama - Arvind Chittumalla
Suggested Donation $11

We begin this class with Prānāyāma (yogic breathing). Prāna means life force and ayama means to expand. Prānāyāma is the expansion of life force through control of the breath. According to the Upanishads, the ancient Hindu philosophical texts, prāna is the essence of life and consciousness, “an exalted knowledge…a road to prosperity, freedom and bliss.” Through breath control one can guide the subtle forces that move throughout the body. Prānāyāma is conscious breathing, not deep breathing. Cultivating breath control helps oxygenate the body and rid it of toxins to maintain health and increase longevity. It helps calm the mind and opens it to rejuvenation, concentration and upliftment.

We will use some of these Prānāyāma techniques: Ujjāyī, Viloma, Bhrāmarī, Nādī Shodhana (Alternate nostril breathing), Bhastrikā & Kapālabhāti (Breath of Fire)

The Prānāyāma helps build a strong foundation for meditation by releasing mental and physical fatigue and centering oneself.

Arvind's meditation classes comprise two stages: Stage 1 - Stabilizing Meditation and Stage 2 - Analytical Meditation. The first stage when done properly prepares the individual for the second stage.
 

In Stabilizing Meditation, the objective to development concentration and single pointed focus. This is usually done by fixing the mind on the breath, third eye or by chanting a mantra. Sometimes, he uses Vipassana (awareness meditation) also in this stage of meditation.
Vipassana helps us to be more centered and develop equanimity towards different situations and people. 
 
In Analytical Meditation, the objective it to develop wisdom by developing objectivity over different aspects of life. Arvind will provide topics for meditation through reasoning and reflection. These topics are universal and impact everone. E.g. Impermanence, Ego, Love, Fear, Jealousy, Attachment, Change, Anger, Equanimity, Compassion.