In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Prāṇāyāmavidhi (प्राणायामविधि) or “rules for prāṇāyāma (and other steps in Yoga)” is the name of the twentieth chapter of the Agastyasaṃhitā (agastya-suīkṣṇa-saṃvāda edition), an ancient Pāñcarātra Āgama text dealing with the worship of Rāma, Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa and Hanumān.

Description of the chapter [prāṇāyāmavidhi]: Agastya continues by saying that, having assumed a posture [āsana], one may practise prāṇāyāma or breath-control in order to achieve rewards in this world and the next. One should undertake breathing exercises at least five times a day; it is better to do it thirty times, and best to do it forty-five times. So powerful is this exercise in its consequences that one may undertake to do it certain specified numbers of times to atone for misdeeds, etc.; indeed, homa and japa and other things are validated only when prāṇāyāma is also practised. Agastya briefly mentions the other steps and adds that alternatively one may, in worshipping Rāma, think of Him either with or without distinctive qualities [saguṇa/nirguṇa]. One who does either the eight-fold, karmayoga or the latter jñānayoga will attain mukti. He urges Sutīkṣṇa to practise Yoga—either karmayoga or jñānayoga—if he is really serious in his quest.

He distinguishes the two kinds of yoga by saying that while karmayoga is for all, jñānayoga is for those who have left their evil ways behind them. He deplores at length these evils. He ends by saying that whoever undertakes to become a Yogin should do so without desire for rewards.

context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Vidhi, Pranayama.

Full-text: Pranayama.

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