Date Posted:07:47 Author: Hendrik-31Mar02 Subject: Re: Quote of the day In reply to:
Cowboy - 30 March 2002
's message, "Re: Quote of the day" on 07:45
Yes, I think it's mainly a matter of the right form of pranayama, and the amount one practices. Yogananda warned his disciples against practicing more than 108 at a time. His advanced disciple Durga Mata once wanted to increase to 100 per session, but Yogananda made big eyes, said "No", and told her that her physical condition won't endure it.
In my case I practiced for some time more than 200 Kriya pranayams a day. Apart from the usual mental depressions I could not see any result, and it brought my spiritual development not one inch further.
This should make one think. Many Kriya teachers advocate the practice of hundreds (or even thousands) pranayams a day and even increase the effect with Kechari Mudra and such. What becomes of those who really practice them?
Swami Saradananda, like Swami Brahmananda a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, related the following:
Our Master, Sri Ramakrishna, warned against depending upon such external means as pranayama and other hatha yoga exercises. He told us repeatedly not to pay much attention to them. When over-zealously done, they may upset the brain or lead to some dangerous results. He advised us especially to meditate. He was insistent on it. All his emphasis was laid on prayer and meditation.
