Pranayama Mahatyam (The Greatness of Breath Control)
Complete lyrics with original text, transliteration, and meaning, 4 sections
Verse 1: The Essence of Prana
Original
प्राणः शक्तिः जगत् सर्वस्य, श्वासः सेतुः आत्मनः। प्राणवायुर्विराजते, देहस्थे च अविनाशिनी॥
Transliteration
Prāṇah śaktiḥ jagat sarvasya, śvāsaḥ setuḥ ātmanaḥ. Prāṇavāyurvirājate, dehasthe ca avināśinī.
Meaning / Translation
Prana is the power of the entire universe; breath is the bridge to the soul. The vital life force shines forth, eternal within the body.
Verse 2: The Three Pillars of Control
Original
पूरकम् भर्जनं शक्तिः, कुम्भकं स्थैर्यमेव च। रेचकं च त्यागोऽस्तु, ध्यानस्य सोपानम्॥
Transliteration
Pūrakam bharjanaṃ śaktiḥ, kumbhakam sthairyam-eva ca. Recakaṃ ca tyāgo'stu, dhyānasya sopānam.
Meaning / Translation
Inhalation is the gathering of strength, retention is the attainment of stability, and exhalation is the act of letting go; these are the steps to meditation.
Verse 3: Mastery Over Mind
Original
श्वासं नियन्त्रयेत् योगी, मनः शान्तं भवेत् सदा। चञ्चलं मनः स्तब्धं हि, प्राणायामस्य पुण्यतः॥
Transliteration
Śvāsaṃ niyantrayet yogī, manaḥ śāntaṃ bhavet sadā. Cañcalaṃ manaḥ stabdhaṃ hi, prāṇāyāmasya puṇyataḥ.
Meaning / Translation
The Yogi controls the breath, and the mind becomes forever peaceful. The restless mind is stilled through the sacred practice of Pranayama.
Verse 4: The Path to Liberation
Original
चित्तशुद्धिः प्रपद्यते, प्राणायाम-साधनात्। समाधिः सधिकारः स्यात्, मोक्षमार्गस्य द्वारम्॥
Transliteration
Cittaśuddhiḥ prapadyate, prāṇāyāma-sādhanāt. Samādhiḥ adhikāraḥ syāt, mokṣamārgasyas dvāram.
Meaning / Translation
Purification of consciousness is achieved through the practice of Pranayama. It grants the state of Samadhi and serves as the gateway to the path of liberation.