The Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful rhythmic breathing technique that facilitates physical, mental, emotional and social well-being. Sudarshan kriya breathing technique is today universally acclaimed for its effectiveness in eliminating stress and bringing one completely into the present moment.
Nature is replete with various rhythms and cycles – day follows night, night follows day, seasons come and go. Similarly, there are biological rhythms to our bodies, minds, and emotions. When these rhythms are in sync, we feel a sense of harmony and well-being. When stress or illness throws them out of order, we experience discomfort and discontent and feel upset and unhappy.
The Sudarshankriya is a purifying practice, whereby one receives a proper vision of one’s true self. This unique breathing practice is a potent energizer.
Every cell becomes fully oxygenated and flooded with new life, bringing a sense of joy at the moment. And when we feel good about ourselves, love flows naturally in all our relationships with others.
Sudarshan kriya breathing technique (Sudarshan kriya steps)
- To perform the Sudarshan Kriya you should first come to Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose).
- Kneel on a yoga mat or rug and make sure that the top part of your feet and your shins are touching the floor. Sit on your heels and relax your body.
- Next, move your buttocks toward the ground, so that you can rest it on the floor. Your ankles should touch the outer part of your hips once you are in position.
- Make sure that you sit up as straight as possible, but keep your body relaxed. If you experience too much pressure on your hips or knees, you can remain seated on your heels; basically, in the Vajrasana position.
- Throughout the entire kriya, you should keep your breathing relaxed. A three-part breath cycle is used in Kriya yoga, which will need a bit of practice to perform properly. In the first cycle, you need to breathe in and out in a relaxed manner with the breaths being of equal duration.
- In the second cycle, your exhalations should be twice the duration of the inhalation.
- In the third cycle, your inhalations should be twice the duration of the exhalation.
Sudarshan kriya benefits
- It reduces stress. It calms the body and the mind
- It strengthens the immune system
- It improves your brain functioning
- You sleep better when you practice the kriya
- It equips you with more energy to go about your daily activities
- It reduces cholesterol in the body
- Improves patience
- Increases confidence and self-esteem
- Enhances yoga and meditation practices
- Relieves depression and anxiety
