Satsang with Swami Satchidananda: The Yoga of Breath and Sense Control
Recorded on: August 18, 2001
Running time: 51 minutes
Format: Downloadable MP3

In this talk, Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev) answers the question, "Can pranayama (the Yogic breathing practices) really help one's health, physically and mentally?"

Sri Gurudev explains in detail the effect of pranayama on our bodies and minds, including the five koshas:

• the physical body,
• the vital body,
• the breath body,
• the mental body,
• intellectual body and
• the blissful body

Sri Gurudev also addresses how pranayama can be a remedy or antidote for someone who feels powerless in their lives. Through the breathing practices, we tap into shakti (the divine energy source). He reminds us that the other potent remedy for powerlessness is to connect with the Higher Power.

Another main topic Sri Gurudev addresses is how to utilize the Yogic practice of pratyahara (sense control) to gain self-mastery. He explains that, "The senses are very delicate, almost like babies. Little by little, we train them. By doing that you are indirectly training the mind and the mind gets strong. When the mind becomes calm, nothing is impossible."

Topics include:

• Pranayama and the Vital Life Force
• The Five Koshas
• Overcoming Powerlessness
• How to Control the Senses
• Overcoming the Anguish of An Abortion
• Benefits of Committing to One Teacher
• Plan for Future, But Don't Miss the Present