“If one takes care of the breath much more happens.
Perhaps some bad effects can be reduced.
But, because of its importance we can force it on people
and they find it difficult to understand the
mechanics and application, such as counting.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
1. In the beginning the breath must be good.
2. As one progresses the breath must still be good,
but the Āsana is better than it was.
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
In other words:
Begin your practice from where you are.
Finish your practice where you are going.
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
1. Do not fight yourself.
2. Do not take your body for granted.
3. We must consider and relate age and interest.
4. Start with something normal or neutral.
5. Let the first part of the practice be an investigation into how you feel.
6. Have some aim in your practice.
7. Let the goal also be that you have enough time to come back to a normal body posture.
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“The test for intelligent effort
is the response of the breath.
Therefore, the technique is
proper and intelligent effort
and the response of the
breath to that effort.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“With step by step
intelligent application,
less effort is required.
In other words, effort
that will reduce effort.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“In technique, as stated by Patañjali,
we must apply effort, but not force.
That effort must be intelligent.
The difference in effort and
force can cause a reaction.
Perhaps more reaction than action?”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“People come to study Yoga for many reasons,
however they fall into two groups.
They come to learn or study, or they come
to us for support rather than to study.
So the Yoga we offer to the person
who is inquiring is not the Yoga we
offer to the person seeking protection.
Therefore one can give the wrong advice
to the right person and vice versa.
This can do more harm than if the
person had not come. The intention
must be right, as must be the execution.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“My understanding of Prāṇāyāma is that the Kumbhaka should be an aid.
The aim is to get a feeling difficult to put into words, but different from normal states.
The question is how much does Kumbhaka play a part in this?
So Investigate the use of Kumbhaka and only use it when it helps you be with the breath.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“Do not make a style or fashion out of Kumbhaka.
Only use it if it helps you feel the breath and
what is happening inside the body.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“If I had a student I would give more respect to the exhalation.
The course would be based on the observation of the exhalation in Prāṇāyāma and Āsana.
This would give the type of Prāṇāyāma and for which Āsana.
One should see what is the response of the exhalation in the posture or when sitting.
When fixing Prāṇāyāma, even if you are reducing the length of the exhalation,
if any problem then the cycle should be completely changed.
One must give respect to the exhalation.
One can get an idea by the position of the stomach.
One should keep 2/3″ in hand on inhalation and exhalation.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“We are welcome to use Kumbhaka,
but if it in any way affects the quality of the inhale or exhale
and our own relation with this flow, then there is no meaning.
The tragedy of Kumbhaka is that we can use force,
as in Āsana, to achieve our aim.
But why and at what price?”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“One should inquire onto one’s habits.
Good or bad.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
1. Know the Breath from the feelings in the Āsana.
2. Choose a ratio close to that used in Āsana.
3. Choose a technique to suit the day.
4. Choose a proper posture for the spine.
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“If we direct the mind onto one part of the breath,
then the mind affects the other parts of the breath.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“If we relate to part of the breath,
we are related to all of the breath.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“One must give food according to the stomach.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
“The more one teaches,
the less time you have for yourself,
the more mistakes you make.”
– TKV Desikachar Switzerland 1978
