What are prerequisites to Sudarshan Kriya? – Sujatha

Beloved Sujatha,

People argue and ask “Is there no benefit from Sudarshan Kriya?” I say, why to talk of Sudarshan Kriya even simple prayers, deep breathing, brisk morning walk, sun bath, color therapy, panchkarma or blessings of Masters have worked wonders for people. Thats not the point here.. the bone of contention is whether Master in question is preparing people for such high energy Pranayamas or not, unfortunately the answer is blunt ‘No’.

The very good thing is that you asked about the prerequisites. Remember all the systems which are weaved around rhythmic breathing are having backward link to Yoga and Yoga comes from Vedas. Any intelligent person who is sincerely inquiring about the subject and goes through the Vedic literature on Yoga would understand that it is foolish to assume that those Vedic masters would have written about the subject casually. While they have generously praised the benefits of Pranayama they have clearly warned about the harms it can cause if done unprepared.

Consider this –

Hikka kaasastathashwaasha Shirah karnaakshi Vedanah
Bhavanti vividha rogaah pawanavyatya yakramaat
– Samved, Yogchoodamani upnishad, 117

And as per Vedas only preparation to attempt any Pranayama is Nadishodhan. Needless to say Yama and Niyama and asana preceed this.

Read what Vedas say about it –

Yamaisch Niyamschaiv aasanesch susanyitah
Nadishuddhim cha kritvaadau Pranayamam Samaacharet
– Yajurved Yogkundlyopnishad – 53

Sujatha, The only prerequisite to such all Pranayam is Nadishodhana because breath is life and playing with life without preparation is suicidal. Anyone who has attempted Pranayama would know how much time it takes to perfect it. Even Vedas say so..

Read this –

yatha singho gajo vyaaghro bhavet vasyah shanaih shanaih
tathaiv sevito vayuh anyatha hanti saadhkam
– samved Yogchduamni Upnishad 15

Its not that I am opposed to any Guru or all rich and famous but to their casual attitude, to the fact that they are hiding very basic principles from masses for their gains. They know if they put the preparatory steps to what they are selling there would be no buyers. They are aware of the fact that these effects manifest only in longer run so cunnigly continue with their ways.

My first and last word would be – If you are attempting Pranayama or any such Kriya which involves Pranayama, as a knowledgeable person prepare yourself for the same first even if the Guru doesn’t asks so and the only way to prepare yourself for taking up Pranayama is through Nadishodhana.

Love and Light

– Agyaatdarshan