("breathing constraint") Pranayama is the fourth of the eight basic aspects of ashtanga ("eight-part") yoga, which was defined by Patanjali (1st century C.E.?).
Pranayama is consciously controlling one's breathing,
especially pausing before inhaling and exhaling.
This is referred to be "complete" constraint when
both of these acts have become automatic.
This technique is said to weaken and remove the
practitioner's negative karma, as well as make the mind suitable for focus.
Because all karma (both good and bad) binds one to the cycle
of birth and reincarnation, removing karma is vital for soul liberation.
