Bhramari Pranayama as an aid to meditation: A review of classical yoga texts
B. Ushamohan, A. Rajasekaran, Y. Belur, T. Srinivasan, Judu Ilavarasu
International Journal of Yoga - Philosophy Psychology and Parapsychology July 1, 2020 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.4103/ijny.ijoyppp_21_19 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Bhramari Pranayama, a yogic technique involving breath control and self-produced buzzing sounds, is traditionally believed to aid in achieving Samadhi, or contemplative absorption. This review examines the processing of the Bhramari sound from its origin, drawing on ancient texts like Saivagama, Yoga Upanishads, Gheranda Samhita, and Hatha Yoga Pradeepika. It details the practice's features, its suitability for spiritual practice and research, and its potential as a therapeutic tool.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Bhramari Pranayama, as described in ancient texts, may enhance consciousness and serve as both a spiritual practice and a therapeutic tool. |
Abstract
Bhramari Pranayama is said to be an aid to attain Samadhi or contemplative absorption. It is a yogic technique that comprises attending to self-produced sound emulating a bumblebee along with breath control. The vibration of sound produced is the aid to enhance the level of consciousness to reach the state of Samadhi. In this review, an attempt has been made to understand the processing of sound-Bhramari in particular, right from the origin of the sound, with the help of ancient texts such as Saivagama texts, Yoga Upanishads, Gheranda Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradeepika, and various other texts. Features of Bhramari Pranayama are dealt in detail with its suitability to spiritual practice, research, and its potentiality as a therapy tool.