KRIYA FOR THE EIGHTH (PRANIC BODY)

Originally from The Ten Light Bodies of Consciousness, Nirvair Singh Khalsa

The Eighth Body, or the Pranic Body, represents the vital life force energy that supports our physical existence. These kriyas are designed to enhance the flow of prana (life force) and strengthen the energetic system. They activate the Pranic Body, promoting vitality, energy, and overall wellbeing.

Front Stretch (Right & Left)

Posture:Sit with your left leg stretched out in front of you and your right foot placed against the inner thigh of the left leg. Stretch forward over the left leg, keeping the spine straight. Hold this position.

Breath:Breathe slowly and deeply for 2 minutes.

To Finish:Inhale, exhale, and slowly rise up. Switch sides. Stretch forward over the right leg in the same way, breathing deeply for 2 minutes.

To End:Inhale, exhale, and slowly rise up.

Spinal Flex

Posture:Come onto your hands and heels if you can. Otherwise, sit in Easy Pose (cross-legged).

Breath & Movement:Inhale deeply, hold the breath in, and flex your spine forward and backward with the breath held in as long as you comfortably can. When you need to, straighten up, exhale, then inhale and hold the breath to continue flexing your spine.

Duration:2 minutes.

To Finish:Exhale, inhale, exhale, and relax.

Navel Pump

Posture:Sit on your heels or in Easy Pose with your spine erect.

Breath & Movement:Inhale deeply, exhale, hold the breath out, and pump the navel point in and out as much as possible while holding the breath out. Continue pumping for as long as you comfortably can. When needed, inhale, exhale, and continue the cycle.

Duration:2 minutes.

To Finish:Exhale, inhale, exhale, and relax.

(Note: This exercise may generate heat—this is a positive sign.)

17-Minute Breathing Series

This is a 4-part pranayama series. It’s best to remain still for the entire 17 minutes, so ensure you’re sitting comfortably.

1. Breath of Fire

Posture:Sit up tall with your hands in Gyan Mudra on your knees. Keep your chest out, chin slightly tucked, and eyelids closed, focusing on the brow point.

Breath:Begin Breath of Fire (rapid, rhythmic breathing through the nose). Maintain a steady pace that you can sustain for 7 minutes.

To End:Inhale, hold for 5-10 seconds, exhale, and relax.

2. Long Slow Deep Breathing

Breath:Inhale deeply, then exhale. Continue breathing slowly and deeply through the nose. Make the transition between the inhale and exhale smooth and effortless. Avoid holding the breath. If you feel any resistance, push through it, and build energy by making each breath slow, deep, and powerful.

Duration:5 minutes.

To End:Inhale, hold for 5-10 seconds, exhale, and relax.

3. Mouth/Nose Combination

Breath:Pucker your lips and inhale very slowly through the mouth, filling your lungs. Then, exhale slowly through the nose. Continue alternating between slow inhalations through the mouth and slow exhalations through the nose.

4. Breath of Fire

Breath: Now, perform Breath of Fire (rapid breathing) through the nose for the final 2 minutes of the series. Make the breath strong and sustained without holding anything back.

Deep Relaxation

Posture:Lie down on your back, arms at your sides, palms facing up.

Duration:Relax deeply for 5-7 minutes, allowing your body and mind to absorb the effects of the practice.

This kriya helps to activate the Pranic Body by stimulating the flow of life force energy, clearing blockages, and enhancing vitality. By practicing these techniques, you can experience increased energy, emotional stability, and a deep sense of calm.