Understanding prāṇāyāma begins with the nāḍīs.
The Prāṇamaya Kośa has its own anatomy of 72,000 nāḍīs, with three main ones: Iḍā, Piṅgalā, and Suṣumnā. Iḍā connects to the left nostril, the mind, and emotion, symbolized by the ever-changing moon. Piṅgalā connects to the right nostril, conscience, and the light of knowledge, symbolized by the sun. Suṣumnā operates at Brahma Muhūrta and sunset, when both nostrils are equally open, making meditation calm and body-free. Nāḍī Śodhana always starts with the left nostril, activating Iḍā and purifying the mind. Thoughts may become more active. Never force a blocked nostril; gentle breathing will open it, and can relieve a headache. Then switch to the right nostril, activating Piṅgalā and bringing stillness through conscience. Finishing with the right nostril quiets the mind. Only a guru may direct otherwise for a rare few. Inhale light and exhale light, cleansing inner darkness. Inhale divine prāṇa, exhale positive thoughts for all beings. Progress is measured by inner happiness, not suffering.
"When Iḍā, connected to the left nostril and the right part of the brain, is active, you will see, especially during meditation, that you don't have a problem with your body, but you have a problem with a lot of thinking, so many thoughts. When Piṅgalā is active, we don't have so much of a problem with thoughts. You have such a nice peace in the head, but constantly, the body is the problem."
"Simply ask the question: Am I happy? If the answer is yes, I feel happy, I feel full of energy, I feel that my heart is opening, that means we have developed and are progressing."
Filming location: Vép, Hungary