Pranayama is the fourth part of the Ashtanga-Yoga.

Pranayama in Ashtanga-Yoga:

Pranayama is one of the eight limbs or components of Ashtanga-Yoga. Ashtanga-Yoga is a comprehensive system of yoga that includes various practices to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It was codified by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.

The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga-Yoga:

The eight limbs of Ashtanga-Yoga are:

1. Yama: The first limb of Ashtanga-Yoga deals with ethical principles and moral disciplines. It includes practices such as non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-excess, and non-possessiveness.

2. Niyama: The second limb focuses on self-discipline and spiritual observances. It includes practices such as cleanliness, contentment, self-study, self-discipline, and surrender to a higher power.

3. Asana: The third limb is concerned with physical postures. It involves practicing various yoga poses to build strength, flexibility, and balance in the body.

4. Pranayama: The fourth limb is pranayama, which translates to "life force control" or "breath control." It involves regulating and controlling the breath to balance the flow of prana (life force) in the body.

5. Pratyahara: The fifth limb is pratyahara, which means "withdrawal of the senses." It involves turning inward and detaching from external distractions to focus on the inner self.

6. Dharana: The sixth limb is dharana, which means "concentration." It involves focusing the mind on a single point or object to cultivate deep concentration.

7. Dhyana: The seventh limb is dhyana, which means "meditation." It involves cultivating a state of deep meditation where the mind is calm, focused, and free from distractions.

8. Samadhi: The eighth and final limb is samadhi, which means "enlightenment" or "absorption." It is a state of complete union with the object of meditation, where the practitioner experiences a sense of oneness and transcendence.

Conclusion:

Pranayama is an essential part of Ashtanga-Yoga and is considered the fourth limb in the eightfold path. It involves breath control to balance the life force in the body and prepare the mind for meditation and spiritual growth. By practicing pranayama, one can experience numerous benefits such as improved physical health, increased mental clarity, and enhanced spiritual awareness.