When performing the Egyptian Pranayama, is it necessary to visualize the 'wind' or 'energy' collecting into the coccyx or is it enough to just observe the coccyx region?
Speaking honestly and bluntly, my visualization is not very developed, thus fairly unsubstantial except under certain conditions which don't happen quite as often as I would like them to, so visualization during the Pranayama session is usually a distraction for me, I feel more in touch with the region by simply observing the coccyx bone, is this just as effective or do I need to implement the visualization method instead?
Also to add further, I was browsing the website and stumbled onto the 'Authors and Teachers' section, where I clicked on Tsongkhapa, then navigated to the 'Vital Energies' and 'Retention' articles which were interesting and very detailed, in one of the articles Tsongkhapa states; "In the beginning of the practice, in order to retain the drops in the jewel chakra and arouse the innate bliss, it is useful to visualize that the drops are directed into the central channel. Engage in the energy practices until this ability is achieved. Don't overly exert force."
So how do you know if you are doing that when performing Egyptian Pranayama? Tsongkhapa's method appears technical, highly descriptive and seemingly with greater control over the direction of the energy flow. When I do the Egyptian Pranayama, the only thing I know is that I am breathing in, concentrating on a certain spot, exhaling the air out and experiencing some sensations along the way, not much knowledge or direct perception of what is actually happening to the energy system. I can certainly relate to a blissful sensation that arises during the practice, but it is still beyond me as to what is really happening there. I gather that with a clairvoyant eye one is able to perceive the whole process unfold, yet for many like myself, this faculty remains dormant.
Speaking honestly and bluntly, my visualization is not very developed, thus fairly unsubstantial except under certain conditions which don't happen quite as often as I would like them to, so visualization during the Pranayama session is usually a distraction for me, I feel more in touch with the region by simply observing the coccyx bone, is this just as effective or do I need to implement the visualization method instead?
Also to add further, I was browsing the website and stumbled onto the 'Authors and Teachers' section, where I clicked on Tsongkhapa, then navigated to the 'Vital Energies' and 'Retention' articles which were interesting and very detailed, in one of the articles Tsongkhapa states; "In the beginning of the practice, in order to retain the drops in the jewel chakra and arouse the innate bliss, it is useful to visualize that the drops are directed into the central channel. Engage in the energy practices until this ability is achieved. Don't overly exert force."
So how do you know if you are doing that when performing Egyptian Pranayama? Tsongkhapa's method appears technical, highly descriptive and seemingly with greater control over the direction of the energy flow. When I do the Egyptian Pranayama, the only thing I know is that I am breathing in, concentrating on a certain spot, exhaling the air out and experiencing some sensations along the way, not much knowledge or direct perception of what is actually happening to the energy system. I can certainly relate to a blissful sensation that arises during the practice, but it is still beyond me as to what is really happening there. I gather that with a clairvoyant eye one is able to perceive the whole process unfold, yet for many like myself, this faculty remains dormant.
Accepted Answer
You are on the right track, so do not be discouraged. Start with where you are. No one begins these studies with perfect capacities of visualization. Everyone has to learn to make light within the darkness, as it is stated in the book of Genesis. You have to work with your current level of Being.
It is important to visualize the energies, since "For the wise, to imagine is to see." Perception of the energies makes clairvoyance and transmutation stronger. However, it is very difficult in the beginning to discipline the mind and consciousness in order to consciously imagine the vital currents (Ida, Pingala and Shushumna). This is normal. What is important in order to overcome the resistance is patience and tenacity.
Do what you can; it does not have to be perfect. You will find through practice that what was first impossible to visualize becomes habitual and easy through progressive work. Imagination develops harmoniously through consistency in pranayama and diligence in the death of the ego. Be patient, therefore, in order to possess your soul (and the all-seeing clairvoyant eyes of Ra, the Solar Logos).
It is important to visualize the energies, since "For the wise, to imagine is to see." Perception of the energies makes clairvoyance and transmutation stronger. However, it is very difficult in the beginning to discipline the mind and consciousness in order to consciously imagine the vital currents (Ida, Pingala and Shushumna). This is normal. What is important in order to overcome the resistance is patience and tenacity.
Do what you can; it does not have to be perfect. You will find through practice that what was first impossible to visualize becomes habitual and easy through progressive work. Imagination develops harmoniously through consistency in pranayama and diligence in the death of the ego. Be patient, therefore, in order to possess your soul (and the all-seeing clairvoyant eyes of Ra, the Solar Logos).
Joyful in hope, suffering in tribulation, be thou constant in thy prayer.
Benedictis, qui venit in nomine Domini. Osanna in excelsis.
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!"
Accepted Answer
You are on the right track, so do not be discouraged. Start with where you are. No one begins these studies with perfect capacities of visualization. Everyone has to learn to make light within the darkness, as it is stated in the book of Genesis. You have to work with your current level of Being.
It is important to visualize the energies, since "For the wise, to imagine is to see." Perception of the energies makes clairvoyance and transmutation stronger. However, it is very difficult in the beginning to discipline the mind and consciousness in order to consciously imagine the vital currents (Ida, Pingala and Shushumna). This is normal. What is important in order to overcome the resistance is patience and tenacity.
Do what you can; it does not have to be perfect. You will find through practice that what was first impossible to visualize becomes habitual and easy through progressive work. Imagination develops harmoniously through consistency in pranayama and diligence in the death of the ego. Be patient, therefore, in order to possess your soul (and the all-seeing clairvoyant eyes of Ra, the Solar Logos).
It is important to visualize the energies, since "For the wise, to imagine is to see." Perception of the energies makes clairvoyance and transmutation stronger. However, it is very difficult in the beginning to discipline the mind and consciousness in order to consciously imagine the vital currents (Ida, Pingala and Shushumna). This is normal. What is important in order to overcome the resistance is patience and tenacity.
Do what you can; it does not have to be perfect. You will find through practice that what was first impossible to visualize becomes habitual and easy through progressive work. Imagination develops harmoniously through consistency in pranayama and diligence in the death of the ego. Be patient, therefore, in order to possess your soul (and the all-seeing clairvoyant eyes of Ra, the Solar Logos).
Joyful in hope, suffering in tribulation, be thou constant in thy prayer.
Benedictis, qui venit in nomine Domini. Osanna in excelsis.
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!"
Thank you for that my good friend, your advice has re-inspired me to work with my visualization.
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