the aims of pranayama

If the breathing is continued the mind remains unstable. When the breath is stopped the activity of the mind is also controlled and it becomes still (Hatha Pradipika 2:2).

Since the mind becomes steady after practicing pranayama, it becomes capable of concentrating on one object at a time. Such one-pointedness is a prerequisite of dharana (Patanjali Yoga Sutras 2:52-53).

One of the aims of pranayama is also to cure the psychosomatic diseases, that are the ones that are caused by mental disturbances. By judicious practice of pranayama one attains sound health, steady mind, slim and lustrous body (Hatha Pradipika 2:16-18). 

Although breathing is mainly an unconscious process, conscious control of it may be taken at any time and consequently it may form a bridge between the conscious and unconscious areas of the mind. Through the practice of pranayama the nergy trapped in neurotic and unconscious mental patterns may be released for use in more creative and joyful activity (Swami Satyananda Saraswati, 1969, Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha).  

The ancient yogis and rishis noticed observing animals that is important the slow breathing for increasing the human lifespan, because the respiration is directly connect with the heart.

On a spiritual level Swami Sivananda writes “There is an intimate connection between the breath, nerve currents and  control of the inner prana or vital forces. Prana becomes visible on the physical plane as motion and action, and on the mental plane as thought. Pranayama is the means by which a yogi tries to realize within his individual body the whole cosmic nature, and attempts to attain perfection by attaining all the powers of the universe.”