What distinguishes contemporary breath-control from earlier prāṇāyāma? 💨

To what extent have external influences shaped Indian practices? How have things changed since the mid-nineteenth century? How might that relate to broader trends in yoga history?

Lena Kraler is the author of Yoga Breath: Prāṇa and Prāṇāyāma in Early Modern Yoga. Her research explores the reinterpretation of breath-based techniques in light of ideas from Western occultism, fitness and science, as well as Hindu reform movements and nationalist responses to colonial rule.

Our conversation explores how these currents inspired new approaches – from the origins of “deep” and “rhythmic” breathing to reinvented metaphors for teachings that date back to the early Upaniṣads and beyond. As a result, we chart the many continuities that coexist with change.

Before her PhD work on prāṇāyāma, Lena’s focus was dance and music, which she now teaches – alongside religion – to early years educators. You can find out more about her research here. She also mentioned Karl Baier (who posts work here), and Anya Foxen (whom I interviewed here).

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