Gokarna, August 25, 2026: People may survive without food for some time, but life is impossible without breathing, said Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, Sri Ramachandrapura Matha.
He was speaking at a dharma sabha held as part of the ongoing ‘Annabrahma Chaturmasya’ at Ashoke, the original monastery premises in Gokarna, on August 25. His discourse was part of the ‘Annam Brahma’ series and focused on the subtle aspects of breathing.
Swamiji explained that proper breathing should extend up to the Muladhara Chakra. While air moves through the lungs during inhalation, breath is said to travel further in the form of vital energy. When breathing becomes smooth and steady, without haste or strain, it can help bring calmness to the body and mind.
According to Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati, breathing is a continuous ‘Ajapa Japa’- a natural repetition of the mantra ‘Hamsa, Hamsa’ that takes place without conscious effort.
He explained that the sound ‘Ham’ is associated with exhalation and ‘Sah’ with inhalation, forming what yoga tradition describes as the Hamsa Gayatri. Since the mantra is repeated naturally without the person's conscious awareness, it is referred to as Ajapa.
Describing breathing as the interplay of Prana and Apana, he said conscious regulation of breathing has an important role in yogic practice. When breathing becomes slow, steady and mindful, it can contribute to greater physical and mental composure and, according to yogic tradition, lead towards deeper states of meditation.
“Food can be given up for a period of time, but breathing cannot be abandoned,” the seer said, while explaining the fundamental importance of breath in human life. He added that the state of breathlessness associated with a yogi's deep samadhi is a highly advanced spiritual state.
Police Officer Receives Blessings
Retired State Director General of Police and Sreematha Samukha Sarvadhikari T. Thimmappayya Madiyal and his wife participated in the programme and received the blessings of Sri Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji.
Shivaramachandra Shivala and his family offered Gurubhiksha Seva on behalf of the Guttigaru, Enmakaje, Gumpe, Sullia, Kasaragod and Kodagu Havyaka circles under the Mulleeria Havyaka Mandala.
Vinod Hegde, Nandan Hegde, Subrahmanya Bhat Keremule, Krishnamurthy Madavu, Krishnapramod and Keshava Prakash Gumpe were present. Shirasi Lakshmana Shanbhag and his wife served as the day's organisers.
Keywords
Raghaveshwara Bharati Mahaswamiji, breathing and health, Ajapa Japa, Hamsa Gayatri, Annabrahma Chaturmasya, Gokarna spiritual discourse, Citizen News Puttur