The Science of Pranayama - Bhramari, The Bumble Bee Pranayama

In the science of breath regulation or pranayama, the practice of Bhramari pranayama comes a little later, after the initial practices are mastered by an aspirant learning the technique of pranayama. ‘Bhramari’ comes from the word ‘bhramar’ meaning bumble bee. The historical myth associated with this pranayama dates back to the times when the demons performed austerities to win boons of indestructible power and life from Lord Brahma. Equipped with such a boon, once, a group of demons made life on Earth reckless and unbearable. Their power hungry greed lead them to use weapons to destroy the earth and its mortals.

Fearful of this insane action of the demons, the demi- gods and the mortals on Earth prayed to the World Mother, Bhagwati Bhramari Devi, to protect them. Bhagwati Bhramari Devi in her divine form, appears as fully adorned with a dress and wears various garlands with large bumble bees both male and female, constantly buzzing and singing the Hrimkara Mantra to her. In her act to protect, with her divine command, the Goddess created and released swarms of bees from her garlands. The countless bees covered the sky and the entire earth. The whole earth was engulfed in darkness and the demons were unable to use their weapons. Further, the bees stung the demons causing them to succumb to the stings.

Thus the Earth was protected by the World mother Bhramari Devi from the onslaught of the demons. Reading or listening to this excerpt from mythology is considered very auspiscious. Thus from mythology the bumble bee is symbolic of protection from evil. In Pranayama, the technique of breath regulation- the Brahmari Pranayama helps the mind remove all negative and unwholesome thoughts that could lead to mental instability. A stable mind is the sign of good health with actions used for a wholesome purpose. Bhramari Pranayama is also referred to as the snoring pranayama. When immersed in deep sleep man’s mind is dipped in the ocean of innocence as it is free of care and stress.

So oblivious is man to his stress free state that he is unaware that he even snores. This pranayama technique in a way mimics snoring to induce deep relaxation. The sounds of the bumblebee are produced to induce positive vibrations. These positive vibrations are similar to snores as the mind is free of negative thoughts on snoring. Depending on the school of yoga as well as one’s progress in the technique of breath regulation, the practice of the technique varies. However, almost all schools of yoga agree upon bringing the soft palate of oral cavity as close to the throat as possible and creating vibrations by chanting the humming sound of the bumble bee. These vibrations have a positive influence on the brain as well as the mind.

Some of the most positive effects of this pranayama that are noticed with prolonged practice are removal of mental agitation, better mind concentration, alleviation of migraine headaches and reduction of the state of a fickle and dissipated mind. With advanced practice an aspirant can enter into the state of deep meditation. It is found of immense assistance in correcting disorders that are psychosomatic in nature. It induces deep sleep, relaxation, stability and peace to the mind. Although the benefits are tempting for one to try out the technique on one’s own, pranayama is best practiced under the guidance of a trained instructor.