Different ancient cultures have varying interpretations of focused breathing. In Hatha Yoga, it involves forcefully holding one s breath, starting with struggle and leading to eventual control, with the mind s involvement emerging later. Maharshi Patanjali s Ashtanga Yoga views it as a mental process encompassing ethical conduct, steadiness of body through postures, and steadiness of breath through pranayama.
Dr Hansa ji, Director, Yoga Institute, Santacruz, says if one learns to apply ‘Vairagya’ in daily life, while going about our activities, one can remain in a peaceful state
We must have concentration in all our thoughts, words and deeds to be successful in all our undertakings. This concentration, which is a part of yog, will restrict us from harming others because at that time, viveka, power of discrimination, will operate and we will decide to do good and avoid evil. Let us concentrate on the Self. Concentration is the panacea for evil actions.