As discussed by Hazrat, the five aspects of breath are crucial for understanding the body’s workings and spiritual development. These aspects are not merely physical, but also have profound metaphysical implications.
Hazrat says: The mechanism of the body is dependent in its work upon five different aspects of breath, and these aspects are the five different directions of breath. In the Qur’an, and also in the Hebrew scriptures, these five breaths are known as the five angels. These aspects are thus pictured in their finer work in human life. Often their direction is spoken of by the prophets in symbolical terms, as it is said: One stands on the left side of man, one on the right, one before, one behind, one within him. When one aspect of these five is not working properly it brings disorder in the whole mechanism of the body. In eating and drinking, yawning and stretching, and in all actions of everyday life these five aspects of breath have to take the lead.
The Airstream – the basic physical breath, the intake and outtake of air, which is the foundation for the other aspects. It’s the energy that nourishes the body and mind…