What is the meaning of "Pranayama"?

Pranayama refers specifically to the practice of breath control and regulation techniques in yoga. This practice is essential as it involves deliberately manipulating the breath to enhance physical and mental well-being. By focusing on the breath, practitioners can affect their energy levels, emotional states, and overall health.

Breath is seen as a vital life force or energy, and through pranayama, individuals learn to extend, control, and deepen their breathing techniques, which can lead to improved concentration and relaxation. These practices often serve as a bridge between the physical aspects of yoga, such as asanas (yoga poses), and the more meditative aspects.

While the other options relate to elements of yoga and meditation, they do not encapsulate the specific focus on breath control that defines pranayama. For example, meditation is a broader practice that can incorporate various techniques, including breath awareness, but it isn't limited to breath regulation alone. Similarly, yoga poses and chants are distinct practices that serve different purposes within the realm of yoga and do not focus on the systematic regulation of breath.