By: Dr Ashoke Kumar Chatterjee on Oct 03, 2013 –
The Rajayoga of Gita and Kriyayoga of Patanjala Yogasutra constitute the same sadhana. In both respects internal Pranayama only is the sublime dharma (“Pranayama Mahadharma”). The esotericism of this internal Pranayama is known exclusively to a yogi. One Pranayama entails travel through 6 cakras in the upward motion and travel through these 6 cakras again in the downward motion. So 6+6=12. In this manner after practising several Pranayamas when the Prana air is stilled then a yogi taking recourse to 6 cakras proceeds upwards to Kutastha and attaining permanent statice there, he achieves salvation. So 6+6+6=18. It is for this reason that the number 18 is so predominant in Gita and Mahabharata.