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यथा पर्वतधातुनां दह्यन्ते मलाः ।
तथेन्द्रियकृता दोषा दह्यन्ते प्राणधारणात ॥ Just as the impurities of mountain minerals are burnt by the blower, so the stains caused by the sensory organs are
burned by controlling the prana. The effect of prana nigraha is evidenced by a lightness and vitality in the body and a calm, relaxed mind, and then comes the strength and ability to practise pranayama.
Pranayama is kumbhaka The actual pranayama is kumbhaka, the period of breath retention. The guiding of inhalation (pooraka) and exhalation (rechaka) aids in achieving kumbhaka, irrespective of where it is applied. In nadi shodhana pranayama, for example, kumbhaka is practised after inhalation and/or exhalation, but in bhastrika it follows a round of rapid inhalations and exhalations. In the Yoga Sutras (2:49), Maharshi Patanjali says:
तस्मिन्सति श्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेदः प्राणायामः॥ Pranayama is the pause in the movement of inhalation and exhalation when that is secured.
Yoga Yajnavalkya Samhita (6:25) also equates pranayama with retention, describing three grades of pranayama, depending on the periods of breath holding: i) adhama pranayama (produces sweating), ii) madhyama pranayama (produces tremors in addition to sweat) and iii) uttama pranayama (produces levitation).
Kumbhaka is difficult for a beginner, but it becomes easier, smoother and longer by systematic and regular practice. Breath retention may come more easily for those who have followed other yogic practices. The rare few, who are blessed with an awakened kundalini, may experience kevala kumbhaka (spontaneous retention) at their very first attempt at pranayama. However, it is of paramount importance for all
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| SR No. | 009371 |
| Book Title | Pran and Pranayam |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Niranjananand Saraswati Swami |
| Publisher | Yoga Publication Trust |
| Publication Year | 2009 |
| Total Pages | 369 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Classification | Book_Devnagari |
| File Size | 11 MB |