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the mantra Soham to a fixed count while breathing rapidly from both nostrils. The speed of the breath should be double the normal speed, that is, 30 breaths per minute. The number ofjapa should be gradually increased until the state of kevala kumbhaka, spontaneous suspension of breath, is achieved.
In the Upanishads it is said that one should practise anahad japa, a japa that never ends. This japa becomes coextensive with infinity. No such mantra is known; therefore, a method of repeating the mantra is needed so that it does not end. This is achieved through the practice of ajapajapa, where the mantra is adjusted with the breathing process and thus its awareness continues throughout.
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