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activated during the practice of kumbhaka. These nerve fibres permit the passing of information between left and right hemispheres, which means that the whole brain can function and perception is not limited to one mode of processing.
In the Yoga Sutras, Maharshi Patanjali refers to this potential of kumbhaka to illumine the dormant centres of the brain when he says (2:52):
ततः क्षीयते प्रकाशावरणम् ॥ Thereby the covering of light disappears. As the dormant potentials of the brain are exploded, the practitioner is propelled into greater understanding of the depths and dimensions of his being, which are beyond those of ordinary experience. Part of this expansion of awareness gives the ability to experience prana as a subtle force, manifesting in different ways, which explains the light that is visible in chidakasha during kumbhaka.
While such immense activity is taking place in the internal spheres, the external activities completely cease. To the onlooker the yogi is as still as a rock but, in fact, he is traversing spheres beyond the reach of the reasoning mind. However, if the yogi enters darkness instead of illumination, it is better to stop the practice. This indicatesjada samadhi, a state of external and internal cessation where no evolution comes about. Temporary suspension of all the faculties takes place, usually accompanied by an inability to penetrate through it unaided.
Kumbhaka and kundalini The process of kumbhaka can be viewed from yet another perspective to understand how it helps in the awakening of kundalini. During the practice of kumbhaka certain events take place in the body. The temperature of the body changes, the skin resistance changes, the brain wave frequencies become lower and the coronary function becomes nominal. At this time, certain enzymes or hormones are released into the bloodstream from the pituitary gland. As a result, the use
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