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nostrils by feeling the breath on the hairs on the back of the hand. Observe the breath and determine its length. The natural length of the breath is between 7-12 fingerwidths (angulas) from the nostrils. During states of emotion and excitation the breath can extend to 36 finger-widths. During extreme physical exertion, it may extend to 100 finger-widths. The next step is an even more subtle observation. Try to determine the direction in which the exhaled air leaves the nostrils, using the back of the hand. Observe whether the exhaled breath flows from the centre of the nostrils (signifying the predominance of prithvi tattwa, the earth element), upwards (signifying the predominance of agni tattwa, the fire element), downwards (indicating apas tattwa, the water element), from the sides (indicating vayu tattwa, the air element), or in a diffused flow, without any predominant direction indicating akasha tattwa, the ether element). At this stage one need not contemplate what each flow signifies; simply be aware that they exist. Go on witnessing the breath flow.
Observe the various flows of swara minutely. Practice note: A more sensitive measurement can be made
by holding a small down feather or a cotton thread in front of the nostrils. By observing the direction of the emerging breath over a period of time, one will see that the breath emerges at various angles at different times, and even at differing angles from each nostril. This is a perfectly normal occurrence.
Technique 2: Akasha Pranayama (space breath)
Sit in a comfortable meditative posture, preferably siddhasana, siddha yoni asana or padmasana. Practise kaya sthairyam for a few minutes, and then observe the breath until it becomes silent and steady. Perform nasikagra drishti, gazing down at the nose tip.
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