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Maintain constant awareness of the count and of the breath.
Practise 5-10 rounds. Practice note: When the ratio of 5:5:5 is comfortable, the
count can be lengthened. Gradually increase the count by adding 1 unit to the inhalation, 1 unit to the retention and 1 unit to the exhalation. The count of one round will then be 6:6:6. When this has been perfected and there is no discomfort, increase the count to 7:7:7. Continue in this way until the count of 10:10:10 is reached. Do not force the breath. At the slightest sign of strain reduce the
count. Stage 2: After perfecting the ratio of 1:1:1, change to the
ratio 1:1:2. Initially use a shorter count. Inhale for a count of 5, perform internal kumbhaka for a count of 5
and exhale for a count of 10. Practice note: After mastering the count of 5:5:10, gradually
increase the count by adding 1 unit to the inhalation, 1 unit to the retention and 2 units to the exhalation. The count of one round will then be 6:6:12. When this has been perfected and there is no discomfort, increase the count to 7:7:14. Gradually increase the count over several
months of practice until the count of 10:10:20 is reached. Stage 3: Change to the ratio 1:2:2.
Inhale for a count of 5, hold the breath inside for a count of 10 and exhale for a count of 10. Practise until the ratio and count are comfortable and there is no tendency to speed up the count during retention or exhalation due to
shortness of breath. Practice note: When this has been perfected, the count can be gradually increased by adding 1 unit to the inhalation, 2 units to the retention and 2 units to the exhalation. The count of one round will then be 6:12:12. In this manner,
gradually increase the count to 10:20:20. Stage 4: Change to the ratio 1:3:2.
Reduce the count of inhalation to 5. Hold the breath inside for a count of 15, and exhale for a count of 10.
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