Book Title: Pran and Pranayam
Author(s): Niranjananand Saraswati Swami
Publisher: Yoga Publication Trust

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Page 344
________________ The inner part of the abdomen being completely filled with air, one can float like a lotus leaf on water. (2:70) Pranayama is said to be of three types: exhalation (rechaka), inhalation (pooraka) and retention (kumbhaka). Kumbhaka is again of two types: connected (sahita) and unconnected (kevala). (2:71) Kevala kumbhaka is perfected, sahita kumbhaka has to be practised. When (you are) freed of inhalation and exhalation, then the breath and prana is retained easily. (2:72) Perfection of isolated retention is freedom from inhalation and exhalation. The pranayama spoken of is verily kevala kumbhaka. (2:73) Nothing in the three planes of existence is unobtainable by him who has mastery of kevala kumbhaka, and can retain the breath as desired. (2:74) There is no doubt, the state of raja yoga is also attained (through kevala kumbhaka). By retention, kundalini is aroused, sushumna becomes unobstructed, and perfection of hatha yoga takes place. (2:75) By stopping the prana through retention, the mind becomes free from all modifications. By thus practising (this yoga), one achieves the stage of raja yoga (supreme union). (2:76) 339

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