Pranayama, the conscious regulation of breath, has immense significance in controlling the body and mind. But within pranayama, there is a powerful technique called Kumbhaka, which is often referred to as breath retention. This blog discusses the critical importance of Kumbhaka, exploring its role in pranayama and the various benefits it offers.
Three Components of Pranayama
Pranayama involves three processes: puraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention) and rechaka (exhalation). Kumbhaka or breath retention, is done through intentional pausing of the breath after either the inhalation or the exhalation.
Antara Kumbhaka (Internal Breath Retention): This is the breath retention after a complete inhalation. It aids in focusing the mind and directing prana to various parts of the body.
Bahya Kumbhaka (External Breath Retention): This is the breath retention after a complete exhalatin. This calms the mind and enables it to enter a meditative state.
Asta Kumbhakas
Kumbhakas have been classified into eight types as Asta Kumbhakas according to texts like Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita. Suryabhedana, Ujjayi, Sitkari, Sitali, Bhastrika, Brahmari, Murcha, and Plavini are the eight Kumbhakas according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. However, there is a slight difference in the Asta Kumbhakas, according to the Gheranda Samhita. Different Kumbhakas as per this traditional text are Sahita (Sagarbha and Nigarbha), Suryabhedana, Ujjayi, Sitali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Murcha and Kevali.
Pranayama can be practiced by simply focusing only on inhalation and exhalation. However, this is the basic practice. To level up the practice, one must be conscious of the flow of life force. And this is possible only once an individual masters the basic level. Sahita Kumbhaka is a higher level of practice.
Sahita Kumbhaka
Sahita Kumbhaka can be divided into two. These are Sahita Sagarbha and Sahita Nigarbha. Here, Garbha means a Mantra or Pranava.
Sagarbha Pranayama: This is the pranayama practice along with the Pranavam recitation. This stresses focusing on the mental recitation of the mantra, which impacts both the physical and mental aspects of an individual.
Nigarbha Pranayama: This is the pranayama practice without the recitation of the beeja akshara of Pranava. This practice emphasizes properly following the process of inhalation, exhalation, and retention, according to the Desha (place), Kala (time duration), and Sankhya (number).
Sagarbha pranayama emphasizes the chanting of the Pranava mantra. Whereas Nigarbha pranayama focuses on the subtle parts of the practice itself. Regardless of which practice you choose, a high level of mental alertness is inevitable.
Four stages of Pranayama practices
Dedicated Pranayama practices help practitioners level up into certain stages. These are given below:
Aarambha Avastha: This is the initial stage. As a direct impact of the recitation of the Pranava mantra, the practitioner experiences certain beneficial changes; the individual improves his appetite and digestion, disposition, courage, and mental strength. This enhances one’s external appearance as well. During this stage, the body also begins to perspire and tremble.
Ghata Avastha: This is the second stage, reached through regularly holding the breath for extended periods. In this state, one achieves a powerful union of different energetic forces: Prana and Apana, Manas and Budhi, and Jivatman and Paramatman.
Parichaya Avastha: At this stage, the life force traverses through the six chakras and enters the main nadi Sushumna. This is a very significant stage, as the yogi gains the ability to destroy the effects of Karma through the practice of Pranava.
Nishpatti Avastha: This is the final stage, where the yogi is beyond the sensations of hunger or thirst. He is neither affected by diseases nor by old age. He attains the ultimate state of bliss.
Kumbhaka is an integral part of pranayama, which is practiced to achieve various physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. This practice acts as a bridge between inhalation and exhalation, intensifying the flow of life force within the body.
-- Kumbhaka Padhati
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