Pranayama

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Phases of breathing

Every breath has a rhythm comprising four phases or movements. When these are controlled, or performed attentively as in pranayama practice, they are referred to by these terms:

Puraka – inhalation

Rechaka – exhalation

Kumbaka – retention

Antara (purna) kumbaka – interior (full) retention

Bahya (shunya) kumbaka – external (empty) retention

In normal breathing, and in breath observation, the "retention" phase is simply a pause as the breath’s direction changes, not an actual holding of the breath. In pranayama practice, the normal pauses are elongated.

Vedic period (1500 BC and previously): Breath retention associated with mantra repetition in ritual, and with mental concentration on divine image

Puranic period (500 BC – 800 AD): Mention of time-ratios between phases and discussion of how to measure the matra or time-unit to arrive at a desirable ratio (there being no clocks or yoga timers at that point!)

Patanjali Yoga-sutras (ca. 300 BC?) and commentators: Pranayama presented as a simple psycho-physiological practice, distinct from any religious element, used for the purpose of quieting the breath and stilling the mind. Also, presented as a doorway to the withdrawal of the senses in preparation for mediation, and as the fourth limb of yoga. (See Yoga Sutras I.31, 34, II.49-II.53)

Hatha yoga tradition (ca. 1000 AD-1700 AD): Breathing harnessed for its physiological and psychological benefits; development of breathing techniques, with emphasis on inner retention. In this period additional techniques such as bandhas develop as ways to fine-tune the breath and strengthen inner retention

(See Hathapradipika: "There is no doubt that by pracxticing pranayama one acquires complete control over one’s own body. It cures the dysfunction of Vata, Pitta and Kapha (Ayurvedic constitutional types) and increases the gastric fire." (II.65) One who has mastered pranayama enjoys "slimness of body, lustrous face, clarity of voice, brightness of eyes, freedom from diseases, control over libido, stimulation of gastric fire and purification of nadis" (bioenergy channels, similar meridians in Chinese medicine.: II.78)

Sagarbha pranayama – pranayama with inner content, i.e., combined with repetition of a mantra, visualization of a deity, or some other religious or ritual content

Agarbha pranayama – without inner content; emphasis on technical aspects of inhalation, exhalation, retentions, time duration, focus on sensations arising in various places in the body, and total duration of practice. Mental attention and its quality are important aspects of this practice.

Hathapradipika: "The one who controls the breath, can control the mind, and one who controls the mind, alone can control the breath."

Patanjali (YSI:31): "Consciousness is distracted by four things: suffering, despair, physical unsteadiness, and irregular breathing." These distractions, he says, "cease when the body and mind are free from disturbance by the opposites."

The difference between the two lies in where the mind’s activity is focused – on the breath and related sensations, or on a devotional object. Middle ground: using mantra as a time measure (as in Eastern breath prayer).

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