Kumbhaka

Definition: “kumbha” means pot or container; “ka” is a suffix meaning like or similar; therefore, “kumbhaka” means potlike. According to BKS Iyengar, Kumbhaka is the art of retaining the breath in a state of suspense.

• Antara Kumbhaka ~ retaining the breath after inhalation
• Bahira Kumbhaka ~ retaining the breath after exhalation

Usage: Breath retention is used primarily to effect a change in consciousness. When practiced without strain, the result is the control of the mind. Practicing kumbhaka allows the practitioner to withdraw attention from the organs of perception inducing a calm, silent, and quiet state in one’s consciousness.

Practice: Kumbhaka must be practiced ONLY without strain. Otherwise, the benefits will not be received. Practiced with strain, serious problems may arise such as the development of hypertension and stress. Therefore, practice without strain and only under the guidance of an experienced teacher.

Going Deeper: Described in ancient texts, antara kumbhaka is the merging of universal energy/consciousness into one’s individual energy/consciousness. Bahira kumbhaka is is the merging of one’s individual energy/consciousness into universal energy/consciousness. Kevala kumbhaka, an extremely advanced stage of practice, is spontaneous breath retention in which respiration ceases during deep states of meditation revealing a higher state of consciousness.

Technique:

1. Practice in a seated or reclined posture. Keep the eyes closed.
2. BKS Iyengar advises to master deep inhale and exhale breathing before attempting kumbhaka. Then master antara kumbhaka before attempting bahira kumbhaka. Awareness of the systems of the body – nervous, cardio, muscular – all are important in the practice of retention.
3. At the beginning, attempt to hold the breath only a few seconds at a time and take a few breaths between retentions. To progress, lengthen the time of hold (without strain), and reduce the number of normal/natural breaths between retentions.
4. If the rhythm of the breath is disturbed following retention, strain is present. Return to shorter retentions and more breaths between retentions.
5. Always practice with bandhas, especially mulabandha, uddiyana bandha, jalandhara bandha, and kechari bandha. BKS Iyengar states that the bandhas act as safety valves for distributing, regulating, and absorbing energy, and prevent its dissipation.

Notes:

• Bahira kumbhaka may be practiced with (dynamic) or without (pensive) full uddiyana bandha.
• Antara kumbhaka is also known as puraka kumbhaka or inspiration retention.
• Bahira kumbhaka is also known as rechaka kumbhaka or expiration retention.