Pranayama technique (7) Sahita (“with”)

The Sahita kumbhaka is of two sorts; Sagarbha and Nigarbha (sound and without sound). The Kumbhaka performed by the repetition of Bija Mantra in Sagarbha; that done without such repetition is Nigarbha. 1) SAGARBHA PRANAYAMA Sitting in Sukhasana posture, facing east or north, let one contemplate on Brahma full of Rajas quality of blood red colour, in the form of the letter 'A'. Let the wise practitioner inhale by the left nostril, repeating 'A' 16 times. Then before he begins retention (but at the end of inhalation), let him perform Uddiyana Bandha. Then let him retain breath by repeating 'U' 64 times contemplating on hari, of black colour and Sattva quality. Then let him exhale the breath through the right nostril by repeating makara 32 times, contemplating Siva of a white colour and of Tamas quality. Then again inhale through the Pingata (right nostril), retain by Kumbhaka, and exhale by Ida (left nostril), in the method taught above, changing the nostrils again and again. When inhalation is completed, close both nostrils, the right one by the thumb and the left one by

53 ring-finger, never using the index and middle fingers.The nostrils to be closed as long as kumbhaka is. ii) THE NIGARBHA ( or simple or mantraless) The Pranayama is performed without the repetition of Bija mantra; and the Puraka (inhalation of inspiration), kumbhaka (retention), and Radhaka (expiration), may be extended from one to hundred mantras. The best is 20 matras: i.e. Puraka 20 seconds, kumbhaka 80, and Rechaka 40 seconds. The 16 mantras is middling i.e., 16,64,32. The 12 matras is the lowest, i.e. 12,48,24. Thus the Pranayama is of 3 sorts. By practising the Lowest Pranayama for some time, the body begins to quiver (especially there is a feeling of quivering along the spinal cord). By the highest Pranayama one leaves the ground, i.e., there is levitation. There signs attend the success of these three sorts of Pranayama. By Pranayama is attained the power of levitation (khechari Sakti), by Pranayama diseases are cured, by Pranayama the Sakti (spiritual energy) is awakened, by Pranayama is obtained the calmness of mind and exalation of mental powers (clairvoyance, etc.); by this mind becomes full of bless; verily the practitioner of Pranayama is happy" (Gheranda-samhita V:47-57).