The eight types of breath control according to Gheranda.
Breath control (Pranayama) means the careful regulation of life energy (Prana) in its various forms. From the hatha yogin’s point of view, yogic work cannot be accomplished if the life force/breath is not controlled. As the Yoga Bija puts it:
“Whoever strives for union (yoga) without mastering the breath (pavana) appears to the yogis like someone who wants to cross the ocean in an unfired clay vessel.” (77)
And the Hatha Yoga Pradipika: “When the breath moves, then the consciousness (chitta) moves.” When he is unmoved, [the consciousness is also] unmoved, and the yogi attains stability. That’s why you should control your breath. It is said that as long as there is breath in the body, there is life in it. His departure [of breath] means death. “That’s why you should control your breath.” (2.2–3)
B efore describing the various breath control techniques, Gheranda emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and environment. Among other things, he says that the yogi should begin pranayama practice in spring or autumn, when it is not too hot and not too cold. He also places great emphasis on purifying the “energy channels” (nadi) through which life force flows. The purification process is said to be of two types, namely “samanu” and “nirmanu” (both untranslatable). The former is a meditative exercise in which the deities that govern the various chakras are invoked and “installed” in the body by reciting the respective bija or “seed” mantras. The Nirmanu form of purification is the practice of purification (Dhauti), which has been presented under the “six actions” (Shat-Karman) above.
Gheranda distinguishes eight types of breath control, which he calls “restraints” or “preservations” (Kumbhaka, literally “pot”):
1. Sahita-Kumbhaka (“united restraint”)
In this complex breathing technique, various deities are visualized as you inhale, hold your breath and exhale; the rhythm is 1:4:2. This means that if inhalation lasts five seconds, the breath is held for twenty seconds, while exhalation lasts for ten seconds. The rhythm is measured in so-called matras, with each matra lasting several seconds. The maximum duration is given as 20:80:40 Matras and, depending on the system used, can amount to a total of seven minutes or more. Breathe alternately through the left and right nostrils; after inhalation and before
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