Word

Kumbhaka

Sanskrit

कुम्भक

IAST

kumbhaka

In General

Kumbhaka is the pause between an inhale and exhale. For a yogi the Kumbhaka also include energizing of Prana, the life energy. Along with puraka (inhalation) and rechaka (exhalation) the breathing process get completed.

A simple process of puraka-kumbhaka-rechaka is done as a preliminary process by which a yogi cleanse his body. Most of the teachers suggest a higher duration or forced breathing for rechaka and a natural slow puraka. Kumbhaka is suggested for low duration in the initial stage and increased gradually as the sadaka advances in pranayama.

The spiritual interpretation: The giving out of all external objects is said to be Rechaka. The taking in of the spiritual knowledge of Sastras is said to be Puraka, and the keeping to oneself of such knowledge is said to be Kumbhaka.