Mātrā

“Measure,” “unit.” In pranayama, mātrā is the unit of time for measuring the duration of respiratory phases. One mātrā equals approximately the time of a blink or the pronunciation of one om.

The Haṭha Pradīpikā prescribes precise proportions: inhalation (pūraka) in 12 mātrās, retention in 48, exhalation in 24 for sūryabhedana. Measuring with mātrā transforms pranayama from a breathing exercise into precise discipline.