कुम्भक

Kumbhaka

Breath retention

Sources: Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 2.71-73 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 5.47-57 · Yoga Sūtra 2.49-50

Classical description

The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (2.71-73) places kumbhaka as the heart of prāṇāyāma:

“When breath is retained, the mind becomes suspended. Through breath retention, the yogī attains the state of rāja yoga.”

“As long as prāṇa remains in the body there is life. Its departure is death. Therefore, practice kumbhaka.”

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā enumerates eight main kumbhakas: Sahita, Sūrya Bhedana, Ujjāyī, Śītalī, Bhastrikā, Bhrāmarī, Mūrcchā and Kevalī.

Types of Kumbhaka

Antara Kumbhaka (internal retention):

  • Retention with full lungs
  • After inhalation (pūraka)
  • Expansive, energizing nature
  • Associated with prāṇa-vāyu

Bāhya Kumbhaka (external retention):

  • Retention with empty lungs
  • After exhalation (recaka)
  • Contractive, introspective nature
  • Associated with apāna-vāyu

Sahita Kumbhaka (accompanied retention):

  • Retention with conscious control
  • Using ratios and counting
  • For developing practitioners

Kevala Kumbhaka (absolute retention):

  • Spontaneous, effortless retention
  • Arises naturally in deep meditation
  • Advanced state, goal of prāṇāyāma

Practice of Kumbhaka

  1. First establish stable rhythmic breathing
  2. Introduce brief retentions (2-4 seconds)
  3. Increase very gradually
  4. Apply bandhas during retention:
    • Jālandhara bandha (throat lock)
    • Mūla bandha (root lock)
    • Uḍḍīyāna bandha (only in bāhya kumbhaka)
  5. Never force or retain to exhaustion
  6. Exhalation should always be controlled, never explosive

Effects according to the texts

The HYP (2.73) states:

“By perfecting kumbhaka, what cannot be achieved?”

Traditional effects:

  • Quiets mental fluctuations (citta-vṛtti-nirodha)
  • Unites prāṇa and apāna at the navel
  • Awakens kuṇḍalinī when perfected
  • Deeply purifies the nāḍīs
  • Leads toward states of absorption (samādhi)

Notes

Kumbhaka is not simply “holding the breath” — it is the conscious suspension of prāṇa that creates the conditions for yogic transformation. The texts repeatedly warn against incorrect or premature practice. Progression must be extremely gradual: weeks and months, not days. Signs of correct practice include a light body, clear mind and natural increase in capacity. Signs of excess include agitation, headache and fatigue.