मूर्च्छा

Mūrcchā

The swoon

Sources: Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 2.69 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 5.85

Classical description

The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (2.69) describes:

“At the end of inhalation, firmly practice jālandhara bandha and exhale slowly. This is Mūrcchā kumbhaka, which produces a pleasant mental disconnection.”

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā adds:

“After comfortable kumbhaka with a serene mind, fix the gaze between the eyebrows. This produces a happy mental swoon.”

Technique

  1. Sit in meditative posture
  2. Inhale slowly and deeply
  3. Apply jālandhara bandha firmly (chin to chest)
  4. Retain the breath with the mind focused on the eyebrow center (bhrūmadhya)
  5. Retain until feeling a lightness, a beginning of mental disconnection
  6. Before reaching the limit, release the bandha
  7. Exhale very slowly through the nose
  8. Experience the resulting state of mental stillness

Effects according to the texts

The HYP mentions:

  • Mano-mūrcchā — “swoon” or disconnection of the mind
  • Sukha-kārī — produces pleasure, happiness

The technique brings the mind to a liminal state:

  • Between waking and sleep
  • Temporary suspension of discursive thought
  • Experience of pleasant mental emptiness
  • Preparation for deep meditative states

Notes

Mūrcchā means fainting, swooning or unconsciousness. It should not be confused with an actual physical faint — it is a controlled “disconnection” of the mind. This prāṇāyāma is advanced and should only be practiced under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Retention should not be taken to the point of discomfort. The goal is to find the point where the mind naturally quiets, not to force a state of semi-unconsciousness.