The breathing technique of Mahāmudrā: deep inhalation (pūraka), comfortable retention (kumbhaka), and sealing of the nostrils to direct prāṇa toward the energy channels (nāḍī).

“Comfortably” (yathāsukham) is crucial. It is not about forcing the retention but maintaining it at the limit of comfort. The body should relax, not tense.

The sealing of the nostrils allows the prāṇa to be redirected toward suṣumnā, the central channel, rather than dissipating through iḍā and piṅgalā. It is the beginning of the ascent of kuṇḍalinī.