Only when the entire nāḍī system, which is full of impurities, becomes purified does the yogi become capable of retaining prāṇa.

This verse complements the previous one by establishing the positive condition: complete purification (śuddhi) of the nāḍī system is a prerequisite for effective prāṇa retention. Nāḍī-cakra literally means “the wheel of nāḍīs” or the complete system of energy channels.

The word kṣama means “capable” or “competent.” Only after purification does the yogi acquire the real capacity (kṣamaḥ) to practice prāṇa-saṃgrahaṇa — the “gathering” or “retention” of prāṇa. Before this, any attempt at kumbhaka will be superficial or even counterproductive.

This principle has important practical implications: purification practices like nāḍī śodhana (alternate nostril breathing) must precede intense kumbhakas. Many practitioners make the mistake of attempting prolonged retentions before their nāḍīs are prepared.

The Bihar School tradition emphasizes that this purification is not only energetic but also physical: it involves cleansing the body of toxins through the ṣaṭkarmas and appropriate diet, thus preparing the vehicle for more subtle practices.