Dvitīyopadeśaḥ (Prāṇāyāma) · Verse 19
आदित्यानुलोमं कुर्यात्कुम्भकं परमं शनैः | प्राणायामं ततः कुर्यादिडया पूर्वकं पुनः
ādityānulomaṃ kuryāt kumbhakaṃ paramaṃ śanaiḥ | prāṇāyāmaṃ tataḥ kuryād iḍayā pūrvakaṃ punaḥ
One should practice supreme kumbhaka gradually following the solar order. Then one should practice prāṇāyāma beginning first with iḍā.
This verse continues the instructions for nāḍī śodhana, emphasizing the systematic practice that alternates between the solar and lunar channels. The term ādityānuloma indicates following the sequence that begins with the solar channel (piṅgalā).
The word parama (supreme, elevated) applied to kumbhaka suggests that retention should be taken to its maximum expression according to the practitioner’s capacity. However, this must always be done śanaiḥ (gradually), recalling the warning that will appear later about the dangers of haste.
The complete cycle of nāḍī śodhana requires practicing in both directions: beginning with piṅgalā and then beginning with iḍā. This ensures perfect balance between solar and lunar energies, preparing the ground for more advanced prāṇāyāma practices.