Dvitīyopadeśaḥ (Prāṇāyāma) · Verse 48

आदौ स्वेदोऽथ कम्पश्च तृतीये स्थानमुच्यते | ततो भूमौ चरेद्वायुः ततो भूमिश्चरेद्वायुः

ādau svedo 'tha kampaś ca tṛtīye sthānam ucyate | tato bhūmau cared vāyuḥ tato bhūmiś cared vāyuḥ

First perspiration appears, then trembling, in the third stage stability is reached, and then prāṇa moves through the ground (rises up).

This verse describes the progressive stages (avasthā) that the prāṇāyāma practitioner experiences:

  1. Sveda (perspiration) — Initial stage. The body heats intensely, sweating appears even without physical effort. Indicates prāṇa activation.

  2. Kampa (trembling) — Second stage. Involuntary tremors, sometimes shaking. Prāṇa begins to move through previously blocked channels.

  3. Sthāna (stability) — Third stage. External phenomena cease. The body remains motionless, the mind quieted. Prāṇa flows uniformly.

  4. Bhūmau cared vāyuḥ — Prāṇa “moves through the ground” — interpreted as elevation of prāṇa toward suṣumnā.

These signs are objective verifications of progress. If they don’t appear, it indicates the practice needs adjustment. Their appearance confirms the process is working.

Important: don’t force these experiences. They come naturally with consistent practice.