Now sūryabheda: the yogī, seated in a comfortable posture, having assumed the position, should slowly inhale the external air through the right channel.

This verse introduces sūryabheda, the first specific kumbhaka described in detail. The name means “piercing the sun” or “penetrating the solar channel,” referring to the intensive activation of piṅgalā nāḍī.

The practitioner must be in āsane sukhade — a comfortable posture. Traditionally this would be siddhāsana or padmāsana, but any posture that allows a straight spine and prolonged relaxation is acceptable.

The inhalation (ākṛṣya) is performed dakṣanāḍyā — through the right channel (piṅgalā/sūrya). Śanaiḥ emphasizes that it must be slow and controlled. The external air (bahiḥstham) is drawn in gradually, filling the lungs completely. This is the pūraka of sūryabheda, followed by the retention described in the following verses.