Now ujjāyī: closing the mouth, inhaling slowly through both nostrils, so that the sound is heard from the throat to the heart.

This verse introduces ujjāyī prāṇāyāma, whose name means “victorious” or “the conquering one.” The mouth remains closed (mukhaṃ saṃyamya) and inhalation is performed through both nostrils (nāḍībhyām).

The distinguishing characteristic is sasvanam — the sound. This sound is produced by a slight constriction of the glottis, creating an audible whisper that is heard kaṇṭhāt hṛdayāvadhi — “from the throat to the heart.” The sound has been compared to ocean waves or the whisper of wind.

The sound serves multiple purposes: it provides feedback on the uniformity of breathing, calms the mind through its constant rhythm, and generates internal heat by creating friction in the airways. Ujjāyī is perhaps the most versatile prāṇāyāma, usable during āsana and meditation.