Kundalini Yoga Glossary
Kumbhaka
Holding the breath in a state of suspension: Antara Kumbhaka (in) and Bahya Kumbhaka (out).
Meaning
What Kumbhaka Means
In Sanskrit, Kumbhaka is the action of holding the breath. The word Kumbha refers to a vessel, whether filled or empty; Kumbhaka is the art of holding the breath in a state of suspension.
The term also refers to the withdrawal of the intellect from the senses in order to concentrate on the seat of the Self, the origin of consciousness. Its goal is to bring the mind's attention toward the Self and its source, creating a full state of stillness and calm.
In Pranayama, there are two forms of retention: Antara Kumbhaka, in the space before exhaling, and Bahya Kumbhaka, in the space before inhaling. In Antara Kumbhaka, individual energy expands and merges with the cosmic energy; in Bahya Kumbhaka, the individual surrenders their breath to the universal breath, through a complete detachment from individual identity.
In Practice
How It’s Used
The aim of practicing retention is control of the senses through control of the breath. During Kumbhaka, the organs of perception are suspended, the mind is freed from the pull of the senses, and consciousness expands, merging with Prana.
To practice it: sit elongating the spine, breathe consciously, and align the spine with a medium-intensity Mula Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha, observing the breath until inhale and exhale feel symmetrical before adding the retention.
