Re: Kumbhaka pranayama and the Pastimes of the Lord

Thank you Matus. I was refering to this article by Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in Prema Pradipa about Yogi Dasa Babaji using Kumbhaka for Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration on the desired object) and Dhyana (meditation), though Kumbhaka (breath retention) needs to be practiced only at an advanced stage of deep breathing and ideally under guidance from a yoga practictioner. When one retains the breath (kumbhaka) during anuloma and viloma, then the mind becomes extremely peaceful and free of thoughts and thus the full energy of the mind can be focussed on the extremely deep meditation of the Lord's Holy Name, Form and Pastimes in that kumbhaka stage. But this is a part of ashtanga yoga and I would not so much recommend kumbhaka or breath retention for normal practictioners because it has a big chance to cause lung and breathing problem if not done immaturely or excessively without sufficient practice in deep breathing. The NITAAI Praana Kriyaa is an optimum solution. I will be writing more on the NITAAI Praana Kriyaa soon.  And ultimately, the highest devotional activity is Naama Sankirtana. All other devotional process are a preparation for giving us taste in Naama Sankirtana.

Daaso'smi, BR Sadhu Swami Gaurangapada.

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