A State where there is no inhalation, no exhalation, and no mind.
Kumbhaka, in yogic practices, refers to the retention of breath—holding the breath after inhalation or exhalation. It is often seen as a state of profound stillness and concentration, where there is no conscious breath movement, and the practitioner can transcend ordinary thought patterns.
Kumbhaka goes beyond simple breath retention. It points toward a meditative state, where the control of breath leads to the suspension of mental activity as well, allowing the individual to experience a sense of pure awareness, often referred to as “nirvichara” or thoughtless awareness.
This is considered a very advanced practice in yoga, and the stillness of both breath and mind is seen as a way to access deeper states of consciousness or spiritual realization. Would you like to explore how this is practiced or the benefits of such deep breath control?
