History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c94.269

v7.c94.269

The words '*recaka*', '*pūraka*' and '*kumbhaka*' also must be, however, regarded as ancient enough. They are mentioned and defined by the Dharmasūtra of Devala²³⁶³ referred to by Śaṅkarācārya (vide note 2208 above). The Bṛhad-Yogi-Yāj. and Vācaspati also mention them. The Viṣṇupurāṇa in a poetic description of the Śarad season employs them by way of śleṣa ²³⁶⁴ (as below). Several modes of performing prāṇāyāma are prescribed. One of the simplest is to stop the right nostril with the thumb, to fill in air through the left nostril according to one's ability; then to throw out the air through the right nostril; again inhale through the right nostril and eject air through the left. Do this at least thrice. Practise this at least twice every day, preferably in the morning after bath and in the evening or four times (before dawn, during midday, in the evening or at midnight). In the beginning kumbhaka need not be practised at all. After some practice with pūraka and recaka, kumbhaka may be begun after recaka. Kumbhaka after pūraka is to be practised with great caution and should be attempted under the direction of an expert.