Power of Breathing

Power of Breathing

Breathing can be a great way to realize your true self.

But it needs patience and practice.

Breathing alone can take you there without any scriptures or discourses.

First, start practicing it as part of meditation, and then expand it to include open-eye meditation in your daily life as well.

In the Shiv Puran, Shiv says to Parvati, “ I am hidden in between the breaths “. So, this in-between state is the key to reaching Shiva.

In steps –

1. While meditating, observe the breath. But, not just observe it, BECOME the breath and travel with it. Go all the way into the deep pockets of your lungs – as a breath.

And in the same way, on breathing out, leave the lungs as a breath and exit.

2. Gradually, with practice, start being aware of the micro spaces between the breaths ( breath in and breath out).

These are called the Kumbhak states.

One at the end of breathing in, before the next breath has started, is called antar (inner) kumbhak.

And the space after breathing out, but before breathing in, is called bahya (outer) kumbhak.

These kumbhk states are key points for connecting with Shiva.

When you breathe in, you are breathing in.

Something is happening (an action is taking place).

Similarly, for breathing out.

Both are doing states.

Only during the kumbhak states are you resting. It’s a state of non-doing ( and yet you exist).

With repeated conscious practice, one begins to realize the kumbhak states more easily.

Does anyone see the connection between the kumbhak states and Shiva?

Kumbhak state is like profound silence.

In silence arise words, and in silence they dissolve; silence remains silence forever, unchanged. ( Ocean and waves ).

As Rajiv said, Kumbhak state is Shiva himself, undivided, non-dual.

The breaths seem to divide Him, but for one who can realize the eternity of the Kumbhak state, divisions are not real; He is real.

Practice this all the time.

These are internal realizations, not mathematics or philosophical discussions.

Connecting all the kumbhaks should not be an effort, though; then you have missed the point.

LET IT HAPPEN.

Shiva is in eternal bliss, beyond time.

He is ready to welcome you when you are, but he will be the judge of your readiness.

Patience is the key.

As Kavita said, stay on the path tirelessly, without a goal.

The idea is not to take this as a serious exercise; just play with your breath.