Nirgarbha Pranayama is a form of breath control or Pranayama that is an integral aspect of Ashtanga Yoga, as outlined by the sage Patanjali around 200 BCE. Pranayama itself involves the regulation and mastery of the pranic energy (life force) through conscious control of the breath.
Within the practice of Pranayama, there are three main
steps:
- Puraka: This involves the inhalation or infilling of air into the lungs. It's the process of drawing breath inward.
- Kumbhaka: This step refers to the retention or holding of breath after inhalation. Kumbhaka is further subdivided into eight varieties, with the first one being 'sahita'.
- Recaka: This is the exhalation phase, where the breath is released from the lungs.
Now, focusing on Kumbhaka, which is the retention of breath,
there are two main types within the sahita category: sagarbha and nirgarbha.
Sagarbha Kumbhaka: In this form, Pranayama is performed
while chanting or focusing on a specific beej mantra (seed-letter) prescribed
for the practice. The term "sagarbha" literally means "with
seed," indicating that the breath retention is accompanied by the
recitation or mental repetition of a specific mantra. This adds an additional
layer of focus and intention to the practice.
Nirgarbha Kumbhaka: In contrast, Nirgarbha Kumbhaka refers
to the breath retention practiced without the use of a specific beej mantra or
seed-letter. The term "nirgarbha" means "without seed,"
suggesting that this form of Kumbhaka is performed in its purest form, devoid
of external aids or focal points beyond the breath itself. It emphasizes the
direct control and awareness of the breath without the assistance of external
supports.
Both forms of Kumbhaka, sagarbha, and nirgarbha, are
integral components of Pranayama practice within Ashtanga Yoga. They offer
practitioners different approaches to harnessing and directing the pranic
energy within the body, ultimately leading towards greater physical, mental,
and spiritual well-being.