Bahir-kumbhaka

Bahir-kumbhaka

"external kumbhaka"

Bahir-kumbhaka is holding the breath after exhale while air and prana remain "outside". Bahir-kumbhaka is related with emptiness, with a principle of voidness and, consequently, dissolution of prana and mind. This kumbhaka prepares the practitioner for meditation, making the mind calm and the consciousness empty and perceptive. Bahir-kumbhaka is often used in combination with three bandhas: mula-bandha, jalandhara-bandha, and uddiyana-bandha.

Along with antar-kumbhaka, it is used in pranayamas and mudras.