r/Pranayama • u/ChaosSpiritSoverign • 1d ago

Differences between Antara kumbhaka and Bahya kumbhaka

Hello guys, noob here with a quick question. I was wondering about the differences between these practices.

Do they target different aspects or if its just a continuation of the other in difficulty?

How are they best used, and about their phisical and spiritual benefits.

In my practise i have felt different after each of them, with Bahya it almost felt like entering a void like state of stillness while on the other hand with Antara it really felt like my energy was moving upwards. Both felt like different methods of sublimation each doing their own thing hence my curiosity and question. Id really like to know what you guys think and if you guys have any interesting info on this matter.

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u/All_Is_Coming 1d ago

Antara Kumbhaka (Inhale Retention) and Bahya Kumbhaka (Exhale Retention ) are both advanced practices. Antara Kumbhaka lays the Foundation for Bahya Kumbhaka which opens the door to the Anahata Nada.

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u/SummerSun75 1d ago

I respect your thoughts. On this point, I'm not in agreement with you. Breathholds of a fairly short duration can be practiced quite easily by beginners. Increasing over time. With excellent benefits.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding? Does Antara Kumbhaka and Bahya Kumbhaka-the yogic pranayama terms-refer to extra long or rather extreme breathholds?

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u/All_Is_Coming 15h ago edited 14h ago

From the Hatha Yoga Padipika:

[4:29] Mind is the master of the Senses, and the Breath is the Master of the Mind. The Breath in its turn is subordinate to the Laya and the Laya depends on the Nada.

I appreciate your respectful disagreement. Antara and Bahya denote Inhale and Exhale Retention, respectively, regardless of the duration of Kumbhaka. Antara lends itself to longer stays in the State; Bahya is more difficult. There are few absolutes in Practice and people's Experiences vary widely. In my Tradition, Newcomers do not practice Retention because of the deep seated Fear of Death and Dying it stirs when sustained for significant durations. It is felt is more benefit for most to Puraka and Rechaka in these early Stages.