apāne juhvati prāṇaṁ prāṇe 'pānaṁ tathāpare prāṇāpāna-gatī ruddhvā prāṇāyāma-parāyaṇāḥ
"Some offer the outgoing breath into the incoming, and the incoming into the outgoing, restraining the movement of both—absorbed in pranayama."
What This Means:
Some practitioners focus on breath control (pranayama). They offer exhalation into inhalation and vice versa, eventually restraining both. This practice of breath regulation is itself a form of sacrifice.
Going Deeper:
'Prana' (outgoing/upward breath) and 'apana' (incoming/downward breath) are the two primary vital currents. 'Ruddhva gati' (restraining movement) refers to kumbhaka—breath retention. Pranayama is literally making the pranas into a sacrifice, offering one breath into another until stillness is achieved. This stills the mind and awakens subtle energy.
How To Apply This:
Breath practice is accessible to everyone. Even simple conscious breathing is a form of this yajna. Notice your breath; slow it; observe the pause between breaths. The breath connects body and mind. Mastering breath is a doorway to mastering the mind.
Key Sanskrit Terms: