Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 9
Āsana–Prāṇāyāma–Pratyāhāra
Posture, Breath-control, and Withdrawal of the Senses
न भुञ्चति न गृह्णाति वायुमन्तर्वाहिःस्थितम् सम्पूर्णकुम्भवत्तिष्ठेदचलः स तु कुम्भकः
na bhuñcati na gṛhṇāti vāyumantarvāhiḥsthitam sampūrṇakumbhavattiṣṭhedacalaḥ sa tu kumbhakaḥ
न भुञ्चति न गृह्णाति वायुमन्तर्बहिःस्थितम् । सम्पूर्णकुम्भवत्तिष्ठेदचलः स तु कुम्भकः ॥
Lord Agni (teaching in the Agni Purana’s instructional dialogue, traditionally to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Ayurveda","practical_application":"Technique of kumbhaka: suspend both inhalation and exhalation so the breath remains motionless within, like a fully filled jar.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Kumbhaka—breath retention like a full jar","lookup_keywords":["kumbhaka","breath-retention","kumbha-upamā","niḥśvāsa-rahita","acalatā"],"quick_summary":"Kumbhaka is defined as the motionless retention where one neither inhales nor exhales, maintaining inner breath-stillness like a completely filled vessel."}
Dosha: Vata
Alamkara Type: Upama
Concept: Stillness of prāṇa supports stillness of mind; kumbhaka is the disciplined pause that deepens dhāraṇā/dhyāna.
Application: Introduce brief, relaxed retentions after smooth inhalation/exhalation; keep posture unmoving and attention inward to prevent strain.
Khanda Section: Yoga-Pranayama (Hatha/Yoga-vidya within the encyclopedic teachings)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A perfectly still yogin in seated posture, no visible breath movement, with a full water-jar (kumbha) beside as metaphor for complete, motionless retention.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, yogin in profound stillness, full kumbha placed near, subdued palette, minimal motion cues, sacred quiet atmosphere","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, yogin with luminous gold aura, ornate kumbha with gold detailing, symmetrical composition emphasizing immobility and fullness","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, calm instructional scene: yogin seated, chest steady, kumbha as visual analogy, soft gradients and clean lines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, tranquil interior with patterned rug, full jar rendered with fine detail, yogin motionless, delicate negative space conveying silence"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Darbari Kanada","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वायुम्+अन्तः → वायुमन्तः; अन्तः+वाहिः+स्थितम् → अन्तर्वाहिःस्थितम् (र्-सन्धि); सम्पूर्णकुम्भवत्+तिष्ठेत् → सम्पूर्णकुम्भवत्तिष्ठेत्; तिष्ठेत्+अचलः → तिष्ठेदचलः (त्→द्)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 372.6 (prāṇāyāma definition); Agni Purana 372.7 (recaka); Agni Purana 372.8 (pūraka)
FAQs
It gives a precise technical definition of kumbhaka in prāṇāyāma: a controlled suspension where neither inhalation nor exhalation occurs and the prāṇa is held steady within.
Alongside ritual, polity, medicine, and arts, the Agni Purana also codifies yogic technology—here, a clear operational definition of breath-retention—showing its coverage of inner disciplines as practical knowledge.
Steady kumbhaka is presented as a means to still the mind by stabilizing prāṇa; such restraint supports purification, concentration, and meditative absorption, thereby aiding spiritual uplift.