With the perfection of postures, one can hold his breaths as long as he wishes and can stay in this position for long at his will. Pranayam can be defined as a state of suspension of breaths. There are three stages in Pranayam- Purak (inhalation), Kumbhak (retention) and Rechak (exhalation). These stages can be small as well as large.

BAHYA KUMBHAK (external retention):
It is marked by exhalation of breath and retention or suspension of the breathing process. Thus, during the retention, there is a lack of air in the body. It is practised with exhaling repeating ‘OM’ eight times. Then, retention reciting OM sixteen times and ultimately inhaling reciting OM four times.

ABYANTAR KUMBHAK (internal retention):
Breath is inhaled deeply and retained in the body. Inhale the breath reciting OM four times and retain it in the body reciting OM sixteen times. Ultimately, exhale the breath reciting OM eight times.

STAMBHAVRITTI PRANAYAM:
Breath is retained comfortably either outside or inside the body. Here again, inhalation is done reciting OM four times and exhalation reciting OM sixteen times. Retention is left at the discretion of the practitioner.

In the practice of Pranayam, it is important that retention of breath must be double in duration than exhalation and four times than inhalation.

FOURTH PRANAYAM:
With the regular practice of Pranayam or physical control of breaths, one is now prepared to practice the fourth kind of Pranayam, which is more spiritual in nature. When one attains a state of fourth Pranayam, his mind automatically begins to abstain from the reflection of earthly matters and his breaths are suspended automatically. Thus the fourth Pranayam is a powerful means to control the mind and sense organs. There is no limit of retaining the breaths here.

Benefits of Pranayam- With continuous practice of Pranayam, sinister feelings and ignorance are destroyed, that tarnish one’s conscience. The mind becomes stable.