Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.28.9
Mukti· LiberationChant Attentively to Steady the Mind
“The yogī should clear the passage of vital air by breathing in the following manner: first he should inhale very deeply, then hold the breath in, and finally exhale. Or, reversing the process, the yogi can first exhale, then hold the breath outside, and finally inhale. This is done so that the mind may become steady and free from external disturbances.”
What the purport teaches
- The breathing practices of pūraka, kumbhaka and recaka mean inhaling, retaining and exhaling. Their purpose is to control the mind and fix it on the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- The mind becomes an enemy when directed toward material enjoyment and a friend when concentrated on Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet. Attentive chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa achieves the same purpose as breath control.
- Kṛṣṇa’s holy name is nondifferent from Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Because bodily exercises and breath control are difficult in this age, Lord Caitanya recommended always chanting the Lord’s holy name.
Try this today
Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa for a few minutes, carefully listening to each name.
Ask yourself
When I chant, am I listening attentively to the sound of Kṛṣṇa’s name?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.