Sūtra 2.49

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of Sūtra 2.49:

तस्मिन्सति श्वासप्रश्वासयोर्गतिविच्छेदः प्राणायामः ॥ २.४९ ॥

tasminsati śvāsapraśvāsayorgativicchedaḥ prāṇāyāmaḥ || 2.49 ||

49. On its being accomplished the regulation of breath (which is) interruption in the flow of inspiration and expiration.

The Rajamartanda commentary by King Bhoja:

[English translation of the 11th century commentary by Bhoja called the Rājamārtaṇḍa]

[Sanskrit text for commentary available]

Having thus described how to controul the postures he describes regulation of breath.

[Read Sūtra 2.49]

On posture becoming firm that auxiliary of the Yoga which is regulation of breath and of which firmness of posture is the cause, should be practised.

How is it characterised by the interruption in the flow of inspiration and expiration? Inspiration and expiration have been already defined (B. I. A. XXXIV.) The “interruption” (viccheda) or stoppage of the twofold “flow” (gatī) or current in places outside and inside produced by means of expelling or filling of the breath is called Prāṇāyāma or regulation of breath.

Notes and Extracts

[Notes and comparative extracts from other commentaries on the Yogasūtra]

[Here the true Prāyṇāyāma is accepted to be the interruption or break in the flow of the breath. The inspiration and the expiration are the functions of which the stoppage is the most effectual act for the attainment of perfect meditation. It is called kumbhaka, or quiescence, and the longer it is sustained the more proficient becomes the Yogī. When perfect control has been attained in this respect, the Yogī can live buried under earth for months and years without performing any organic function whatever.]

For its better understanding, he describes its nature after showing its distinctions.