The inhale is long and deep, and om is chanted on a long and slow exhalation. Om’s chanting is done in three parts – a, u, and m, making up ‘AUM.’ Om, the sacred sound, is chanted thrice, helping one connect to the ultimate reality or consciousness. This breathing technique stimulates the entire body, after which it creates a calming effect. The exhalations tend to be longer than the inhalations, twice as much.

Breathe Bhastrika breathsīhastrika, also known as Bellows breath, involves rapid and forceful inhalations and exhalations, both through the nose, producing something like a hissing sound. This breathing technique helps in moving prana, or vital energy, circulating throughout the body. The inhalations and exhalations are of equal duration and should be practiced in a relaxed manner. the Ocean breath or the Victorious breath) is performed breathing in and out of the nose, narrowing the throat passage and the airway, which creates a rushing sound, something similar to that of an ocean. The spine is erect, body relaxed, and eyes closed throughout the practice. Vajrasana or the Thunderbolt posture is a kneeling meditation posture, wherein one kneels and then sits back on the legs, so there is no pressure on the knees. Here are the basic steps of performing Sudarshan Kriya. The experience is said to be very personal and can therefore vary from one person to the other.

Sudarshan Kriya Yoga is supposed to be learned only from a certified Art of Living trained teacher using instructions recorded in Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s voice.

Art of living sudarshan kriya how to do