54 SCIENCE OF BREATH 



(3) Retain, counting three pulse units. 



(4) Exhale slowly through the nostrils, counting six 

 pulse units. 



(5) Count three pulse beats between breaths. 



(6) Repeat a number of times, but avoid fatiguing 

 yourself at the start. 



(7) When you are ready to close the exercise, practice 

 the cleansing breath, which will rest you and cleanse the 

 lungs. 



After a little practice you will be able to increase the 

 duration of the inhalations and exhalations, until about 

 fifteen pulse units are consumed. In this increase, remem- ~*j 

 ber that the units for retention and between breaths is one- j 

 half the units for inhalation and exhalation. ^ 



Do not overdo yourself in your effort to increase the 

 duration of the breath, but pay as much attention as possi- 

 ble to acquiring the "rhythm," as that is more important 

 than the length of the breath. Practice and try until you 

 get the measured "swing" of the movement, and until you 

 can almost "feel" the rhythm of the vibratory motion 

 throughout your whole body. It will require a little 

 practice and perseverance, but your pleasure at your im- 

 provement will make the task an easy one. The Yogi is a 

 most patient and persevering man, and his great attain- 

 ments are due largely to the possession of these qualities. 



