The Pillar Breath of Tantra Yoga

Within a complete respiratory cycle , we naturally have the four phases of breathing : puraka - inhalation | recaka - exhalation; and retentions: antara kumbhaka, retention after inhalation; bahya kumbhaka, retention after exhalation Yogic practices are centered on full awareness of the breathing process, with attention also to the pauses between inhalation and exhalation. This is the basis of all progress towards Samadhi, the yoga of dreams, the practice of mantras. The awareness of respiratory pauses refines the energy of the breath and is the gateway to ecstatic states, as well as the inevitable path to the ascent of Kundalini. 

To attain the Self freed from limitations, pranayama yoga is a work done in conjunction with detachment from the ego and non-twitching of the mind. In Tantra Yoga nothing is created and, as always, we pay attention to what is already present. So someone conducting a practice will say, "watch the natural flow of the breath" or "be aware of the natural flow of the breath", rather than "breathe". When conducting a pranayama yoga practice , by saying " now breathe " , the most common tendency is for people to draw air through their nostrils , forcing and disturbing the natural flow of breath . 

And if we are always breathing, even if “inappropriately”, why should we have anyone telling us to breathe? Breathing is part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), so it is a function in constant presence, just like the heartbeat for example. If we stop breathing for a certain period of time we can have serious damage, the most correct would be to say "stop breathing" and when the autonomic nervous system reacts and triggers the breathing movements again, then comes the stage of becoming aware of the natural flow of breath. 

This is the great key to use for progress on the tantric path through pranayama yoga: awareness. Therefore , the command to be used must bring the socket . of consciousness, prior to any type of action that alters its natural flow. The first step is performed through soft, subtle and silent breathing.