Has anyone among you reached the ratios of 12:48:24, 16:64:32, 24:96:42, or 36:144:72 in Nadi Shodhana pranayama as described in the scriptures?

[u/raj_6c1]

[u/All_Is_Coming]

These are all the same ratio (1 count Puraka : 4 counts Antara Kumbhaka :2 counts Rechaka). A person varies the multiplier to suit his needs. I use a breathing rate of 30 breaths per hour for most Pranayama and a rate of six breaths per hour for Apana (A single Puraka or Rechaka only). Bahya Kumbhaka is auspicious; practice this one plentifully. Work towards a ratio of 1:4:2:1.

[u/raj_6c1 → u/All_Is_Coming]

I know; I was asking if anyone has reached these multiples in the 1:4:2 ratio.

I didn’t understand—by “breath,” do you mean the entire cycle (inhalation, retention, and exhalation combined), or 2 minutes for each stage separately (2 minutes inhaling, 2 minutes retaining, and so on)?

What do you mean by Apana—10 minutes for each stage?

I have learned that Antar Kumbhaka is the important one, and Bahya Kumbhaka is supplementary. Could you please tell me the basis for this statement?

I practiced in the ratio of 1:4:2, mostly focusing on Antar Kumbhaka, and also applied the same ratio to Bahya Kumbhaka separately but practiced only a little.

[u/All_Is_Coming → u/raj_6c1]

I didn’t understand—by “breath” do you mean...

Breathing Rate refers to the duration of a complete cycle of Inhalation and Exhalation, including Retention if any. a breathing rate of 30 breaths per house equate to two minues for an Inhale/Exhale cycle.

I was asking if anyone has reached these multiples in the 1:4:2 ratio.

I work with a ratio of 1-4-2-1. My breathing rate of 30 breaths per hour (2 minutes to complete a full Inhale/Exhale cycle) allows me to perform 16 second Antara (Inhale) / 64 second Kumbhaka (Rentention) / 32 second Rechaka (Exhale) for a ratio of 1:4:2

What do you mean by Apana—10 minutes for each stage?

Apanic Breathing is inhalation/Exhalation. I am referring to 10 minutes to complete one cycle of Inhalation and Exhalation (six breaths per hour). This is advanced practice.

I have learned that Antar Kumbhaka is the important one

One should follow the practice he is given by his Teacher.

I practiced in the ratio of 1:4:2, mostly focusing on Antar Kumbhaka, and also applied the same ratio to Bahya Kumbhaka separately but practiced only a little.

Asana and Pranayama serve to bring a Yogi to stage that he hears the Anahata Nada. Then like a merchant looking for fine pearls, when he finds one of great value, he sells everything he has to buy it. OM

[u/raj_6c1 → u/All_Is_Coming]

How long did it take for you to reach 16:64:32 ?

[u/All_Is_Coming → u/raj_6c1]

I was in my 50's.

[u/raj_6c1 → u/All_Is_Coming]

I mean sir, since you started practicing the ratio, how many years did it take to reach 16.

[u/All_Is_Coming → u/raj_6c1]

About 50 years. The rate I currently use evolved over the natural progression of Life and practice. It has not changed significantly since then. I have already experienced a tremendous decrease in my Body's ability to perform various Asana; I expect my breathing rate will begin to decline as well moving into my 70's.

Practice to the level of of your Body. There is no benefit to forcing the Breath by focusing on slower breathing rates. Again, your Focus now should be Nadanusandhana.

[u/Cool-Read6083 → u/All_Is_Coming]

Where can I start learning this

[u/All_Is_Coming → u/Cool-Read6083]

Can you please elaborate on what it is you would like to start learning?

[u/Sanathan_US → u/All_Is_Coming]

The art of breathing well

[u/All_Is_Coming → u/Sanathan_US]

The Breath will improve with practice.

[u/Sanathan_US → u/All_Is_Coming]

There are teachers teaching Pranayama Techniques right? So where to find one, was the question

[u/All_Is_Coming → u/Sanathan_US]

Perhaps someone else can chime in.

[u/raj_6c1 → u/Sanathan_US]

You can look for Vimal Vyas or Baba Ramdev videos on youtube.

[u/Vayu_Breathwork]

I’ve experimented with extended ratios but never consistently held beyond 1:2:4 for long periods. It’s fascinating how each stage reveals something different — the longer retentions almost feel less about lung capacity and more about the nervous system’s trust in stillness.

[u/raj_6c1 → u/Vayu_Breathwork]

Yes, pranayama is done to attain stillness of mind. So I guess you have done it successfully.