* Mastery over the Asana is a prerequisite for not just Pranayama but also all the subsequent angas like Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.
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* Pranayama should become as relaxed and easeful as the posture itself.
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* Thus relaxed and eased, the Shvasa (in-breath) and Prashvasa (out-breath) would flow smoothly and not with the more common uncontrolled rhythms.
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* When the smooth rhythmic flow of inhalation and exhalation has been accomplished, then retension may be practised.
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* Initially, Puraka (in-breath), rechaka (out-breath) and Kumbhaka (retention) together constitute Pranayama but at a more advanced stage, retention alone becomes Pranayama.<ref>Swami Veda Bharati (2001), Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Volume II Sadhana Pada), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref>