Bhastrika Pranayama — Ignite the Breath of Life
With Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji
Day 1 — #IndiaBreatheAgain
“Breath is the first intelligence of life.
When you refine your breath, you refine your destiny.”
— Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji
Breath is the earliest rhythm we know — the force that enters before thought, before identity, before action. In the Himalayan wisdom tradition, breath is not simply a biological function; it is Praana, the intelligent current that directs energy, emotion, and destiny.
To begin the #IndiaBreatheAgain movement, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji introduces Bhastrika Pranayama, a foundational Himalayan breath practice known to ignite inner vitality, purify energy pathways, and expand lung capacity.
The Science of Bhastrika
In the Himalayan Gurukul tradition, Bhastrika was taught to seekers as a preparatory discipline before any higher meditative training. Practised in the cold altitudes of the Himalayas, it helped sages keep their inner fire awake, their lungs active, and their consciousness alert.
The ancient teachings describe Bhastrika as:
“A breath that awakens Agni — the inner fire that purifies and strengthens the seeker.”
This pranayama was used to:
• Expand breath capacity
• Enhance physical endurance
• Clear emotional stagnation
• Prepare the mind for meditation
• Harmonize the solar and lunar channels
Today, its relevance is greater than ever.
Why Bhastrika Is Essential Now
Modern living has dulled breath intelligence.
Pollution, shallow breathing, emotional stress, and sedentary habits have weakened the natural strength of the lungs.
Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji emphasizes:
“When breath weakens, life weakens. When breath expands, consciousness expands.”
In cities with poor air quality, Bhastrika becomes a powerful tool to restore the natural rhythm and depth of breath.
How Bhastrika Works
1. Clears Breath Pathways
Bhastrika opens both nostrils, enhancing airflow and balancing Ida & Pingala nadis.
2. Strengthens Lung Capacity
The rhythmic cycle of inhalation–retention–exhalation conditions the respiratory muscles.
3. Activates Energy Channels
The practice awakens the inner heat (Agni), clearing stagnation and increasing vitality.
4. Sharpens Mental State
Bhastrika improves clarity, steadiness, and mental resilience.
5. Prepares for Higher Yogic Practices
It stabilizes prana, making the mind receptive to meditation and mantra sadhana.
How to Practice
- Sit in a stable meditative posture with the spine aligned.
- Inhale deeply through both nostrils — 3 seconds
- Retain the breath — 3 seconds
- Exhale gently — 3 seconds
- Continue this rhythmic cycle for 7 minutes.
Recommended Timings:
• Morning — to activate prana
• Evening — to purify fatigue and reset the system
Practising twice a day amplifies benefits, especially in polluted or high-stress environments.
Who Should Practice Bhastrika?
This pranayama is deeply supportive for:
• Individuals facing reduced breath capacity
• Those living in polluted or stagnant-air environments
• People experiencing fatigue, dullness, or breath heaviness
• Beginners and experienced practitioners preparing for deeper yogic practices
• Anyone seeking clarity, vitality, and internal purification
Energetic Impact — Awakening the Inner Fire
The Himalayan scriptures associate Bhastrika with the ignition of Agni Tattva — the element of transformation.
When you practise Bhastrika with awareness:
• The inner fire awakens
• Stagnant energy burns away
• Determination and resilience strengthen
• The mind becomes sharp and steady
• The breath flows with intelligence
The seeker begins to experience breath as a sacred force, not a mechanical habit.
A Message from Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji
“The quality of your breath defines the quality of your life.
Strengthen the breath, and the mind, body, and spirit will follow.”
This is the essence of the #IndiaBreatheAgain campaign — returning the nation to conscious, empowered breathing.
Join the Movement — Day 1 Practice
As we begin this journey together:
• Practise Bhastrika for 7 minutes
• Observe the shift in breath and awareness
• Inspire those around you to begin
• Share breath awareness with your circles for collective well-being
When one breath strengthens, a life strengthens.
When a nation breathes consciously, its future transforms.
- Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji