The Elemental Breath Practice

As Given by Hazrat Pir-O-Murshid Inayat Khan.

Practices With Breath

by Hazrat Inayat Khan

 The breath is the source which keeps body and mind alive, and body and mind connected. Impurity of breath turns body and mind impure, and purity of breath gives purity to body and mind.  The question of how we should purify the breath may be answered this way: that breath is constituted of the five elements of which both the body and the mind are composed, and it is the same elements that are used by the mystics to purify the breath. After a person has made their breath rhythmic and has acquired strength in the breath, then they may purify the breath with different elements.

By breathing on earth, they will give all impurities to earth, and will attract purity from earth. By breathing before water, they will purify the breath and will give out impurities to water. By breathing before fire, the Sufi purifies breath by that element. Therefore, incense is burnt in religious places, and the adepts in India keep fire before them when practicing meditation. One must purify one's breath by breathing in the open air, which is the air of purification. And life in the open space enables one to purify one's breath by the ether, which pervades the whole of space. Purification of the breath not only gives sound health of mind and body, but it gives perpetual youth and long life, until one has attained the life eternal.

The general practice consists of four sets of five exhalations and inhalations, followed  by the prayer Nayaz:

1^st Set 5: In by nose Out by nose      Earth

2^nd Set 5: In by nose Out by mouth     Water

3^rd Set 5: In by mouth Out by nose     Fire

4^th Set 5: In by mouth Out by mouth    Air

Nayaz:
Beloved Lord, Almighty God!

Through the rays of the sun,

Through the waves of the air,

Through the All-pervading Life in space,

Purify and revivify me, and I pray,

Heal my body, heart, and soul. Amen.

These breaths are done before breakfast, hands hanging down by the side, if possible before an open window or out of doors. Inhalations and exhalations are done slowly, easily, and quietly. While inhaling think that you receive; while exhaling think that you radiate. What does one exhale and spread? The divine power which purifies and revivifies one’s life, which inspires one and enables the soul to unfold. This thought must constantly be kept in mind uring the exercise. There are many other forms of this experience, but this is the general description.