Patanjali and the Introduction of the Specifics of Pranayama

Patanjali introduces some specifics into pranayama practice. We will place his approach in the context of the ‘Classical’ approach to defining yoga that began in the later Upanishads, and contrast this approach — and Patanjali’s description of pranayama — with the approach of hatha yoga that follows after him.  Specifically, we’ll take a deeper look at the value and role of ‘kumbhak’ or breath retention and its value, both from a modern health perspective, and its role in hatha yoga practices of pranayama.