In depth discussion of Hong Sau - the Breath - Heart Rate Variability

[@MillicentStClaire]

Forrest breaks it down like NO OTHER. Big Love!

[@paulsloan7140]

This information is brilliant. It clears up much of my confusion. Thankyou you forrest for putting it out there for free and thank you for your wonderful book

[@Drstephenstokes]

Every time I listen to one of your videos I pick up something useful.

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's so fantastic! Happy New Year!🥳🥳🙏🙏❄️🎄

[@harilalnair4880]

Forrest, your knowledge is awesome. I never heard anyone speaks so authenticity about yoga before. God bless you.🙏🙏🙏

[@ForrestKnutson]

Harilal, thank you! It's a real pleasure to give clarity. God bless you, too! 🙏🙏🙏

[@duanef2634]

So simple, clear, and scientific, and it works everytime! Vyasa was right, "pranayam is the pinnacle of sadhana." You corrected my practice and it made all the difference!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Beautiful, brother, so glad to hear it!

[@kantamasters]

Wow...you sure got that right! ME TOO! This morning's meditation was one of the best in my life! Kudos to Forrest!

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@Patrick-xg4ob hey Patrick! Why don't you try out the resonant breathing app that I talk about on my channel? Download that and try it out as an experiment for a week. Follow the instructions and find the breath rate which feels the most comfortable for you and this will get you into resonance.

[@Srividhya1682]

@@ForrestKnutson does the nose edges tingle as the lips do

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@Srividhya1682 Yes, they can.

[@ТатьянаЧернюк-у2б]

Wow! I have been practicing meditation fir two weeks, and never checked my breath rate, after watching this video I decided to check it.. it’s 7 breaths!! I just did one hour ago meditation!! Unbelievable!!! Pure magic!!

[@ТатьянаЧернюк-у2б]

7 breaths in a minute:))

[@Akileshg1]

@@ТатьянаЧернюк-у2б I thought 7 in an hour lol

[@sanjayamin9838]

Amazing knowledge, it's God"s grace on me during this Corona Pandemic . I found so much guidance from Mr Forrest. I was looking for some scientific references on my day to day practice since 1980s. I really appreciate your efforts in making it so basic and understandable for anyone. Hope i would dive deep now with your help. AUM!!!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Sanjay! I love that! So fantastic! You will! HRV Breathing and the 4 Proofs are where it's all at!! God bless!

[@sanjayamin9838]

@@ForrestKnutson I am so thankful to you>

[@Ifasanya]

Thanks for the video, I've tried this before and I never vibed with it until I just tried it with HRV. My frontal lobe feels open and clear. I noticed my eyes naturally rolled to the back of my eyes without effort. I naturally feel this way in meditation but it was interesting because I usually don't when I use breath as an object.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Fantastic Pema! Well done!

[@333Eriana]

thankyou thankyou thankyou - - - this breathing is SO much better and more comfortable than the box breathing - as a person that has suffered anxiety since childhood (i'm now 60) - i can tell you that box breathing never helped - it would make it worse - but the HRV is wonderful - and i find it very easily falls into what you have described as the 'tranquil breath'' -

[@nicholasgarric2522]

Hi Forrest. I was taught that when there is a pause between the breaths it means that the energy is entering the Sushumna nadi and expanding consciousness. How does this relate to your teaching of not allowing a pause in the breath?? Love your teachings by the way. Thanks Nick👍

[@DaLeSy.]

So grateful to find your videos - you're awesome.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Kuurt!

[@ameyapathak2008]

Forrest it's so happens sometimes u seem like an Indian guy who is speaking on Yoga.u are really breaking identities..That's good

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you for your compliment.

[@thewellpreservedwoman]

This was so amazing and helpful. Thank you!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Fantastic! I'm so glad to hear that! The Holy Trinity of Breath is a real game-changer!

[@thiguticharan2170]

Dear Forest Knutson, I love your videos. Very insightful. God bless you. Sri

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you, Thiguti! God bless you, too!

[@AwesomeAndrew]

thanks man, really great information. I look forward to watching more of your videos and subscribed, awesome work.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Fantastic Andrew! Welcome!

[@christinebaker7311]

I have your app and discovered that 3 is my sweet spot.

[@ashwins.selvarajan1714]

This video is a real gem.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you, Sir! I stand on the shoulders of many giants.

[@davechesser9062]

Awesome video. "The name is the technique" also applies to "Amituofo" said by many Chinese Buddhists. Space it out to AAAAA-MEEEE-TUOOOO-FOO and you'll see the box breath being trained along with the four sounds to produce the vibrations needed for the meditation. Key up the excellent work!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Dave, that's amazing! I love it!

[@kenlu4786]

you practice this a-me -tuo-foo Technic every day?

[@Naser-eq8pd]

Thank you for your beautiful teachings❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@vijayakumarp7593]

I practice KY as taught by YSS. Your tips and explanations add fineness and lustre.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Music to my ears! Thank you, Vijayakumar!

[@juliendeka3346]

YSS emphasizes on being aware about the natural pause that occurs between the breath. Almost bath in these pauses until the breath naturally stops. This video asks us to take those pauses off. Are they trying to achieve different results?

[@rocky821]

@@juliendeka3346 yss method is the original way to do it rest all are altered

[@shravana108]

Thank's again. I reckon Hong Sau is euivalent to Ham So. But what about So Ham? I've had quite good results with the So Ham meditation. It is said thet the So Ham meditation finally will automatically be turned around int Ham So. I experiences this once.

[@annagosling3754]

I have also found Soham much more effective than hong sau. Looking forward to Guruji's response🙏🪷

[@annagosling3754]

Shravana: I figured it out, thanks to Guruji! Ham on in the inbreath brings prana into the body, So on outbreath expels prana. I am now trying Soham Hamsa both thru the medulla/third eye and through the heart chakra to see which takes me to stillness more deeply. Please see Guruiji's playlist on Hong-Sau for his teaching🪷🙏

[@shravana108]

@@annagosling3754 Thank you for this info. Very useful. Good luck with your practice!!

[@marsdam]

. Hello forrest, but my question is the breath tecnique is from the mouth or nose?? withe mouth opern or closed?? can yo ansewr me please? asi you said stock 30 years in kriya. watching your videos. All teh love MArcela

[@ForrestKnutson]

HRV Resonance is best when done through the nose this is much more economical for the body so please watch the video about the resonance breathing and make sure you can get the app on your phone. Blissings!

[@marsdam]

@@ForrestKnutson THANK YOU!!!!! i will see all and after i will contact you thank s for all this GREAT WORK!!!! unbelieveble

[@navnidhi_]

I am your fan now.. This is so profound knowledge..

[@ForrestKnutson]

Fantastic Vivek! I'm so glad you're getting this!

[@damanmax]

Forrest you are amazing.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Awe, thank you Derrick!

[@bhanjaanthony]

Awesome, you are simply awesome, knutson goes into nutshell.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Awe, that's fantastic! I'm so glad you are getting this information, and I've presented it in that "nutshell" fashion!

[@earthtones9111]

Love this 🙌🙌🙌🙌 This helps🙏🏼

[@carpenterfamily6198]

I didn’t realize I as doing the two points thing - when I was watching myself do a meditation technique ( like haung sau or alternate nostril breathing. ) I was me watching me. It was quite an experience. I didn’t try to ‘ do ‘ it - it kind of just happened.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Beautiful! That's the right hippocampus in action!

[@paulpells1864]

What do you mean by HRV Forrest please. I have a watch which tells me, it varies around 30 ms. Is the HRV breathing supposed to change it, make it more regular or give it a larger or smaller measure, thanks ♥

[@ForrestKnutson]

please look up my name and Resonant Breathing App. That video will give you the link to the app, and explain the process very easily.

[@paulpells1864]

@@ForrestKnutson thanks Forrest, I will.

[@yvonnethompson8758]

thanks this is an important key to meditation

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Yvonne!

[@kas8131]

So if your breath gets quite slow (before hitting tranquil breath), you are dragging out the mental mantra along with the breath? Are you dropping it at some point?

[@eliemaralbuquerque7712]

thank you so very much, for all that you are doing .

[@ForrestKnutson]

Eliemar! Thank you!!

[@bhanjaanthony]

You are simply awesome. GURU JEE. i wish i could see you and take personal guidance.

[@ForrestKnutson]

I wish that, too, Anthony! Where are you located?

[@bhanjaanthony]

@@ForrestKnutson I am in India, near calcutta /Kolkata

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@bhanjaanthony ah that's a far ways to visit me.

[@dineshs13655]

FK ji - Comments n your response in each video are a must, must read. They provide guidance to a Sadhaka which arise when doing Sadhana. Thank u soo much

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Dinesh ji!!

[@ameyapathak2008]

Forrest I just came across a simple technique which Sadhguru gave us....just while inhaling..take the thought I am not this mind and while exhaling just take thought I am not even this mind....I had reached a state of 30 seconds of samadhi in this itself.....it is so strong...

[@ForrestKnutson]

I've heard of that one. Thank you for sharing. :)

[@supersonic2511978]

As far as i recall Sadhguru recommended on the inhale: "I m not the body" and then on the exhale: "i m not (even) the mind". I do it daily. It is very soothing. Just I wonder ... the right part of the brain usually cant imagine the "not"... Like when we are given the task: Try not to think of a pink elephant! Usually we cant help but think of a pink elephant. On the other hand, "not this, not that" = "neti-neti" is an ancient tantric practice....

[@vimaladominic]

Atma Namaste sir. I love this video and your wonderful explanation as always. Sir what you think about "SO HAM" breath meditation. As you know i practice pranic healing and kundalini Arahatic dhyan,twin heart meditation. I do HRV practice 3.5.per minute. In SO HAM you have to hold your breath..long inbreath ...then hold out breath...then hold. The practice goes like 3 different stages 14 regular 14 medium 14 slow and 7 very slow. Will this make a difference in HRV. Practice please help sir. Thank you so much. God bless much love 🙏❤

[@ForrestKnutson]

SO HAM is a wonderful practice. Try it with this breath pattern and see what happens. Then try a hold at the top of the Breath and a long out Breath.

[@vimaladominic]

@@ForrestKnutson Atma Namaste. Thank you so much for your kind reply sir. God bless much love 🙏❤

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@vimaladominic God bless you too and your loved ones!

[@bharathyaadavk.n1470]

Thank you very much you video is helping a lot .

[@ForrestKnutson]

Fantastic! I'm so happy to hear that!

[@bharathyaadavk.n1470]

@@ForrestKnutson you cleared all my doubts in meditation thank you very much.

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@bharathyaadavk.n1470 that's music to my ears!

[@patelbrij3546]

Thank you

[@gauravmehta4882]

Thanks for the video, is this kriya pranayama which is being taught in kriya schools,I would really appreciate if you can answer

[@brightchange6065]

The way I learned Hong Sau is they added a finger-curl technique which sounds like one of the 2-things you need to do ... you are Hong-Sau-ing away and when you breath in, you curl your finger in and when you breath out, you straighten it out ... very teeny finger movement. I didn't get the blood-lip thing?

[@rocky821]

you are doing it right keep practicing

[@victorgerardmelendez6323]

Hi Forrest, great great video as always! One question, if Hong Sau is part of my meditation practice, where do I put HRV Breathing before or after Hong Sau?

[@ForrestKnutson]

During the Hong Sau. Let the breath be long and under 7 breaths per minute, so that you're in HRV the whole time.

[@enrico43869]

@@ForrestKnutsonForest , a question .if hong sau is observing the breath without interference , pure awareness without control , putting the little will for modifing the breath in the hrv is not lost the core of the tecnique?

[@enrico43869]

i have ever heard that is necessary to respect the natural pause and ongoing of the breath ...only observation and feel the Mantra...

[@Patrick-xg4ob]

Hi Forrest, I hope you are well. instead of focusing on the cool and warm in the forehead for the Hong Sau Variation. Is it valid to focus at the nostrils instead. I also find it nice to focus on the sound of the breath and the cool and warm sensations at the same time. Is this Valid ? Thank You

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@Patrick-xg4ob Yes, and then also make the breath long, and notice the emerging parasympathetic. Then rest in this good feeling.

[@Patrick-xg4ob]

@ForrestKnutson Thank You Forrest. Much Love ❤️

[@anandkesar5042]

Whether we have to say Hong sau while doing this or not should we do it whole the day. How we can reduce breath rate every time

[@ForrestKnutson]

No, you don't have to do Hong Sau while reducing the breath rate. The idea is to do it every day consistently, so that it eventually impacts how you breath for the rest of the day, helping to lower your resting heart rate. Soon I'll be releasing a series of videos that will give you musical timing for when to breath. Those should be helpful to find a good lowered breath rate for yourself. Great questions!

[@anandkesar5042]

@@ForrestKnutson is saying Hong sau important

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@anandkesar5042 The secret of Hong Sau is that it is the very sound of your breath. Hhhhhong -- Ssssssauhhh You see? So, that is part of the special meaning of it. To pay attention to the breath. I teach this technique, which does not use the Hong-sau mantra: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXbGZ4WCnt2jjNU&t also: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4fKaWWBlMqGhqM&t Try those out if you aren't liking the mantra. :)

[@anandkesar5042]

@@ForrestKnutson breath rate is not coming down only 10

[@ForrestKnutson]

That is okay. As I mentioned on another of your comments, Dr. Gevirtz found in his experiments that 7 breaths per minute or less is best for inducing Heart Rate Variability. However, a recent study I read mentions that 10 breaths per minute is enough to begin the process. So, good job! Even at 10 breaths per minute we are beginning to see results with HRV.

[@bnj2669]

Hello Ryan, So do we have to do Hong saw in Ujjayi style to hear the sound? Thanks

[@b-pos6022]

I dont understand why you say to not pause after the out breath. You seem to follow srf lessons and on the hong sau it says specifically to enjoy the moment of breathlessness and that longer pauses are a sign of progress. Also to not control the breath

[@JK-nt8ou]

Do I do the full yogic breath during the HRV breathing or stomach breathing only? I mostly breathe from my chest and feel more comfortable this way as there is a slight restriction when I only do the stomach breathing (I need to heal this somehow). I know that with chest breathing your shoulder goes up and down slightly so I'm wondering if this is ok? Secondly, with HRV is ujjayi breathing the best to help elongate it even more? Or is normal breathing best for long term?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Really fantastic question. So, first you want to heal that restriction. One way to work on this is to get a bag of beans (the kind you boil) and place them on your stomach while you lay down, read a book, or watch a movie. This added weight will work your diaphragm. You could get 3 five pound bags, and work up in weight until you have all 3. Then that won't be enough, and you'll need more. Even as you're working on this, you can still get benefit from HRV lowered breath rate, and just do your best. Both practices will meet up in the middle and help each other to transform you and your practice. You can do it!

[@JK-nt8ou]

@@ForrestKnutson Wonderful! Thank you for the advice :-) Do you normally practice HRV in ujjayi? Also do you tend to do the full yogic breath (stomach, upper abdomen, chest) or just stick to belly breathing when doing meditation and HRV breathing?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Yes, I do HRV in all my meditation techniques. I use everything until the breath turns into the Tranquil Breath, at which it becomes very shallow, and predominantly in the stomach.

[@JK-nt8ou]

@@ForrestKnutson Thank you!!

[@PrudentStudent666]

I remember reading years ago that Hong-Sau is Sanskirt for I am he. Anyone know Sanskirt?

[@Sharad045]

Yeah that's what it means . It's pronounced in Sanskrit as ham sa

[@PrudentStudent666]

@@Sharad045 Thanks for the correction, I remember reading about that years ago. That is very cool!

[@mokoforever]

So, essentially, you’re advising to stop doing hong sau completely and do HRV breathing instead, or are you suggesting that we do the HRV breathing first and then do Hong Sau? As you know, the key element of hong sau is to allow breathing to happen naturally. You follow the breath; the breath doesn’t follow you. If we control the breath it is no longer hong sau. What would the routine be? Do HRV and then kriya or do HRV then hong sau then kriya?

[@curt6525]

Would you say this is a 'pranayama' before going into meditation or is this the whole thing, you do it whilst meditating? Thank you

[@1rsalc]

Good information, but I have a question. Whenever I do Hong Sau or mindful breathing, I've been taught to let the breath flow in an out on its own. My normal breathing rate is about 9 or 10 breaths per minute. That's what goes on when I practice the techniques. Am I supposed to set my breathing to about 6 bpm and then, using that rhythm, observe the breath (as per the instructions that I have learned)?

[@ForrestKnutson]

That is what I teach. To control the breath. I have a video explaining why called "Why Watching the Breath Won't Work" And if you take my training, I explain all the phases of the breath and how letting go works once we are trained. www.meditativemellows.com/

[@patmureithi]

Thank you very very much

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Patrick! So great to have you here!

[@ypshrivastav]

Dear Forrest Sir , do you advise to mentally chant Hong Sau while breathing on HRV app on some breath rate under seven .

[@ForrestKnutson]

If you want to practice Hong Sau, then I would practice it with the HRV Resonance Breath. This will lead to a faster deep state.

[@ypshrivastav]

@@ForrestKnutson Thanks, Sir for your reply. 🙏

[@venkateshkumar7416]

Great one

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you!

[@drpramodprabhakar6006]

Sir , Should breaths be deep or shallow during HRV breathing ?

[@ForrestKnutson]

They should be comfortable, long, and in the belly, without raising the shoulders.

[@drpramodprabhakar6006]

Thank you❤

[@Frank-rx9gq]

Someone has reference of Hong Sau in ancient scriptures?

[@gaurav5161]

Okay so popped another question about Flat Breathing… Also I think it is related to my out-breath confusion question; I read in the instructions that one should go as far as they can after the exhalation is complete. I’m confused about how far is far enough? Cuz you also talked about parasympathetic system/breathing and so it should be natural but I don’t know what’s ‘natural’ here 😕

[@ForrestKnutson]

It has to be easy and relaxed. No strain. So many great questions I want to dedicate a video to address all of them.

[@ap19932]

​@@ForrestKnutsonhu Forrestji, did you happen to make a video regarding this? I'm unable to relax into hrv breathing, instead of relaxing, I'm stressing up with each breath, even at 7bpm.

[@vimaladominic]

Sir when i do soul meditation we do 6 count inbreath 3 count stop 6 count out breath.

[@ForrestKnutson]

What I'm showing here is a little different, because it is more reliable. We take out the 3 count pause (in the beginning) in order to keep the momentum. Also, we lengthen the out breath, to stimulate the Parasympathetic nervous system.

[@1rsalc]

Forrest, I've been reviewing your HRV videos just trying to understand better. I have a few "silly"questions: 1. After I find a rate that's suitable for me, should I count the duration of inhalation and exhalation while practicing HRV? 1a. I can comfortably do HRV at 5 breaths per minute, however, my normal breathing rate is 6 to 6.5 bpm. If I know that I can maintain this rate without counting, is it okay to practice HRV without counting? 1b. Once I am established on my rate of about 6 bpm, I assume that this is okay to practice HS (I'd like to try the enhanced HS focusing on 2 points). Am I on the right track? 2. Is HRV something I should do prior to my meditation session, but also throughout the day (in the office or when taking a break at home) just to get used to that specific rate? 3. As far as the proofs, my hands feel heavy but they don't get hot. If I place my attention on my lips, usually I feel nothing - sometimes maybe a minor tingle. No other proofs. Do these proofs come gradually over time?

[@ForrestKnutson]

1. Yes, it's best to count in the beginning. 1a. Once the Hands are Hot and Heavy, then yes, that's perfect. 1b. Yes, 2. Yes, if you find time. 3, That's perfect. Yes, the rest will develop with time. Keep checking now and then, and you will notice more. Great questions!!

[@1rsalc]

@@ForrestKnutson Thanks for the great answers. Your channel is helping me clear up doubts.

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@1rsalc so perfect.

[@bharathyaadavk.n1470]

Sir i fell some num feeling in my right side of my brain.

[@bharathyaadavk.n1470]

Y do i feel it

[@ForrestKnutson]

Oh interesting. I occasionally get feelings in the brain. Tingling, awakening, heavy, expansive, and sometimes it's been too much. That's one of the reasons I talk about the medulla.

[@mrinaljchoudhury]

Is it Hong Sau or So hum? When we breathe in should we chant "So" or "Hum"?

[@bristolreiki]

Depends on which school of meditation it follows. This is from the lineage taught to the west by Paramahansa Yogananda

[@user-xf3yg7kd7v]

Brother you have explained v nicely thanks for this video... still m bit confused abt the way m doing is right or wrong... while breathing in i chant hong keep focusing on 3rd eye n when breathing in finishes i meditate for 3 seconds in stillness of 3rd eye.. then breathe out slowly with chant saaw n breathing out n when breathing out finishes i meditate in stillness on 3rd eye... Pls guide me is it gud to do this way?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Humanity! That's wonderful. In HRV Resonance Breathing we don't want to lose the momentum of the Resonace, so we take out those pauses. So, place the eyes up, but be aware of the breath. Bring it in. Easily bring it out and make that out-breath LONGER than the in-breath. Longer by 1 or 3 seconds longer. Easily begin to bring it in again, and continue. No pauses in the beginning until you get the Hands Hot and Heavy: HHH.

[@user-xf3yg7kd7v]

@@ForrestKnutson ur way of explaning is very nice brother.. here is word being used take breath " naturally" n on the other hand we r saying make it longer.. when we try to make it longer n try to make pauses how can we say its natural breathe ... this is the main confusion. Pls guide more .

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@user-xf3yg7kd7v this is a controlled breath practice. Because we are training the Breath to be correct. This will lead to a state where you can let the Breath go and it will sink naturally into the Tranquil Breath. I explain this in detail in the 4th Phase of Breath Training on MeditativeMellows.com

[@user-xf3yg7kd7v]

@@ForrestKnutson will watch this video today.. thank u bro.

[@marilynzeinel-abidin1027]

Thank you! I was just under 7

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's great Marilyn!

[@Freeyourself206]

except our heart doesnt idle, it constantly beats. Can you explain how we are saving heart beats with exhalation physiologically/biologically? I am pre-med and a bio major and don't see how that makes any sense. I am open to you explaining it to me. Also, can you post some of the scientific studies that show this (peer reviewed). Thank you

[@ForrestKnutson]

Hi Cherri! It's an analogy between a car and the heart. If we are running a race, then the heart rate is high, just like racing on the freeway where the engine is roaring. Then when you pull up to a stop sign, the car idles. The engine is still running, but at a lower rate. We do not often reach our own lowest heart rate as we tend to stay in stress. Yet, if we put the heart and breath in Resonance by HRV Resonate Breathing, then the rate of the heart will begin to dip with the exhale of the breath. You can google HRV Resonate Biofeedback and find many articles. Insurance companies are very interested since it offers the possibility of predicting mortality rates.

[@ForrestKnutson]

The real proof I'd like you to have is to feel it for yourself. You could try these set of breath rates: kzbin.info/aero/PLEWoAemgKO6EDnAum2Wg5D9RcbtmtEYng

[@caelreed3067]

Where were you all my life? Took me 39 years only to find what the Fuck is happening. Thank you

[@ForrestKnutson]

Julie! I know what you mean!!

[@timedriverable]

It seems at the begginng of a meditation session I can slow the breath rate consiciously but when I get deep in the meditation I normaly breathe at faster rate or for that matter hardly breathe at all which seem s more normal to me maybe because I'm not thinking about it and am lost in meditation.

[@ForrestKnutson]

You're describing the beginning of the Tranquil Breath, that's perfect.

[@inspirationaltarot876]

Paramahamsa Yogananda said to enjoy the pauses at the end of the breath if they are there ... no?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Yes, exactly. The breath will elongate and enter into a longer rhythm.

[@inspirationaltarot876]

Forrest Knutson but you said to take out the pauses.. ??

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@inspirationaltarot876 yes. Because if you mix breath holds with correct breathing at first it may muddle the whole practice and you never attain HRV. So we take the hold out in the beginning in order to make sure we establish HRV Resonate Breathing. Then the hold will come of itself.

[@srivaishnavastotras7704]

I feel my calves are being wrenched out... 30 minutes into practice...my feet start twitching ... now left now right now left now right...it happens during kriya too...I don't notice it initially because I am busy concentrating... and when I am going to finish... i realise it was 30 minutes of leg cramps... all through hongsau..Haalp.

[@ForrestKnutson]

I would recommend a good calcium / magnesium supplement. Try that for a month and see how you improve. Also, a good amount of this stretch each day: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIDXaoSIfdiMr9U Try those tips, and let me know how it goes for you.

[@srivaishnavastotras7704]

i am a regular at mahamudra... sure! thankd for the ca and mg suggestions... will try!

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's great to hear! Maybe an extra calf stretch, then. Find a step and put your toes on the edge. Let your heels hang far over the edge. Let your full weight push your heels down and stretch out the calves. Try that as well, and let me know how it goes. Best of luck!

[@vijayakumarp7593]

I find Paramahansa Yogananda advises a regular practicing of Energisation Exercises before these meditations which addresses all these issues. I deeply appreciate Mr Forrest in bringing out a series of topics and tips in the sacred and splendid Kriya Yoga parlace.

[@carpenterfamily6198]

7:38 - The Proofs

[@ForrestKnutson]

I'm so glad you saw this.

[@anandkesar5042]

Problem-. 1.if we take deep breath in order to decrease breaths per minute we get a pause and voilate the flat breathing explain.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Great question! It's not a deep breath it's a short breath. And from your other comment I think you are already getting good results so you don't have to worry about making the in breath short. Don't worry about that so much. Just make the whole breath A reduced breath rate whatever is comfortable for you. And take out the pauses without strain. You want to make the transition between breaths as easy and natural as possible without a long pause. So you're a human and so there's going to be a micro pause, you just don't want that puss to be very big and long and disrupt the rest of the breath. Does that make sense? I hope that is helpful.

[@gaurav5161]

Okay. First things first, Thanks for the video. Second, Every time i do Hong-Sau or mindful breathing, I fall into this confusion pit after my out-breath. I feel like I have some breath stuck at the back of my throat. How do I clear that? One thing I tried to counter this was keeping my mouth slightly open and it did help but I do sometimes clench my jaw unconsciously until I notice. Help!

[@ForrestKnutson]

I'm going to demonstrate in a video for you. Perhaps that will clear things up for you.

[@ap19932]

​@@ForrestKnutson hi Forrestji, did you make a video regarding it? I'm facing the same problem

[@gaurav5161]

Okay. Another thing now that I was watching your video for the second time, what do you mean when you said you will be stuck with meditation? I mean, what were you trying to imply? I’m just curious what is beyond meditation?

[@ForrestKnutson]

I mean in your meditation you can become stuck. Such great questions!

[@vijayakumarp7593]

Probably you go into silence/ stillness!!! That's what is needed?

[@power9940]

Hi Forrest , Can you explain why in deep meditation especially in the beginning , at times one experiences a sudden dangling of the head despite being conscious in meditation . As if suddenly all neck muscles go into relaxation . Have you experienced this ?

[@ForrestKnutson]

I think you're describing nodding. It's a difficult line to walk in meditation. To relax so deeply, and yet remain awake. We don't want to nod off so deeply that we lose our meditation, and yet we don't want to be so awake that we stay only in the Beta brainwave. I solve this riddle in my own practice by not nodding my my sitting meditation, and then doing, towards the end sometimes, meditation while laying down in order to sink deeply. Perhaps even going into sleep, and then coming back out. However, it's not a habit you want to start immediately at the beginning of a meditation practice. Tough and great question!

[@nalinewong]

Thanks ji

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you!

[@sheilat7497]

I'm confused, do I need to breath out of my mouth to produce the sound?, I don't like doing so that. t

[@ForrestKnutson]

You can definitely breathe through the nose which is much better for you.

[@marcmaclellan3503]

My walnut just cracked and silence came in like a deep woodland wow

[@ForrestKnutson]

Beautiful, Marc!

[@angelas5616]

It’s a training wheel. You can use it for a while. But you need to go back to the basic hong-sau technique in the long haul. Just like we take off small training wheels for the kids to learn riding the bicycle for real --- two big wheels only. Hong-sau is about relaxing into the inner silence. Eventually the breath is so slow and undetectable that you enter the silence of God. As you have said wonderfully in this video published in 2013: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXjZq3mra6-di7M If you are controlling the breath, you are minimizing the actual beauty of this technique, the heart of it. You don’t want to minimize the heart of it, you want the actual full-blown technique. Practice double-breathing for a while, then do hong-sau. Your breath will already be slow, you don’t need to slow it down with will power. Your only job in hong-sau is just following your breath. Don’t use your will power inside hong-sau to slow down the breath on purpose. Even if it works a little bit, doesn’t matter. Because in the long haul it’s not going to work for you for the deeper states. Because you are missing the heart of what hong-sau is all about.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Angela, that was very well said. I agree and disagree with your points. I hope we can "agree to disagree," in respect as Mitrananda often said to me. Yes, I did originally teach it that way, as I was originally shown this in SRF. I've had a lot of time to reflect, however, and see it as very limiting to the student, to not first teach proper breathing which will induce HRV in one sitting. No doubt you have a lot of experience with this technique so proper slow breathing may be natural. However, to most this comes only at the cost of 20 or more years, depending on exercise and health. A tall order that most will drop from. Why not control the breath (as it is controlled in kriya) and get the benefits instantly. Then, after establishing HRV the control can be dropped. This happens naturally in any meditation, and I really need to do a video about that. ... I know it was the heart as presented to you, however I would counter that the original heart of the technique is none other than the breath itself. The sound of the breath. As is the true name of Jesus, and the true pronunciation of Jason. Again, thank you for your comments. 🙏

[@bhanjaanthony]

Will 3 breath in and 3 breath out would be considered 3 breathing or 6 breathing? And how many minutes do i have to do that?

[@ForrestKnutson]

One in and one out = 1 breath. So, the entry point is 4 seconds inbreath and 5 seconds outbreath. ... Try it for 10 minutes if you can. More is better, but it has to be easy and without strain.

[@bhanjaanthony]

@@ForrestKnutson Then in that case, i complete 3 breathing in one minute, my breath out time is double than breath in, is it wrong?

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@bhanjaanthony twice as long is okay for a little bit, however if it's only one to three seconds longer than the inbreath it works a bit better to get into HRV. So, for example, 4 in and 5 out. 5 in and 6 out. 6 in and 7 out.

[@bhanjaanthony]

@@ForrestKnutson ok, got it.

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@bhanjaanthony excellent.

[@pramodkannada3713]

Sir,i practiced kriya through yss lessons.is it real kriya one lahiri taught? How can I control my anxiety

[@ForrestKnutson]

There are several differences. ... I do Time Line Therapy over the phone for anxiety.

[@pramodkannada3713]

@@ForrestKnutson may i know what the time to call you and im from India and please give me your phone number

[@ameyapathak2008]

Why don't you make a video on hong sau ..Which asana to practice it..Any mudra like yoga mudra or any thing specific...

[@ForrestKnutson]

The Lotus Posture is, of course the best. But, here in the West we don't spend as much time sitting low, and so our hips and knees have trouble with that kind of flexibility. The Half Lotus is more accessible, and a good one. Siddhasana is also a good one.

[@AnamDream]

If I lower the breath rate on purpose I control my breath and simply do pranayama....

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's perfect.

[@piyushjoshi9738]

Mr Forest, if we don't need to take pause while breathing than what is kumbhaka

[@ForrestKnutson]

Breath work is very much like boxing, in that you need both the Jab and the Knockout. The first step is the Jab, and without it, we cannot do the Knockout. Very similarly, we have to have induce Heart Rate Variability. Without that, we cannot hope for the Knockout in meditation that we are seeking. So, you're just a little ahead of me, and I have plans for 2 videos coming up where I talk about these things, and entering into the Tranquil Breath.

[@jaykrish2808]

Forrest, In your video 6 years ago you had mentioned that for Hong Sau, just watch the breadth. I am big time follower of you and follow your advice and philosophy. Should we use the 3 steps to reduce the breath rate during the Hong Sau or before the practice.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Hi Jay! Yes. Use it before, or during the practice to induce HRV Resonance. Once that's established, and you've begun to feel the 4 Proofs, then you can let go of the breath, and practice the "letting go" form of Hong-Sau. So, the answer is both, but in that order. Great question!

[@jaykrish2808]

Forrest Knutson - Thank you for the response. I wish one day to meet and thank you personally on how much your videos has helped me deepen my practice. I stumbled in to your channel and since then your wisdom never ceases to amaze me. 🙏🏽

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@jaykrish2808 I would love that! 🤩🙏

[@durgaashtekar1112]

Hamas soham agninarayan yukt beejam. surya upnishad.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Exactly, Durga! 🙏🏼

[@user-xf3yg7kd7v]

Can we experiemce god without imagination ?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Absolutely.

[@user-xf3yg7kd7v]

@@ForrestKnutson how...??.. i want to experience self not by listning miracle stories of others.

[@divyashreem7530]

I feel num in right side of my brain while mediation y

[@ForrestKnutson]

It's very normal to get sensations in the head and brain. I've gotten Tingling, awakening, heavy, expansive, and sometimes it's been too much. That's one of the reasons I talk about the medulla.

[@Freerider1502]

About time someone spelled it correctly as Ham-Sa instead as Hong Saw

[@Motivation-qf5gg]

Freerider1502 Its not about the spelling but rather its about the sound or pronunciation. If it was spelled as Ham Sa then people would be pronouncing it WRONG. It is to be pronounced HONG SAW. Sanskrit is not a descriptive language but a language of energy and vibration and pronunciation matters.

[@Freerider1502]

@@Motivation-qf5gg The correct pronounciation is still not Hong Sau. It would be Hung - Saa.. or Hum-Sa. Hong Sau is a bengali accent because Paramhamsa Yoganandaji was Bengali. The meditation comes from the word Hamsa (meaning Swan - also meaning I am He/That). You don't write ParamHongSau Yogananda. The same Hamsa in Yoganandaji's name is used here. Hope this makes sense. I am Indian and can read Sanskrit - hence trying to bridge the gap for westerners

[@shreekrishna4074]

Hi forrest.... I spoke to you last time about the experiences that I had while doing Hong sau technique..... Nowdays I experience the breathless state every day whenever i practice hong sau but I don't feel that body expansion like massive universe.... So since last 2 days I am feeling like my head has got heavy.... Mild head ache.... Is it because of the practice??.... Should I give myself a break from Hong sau or keep practising it??

[@ForrestKnutson]

Definitely take a small break and give your body / energy time to adapt and balance the new pathways.

[@shreekrishna4074]

@@ForrestKnutson alright thanks forrest 🙂

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@shreekrishna4074 my pleasure.

[@silverlake973]

Hey Forrest. I have a question (a little off topic here), does Om japa need to be done at each chakra, or is it something else? I'm looking for authentic sources to receive formal initiation from and this one question I have been asking to verify legitimacy. Thanks in advance🙏

[@ForrestKnutson]

Yes, it has to be at each chakra. Otherwise you're not working on the projections. If you take a look and the community center on this channel you can read where I posted Lahiri Baba's comments on OM Japa. You can see clearly he meant for it to be in each chakra. Great question!

[@silverlake973]

@@ForrestKnutson Okay fantastic. Thank you for clarifying that for me! I will have to read the post. So the answer I got from this person was: "There is no Om japa as such, but OM chanting and Gayatri mantra are chanted as the preparatory steps prior to Kriya practice". Should I take this answer to show that this source is not aligning to authentic Kriya yoga?

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@silverlake973 Yes, please read that post: kzbin.infocommunity Lahiri Baba's family thought this point so vital, that they put 2 letters explaining the importance of OM Japa during the practice of Kriya. This is the instruction which turns the practice from Tamasic to Satvic, according to Lahiri Baba's own hand. So, yes, if there is no OM in the 1st kriya, then the kriya has been altered. This is can be verified in Lahiri Mahasaya's own letters.

[@silverlake973]

@@ForrestKnutson Awesome, thank you for clarifying once again. 🙏

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@silverlake973 my pleasure. 🙏

[@LenkaSaratoga]

You are so funny “Forget about Putin, it’s that Russian in the sky we wanna be talking about” hahaha 😆

[@ForrestKnutson]

Bahaha! I forgot all about that! Hahaha!

[@supersonic2511978]

this Russian scientist you mention... is it by any chance Professor Buteyko, who also promoted a way to increase the co2-tolerance in breathing?

[@jessjulian9458]

This makes no sense at all. Why not just do what the master teaches.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Which master? There are many with many approaches.

[@jessjulian9458]

@@ForrestKnutson Paramahansa Yogananda. Or any teacher that teaches the Yoga handed down by Babaji. Kriya Yoga.