Precise Breathing Patterns And Bpms Options

Not quite sure where to post this, so moderators feel free to move it wherever. Nevertheless, I figured that it definitely has some OBE implications.

For the past year or so I’ve been experimenting with precise breathing patterns and rhythms. As with most traditions that practice any form of pranayama, the goal in my practice is the allegorical “death” of the tellurian body so that I may fixate my conscious Self to the ethereal body.

Anyway, my preferred rhythm is 4x, 4x, 4x, 4x, though I frequently switch over to different rhythms depending on the intent of the operation. But for the most part 4 count inhale, 4 count hold, 4 count exhale, 4 count hold is my base.

Lately I’ve wanted to arrive at even greater precision and have begun using a metronome to time the counts. The magic number for me seems to be right around 52-60 bpm, which is significantly slower than the average bpm of the human heart (72bpm). While I’ll be the first to admit that this is overkill, as I arrive at the same place regardless of the rhythm or specific bpm, I am definitely finding it much easier and quicker to obtain that allegorical death within that 52-60bpm range.

I am wondering if anyone here has experimented with precise breathing practices and if so, I would be most interested in your insights.

The count I mention 4x 4x 4x 4x is only the framework for the bpm. I mentioned it is my base pattern, I too experiment with variations including 5x 4x 5x 4x and the 2x 4x 2x x put forth by the UR group. McHawi, it is funny that you mention a seven fold pattern because that is the count I used to use with the Hexagram rituals as it fits nicely with the symbolism of ARARITA and the seven planetary energies, etc.

As I stated, I am quite aware that this is overkill, and I greatly appreciate that the two of you have taken the time to entertain this discussion. I think we are all aware that regardless of the precise breath count we will arrive at the same metaphorical "death" at which point the body will assume its natural breathing pattern and we don't have to worry about keeping a strict count. However, I keep finding that initially slowing down the bpm between the counts(whether the count be 4x, 7x, or anything else) from about 72bpm(heart rate) down to 52-60 results in achieving that trance or meditative state much faster than I would normally. The interesting thing, at least in my practice, is that there is a point of diminishing returns. If I slow down the bpm to less than the "optimal" 52-60bpm range it becomes more of a hindrance than a facilitator as the strain of holding and exhaling breaths at that slow a pace inevitably brings awareness back to the physical body.

I know, I know, I am just fishing for that "magic" number (IMG:style_emoticons/default/13.gif)