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shorter mantras or a simple count may be employed, keeping them uniform (also see Chapter 7: 'Prana and Mantra').
Along with the time unit, the space unit also needs to be taken into consideration. This measures the force with which the inhalation and exhalation are practised. The expelled air current can be felt for a specific distance from the nose, and this was measured with the fingers by the ancients. In regard to the space unit, the air pressure must be uniform, the inhalation and exhalation must be smooth, and the length of exhalation should ideally be double of inhalation, although one may practise equal inhalation and exhalation at the beginning. Overall, one must practise pranayama with utmost mindfulness, follow one's capacity and allow it to build up gradually, for the ratio represents the natural evolution of breath control.
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