Path of Fire and Light, Vol. 1: Advanced Practices of Yoga

by Swami Rama

Practical information on the advanced practices of yoga presented in straightforward language.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

156 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 1986

About the author

Swāmī Rāma was born Brij Kiśore Dhasmana or Brij Kiśore Kumar,to a northern Indian Brahmin family in a small village called Toli in the Garhwal Himalayas. From an early age he was raised in the Himalayas by his master Bengali Baba and, under the guidance of his master, traveled from temple to temple and studied with a variety of Himalayan saints and sages, including his grandmaster, who was living in a remote region of Tibet. From 1949 to 1952 he held the prestigious position of Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham in South India. After returning to his master in 1952 and practising further for many years in the Himalayan caves, Swami Rama was encouraged by his teacher to go to the West, where he spent a considerable portion of his life teaching, specifically in the United States and Europe.
He is especially notable as one of the first yogis to allow himself to be studied by Western scientists.
Swami Rama authored several books in which he describes the path he took to becoming a yogi and lays out the philosophy and benefits behind practices such as meditation. One of the common themes expressed in such books as "Enlightenment Without God" and "Living with the Himalayan Masters" is the ability of any person to achieve peace without the need for a structured religion. He was critical of the tendency for yogis to use supernatural feats to demonstrate their enlightenment, arguing that these only demonstrated the ability to perform a feat.

Reviews

[Theodore · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars would be more appropriate. There is no doubt that Swami Rama was an adept yogi - and he shares some very advanced practices within this little book. For me, the practical aspects of the book are nearly impossible to convey through words alone - and he makes it very clear that the practices described should be done under appropriate guidance.

The theoretical side of the book really shines. Topics include: pranayama, concentration, meditation, samadhi, and kundalini. The brief amount of time spent on explaining the symbolism of chakras, (from a psychological point of view) and detailing the purpose of yogic practice, and life, was my favorite part.

I recommend this book to those who have an interest on the subject, while understanding the limitations of the practical instructions. The theoretical chapters alone (which make up less than half of the book) would be worth checking out, and probably could be read within a day.

[Bennett Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I studied this book very seriously during the early part of my yoga journey. I'm not sure if the breathing exercises were meant to be literal, but I did them all every day and remember working up to very high repetitions. ... Not sure if that damaged my brain or cured it. LOL

At the time I lived like a monk -- sleeping on a mat, doing yoga practices for hours every day. It was a good time. Very lucky to have had space for that journey in the hustle and bustle of 21st century living. In retrospect, I probably would have enjoyed an ashram very much.

There is a renewed interest in the "psychic" powers that can be achieved through pranayama techniques. There is something there, but it's not the most important message of yoga.

This book teaches, but in a way that shows the student's foolishness. I can't remember if it is well-written, though I see the blurb claims it is "straight forward". If you haven't come across Swami Rama's student Swami J -- check him out. His website is great. swamij.com

So generous of these yogis to devote their lives to teaching these timeless lessons.

[Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books has SO MUCH information. It's a great read if you're curious about advanced yoga practices, outside of the traditional asanas. Note, however that you will have to read it 10 more times if you really want to understand the subtleties of these practices...

[Vipul Musani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very practical book on yogic advance. I got to know many things. Actually it’s a guide and we need to advance step by step so finishing it is a never ending process and surely I am going to refer it again and again. A must for self practitioners of yoga.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The yoga world is a wide one and this is one of the important voices. If I followed all of the practices described herein, I'd have time to do little else in the day. But perhaps that's the point: live yoga, don't just do yoga.

[Arah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful, if overwhelming, reference for a lot of yoga vocabulary & practices.

[Bonnie Lind · Rating 3 out of 5]

All in all very fascinating in depth discussion of advanced breathing techniques. Swami Rama provides detailed instruction on the "how to" and benefits of the different techniques. This book is best for those people who are already yoga teachers and have basic knowledge of the pranayamas. Otherwise it will probably make little sense. I found Chapter 5, The Awakening of Kundalini to be the most helpful.

[Pankaj Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Gives deeper truth and insights into the path of Yoga and spirituality.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it a four based on my use of the book, but probably deserves 5 stars, as this knowledge is hard to find and clearly explained. Very useful for those entering advanced stages.

[Mark Hartland Blimling · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent , informative and it opens a light into the advance training and attainments of the spiritual science of yoga.