What do you think?
Rate this book
Prana Pranayama Pranavidya
This is an informative text on prana featuring the classic practices taught by Bihar School Of Yoga. Through the techniques of pranayama and prana vidya, the vital force within the mind and body can be activated, regulated and increased. This Book discusses the theory of prana and presents a systematic account of the pranayama practices, including instructions and illustrations and the different stages of prana vidya and other forms of psychic healing.
This Edition includes the original prana vidya practice as taught by Swami Satyananda.
Suitable for intermediate to advanced practitioners.
422 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2002
217 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Niranjanananda Saraswati
137 books59 followersGuided by his guru, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, from birth, at the age of four Niranjanananda came to live with him at the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger where he received training in yogic and spiritual sciences through yoga nidra.
In 1971 he was initiated into Dashnami sannyasa, and thereafter for eleven years he lived overseas, mastering skills in varied areas, acquiring an understanding of different cultures and helping establish Satyananda Yoga ashrams and centres in Europe, Australia, North and South America.
At the behest of his guru, he returned to Munger, India in 1983 to guide the activities of Bihar School of Yoga. In 1990 he was initiated as a paramahamsa sannyasin and in 1995 anointed spiritual preceptor in succession to Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
Author of many classic books on yoga, tantra and the upanishads, Swami Niranjan is a magnetic source of wisdom on all aspects of yogic philosophy, practice and lifestyle. He ably combines tradition with modernity as he continues to nurture and spread his guru’s mission from his base at Munger.
In 1971 he was initiated into Dashnami sannyasa, and thereafter for eleven years he lived overseas, mastering skills in varied areas, acquiring an understanding of different cultures and helping establish Satyananda Yoga ashrams and centres in Europe, Australia, North and South America.
At the behest of his guru, he returned to Munger, India in 1983 to guide the activities of Bihar School of Yoga. In 1990 he was initiated as a paramahamsa sannyasin and in 1995 anointed spiritual preceptor in succession to Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
Author of many classic books on yoga, tantra and the upanishads, Swami Niranjan is a magnetic source of wisdom on all aspects of yogic philosophy, practice and lifestyle. He ably combines tradition with modernity as he continues to nurture and spread his guru’s mission from his base at Munger.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 1, 2019
This is the Bihar School of Yoga manual on pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises. The book is a one-stop reference for yoga students and teachers wishing to review the philosophy and physiology of breathing practices, as well as to put together lessons or a plan of action for practice that consists of both preparatory exercises and classical pranayama.
Students in the West may be more familiar with B.K.S. Iyengar’s “Light on Pranayama,” which offers a similar set of material and is this book’s main competitor for most readers. In my view, Swami Saraswati’s book is a bit more pragmatic and gets caught in the weeds less, but offers fewer detailed photos and is a little bit less precisely organized. If one is considering between the two books, I’d say the advantage of Iyengar is a 200-week course plan that some individuals may find a handy way to systematically advance their practice pranayama. The disadvantage of Iyengar is that he goes into vastly greater detail than most people will be able to take advantage of via book. (For example, there’s 22 pages of precise explanation of closing off one’s nostrils for digital pranayama.) In short, both books give the reader everything they’ll need in a pranayama reference, Swami Saraswati’s book is a bit more laid-back, and Iyengar’s a bit more oriented as a step-by-step instruction manual.
The twenty-one chapters of this book are organized into three parts, but we’ll call it four because the last part is divided in two sub-parts. The first part of the book is entitled, “Philosophy of Pranayama” and it dives into the definitions of prana, kosha (sheaths), chakra, nadi (channels), pranic fields, and discusses the connection between prana and chanting.
The second part of the book (ch. 8 – 13) explores the physiology of breath. This section explains the anatomy of the musculature that drives respiration (e.g. the diaphragm, intercostals, etc.), the processes of respiration and circulation, and the importance of the nose in breathing (which is more extensive than the average person could imagine.) This section also discusses the classical distinction between pranayama and rudimentary breath practices (i.e. whether there is breath retention, or kumbhaka), and has a separate chapter explaining retention. It also has a couple chapters that present the research on the benefits and effects of pranayama practice. (Full-disclosure: this isn’t up-to-date in the edition I read, and that was the 2016 -- first digital -- edition. So, I wouldn’t go here looking for information on the state of research because there’s been a virtual explosion of research that’s more recent than what is covered in the book. However, it will give one a gist what has been known for a while.)
Part III consists of two sub-parts. The first is called “Pre-Pranayama” and it includes many exercises to help one become familiar with one’s breath as well as to develop the foundational breaths (e.g. abdominal / diaphragmatic verses chest breathing) that are built upon in the final section. Part III.B presents the classic pranayama. The four chapters of this section are conveniently organized into: guidelines for practice (e.g. contraindications and general concepts to keep in mind), nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), tranquilizing / calming breaths, and vitalizing / excitatory breaths.
There are five appendices as well as a glossary and two indexes (an index of practices and a general index.) The five appendices provide instruction on practices that are employed in pranayama, but are not pranayama themselves. These include supplementary practices, asana (seated postures for doing pranayama more than asana for opening the rib-cage, etc.,) mudra (“seals” postures of specific body parts), and bandha (locks). The presence of the first four appendices mean that one doesn’t have to buy other books (e.g. the APMB) to access this information. The fifth appendix gathers the sutras from “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” that deal with pranayama and provide an English translation. (HYP is a 15th century manual of Hatha Yoga that is much more detailed than Patanjali’s sutras.) There are graphics throughout the book as needed to convey information, mostly line drawings.
I found this book very useful and well presented. If there is one change that would improve the book it would be less crow-barring of science and traditional / philosophical beliefs about the body to be consistent with one another. I see the value of presenting both sets of information as both this book and the Iyengar book do, but a muddle is created by trying to force the explanations into consistency when they aren’t. (I think this book does it a bit more than Iyengar, but only because Iyengar puts much less emphasis on science than does this one.) The problem is that one ends up with low-quality pseudo-science amid the strong studies, and most readers won’t be able to tell scientific consensus and from the lunatic fringe. (e.g. The belief that kirlian photography is evidence of pranic fields or qi is far from scientifically supported.) That said, for most practitioners it doesn’t much matter as it doesn’t affect the nature of the practices, which are sound and well-described.
If you’re looking for a pranayama reference, this is a great option.
Students in the West may be more familiar with B.K.S. Iyengar’s “Light on Pranayama,” which offers a similar set of material and is this book’s main competitor for most readers. In my view, Swami Saraswati’s book is a bit more pragmatic and gets caught in the weeds less, but offers fewer detailed photos and is a little bit less precisely organized. If one is considering between the two books, I’d say the advantage of Iyengar is a 200-week course plan that some individuals may find a handy way to systematically advance their practice pranayama. The disadvantage of Iyengar is that he goes into vastly greater detail than most people will be able to take advantage of via book. (For example, there’s 22 pages of precise explanation of closing off one’s nostrils for digital pranayama.) In short, both books give the reader everything they’ll need in a pranayama reference, Swami Saraswati’s book is a bit more laid-back, and Iyengar’s a bit more oriented as a step-by-step instruction manual.
The twenty-one chapters of this book are organized into three parts, but we’ll call it four because the last part is divided in two sub-parts. The first part of the book is entitled, “Philosophy of Pranayama” and it dives into the definitions of prana, kosha (sheaths), chakra, nadi (channels), pranic fields, and discusses the connection between prana and chanting.
The second part of the book (ch. 8 – 13) explores the physiology of breath. This section explains the anatomy of the musculature that drives respiration (e.g. the diaphragm, intercostals, etc.), the processes of respiration and circulation, and the importance of the nose in breathing (which is more extensive than the average person could imagine.) This section also discusses the classical distinction between pranayama and rudimentary breath practices (i.e. whether there is breath retention, or kumbhaka), and has a separate chapter explaining retention. It also has a couple chapters that present the research on the benefits and effects of pranayama practice. (Full-disclosure: this isn’t up-to-date in the edition I read, and that was the 2016 -- first digital -- edition. So, I wouldn’t go here looking for information on the state of research because there’s been a virtual explosion of research that’s more recent than what is covered in the book. However, it will give one a gist what has been known for a while.)
Part III consists of two sub-parts. The first is called “Pre-Pranayama” and it includes many exercises to help one become familiar with one’s breath as well as to develop the foundational breaths (e.g. abdominal / diaphragmatic verses chest breathing) that are built upon in the final section. Part III.B presents the classic pranayama. The four chapters of this section are conveniently organized into: guidelines for practice (e.g. contraindications and general concepts to keep in mind), nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), tranquilizing / calming breaths, and vitalizing / excitatory breaths.
There are five appendices as well as a glossary and two indexes (an index of practices and a general index.) The five appendices provide instruction on practices that are employed in pranayama, but are not pranayama themselves. These include supplementary practices, asana (seated postures for doing pranayama more than asana for opening the rib-cage, etc.,) mudra (“seals” postures of specific body parts), and bandha (locks). The presence of the first four appendices mean that one doesn’t have to buy other books (e.g. the APMB) to access this information. The fifth appendix gathers the sutras from “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” that deal with pranayama and provide an English translation. (HYP is a 15th century manual of Hatha Yoga that is much more detailed than Patanjali’s sutras.) There are graphics throughout the book as needed to convey information, mostly line drawings.
I found this book very useful and well presented. If there is one change that would improve the book it would be less crow-barring of science and traditional / philosophical beliefs about the body to be consistent with one another. I see the value of presenting both sets of information as both this book and the Iyengar book do, but a muddle is created by trying to force the explanations into consistency when they aren’t. (I think this book does it a bit more than Iyengar, but only because Iyengar puts much less emphasis on science than does this one.) The problem is that one ends up with low-quality pseudo-science amid the strong studies, and most readers won’t be able to tell scientific consensus and from the lunatic fringe. (e.g. The belief that kirlian photography is evidence of pranic fields or qi is far from scientifically supported.) That said, for most practitioners it doesn’t much matter as it doesn’t affect the nature of the practices, which are sound and well-described.
If you’re looking for a pranayama reference, this is a great option.
May 20, 2014
Very good explanation of physiology of breathing, the respiratory system, what prana is in yogic terms and the art of pranayama including its benefits, plus medical research. This is followed by exercises in familiarising oneself with the respiratory organs from nostrils to diaphragm, exercises in strengthening the lungs and then specific pranayama practices. Benefits and contra-indications given. As with any Bihar School of Yoga publication, well laid out and accessible.
April 24, 2020
Good book on both philosophy and technicality of Pranayam
It is good for people who want a deep dive in Pranayam science. This books covers many topic sometime it feels like the reader is lost in many topics. Book is good for introduction to the Pranayam and also about the practices of the Pranayam. This book also reference many other scriptural text, if one want we can read them. This book also act as a reference book for all the Pranayam.
It is good for people who want a deep dive in Pranayam science. This books covers many topic sometime it feels like the reader is lost in many topics. Book is good for introduction to the Pranayam and also about the practices of the Pranayam. This book also reference many other scriptural text, if one want we can read them. This book also act as a reference book for all the Pranayam.
March 10, 2017
Bright light to lot's of questions about your body and mind work! Very useful cognition for healing
February 5, 2019
One of the best books on pranayam... physiology and different types of pranayam explained in detail... A must read for anybody interested in this age-old art of breathing
April 6, 2023
There is a bit too much noise/background in the book. For example sample exercises don't begin until around halfway through the book. there are some interesting things covered here and it's free so its certainly worth a looksie.
June 4, 2020
Best book to understand science of pranayama
This is first book I read on Pranayama. Content of book gives in-depth knowledge of Pranayama science. Thanks to author.
This is first book I read on Pranayama. Content of book gives in-depth knowledge of Pranayama science. Thanks to author.
August 30, 2020
The wealth of knowledge contained in this book is immeasurable. I think Pranayama needs to be taught in schools so that once an individual reaches the age of 20 or so, he can reap immense benefits in the form of clarity of thinking, effective emotional management, etc.
Gem of a book.
Deserves at least a 10 time re-read for the different pranayama techniques, bandhas mentioned here
#Recommended
Gem of a book.
Deserves at least a 10 time re-read for the different pranayama techniques, bandhas mentioned here
#Recommended
April 11, 2023
This is a book for study and practice. It will not be read just once or twice. The first time you get a general feeling of the area of study. The second time you delve deeper, with more understanding this time, and can focus on practice, as the knowledge begins to become yours. There will be a third and fourth reading. The teachings in this book are meant to be a lifetime practice.
॥ ॐ तत्सत् ॥
॥ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
॥ ॐ तत्सत् ॥
॥ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
July 22, 2021
I give this one five stars because it was so thought-provoking. If you are from the West and know Win Hof, this book will resonate.
One connection to Christianity I always loved was that the Hebrew word for Spirit is the same as the word for breath.
Watching breath and energies was an enjoyable part of my spiritual journey. If you are in a similar vein, this is the book for you.
One connection to Christianity I always loved was that the Hebrew word for Spirit is the same as the word for breath.
Watching breath and energies was an enjoyable part of my spiritual journey. If you are in a similar vein, this is the book for you.
June 28, 2021
This wonderful book is actually a manual for practicing Pranayama. Half of the book covers theory, concepts related to Prana & Pranayama. Remaining half covers step by step complete instructions based manual.
January 16, 2023
Unfortunately in the book there are lot of scientific assumptions without any scientific base (and in fact there are no references to scientific papers). Sometimes it is better to just write about philosophy and methodology, keeping science apart when there are no scientific evidences.
August 8, 2025
This is a great manual. Very technical and thorough. I like the research chapter highlighting all the benefits of pranayama. This is a great companion for any yogini who is starting or deepening their practice.
July 26, 2021
Books of BSY are always the the most reliable and authentic source for yogic philosophy (though I prefer calling it a science) and practice. Very concise and straight forward.
Sceptics stay away
Sceptics stay away
June 16, 2025
This is a comprehensive review of the philosophy and breathing practices or pranayama, although perhaps more geared for the pranayama teacher. The book includes the theory of prana, yogic concepts and describes the raspatory system and classical pranayama practices
September 22, 2022
Niranjan is the successor to satyananda, a known sexual predator.
The Bihar/satyananda tradition is an abusive, vindictive cult.
Let the buyer beware.
The Bihar/satyananda tradition is an abusive, vindictive cult.
Let the buyer beware.
Currently reading
June 4, 2017good
Want to read
September 18, 2016d
August 3, 2021
It’s so great that my blather wouldn’t do it justice. A reference guide that I greatly value.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews