The Hindu-Yogi Science of Breath

by Yogi Yamacharaka, William Walker Atkinson, Ramacharaka

There have been for ages past in India and other Oriental countries men who devoted their time and attention to the development of Man, physically, mentally and spiritually. The experience of generations of earnest seekers has been handed down for centuries from teacher to pupil, and gradually a definite Yogi science was built up. Yoga is divided into several branches, ranging from that which teaches the control of the body, to that which teaches the attainment of the highest spiritual development. In the work we will not go into the higher phases of the subject, except when the "Science of Breath" touches upon the same. The "Science of Breath" touches Yoga at many points, and although chiefly concerned with the development and control of the physical, has also its psychic side, and even enters the field of spiritual development.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Spirituality

108 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jason Baldauf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book by William Walker Atkinson (aka Yogi Yamacharaka, aka Swami Bhakta Vishita, aka Swami Panchadasi, aka Theron Q. Dumont, aka Theodore Sheldon & of course aka The Three Initiates of Kybalion fame). Had I realized it ahead of time, I never would have given it a read. I'll leave it to you to determine the legitimacy of the subject matter based on the fact that this author feels it necessary to write under multiple culturally appropriated pseudonyms.

[Rupesh Koirala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book and became amazed how subtly we have been breathing all our life. Civilization has come at a great cost. The author talks about Yogic complete breathing which includes all high, middle, and low breathing.
Then, the author goes on to explain different types of conscious breathing that can heal the body and mind. Breathing is infact the door to the universe.

Good book.

[Jeff DeRiso · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a brief and easy to understand introduction and instruction in the Yogi science of breath control, and proper rhythmic breathing. It gives several specific exercises which it claims will help heal body, mind, and spirit with proper practice. I have been practicing the exercises which seem to be what I would consider to be the equivalent of physical exercise but for the lungs, diaphragm, and air passageways. They feel good but it is too early to give any definitive testimonial yet. The Yogi philosophy is also introduced briefly which I found interesting and would like to study more about. From what I can tell practicing Yogi philosophy highly depends on a belief in reincarnation as a truth of our reality. I believe reincarnation is a possibility but if it turns out to not be true, the holistic practice of Yoga and all its many branches would feel like a bit of a waste to those of us who like to enjoy the journey. I would like to in the future study and compare the Yogi philosophy with the Taoist philosophy from China which seems to depend less on belief in reincarnation or afterlife.

[Waris Ahmad Faizi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vital!

The book is a clear and practical introduction to the importance of conscious breathing in physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual development. Written in an accessible and instructive tone, the book explains how breath is not only a biological function but also a channel for life energy (what yogic traditions call prana). It emphasizes simple breathing exercises and mindfulness, making ancient yogic principles feel approachable for modern readers. Overall the book's foundational message is: how we breathe can profoundly influence how we feel, think, and live.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely a product of its time in the worst way possible. Had I known that this was actually written by a White man masquerading as an Indian, I would have never picked it up. It's a lesson in looking more into the book before you read it.

[Carol Spitse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Food for thought I am trying some of the recommendations

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manifesting-Breath work, How to breath different styles and health.

[I am infinitely financially wealthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. re-read stuff. needs to be thoroughly checked.

[Cortney Evenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great primer for breathing.

[Daliah Tobar · Rating 2 out of 5]

some interesting stuff here

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathwork, Informative and a quick book. a reread when needing to refocus on breath work. The science information is surprisingly useful, easy to understand, and even more scientificly accuracy than modern breath work books. Very surprising for being written over 100 years ago. Hence the reason to go back to it over and over. But i will leave a Huge Warning that it definitely has some verbiage that is out of date, might be concerned un PC, and even offensive because it was written in 1903. Hence the lower rating or it would be a 5. Unknown if it has updated versions without the outdated social wording. I read the 1903 original version. The science is on point. The social commentary can be very cringy since its definitely biased on some types of social circles. Understandable if the latter is too much to get past and hope there is a version with out some of the extremely outdated social commentary.

[Alan Kraskow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've listened to audiobook and wasn't expecting exercises mixed into the theory part, which made it difficult and unpleasant to listen, while not being able to do these exercise at the same time. On top of that for me it was difficult to grasp a head on these exercises without seeing someone doing them. Not sure if this is good idea for a book... However I did learn few things from it.

[Isabella Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super interesting