Breath, Mind, and Consciousness

by Harish Johari

Modern scientists are just now beginning to understand what yogis have known for centuries--that the life force animating our physical bodies is regulated by breath, and that the breath energy is controlled by the mind. The esoteric and practical science of Swar Yoga--presented in this book for the first time in English--teaches conscious observation and control of breathing patterns to maximize energy and vitality. Tantric Scholar and author of Tools for Tantra, Chakras, and The Healing Power of Gemstones, Harish Johari brings an in-depth knowledge of ancient Hindu sciences to this discussion of breath and the yoga of balanced living. His is the first guidebook for Westerners to offer a comprehensive treatment of the subject, providing information from Sanskrit texts otherwise unavailable in the English Language. He explains the sensory network of the nose and its effect on the subtle channels of energy throughout the body, showing the direct link between the practice of conscious breathing and the electrochemical balance of the brain and nervous system. He also shows how the breath, alternating between left and right nostrils, is influenced by solar and lunar forces and how one can attune to these natural rhythms and universal laws for greater health and well-being. Johari's mastery of Swar Yoga techniques is apparent in the broad scope of Breath, Mind and included are a discussion of the phases of the five elements in the breathing cycle, exercises for physical and psychic healing, the means for determining which nostril is active, and instructions for conceiving a son or a daughter.

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Judy Lindow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a compact overview of Swar Yoga. Wherein the life force animating our physical bodies is regulated by breath, and that breath energy is controlled by the mind. It teaches that conscious observation and control of breathing patterns can maximize energy and vitality.

"Swara Yoga is the science of nasal breath. It has rightly been called the 'ancient technology of mind' (Dr.Shannahoff-Khalsa). Not a part of Hatha Yoga or other yoga, the science of Swara Yoga deals with the nasal breath and the subtle nerves of the body, on the one hand, and the cycles of the moon and the elements, on the other. It studies the nasal cycles - the nature of the breath flowing with the right and left nostrils. The teachings of Swara Yoga allow us to synchronize our breath, our life, with the universal rhythm of the Moon."

The book includes breathing techniques, brief reviews of the chakras, the elements, nadis and more. The author, Harish Johhari has in-depth knowledge of the ancient Hindu sciences and wrote a beloved favorite book: Chakras.

The main premise that breathing impacts the brain and how it can be used as a bio-feedback mechanism to control our moods and activities makes very good sense to me. There is a handy Chart of Elements and the diagrams are helpful. Some of the material seems extremely superstitious. I was skeptical, at first glance, of some material but on rereading it, it made sense. The extracts from Swara Yoga Scriptures with commentary by the author may interest some.

"The nose can be seen as the main switch of the cerebral hemispheres. It can stimulate electromagnetic activity on one side of the body; it can switch the hemispheric activity on and off at will"

"Breath is the connecting link between the three humors, the five elements, the seven chakras, and the electrochemical changes that take place int he two hemispheres of the brain."

[Ümit Sevgi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bedende enerjiyi taşıdığı düşünülen 3 önemli Nadi yani kanal olan ida, pingala, sushumna ve 5 elementten çok genel bahsediyor. Her yerde olan bilgiler, uygulama önerisi az ve bazı çok detay herkes için gerekli olmayan bilgiler var.

[Mery · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this is the best book I read on breathing (read about 5-6 till now).
Westerners have to learn a lot... Thank you, I will read this a few times!

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear explanation of Svara Yoga. It's a bit too complicated to bring into my own practice, at least for now.

[Venkatesh G · Rating 3 out of 5]

A handbook on Swara Yoga, ancient Indian science of breathing. Ideas presented in this may or may not be true but they are definitely interesting

[Suresh Vijendran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small book packed with lots of knowledge. Some are just knowledge, some are practically possible. It would take lots of awareness to practice.

[Kingsley L. Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting points on the relation and importance of breath work; yet quite technical for the general reader. Would have been better with more accompanying philosophy on the yoga path the author subscribes to.