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Mastering Pranayama: From Breathing Techniques to Kundalini Awakening
It is common knowledge that pranayama is about breathing exercises. Right? Wrong! Radhika Shah Grouven divulges some of the secret practices of the mysterious Oral Tradition to challenge this popular belief. Breathing exercises are not pranayama; they prepare you for pranayama. Prana is the life force and pranayama is done with the mind. Pranayama begins where the breath ends. With pranayama you can harness the unlimited potentials of the mind and become a balanced and creative individual. In this book you will Why most of us do not breathe correctly How to unlearn faulty breathing patterns Why the science of sitting is so important How to get conscious control over the breath How to train the laser-like power of the one-pointed mind How to plunge into the vibrant silence of the breathless state, rest in profound, reasonless joy and truly enjoy life Mastering Pranayama takes you step by step over a period of 7–8 months to advanced pranayama practices such as Sushumna Kriya, Sandhya Kriya, Kumbhaka and Yoga Nidra that lead to kundalini awakening. The practices are explained in detail with the help of over 80 illustrations and tables.The answers to some commonly posed questions at the end of each chapter foresee the difficulties of most practitioners. The tips and experiments throughout the book are fun as well as insightful. An authoritative book on the subject, Mastering Pranayama is a classic you will return to again and the ultimate guide for novices as well as trained teachers.
- GenresSpiritualityHealth
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2018
202 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Radhika Shah Grouven
2 books2 followersRadhika Shah Grouven is the author of Mastering Pranayama–From Breathing Techniques to Kundalini Awakening. Having accumulated over 35,000 hours of intense practice, Radhika teaches systematic meditation in the lineage of the Himalayan masters. Her journey reached its zenith in 2021 with the attainment of Bindu Bhedana, the piercing of the mysterious blue pearl, making her one of the few living masters of Samaya Srividya. She is the founder and primary mentor of the Self Realization Program (SRP) established in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 22, 2020
In a generation of "Instant noodle" yoga books that are either purely theoretical works focussing on the literal translation of words or focussing on twisted self-made practices like "beer" yoga, Radhika Shah Grouven's authentic account of the traditional Pranayama practices comes as a refreshing and much-needed change. The book not only provides a very practical and systematic approach that can be implemented, it also provides a very strong foundation behind the roots and meaning of Pranayama from the perspective of the true Yogic traditions. The book presents an overview of the bigger picture and shifts to the practical aspects at the right times. The book is filled with useful personal experiments and guiding principles one can incorporate during the duration of his/her practice. I would definitely recommend the book for anyone who is interested in understanding the real meaning of Pranayama, not just as a literary word, but as an actual experience that deepens with every step mentioned in this systematic approach.
April 2, 2019
UPDATE: March 5, 2019 and April 2, 2019
One day probably in late spring or early summer of 2018, I turned the (electronic) page and the ending made me smile; it is something funny and soothing that I can remember easily. Since there are so many exercises outlined, the book could seem overwhelming. What I found is that getting started with the basics has taken me deeper in my practice. If practice was interrupted, it was easy to pick up where I left off. With some modifications, I could ease my way back into the practice. Now that almost one year has passed since I first picked up the book, I feel I have come a long way simply by allowing myself to take things step by step as recommended by the author. I feel eager to grow without the desire to rush ahead. I feel as though I can trust more in the process.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: May 8, 2018
A wonderful guide! Indeed I am loving Mastering Pranayama, so I am giving it 5 stars. Having become familiar with how this author shares precious teachings with such clarity and sincerity on her website and also more recently via her online meetings, I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of this book. I'm still in the process of reading it, because I want to incorporate the practice as I go along.
The content is straightforward and the illustrations are very useful. Great care is taken to help someone understand what practices may be undertaken safely. I love how the book distinguishes breathing practices from pranayama, which was helpful to me. The prose format of the book is accented with some Q&A, which I really appreciate. I flipped around initially to find the perspective of this tradition's teachings with regard to some of the questions I had regarding certain breathing practices, and now I'm enjoying moving through it step by step. As someone who has received some guidance in the past and had some experience with some of the different breathing practices, I already am experiencing a sense of relief as I incorporate the guidance offered here into my practice and understanding. Some of what I'm reading is new to me and some of what I'm coming across is in line with other trusted sources I have encountered in my life. All in all, the experience I have had thus far continually increases my confidence in what this book has to offer.
Even if you perceive yourself to be currently without a teacher or guru and even if you have never practiced any yoga meditation, I think this guide would be a great way to get started on your journey! In my view, there are already riches at Step 1. For those who may already be teaching yoga, but who may not have had the benefit of studying with someone in a direct lineage of any tradition, I feel this book could be a valuable addition to your library.
This is my first-ever Goodreads review, so I'm a bit nervous about posting here, but I'm also equally appreciative of the opportunity I have here to share with others any tidbits of my experience thus far that may be helpful to you as you make your decision!
One day probably in late spring or early summer of 2018, I turned the (electronic) page and the ending made me smile; it is something funny and soothing that I can remember easily. Since there are so many exercises outlined, the book could seem overwhelming. What I found is that getting started with the basics has taken me deeper in my practice. If practice was interrupted, it was easy to pick up where I left off. With some modifications, I could ease my way back into the practice. Now that almost one year has passed since I first picked up the book, I feel I have come a long way simply by allowing myself to take things step by step as recommended by the author. I feel eager to grow without the desire to rush ahead. I feel as though I can trust more in the process.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: May 8, 2018
A wonderful guide! Indeed I am loving Mastering Pranayama, so I am giving it 5 stars. Having become familiar with how this author shares precious teachings with such clarity and sincerity on her website and also more recently via her online meetings, I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of this book. I'm still in the process of reading it, because I want to incorporate the practice as I go along.
The content is straightforward and the illustrations are very useful. Great care is taken to help someone understand what practices may be undertaken safely. I love how the book distinguishes breathing practices from pranayama, which was helpful to me. The prose format of the book is accented with some Q&A, which I really appreciate. I flipped around initially to find the perspective of this tradition's teachings with regard to some of the questions I had regarding certain breathing practices, and now I'm enjoying moving through it step by step. As someone who has received some guidance in the past and had some experience with some of the different breathing practices, I already am experiencing a sense of relief as I incorporate the guidance offered here into my practice and understanding. Some of what I'm reading is new to me and some of what I'm coming across is in line with other trusted sources I have encountered in my life. All in all, the experience I have had thus far continually increases my confidence in what this book has to offer.
Even if you perceive yourself to be currently without a teacher or guru and even if you have never practiced any yoga meditation, I think this guide would be a great way to get started on your journey! In my view, there are already riches at Step 1. For those who may already be teaching yoga, but who may not have had the benefit of studying with someone in a direct lineage of any tradition, I feel this book could be a valuable addition to your library.
This is my first-ever Goodreads review, so I'm a bit nervous about posting here, but I'm also equally appreciative of the opportunity I have here to share with others any tidbits of my experience thus far that may be helpful to you as you make your decision!
April 30, 2018
"Mastering Pranayama" brings a systematic and absolutely clear way to learn about what Pranayama really means. I have already read many books on this issue, but has never read something so inspiring and practical at the same time, and also, so careful about those who are experiencing the practices at all. Having faced many misunderstandings about pranayama as a Yoga Teacher from Brazil, my intention is to start to practice based on the book, which is based on years and years of experience from yoga masters, to share with brazilian students the art of Pranayama. It is a gift to humanity that this book has been written, mainly to yoga teachers who are open to practice and evaluate what is the best way to help students.
May 9, 2018
Instead of a classical review, I would like to share a story:
We were on one of our regular flights to Hungary and I was reading a draft version of the book. Then, there was this section explaining how faulty breathing patterns and a corresponding posture appear and how they become a deep rooted habit over time. Even more important, how also our minds get crippled by them. It´s not that I didn´t somehow know this, but it was not present on my “screen”, not in this clarity.
At the same time, I observed those very same symptoms with my wee boy, who begun to experience the pressure and distress of the public educational system. His breath shortened, his bearing would be a stressed-like during those phases and the overall wellbeing of the family was impaired.
As I discussed my worries with my wife, it turned out, that she already had some thoughts about some kind of change, just didn´t speak about those things yet. So, it was kind of funny, how fast we then made up our minds to get active.
And now, a few months later, our boy is glad to be in a new school, which has a more free and playful spirit, and we are happy to see him like that.
This is of course not everything this book has to offer. If one looks for that narrow trail through the deep dark forest of the mind, some hints may be found there.
We were on one of our regular flights to Hungary and I was reading a draft version of the book. Then, there was this section explaining how faulty breathing patterns and a corresponding posture appear and how they become a deep rooted habit over time. Even more important, how also our minds get crippled by them. It´s not that I didn´t somehow know this, but it was not present on my “screen”, not in this clarity.
At the same time, I observed those very same symptoms with my wee boy, who begun to experience the pressure and distress of the public educational system. His breath shortened, his bearing would be a stressed-like during those phases and the overall wellbeing of the family was impaired.
As I discussed my worries with my wife, it turned out, that she already had some thoughts about some kind of change, just didn´t speak about those things yet. So, it was kind of funny, how fast we then made up our minds to get active.
And now, a few months later, our boy is glad to be in a new school, which has a more free and playful spirit, and we are happy to see him like that.
This is of course not everything this book has to offer. If one looks for that narrow trail through the deep dark forest of the mind, some hints may be found there.
April 8, 2021
'Mastering Pranayama' is definitely a book that gives the A to Z of pranayama and other associated yogic practices. The author is very adept in this subject and that is clearly visible in the teachings. Also, the level of clarity in explaining the concepts is really applaudable. The Q&A section of each chapter even answers some doubts that may arise upon practicing the techniques. I read this book to just get an idea of the length and breadth of this subject, but practicing the techniques is a whole new ball game. That may take years and years for a sincere student to learn and master.
May 1, 2018
This book clearly explains the difference between breathing exercise and pranayama. It is an excellent book which gives a systematic method to learn pranayama by slowly and GENTLY allowing to extend his capacity. This book greatly emphasise on unlearning the incorrect habitual breathing, like chest breathing, and precisely explains the importance of deep diaphragmatic breathing to learn the advance form of pranayama. The Q&A part of the chapter gives the solution of the problem, which are commonly faced by the practitioner. Anyone who wants to learn breathing exercise and pranayama, this book is a must for them.
September 17, 2022
"Mastering Pranayama" provides a philosophic overview as well as a practical and systematic approach to the practice of pranayama. There is a voluminous amount of information which includes the philosophy and history of pranayama, various breathing techniques and the discussion of chakras, bandhas and a list of excellent health tips. Although the basic breathing techniques seem fairly simple, the more advanced ones seem extremely challenging and could be dangerous without an expert teacher of an unbroken lineage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this is a very valuable book that I would highly recommend.
May 6, 2018
I have bought the book with great expectations and already read few chapters. The author inspires the readers by showing a deep connection to the tradition & oral teachings that are handed over from a Master to the Student for generations & millenia ( > 5000 Yrs old). Written in contemporary style for this generation to understand clearly and practice (although with a guidance of a Qualified Teacher). Such pure teachings are very rare to find and anyone in spiritual path will find this book as their best guide.
February 1, 2019
Most detailed
I re read this book. Havent come across any of pranayama based books who give details to this extent and the clear cut excercises.
I re read this book. Havent come across any of pranayama based books who give details to this extent and the clear cut excercises.
January 24, 2019
Excellent book
Wealth of practical insights. However, would need guidance throughout the journey and hence need to find a teacher whom we can interact with face to face
Wealth of practical insights. However, would need guidance throughout the journey and hence need to find a teacher whom we can interact with face to face
September 12, 2020
Excellent read
Mother of all books on pranayama. Thank you so much Radhika madam for sharing wonderful knowledge on pranayama and adhi prana. You will not need any other book on pranayama after reading this.
Thank you so much 😀
Mother of all books on pranayama. Thank you so much Radhika madam for sharing wonderful knowledge on pranayama and adhi prana. You will not need any other book on pranayama after reading this.
Thank you so much 😀
May 15, 2018
Though there are hundreds of books on Yoga, most of they limit themselves to teaching only asanas (and that too incorrectly! ). Most of the yoga books are written by fake yoga gurus who have only intellectual knowledge without actually having practised anything themselves. As a result, they are unable to throw any insight into the deeper and the subtler practices of Yoga which actually lead to spiritual development.
Now we finally have a book on the more important aspects of Yoga (pranayama, pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana). These can only be taught well by a true practitioner and I was lucky enough to come across Radhikaji and to learn from her in my spiritual journey. From my more than 3 years learning from her, I have had to pleasure of learning some of these finer aspects of Yoga from a someone who has tread the path and has had direct experience of the results.
This is a fantastic book that distils the essence of the practices of our meditative tradition and makes it available for everyone. It provides a step by step guide to anyone wanting to move beyond the superficial asanas and wants to experience meditative states. It incorporates questions and feedback that her students ask her and will cover pretty much every aspect of these practices and will answer all questions that you might come across as you take up these practices. Though learning from books will never be as effective as learning directly from an experienced teacher, this book is as close as it gets in helping to bridge that gap.
I am grateful to Radhikaji for taking the time to write about these practices and save this knowledge for future generations. This will be the handbook that I will constantly turn towards whenever I have a doubt/question about my practices.
Now we finally have a book on the more important aspects of Yoga (pranayama, pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana). These can only be taught well by a true practitioner and I was lucky enough to come across Radhikaji and to learn from her in my spiritual journey. From my more than 3 years learning from her, I have had to pleasure of learning some of these finer aspects of Yoga from a someone who has tread the path and has had direct experience of the results.
This is a fantastic book that distils the essence of the practices of our meditative tradition and makes it available for everyone. It provides a step by step guide to anyone wanting to move beyond the superficial asanas and wants to experience meditative states. It incorporates questions and feedback that her students ask her and will cover pretty much every aspect of these practices and will answer all questions that you might come across as you take up these practices. Though learning from books will never be as effective as learning directly from an experienced teacher, this book is as close as it gets in helping to bridge that gap.
I am grateful to Radhikaji for taking the time to write about these practices and save this knowledge for future generations. This will be the handbook that I will constantly turn towards whenever I have a doubt/question about my practices.
August 20, 2025
"Mastering Pranayama"is definitely a book that changes the way you look at breath and yoga. The author explains that breathwork is only preparation- true pranayama begins where the breath ends, using mind to harness prana, the life force. The book guides you step by step, with clear explanations, illustrations, and practical tips, making advanced practices accessible.
What I liked is how approachable it feels. The author guides you carefully, with diagrams, helpful tips, and even fun little experiments that makes learning enjoyable.
It's the kind of book you can keep coming back to, whether you are beginner or already experienced.
Clear, inspiring, and surprisingly practical, it makes you want to actually sit down and try the practices.
A must-read for anyone ready to go beyond simple breathing exercises and truly experience the transformative power of pranayama.
What I liked is how approachable it feels. The author guides you carefully, with diagrams, helpful tips, and even fun little experiments that makes learning enjoyable.
It's the kind of book you can keep coming back to, whether you are beginner or already experienced.
Clear, inspiring, and surprisingly practical, it makes you want to actually sit down and try the practices.
A must-read for anyone ready to go beyond simple breathing exercises and truly experience the transformative power of pranayama.
September 13, 2019
Great book.
Explains the various stages and steps in a very easy to understand manner. A lot of insight not explained by other books / teachers.
Explains the various stages and steps in a very easy to understand manner. A lot of insight not explained by other books / teachers.
March 25, 2024
This is an excellent companion for learning breathwork, which I paired with various videos. This was during COVID and my first deep dive into breathwork.
This is my second go-round as I ready myself for a deep dive into a yoga practice, because as my Daughter says, movement of breath during a physical movement matters for the quality of the asanas.
This is my second go-round as I ready myself for a deep dive into a yoga practice, because as my Daughter says, movement of breath during a physical movement matters for the quality of the asanas.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews