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THE SCIENCE OF BREATH: BY YOGI RAMACHARAKA
THE SCIENCE OF BREATH BY YOGI RAMACHARAKA WITH BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC COVER. PERFECTLY FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES YOGA, OR AS A GIFT. GET YOURS TODAY!
Specifications:
Cover Finish: GLOSSY Dimensions: 5,25" x 8" (13,34 x 20,32 cm)
Interior: White Paper
Pages: 71
Specifications:
Cover Finish: GLOSSY Dimensions: 5,25" x 8" (13,34 x 20,32 cm)
Interior: White Paper
Pages: 71
71 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1903
595 people are currently reading
1328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 25, 2015
I got this book as a Kindle freebie. It’s made available for free because it’s in the public domain, not necessarily because it was so bad that the author couldn’t even get people to pay $0.99 for it. It was written by an American named William Walker Atkinson, who also went by the pseudonym of Yogi Ramacharaka. Atkinson was an American who lived in the latter 19th and early 20th century, and authored more than 100 books. If you’re wondering why you’ve never heard of an author this prolific, it’s in part owing to his love of nom de plumes and the fact that he dodged the spotlight.
This book is short—less than 100 pages—and is organized into 16 chapters. The early chapters provide background for an audience that would’ve been fairly unaware of yogic practices, and the latter chapters are more along of a how-to book—giving instructions on various yogic breathing techniques. The first part of the book also tries to discuss the science of breath in terms of anatomy and physiology, but in layman’s terms. All in all, the book’s organization is logical.
This book’s readability is not bad, considering its era. However, it is 19th century writing, and so sentences can be long and tortuous by present-day standards. In the instructional parts, he uses bullet pointing to explain sequences.
The book runs into some problems, in my opinion, by trying to explain breath both in terms of modern science and yogic physiology. Imagine the story of the creation of the universe being told simultaneously in terms of the big bang and the Biblical account. These explanations are at odds, and any attempt to merge them into an integrated explanation will convolute the principles of one system or the other. Furthermore, explanations of respiratory and nervous system operations from Atkinson’s day are a bit out-of-date.
I would recommend this book for someone who has a scholarly interest in yoga and how it came to be introduced to the West. I can’t say that I would recommend it for its originally intended purposes of putting pranayama in the context of Western medical science or teaching the techniques of breathing. There are better books for the former (e.g. Coulter’s Anatomy of Hatha Yoga, chapter 2—though this is a much more technical account), and a teacher is needed for the latter. If one is an intermediate (or above) student of pranayama, then experimenting with Atkinson’s methods may prove interesting. However, from what I could read, it’s not clear where Atkinson learned pranayama. The fundamentals (e.g. abdominal, thoracic, and yogic breathing) seem sound, but there are other techniques that are unfamiliar to me and seem a bit unconventional. I can’t vouch for whether these are things I haven’t learned or whether Atkinson got them wrong. However, mostly there is just not enough information to communicate the fine points of the practices, and practicing pranayama is not without its risks.
This book is short—less than 100 pages—and is organized into 16 chapters. The early chapters provide background for an audience that would’ve been fairly unaware of yogic practices, and the latter chapters are more along of a how-to book—giving instructions on various yogic breathing techniques. The first part of the book also tries to discuss the science of breath in terms of anatomy and physiology, but in layman’s terms. All in all, the book’s organization is logical.
This book’s readability is not bad, considering its era. However, it is 19th century writing, and so sentences can be long and tortuous by present-day standards. In the instructional parts, he uses bullet pointing to explain sequences.
The book runs into some problems, in my opinion, by trying to explain breath both in terms of modern science and yogic physiology. Imagine the story of the creation of the universe being told simultaneously in terms of the big bang and the Biblical account. These explanations are at odds, and any attempt to merge them into an integrated explanation will convolute the principles of one system or the other. Furthermore, explanations of respiratory and nervous system operations from Atkinson’s day are a bit out-of-date.
I would recommend this book for someone who has a scholarly interest in yoga and how it came to be introduced to the West. I can’t say that I would recommend it for its originally intended purposes of putting pranayama in the context of Western medical science or teaching the techniques of breathing. There are better books for the former (e.g. Coulter’s Anatomy of Hatha Yoga, chapter 2—though this is a much more technical account), and a teacher is needed for the latter. If one is an intermediate (or above) student of pranayama, then experimenting with Atkinson’s methods may prove interesting. However, from what I could read, it’s not clear where Atkinson learned pranayama. The fundamentals (e.g. abdominal, thoracic, and yogic breathing) seem sound, but there are other techniques that are unfamiliar to me and seem a bit unconventional. I can’t vouch for whether these are things I haven’t learned or whether Atkinson got them wrong. However, mostly there is just not enough information to communicate the fine points of the practices, and practicing pranayama is not without its risks.
June 30, 2022
#67 of 100 self help books
Good
‘The Great Sea of life is swelling and receding, rising and falling and we are responding to its vibrations and rhythms’.
A slim volume that contains an innovative approach to breath, as both an action and a surrender. Engaging with the basic truths of human anatomy, the Science of Breath explores not only the profound physical effects that breath has but the psychological and spiritual possibilities it opens up.
This book is composed with the particular aim of informing a western learner, it will provide them through the cultural patterns of yoga, the lifestyle which surrounds yogic practice, and a sense of its context within history. Life Energy or Prana is introduced to the reader as a concept at the outset of the book. Yogi Ramcharaka then goes on to shed light on various different elements of the nervous system. A system which informs all aspects of our physical health and has a profound effect on our experience of the world around us.
Good
‘The Great Sea of life is swelling and receding, rising and falling and we are responding to its vibrations and rhythms’.
A slim volume that contains an innovative approach to breath, as both an action and a surrender. Engaging with the basic truths of human anatomy, the Science of Breath explores not only the profound physical effects that breath has but the psychological and spiritual possibilities it opens up.
This book is composed with the particular aim of informing a western learner, it will provide them through the cultural patterns of yoga, the lifestyle which surrounds yogic practice, and a sense of its context within history. Life Energy or Prana is introduced to the reader as a concept at the outset of the book. Yogi Ramcharaka then goes on to shed light on various different elements of the nervous system. A system which informs all aspects of our physical health and has a profound effect on our experience of the world around us.
February 20, 2023
This book was difficult to review because it’s more of a guide on how to breathe rather than just sharing information. One quote in the book sums it up. “He who tastes a grain of mustard seed knows more of its flavor than he who sees and elephant load of it.”
In my opinion, an accurate review can’t be made unless you spend at least 5 years of committed practice to the techniques/lifestyle presented in this book. With that said, mark your calendars for Feb 20, 2028 and come back for my full, accurate review of this book. By then you probably would have changed phones at least twice. So, sync your calendar so you won’t miss you.
Or just turn on your goodreads notifications.
Or just read it and do the work yourself.
Technically, I could copy and paste this review for all self-help books.
In my opinion, an accurate review can’t be made unless you spend at least 5 years of committed practice to the techniques/lifestyle presented in this book. With that said, mark your calendars for Feb 20, 2028 and come back for my full, accurate review of this book. By then you probably would have changed phones at least twice. So, sync your calendar so you won’t miss you.
Or just turn on your goodreads notifications.
Or just read it and do the work yourself.
Technically, I could copy and paste this review for all self-help books.
August 25, 2023
un libro majo que me ha dejado marta para la siesta de hoy, con ejercicios de respiración y teoría oriental
October 13, 2024
This is an introductory book on pranayama which covers various breathing techniques and exercises. Although somewhat informative, I don't believe this book is detailed enough both in terms of theory and instruction to start a practice. I'm also concerned about the safety of these techniques especially those whereby one must hold his breath. I believe one must practice in a very measured manner and a teacher should be considered with the more advanced techniques.
October 15, 2020
This little book is very dense and contains 34 meaningfully distinct exercises ranging from basic breathing to psychic healing.
Compared to the Western science in the Oxygen Advantage, the description is slightly less in-depth but pretty good.
From my experience with Reiki, the psychic healing fits the bill just fine.
One core takeaway is that there is one common core breathing technique: rhythmic complete breathing.
I would sometimes count to my heartbeat when doing pranayama practices, so it's cool to see this suggested as the 'natural rhythm'. :-)
--
One caveat is that I have only experimented with the physical exercises. The psychic ones will be done in due time.
Compared to the Western science in the Oxygen Advantage, the description is slightly less in-depth but pretty good.
From my experience with Reiki, the psychic healing fits the bill just fine.
One core takeaway is that there is one common core breathing technique: rhythmic complete breathing.
I would sometimes count to my heartbeat when doing pranayama practices, so it's cool to see this suggested as the 'natural rhythm'. :-)
--
One caveat is that I have only experimented with the physical exercises. The psychic ones will be done in due time.
December 12, 2020
This is an informative styled book and it’s very well written for its kind. The science part is simplified for everyone to understand and the suggested breathing techniques are easy to implement into my daily life. I have always been big on breathing properly and have practiced it as a part of my daily meditation, knowing the powerful science behind it just made it all so much more encouraging, recommend.
November 27, 2022
Take aways:
Published in 1905
The percentage of civilized men who breathe correctly is quite small, and the result is shown in contracted chests, and stooping shoulders and the terrible increase in diseases of the respiratory organs.
The connection between correct breathing and health is readily seen and explained.
The author briefly shares the differences from the eastern parts of the world versus western.
When the oxygen comes in contact with the blood, it unites with the hemoglobin of the blood and is carried to every cell, tissue, muscle and organ which it invigorate and strength things this combustion arising from the change in the waste products generates heat and equalize is the temperature of the body.
Arterial blood, properly exposed to the air, contains about 25% of free oxygen.
Eastern scientist believe that there is absolute Energy in the atmospheric air we breathe that is carried throughout the body.
Prana : Absolute energy
Western scientific theories regarding breath can find themselves to the effects of the absorption of oxygen through the circulatory system while the Yogee theory also takes into consideration the absorption of prana
Yogi theorist expand the western scientific theory of the central nervous system by turning the solar plexus as the abdominal brain which is situated in the epigastric region just back of the pit of the stomach and it is thought to control the main internal organs.
One of the first lessons in the yogis science of breath is to learn how to breathe through the nostrils.
Mini contagious diseases are contracted by the habit of mouth breathing. When deep breath is taken through the mouth, there is nothing from mouth to lungs to strain the air or catch the dust or other foreign matter in the air unlike nostril breathing.
The four methods of respiration
High breathing: Collarbone breathing. Raises abdominal contents. Minimal air exchange. Worst option.
Mid breathing : Rib breathing. Not considered the best option.
Low breathing : Best option thus far. Also called Deep breathing.
None of the first options include the lungs becoming completely filled with air.
Yogi Complete breathing : Combination of the three Witt the objectionable parts of each eliminated.
1: Sit or stand erect: inhale steadily through nostrils filling lower lungs. Then fill middle lungs then upper all in continuous inhale.
2: Hold for three seconds
3: Exhale slowly holding chest in a firms position. When fully exited, relax chest & abdomen.
At the end of inhalation, occasionally slightly elevate the shoulders thus raising the collarbone allowing air to pass freely into the small upper lobe of the right lung. Which place is where sometimes tuberculosis breeds.
The complete yogi breath uses all parts of the lungs which reduces risk for breathing or pulmonary diseases and colds.
Fill the lungs completely with air to cover the entire surface area where perfusion occurs thus enriching more blood with rich nutrients and then distributed in the body.
When feeling a slight cold approaching, complete yogi breathing vigorously.
The author continues to note the negative effects of lack of oxygen when breathing. When inadequate breathing occurs= less nutrient rich blood travels to organs in body.
Three forms of Yogi Breath:
Cleansing breath: Cleans out the body. Refreshing. Page 48
1. inhale complete breath
2. Retain for a few seconds
3. Pucker lips as if you were to whistle without moving cheeks.
4. Exhale with vigor a portion of the entirety. Continue until all air exhaled.
Yogi Nerve Vitalizing Breath: Nerve stimulant. Increased blood flow to all parts of body. Page 49
1. Stand erect
2. Complete breath and hold
3. Extend arms in front keeping relaxed.
4. Draw hands back to shoulder slowly
5. Push fists back out slowly.
6. Draw fists back in tightening muscles but fast this time.
7. Push back out slowly and return fast.
8. Practice cleansing breath when doing so.
The yogi vocal breath: used to develop the voice. Used only occasional.
1. long inhale complete breath. Taking as much time as possible.
2. Hold
3. Expel air vigorously through one great breath with mouth wide open.
4. Rest lungs with cleansing breath.
The seven Yogi Developing exercises
The retained breath
Lung cell stimulation
Rib stretching
Chest expansion
Walking exercise
Morning exercise
Stimulating circulation
Author then shares 7 minor yogi exercises
Author shares the benefits of rhythmic breathing.
You have the ability to send Prana to parts of the body that have pain.
You can transfer your Prana to other people next to you or even at a distance.
Book reviews exercises that consist of meditations that help the body become spiritual and healthy and one.
Author concludes with the encouragement not to allow the breathing experience to distract you from the good qualities of life.
Published in 1905
The percentage of civilized men who breathe correctly is quite small, and the result is shown in contracted chests, and stooping shoulders and the terrible increase in diseases of the respiratory organs.
The connection between correct breathing and health is readily seen and explained.
The author briefly shares the differences from the eastern parts of the world versus western.
When the oxygen comes in contact with the blood, it unites with the hemoglobin of the blood and is carried to every cell, tissue, muscle and organ which it invigorate and strength things this combustion arising from the change in the waste products generates heat and equalize is the temperature of the body.
Arterial blood, properly exposed to the air, contains about 25% of free oxygen.
Eastern scientist believe that there is absolute Energy in the atmospheric air we breathe that is carried throughout the body.
Prana : Absolute energy
Western scientific theories regarding breath can find themselves to the effects of the absorption of oxygen through the circulatory system while the Yogee theory also takes into consideration the absorption of prana
Yogi theorist expand the western scientific theory of the central nervous system by turning the solar plexus as the abdominal brain which is situated in the epigastric region just back of the pit of the stomach and it is thought to control the main internal organs.
One of the first lessons in the yogis science of breath is to learn how to breathe through the nostrils.
Mini contagious diseases are contracted by the habit of mouth breathing. When deep breath is taken through the mouth, there is nothing from mouth to lungs to strain the air or catch the dust or other foreign matter in the air unlike nostril breathing.
The four methods of respiration
High breathing: Collarbone breathing. Raises abdominal contents. Minimal air exchange. Worst option.
Mid breathing : Rib breathing. Not considered the best option.
Low breathing : Best option thus far. Also called Deep breathing.
None of the first options include the lungs becoming completely filled with air.
Yogi Complete breathing : Combination of the three Witt the objectionable parts of each eliminated.
1: Sit or stand erect: inhale steadily through nostrils filling lower lungs. Then fill middle lungs then upper all in continuous inhale.
2: Hold for three seconds
3: Exhale slowly holding chest in a firms position. When fully exited, relax chest & abdomen.
At the end of inhalation, occasionally slightly elevate the shoulders thus raising the collarbone allowing air to pass freely into the small upper lobe of the right lung. Which place is where sometimes tuberculosis breeds.
The complete yogi breath uses all parts of the lungs which reduces risk for breathing or pulmonary diseases and colds.
Fill the lungs completely with air to cover the entire surface area where perfusion occurs thus enriching more blood with rich nutrients and then distributed in the body.
When feeling a slight cold approaching, complete yogi breathing vigorously.
The author continues to note the negative effects of lack of oxygen when breathing. When inadequate breathing occurs= less nutrient rich blood travels to organs in body.
Three forms of Yogi Breath:
Cleansing breath: Cleans out the body. Refreshing. Page 48
1. inhale complete breath
2. Retain for a few seconds
3. Pucker lips as if you were to whistle without moving cheeks.
4. Exhale with vigor a portion of the entirety. Continue until all air exhaled.
Yogi Nerve Vitalizing Breath: Nerve stimulant. Increased blood flow to all parts of body. Page 49
1. Stand erect
2. Complete breath and hold
3. Extend arms in front keeping relaxed.
4. Draw hands back to shoulder slowly
5. Push fists back out slowly.
6. Draw fists back in tightening muscles but fast this time.
7. Push back out slowly and return fast.
8. Practice cleansing breath when doing so.
The yogi vocal breath: used to develop the voice. Used only occasional.
1. long inhale complete breath. Taking as much time as possible.
2. Hold
3. Expel air vigorously through one great breath with mouth wide open.
4. Rest lungs with cleansing breath.
The seven Yogi Developing exercises
The retained breath
Lung cell stimulation
Rib stretching
Chest expansion
Walking exercise
Morning exercise
Stimulating circulation
Author then shares 7 minor yogi exercises
Author shares the benefits of rhythmic breathing.
You have the ability to send Prana to parts of the body that have pain.
You can transfer your Prana to other people next to you or even at a distance.
Book reviews exercises that consist of meditations that help the body become spiritual and healthy and one.
Author concludes with the encouragement not to allow the breathing experience to distract you from the good qualities of life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2018
I read this while studying to become a Kundalini Yoga teacher which is all about breathe and breathing ... This is an excellent, easy to read little book that relies heavy on ancient science around breathing.
March 10, 2018
This book deserves to read by anyone who is seeking progress in spiritual and Yogic life. The techniques mentioned in the book are revolutionary. If one is willing to devote his/her time to these practices it is surely going to change their life for sure.
The content in this book is very precious, hence I'm willing to overlook the flaws. Yogi Ramacharaka has poured in all the insights of the breathing techniques which have been practiced by Yogis and Monks for thousands of years.
These techniques will help you catalyse your spiritual progress and elevate your consciousness to a new latitude.
This is a life changing book and it does deserve your attention.
The content in this book is very precious, hence I'm willing to overlook the flaws. Yogi Ramacharaka has poured in all the insights of the breathing techniques which have been practiced by Yogis and Monks for thousands of years.
These techniques will help you catalyse your spiritual progress and elevate your consciousness to a new latitude.
This is a life changing book and it does deserve your attention.
November 21, 2013
The intention of this book is straightforward and well. It might not serve as the only reference guide for this topic but surly arouses once interest to discover it further.
I personally am inclined to follow a more authentic book for this topic rather than one which talks about things without going to much depth. Though its not a bad thing if it intends to reach someone who is new to this, but for someone more advanced might like to read something else.
At least, its a nice read.
I personally am inclined to follow a more authentic book for this topic rather than one which talks about things without going to much depth. Though its not a bad thing if it intends to reach someone who is new to this, but for someone more advanced might like to read something else.
At least, its a nice read.
June 27, 2021
Dated, but insightful, with practical techniques for a variety of purposes to enhance personal life experience & develop deeper consciousness.
In the past few weeks, I have discovered the popular and well-known ‘Hindi Mystic Guru’, Sadhguru. Mostly, I’ve been listening & exploring hours of his videos on Youtube. Sadhguru is an engaging & intriguing character who has done some astonishing things, like rally Indians to plant millions of trees across India, inspire thousands of volunteers to manage his spiritual centres in India & the US, established several ‘yogic’ schools for children in impoverished parts of India, and engage one-on-one with an assortment of global celebrities to ‘elevate’ humanity’s consciousness. He has a calling, and is fulfilling it.
Tangentially, I’ve been broadening my own understanding of India’s history, legacy and future. It is a rich and dynamic culture that offers much to the imagination and humanity. As a sidebar of that, I was roaming around my local library and stumbled on this unique breathing handbook. ~ Synchronicity!
We’re all on personal journeys of discovery. Reading provides nourishment ~ either as full course meals or snacks. This text was a delicious & concise snack.
Discover more works by William Walter Atkinson via The Gutenberg project > https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/auth...
In the past few weeks, I have discovered the popular and well-known ‘Hindi Mystic Guru’, Sadhguru. Mostly, I’ve been listening & exploring hours of his videos on Youtube. Sadhguru is an engaging & intriguing character who has done some astonishing things, like rally Indians to plant millions of trees across India, inspire thousands of volunteers to manage his spiritual centres in India & the US, established several ‘yogic’ schools for children in impoverished parts of India, and engage one-on-one with an assortment of global celebrities to ‘elevate’ humanity’s consciousness. He has a calling, and is fulfilling it.
Tangentially, I’ve been broadening my own understanding of India’s history, legacy and future. It is a rich and dynamic culture that offers much to the imagination and humanity. As a sidebar of that, I was roaming around my local library and stumbled on this unique breathing handbook. ~ Synchronicity!
We’re all on personal journeys of discovery. Reading provides nourishment ~ either as full course meals or snacks. This text was a delicious & concise snack.
Discover more works by William Walter Atkinson via The Gutenberg project > https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/auth...
May 3, 2018
Illuminating, Informative, and Thought-provoking
I chose this rating because I found this book to be quite eye-opening. I learned a lot from this book and like it for that reason. I have always known that there are differences between the way that the eastern and western parts of the world understand things. I was unaware that concepts in this book are becoming so accepted in the west. I am impressed with how well the author wrote about the importance of breathing in a way that westerners can understand and put into practice. The book is well-written and interesting. It is a short book packed with plenty of useful and important information. It definitely makes me think and want to try some of the breathing exercises. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about the real power of the breath.
I chose this rating because I found this book to be quite eye-opening. I learned a lot from this book and like it for that reason. I have always known that there are differences between the way that the eastern and western parts of the world understand things. I was unaware that concepts in this book are becoming so accepted in the west. I am impressed with how well the author wrote about the importance of breathing in a way that westerners can understand and put into practice. The book is well-written and interesting. It is a short book packed with plenty of useful and important information. It definitely makes me think and want to try some of the breathing exercises. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about the real power of the breath.
January 7, 2025
The Hindu-Yogi Science of Breath by Yogi Ramacharaka is a fascinating exploration of the power of breathing, blending ancient yogic wisdom with a practical approach to health and well-being. The book explains how conscious breathing can influence physical energy, mental clarity, and even spiritual awareness. It introduces simple yet effective breathing techniques, emphasizing the connection between breath and life force, or "prana."
What makes this book compelling is its accessibility. Despite being written over a century ago, its teachings remain relevant, offering a structured yet intuitive guide to harnessing the breath for vitality and inner balance. Some sections may feel a bit mystical to a modern reader, and while the information is valuable, not everyone may fully resonate with its cultural nuances or philosophical views.
What makes this book compelling is its accessibility. Despite being written over a century ago, its teachings remain relevant, offering a structured yet intuitive guide to harnessing the breath for vitality and inner balance. Some sections may feel a bit mystical to a modern reader, and while the information is valuable, not everyone may fully resonate with its cultural nuances or philosophical views.
February 9, 2018
This book is really tremendous. It is a small book, but packed full of knowledge and exercises. It describes the physiology of breathing as well as a basis of the Yogi knowledge of prana and its relation to breathing. There are many physical breathing exercises as well as 'psychic' exercises for mental and spiritual development.
It is so easy to overlook the importance of breathing and I have benefited greatly so far from this book. Just like Atkinson's Hatha Yoga, it is not meant to be read once and set aside, but more of a textbook in order to help one master breathing for optimal health and wellness. Highly recommended.
p.s. I am interested in talking with others who read Atkinson's books, so feel free to add me as a friend and message me if you are a student of them.
It is so easy to overlook the importance of breathing and I have benefited greatly so far from this book. Just like Atkinson's Hatha Yoga, it is not meant to be read once and set aside, but more of a textbook in order to help one master breathing for optimal health and wellness. Highly recommended.
p.s. I am interested in talking with others who read Atkinson's books, so feel free to add me as a friend and message me if you are a student of them.
November 10, 2016
This is a short introduction to pranayama yoga. Although I have been doing yoga daily for almost 45 years, there were parts of the book that were helpful. I liked his exhaustive treatment of the complete yogic breath and this was well explained. Also, the introductory chapter gave a good overview of the physical side of breathing. The weak part of this book was that it was very short on detail and made one wonder if this work was a rewrite of a more exhaustive treatment by someone else. It was written at the turn of the last century by an American businessman and spiritualist.
October 28, 2017
In this chapter we will give you briefly the theories of the Western scientific world regarding the functions of the respiratory organs, and the part in the human economy played by the breath. In subsequent chapters we will give the additional theories and ascertained facts of the Oriental school of thought and research. The Oriental accepts the theories and facts of his Western brothers (which have been known to him for centuries) and adds thereto much that the latter do not now accept, but which they will in due time "discover" and which, after renaming, they will present to the world as a great truth.
**
March 17, 2017
This book provides a variety of breathing techniques, especially advocating breathing through the nose, and provides scientific reasons and also some sort of metaphysical explanation for why the techniques work. For his time (written in 1903), Atkinson provided much more information about the physiology of breathing than I would have expected. Then again, I am no expert in physiology so I can't judge the accuracy of his descriptions fully. The physiology and breathing technique chapters are interesting and worth while.
The metaphysics chapters of this book are totally out there (he has written other books on psychic healing), however I found myself judging some of his notions as an interesting look into the history and philosophy of a technique that had been practiced in India long ago. He talks about 'prana' (a sort of 'nerve force') and all sorts of healing and transference of prana that is, by nature, nonphysical. But then again, maybe that kind of thinking helps people calm down and focus their attention in a physiologically productive way. Even if you hate the metaphysics, the breathing techniques themselves can be beneficial, so the book is worthwhile (it is also very short, so you won't waste a ton of time reading it).
The metaphysics chapters of this book are totally out there (he has written other books on psychic healing), however I found myself judging some of his notions as an interesting look into the history and philosophy of a technique that had been practiced in India long ago. He talks about 'prana' (a sort of 'nerve force') and all sorts of healing and transference of prana that is, by nature, nonphysical. But then again, maybe that kind of thinking helps people calm down and focus their attention in a physiologically productive way. Even if you hate the metaphysics, the breathing techniques themselves can be beneficial, so the book is worthwhile (it is also very short, so you won't waste a ton of time reading it).
March 15, 2021
Having read various books on spiritualism and meditation I was was expecting it to be an average book but it changed my opinion after I read it.
It is one of the best books on meditation and the best part is that it clearly highlights the techniques in simple and concise manner and no preaching. If you are already spending alot of money on those camps from various spiritual gurus, I think you should read this book and try it yourself.
Very well written and also saves time - any busy person can read and catch the key points easily.
So if you have interest in meditation and have a desire to practice it yourself, do not miss this book
It is one of the best books on meditation and the best part is that it clearly highlights the techniques in simple and concise manner and no preaching. If you are already spending alot of money on those camps from various spiritual gurus, I think you should read this book and try it yourself.
Very well written and also saves time - any busy person can read and catch the key points easily.
So if you have interest in meditation and have a desire to practice it yourself, do not miss this book
November 2, 2018
Wonderful Read
I really enjoyed this book because it made it so simple to understand the breathing techniques in the full breath of the yogi. I have been studying breathing and yoga for some time and I really think that this book could help many of those struggling with the pranas
I really enjoyed this book because it made it so simple to understand the breathing techniques in the full breath of the yogi. I have been studying breathing and yoga for some time and I really think that this book could help many of those struggling with the pranas
June 7, 2020
This book does a great job emphasizing the importance of the breath and details the most optimal method of breathing for vitality and health. However, I feel like there are better sources of information for the different types of Yogi breaths. YMMV
October 16, 2020
I really liked the first part about breathing and different physical exercises. Then the book goes into psychic exercises and spiritual ones and I'm very doubtful, although I will not say it can't be true, but from my own understanding it will not have the effect they believe.
February 24, 2021
Went from being very scientific in the first half to overly spiritual in the latter. I’d been a big fan of the Wim Hof method and wanted to study yoga breathing more, this had some good exercises but nothing really memorable to take away as a whole.
August 7, 2022
A boon to mankind
Read the book slowly paragraph by paragraph understanding what is being said. Practice the exercise one by one and not in haste. It will make you an instrument of God to bring peace and selfless love in the world.
Read the book slowly paragraph by paragraph understanding what is being said. Practice the exercise one by one and not in haste. It will make you an instrument of God to bring peace and selfless love in the world.
October 23, 2023
Una muy buena reseña práctica para aprender a respirar con naturalidad y abordando la salud holística de la persona. Es curioso comprobar que las técnicas más modernas y científicas actuales no hacen más que confirmar lo que los orientales ya practicaban y habían elaborado mucho antes.
November 18, 2018
Very good and inspiring book. Will recommend to others.
Very good and inspiring book. Will recommend to others. Hve started practicing it. Must read and good for all also.
Very good and inspiring book. Will recommend to others. Hve started practicing it. Must read and good for all also.
February 5, 2019
the Breath
Great resource for learning various breathing exercises. Great addition to a yoga routine and meditation. I Highly recommend this book
Great resource for learning various breathing exercises. Great addition to a yoga routine and meditation. I Highly recommend this book
April 19, 2019
Doom Metal
September 24, 2019
Very simple but important read.
This gives straight forward information on my it's important to breathe with purpose and how to do so. Quick and valuable!
This gives straight forward information on my it's important to breathe with purpose and how to do so. Quick and valuable!
October 15, 2019
Don’t be a mouth breather!
Very informative and an easy read. The science of breath should be read by everyone to learn proper breathing and rid oneself of dis-ease.
Very informative and an easy read. The science of breath should be read by everyone to learn proper breathing and rid oneself of dis-ease.
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