Swami Rama (1925–1966)

Much of the Western world was completely unaware of the profound impact of the breath on the body and mind until the 1970's. It was during this time that Swami Rama astonished physiologists by demonstrating perfect control over his heart rate and brain waves―something Western scientists didn't believe humans could possibly achieve. In this book, Swami Rama shares some of the basic breathing techniques practiced by Himalayan yogis, so that you too can experience the profound effects of pranayama and breath control.

The goal of Science of Breath is to present knowledge and practices regarding the breath in a way that can be applied to personal growth. This book is a masterful guide to systematically identifying bad breathing habits, replacing those habits with healthy breathing patterns, and developing control over pranic flow. Learn how to develop and master the link between your body and mind through the understanding of the breath. With increased awareness and control of the subtle aspects of breathing, one can effect deep physical and psychological changes and begin to master the roaming tendencies of the mind. Science of Breath opens the door to a new way of being, providing a powerful tool in the pursuit of holistic health and personal growth.… (more)

I'm glad to read some background that I didn't know about Swami Rama. He was my first Guru. The day before Halloween 1972 I'd hitchhiked across Illinois to find him, based on a friend's advice. He fed me chapatis he cooked himself, took me aside to a quiet room, and gave me a mantra, initiating me into his following, then put me up for the night. Charming fellow, but as a penniless hippie living on a rural commune at the time, affording his lectures wasn't easy. I made friends, worked gratis in Shakti Bookstore in Madison, WI for a time, but ultimately moved deeper into the Tibetan Buddhist orbit.… (more)

People laughed at the image of pretzel-legged yogis focusing on the tip of their noses-until swami Rama walked into a laboratory and showed scientists what a yogi with control over his respiration can actually do. Before astoisehd researchers, he demonstrated perfect control over his heart rate and brain waves-control physiologists hadn't believed humans could possibly achieve.

For thousands of years, yogic adepts, masters of inner science, have claimed that breath is the essental link between body and mind, energizing a 'subtle body' which connects the physical and mental aspects of our being. In this landmark book, Swami Rama and two noted American physicians explore India's 'Science of Breath' from both Eastern and Western perspectives, revealing how this neglected subject may be the missing key to both physical health and the exploration of higher states of consciousness. Swami Rama also shares some of the basic breathing techniqes practiced by the Himalayan yogis so that we can begin immediately working with this powerful ancient science.

Swami Rama founded the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosphy, the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust in India, and many centers throughout the world. A student of both Himalayan cave monasteries and European universities, he founded the Himalayan Institute to create a bridge between the ancient teachings of the East and modern scientific approaches of the west.

Rudolph Ballentine, M.D., is a respected leader in the field of alternative and complementary medicine. A physician and psychiatrist, he studied medicine in the U.S., psychology in the U.S. and France, and both Ayurveda and homeopathy in India.

Alan Hymes, M.D., is a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. A pioneer in the field of breath research, he has studied the interrelationship between breathing patterns and cardiovascular disease.

Contents

Foreword by Linda Johnsen
Introduction by John Clarke
Why bother with breath?-Yoga and the body of energy
Respiration and the chest-The mechanics of breathing by Alan Hymes
Following yur nose-Nasal function and energy by Rudolph Ballentine
Portal to higher awareness-The science of breath by swami Rama
Recommendations for further study (bibliography)
Index… (more)