Path of Fire and Light, Vol. 1: Advanced Practices of Yoga [Paperback]

Swami Rama (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1986

Practical information on the advanced practices of yoga presented in straightforward language.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It sets forth in straightforward language some of the systematic techniques that yogic teachers and sages have used for millennia to gain control over mind and body." -- India West

About the Author

Sri Swami Rama, the founder of the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, was raised n the Himalayan cave monasteries and ordained a monk in early childhood. He studied Western psychology, philosophy, and medicine in Europe and taught in Japan before coming to the United States in 1969. Here he founded the Himalayan Institute to create a bridge between the ancient teachings of the East and the modern scientific approaches of the West.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Himalayan Institute Press (April 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0893890979
• ISBN-13: 978-0893890971
• Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,861 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable, July 31, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Path of Fire and Light, Vol. 1: Advanced Practices of Yoga (Paperback)

This is a truly unbelievable book on advanced yoga. The greatest section of the book is the description of advanced (very advanced !) pranayama. Swami Rama first gives a lengthy explanation of the preparation for pranayama & nadi shodhanam. Then, he instructs you on how to achieve amazing spiritual transformation through extreme breath-holding. In what is surely the most fascinating section, Swami Rama describes, in detail, what happens to the body & energy of a yogi as he holds his breath for 5, 10, 13 or more minutes. Using Swami Rama's wisdom I have already achieved kumbhaka's (breath-holds) of over 7 minutes! What an amazing feeling to feel your heart rate drop to 20 beats per minute after 5 minutes! And the state of consciousness that ensues is of course indescribable. I have one suggestion: Get this book! (Swami Rama's 'Science of Breath' is a great companion book).

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars esoteric secrets, July 24, 2007

By 

Charlie B (over the rainbow, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Path of Fire and Light, Vol. 1: Advanced Practices of Yoga (Paperback)

This book is written by Swami Rama, a yogi who came to American in the late 70's. He let western doctors study him to advance the scientific understanding of yoga. He claimed to have been able to hold his breath for over an hour. He started a yoga facility in Pennsylvania, which still exists.

As for the book, it contains a wealth of information on various breathing practices -- practices you might hear referred to elsewhere but never explained. Often experts don't explain these things because they consider these practices too dangerous for beginners. But what eager beginner hasn't pushed limits? I suppose caution is in order.

In the year I practiced yoga, I also learned that within the yoga community, secrecy is like a currency, or a way to maintain power.

The Swami later published simpler books, because this book went over the heads of most people. And if you are just looking to get started with the breath, you could look on the internet for 2 to 3 key breathing exercises. No need to buy this book. The next volume in this series doesn't really go into the breath much, but the overall practice of yoga.

32 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good description of techniques - but be warned, August 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Path of Fire and Light, Vol. 1: Advanced Practices of Yoga (Paperback)

People can I please advise you to make sure you are first very well established in the first 2 levels of Yoga before you embark on any Pranayama (breath-control). First be steeped in Yama(abstinences - alcohol, drugs, sex, meat, etc) and Niyama(observances - love, kindness, non-harm, patience, etc) before moving on to asans(postures) and especially pranayama. Every swami will tell you that if you are not living a committed Spiritual life in every respect, then practicing the 4th level of Yoga - breathing exercises, especially the advanced ones, can potentially be harmful. You should really only practice techniques like this within the framework of a spiritual society and Guru-disciple relationship. Breathing techniques force prana up the subtle spine, thus awakening higher and higher chakra's. This process should occur naturally and gradually as part of a disciplined spiritual life - it should not be forced.