Science of Breath: A Practical Guide [Paperback]

Swami Rama (Author), Rudolph Ballentine (Author), Alan Hymes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1979

Science of Breath is a complete manual of the Oriental breathing philosophy of physical, mental, psychic and spiritual development. Written by Yogi Ramacharaka, it is widely considered to be a classic. Yogi Ramacharaka authored many books in his lifetime but Science of Breath is considered by many to be his best. It may be required reading for some, and for others it remains an essential part of their personal library.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Kessinger Publishing reprints over 1,500 similar titles all available through Amazon.com. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 182 pages
• Publisher: Himalayan Inst Pr (June 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089389057X
• ISBN-13: 978-0893890575
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #702,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lucid and eloquent examination of healthful breathing., February 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Science Of Breath: A Complete Manual Of The Oriental Breathing Philosophy Of Physical, Mental, Psychic And Spiritual Development (Hardcover)

This book was a lucid and eloquent examination of healthful breathing techniques, and the benefits experienced from their use.

Very few authors are capable of expressing complex concepts in simple language, but this author does it well.

I originally found this author quoted at length in The Roots Of Consciousness by Jeffrey Mishlove, and decided to follow up. I am glad I did.

The book begins with reviewing the importance of breath to living things, and then on to the physiology of breathing. Then the different styles of breathing are examined, along with the benefits and detriments of each. The book then progresses to look at a much more healthful method of breathing, along with exercises making use of this new method. The benefits from the physiological to the mental, emotional, and finally spiritual realms are discussed.

It is a practical handbook, with a minimum symbolic expression, and a maximum of well thought out, simply expressed important information on an often underappreciated topic.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eastern Breathing Philosophy, June 23, 2000

By 

M. A. Ramos (Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Science of Breath (Paperback)

I picked up this book (1905 edition) as a martial artist hoping to help me with my KI breathing excerices. This book improved my breathing technique introduced me to yoga and eastern thought. "Science of Breath" provides a great balance between western theories and eastern ideas. This book would be a good aid to anyone in the martial arts or those who just study KI.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Thing, January 14, 2001

By 

Jeremy D Springer (Dixon, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Science of Breath (Paperback)

This book was recomended to me by another jazz vocalist whoindicated that it would give me more insight into how I breath whilesinging. I took her advice with a grain of salt, but after reading itall the way through, I came to the conclusion it should be mandatoryreading for all vocalists and all people for that matter...While mostvocalists are concerned with the two schools of western breathing,they are overlooking an entire approach that trancends both of thesemethods. This is not one of those new aged relics that glorifieseastern philosophy and religion. This is the real thing. You will notsee this book on Oprah, and it was not written by a Westerner. Checkit out..