Description
The Science of Breathing
A Complete Manual of The Yogic Breathing Philosophy of
Physical, Mental, Psychic and Spiritual Development
By YOGI RAMACHARAKA
“Breath is life! Life is absolutely dependent upon the act of breathing.” Thus does Yogi Ramacharaka state, in positive, unambiguous language, the importance of breathing. Exploring the vital importance of breath to physical and spiritual well-being, “The Science of Breathing” is a comprehensive guide to the philosophy and practice of breathing techniques.
Western research is now proving what yogis have known all along: Breathwork can deliver powerful mind and body benefits
First published in 1903, “The Science of Breath” is the first of many titles on yoga and Hinduism by the mysterious Yogi Ramacharaka. There are no official records of this author and many scholars believe that he did not exist and the name is instead a pseudonym for the true writer, William Walker Atkinson, the famed occultist and pioneer of the American New Thought movement. Regardless of the identity of the author, “The Science of Breath” is an in-depth and well-written guide on both the science and philosophy of breathing in yoga and contains numerous lessons and exercises that remain useful over 100 years after its publication. This manual on the science of controlling your breathing includes chapters on both the spiritual aspect to yoga and breathing, as well as on the practical aspect of how to include these concepts into your yoga practice. Chapters contain lessons on such important practices as nostril vs. mouth-breathing, the Yogi complete breath, Yogi rhythmic breathing, and Yogi spiritual breathing. Both experienced and beginner yoga enthusiasts will discover a treasure of useful advice in this thoughtful guide. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
About the Author
Yogi Ramacharaka was the pseudonym of William Walker Atkinson, an American writer who was influential in turn-of-the-century (1890s-1900s) spiritual and philosophical movements such as “New Age movement” and Theosophy.
Atkinson, writing as Ramacharaka, helped to popularize ancient Indian philosophy in America, with Yoga and a broadly-interpreted Hinduism being particular areas of focus. Ramacharaka’s Advanced Course in Yoga Philosophy and Oriental Occultism remains widely respected as an excellent primer for the Western layman, despite the fact that it reached 100 years old in 2004 and is understandably dated in some respects.
William Walker Atkinson died in 1932, in Los Angeles, California after successful careers in writing and law. He is now largely forgotten, despite obtaining mention in past editions of Who’s Who in America, Religious Leaders of America, and several similar publications.
