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Science of Breath: A Practical Guide
Book by Swami Rama, Rufolph Ballentine, Alan Hymes
166 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 1940
261 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read
About the author
Swami Rama
156 books214 followersSwāmī Rāma was born Brij Kiśore Dhasmana or Brij Kiśore Kumar,to a northern Indian Brahmin family in a small village called Toli in the Garhwal Himalayas. From an early age he was raised in the Himalayas by his master Bengali Baba and, under the guidance of his master, traveled from temple to temple and studied with a variety of Himalayan saints and sages, including his grandmaster, who was living in a remote region of Tibet. From 1949 to 1952 he held the prestigious position of Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham in South India. After returning to his master in 1952 and practising further for many years in the Himalayan caves, Swami Rama was encouraged by his teacher to go to the West, where he spent a considerable portion of his life teaching, specifically in the United States and Europe.
He is especially notable as one of the first yogis to allow himself to be studied by Western scientists.
Swami Rama authored several books in which he describes the path he took to becoming a yogi and lays out the philosophy and benefits behind practices such as meditation. One of the common themes expressed in such books as "Enlightenment Without God" and "Living with the Himalayan Masters" is the ability of any person to achieve peace without the need for a structured religion. He was critical of the tendency for yogis to use supernatural feats to demonstrate their enlightenment, arguing that these only demonstrated the ability to perform a feat.
He is especially notable as one of the first yogis to allow himself to be studied by Western scientists.
Swami Rama authored several books in which he describes the path he took to becoming a yogi and lays out the philosophy and benefits behind practices such as meditation. One of the common themes expressed in such books as "Enlightenment Without God" and "Living with the Himalayan Masters" is the ability of any person to achieve peace without the need for a structured religion. He was critical of the tendency for yogis to use supernatural feats to demonstrate their enlightenment, arguing that these only demonstrated the ability to perform a feat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 12, 2017
“Science does not need mysticism and mysticism does not need science, but man needs both."
Almost a decade and a half ago, I had read a book, The Tao of Physics, that had a lasting effect on me. The book was written by a particle Physicist, Fritjof Capra, who happened to have some spiritual experiences. The book was all about drawing parallels between particle physics and eastern philosophies (Tao, Zen, Vedas etc. ). Although the book was written in 1970s, and Science (esp. particle physics) has made tremendous advancements, the approach that the author took to draw the parallels, stands against time. In fact, the recent developments in Science further assert the core message of the book.
Fast forward to-date, and I hold a similar book, Science of Breath, written by two doctors and co-authored by Swami Rama, a renowned Yogi of the 20th century. The book was authored in 1940, and again stands against time! This book is all about understanding our respiratory system, with a focus on breath and what it means to our existence, and beyond. The first two sections are pure Medical Sciences. And the last section, written by the Yogi, is about pranayama and meditation. I am sure that this book would appeal to the skeptics, at least to some extent. While some things need to be experienced, there is enough in the book, to make a really compelling read.
Almost a decade and a half ago, I had read a book, The Tao of Physics, that had a lasting effect on me. The book was written by a particle Physicist, Fritjof Capra, who happened to have some spiritual experiences. The book was all about drawing parallels between particle physics and eastern philosophies (Tao, Zen, Vedas etc. ). Although the book was written in 1970s, and Science (esp. particle physics) has made tremendous advancements, the approach that the author took to draw the parallels, stands against time. In fact, the recent developments in Science further assert the core message of the book.
Fast forward to-date, and I hold a similar book, Science of Breath, written by two doctors and co-authored by Swami Rama, a renowned Yogi of the 20th century. The book was authored in 1940, and again stands against time! This book is all about understanding our respiratory system, with a focus on breath and what it means to our existence, and beyond. The first two sections are pure Medical Sciences. And the last section, written by the Yogi, is about pranayama and meditation. I am sure that this book would appeal to the skeptics, at least to some extent. While some things need to be experienced, there is enough in the book, to make a really compelling read.
January 10, 2019
A book I return to often. On the surface, discusses the mechanics - and "science" (as per the title) - of breath. But, in reality, offers so much more: it engages you in a discourse on the very nature of our existence. Highly, highly, highly recommended.
June 21, 2007
This book takes several approaches to exploring the breathing process. It looks at breath from a scientific point of view as well as yogic perceptions and manipulations of the breath. This is a dry read, but informative for those interested.
December 31, 2016
This is a great book about breath awareness. It's a small book, and could probably be read in one sitting, but I like to read one or two chapters at a time. This book discusses the importance of proper breathing for our physical and emotional health. The books explains respiratory physiology and also the idea of breath in yoga. I really liked the discussion on the right and left nostrils, and the section that advises how you should lay down before going to bed greatly interested me, as I had been doing that for sometime without knowing I was trying to maximize my quality of sleep. They talk about taking care of your nasal passages with a neti, which I already do.
Some of the breathing exercises they discuss were some I knew, but there are new ones in there. Some of them apparently are more advanced and require a teacher to show you how to do it. Overall, this was a great little book and highly recommend it to people who meditate and do yoga to understand the importance of breath awareness.
Some of the breathing exercises they discuss were some I knew, but there are new ones in there. Some of them apparently are more advanced and require a teacher to show you how to do it. Overall, this was a great little book and highly recommend it to people who meditate and do yoga to understand the importance of breath awareness.
July 30, 2021
I don't think the Swami wrote this book. Feels like someone tried to understand what he said and wrote it. No one who's an expert explains this badly.
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August 9, 2022Our respiratory system is the only function in our body that is under both voluntary and involuntary control.
The way we breath has such a profound impact on our wellbeing yet we give it so little thought or effort.
A very interesting read.
The way we breath has such a profound impact on our wellbeing yet we give it so little thought or effort.
A very interesting read.
April 25, 2025
Really paced slowly thru this, taking my time because I took a lot of notes (hoping to implement ideas into my yoga classes). Learned a lot of cool stuff!!!
December 12, 2024
A quick and interesting read on breathing from scientific and yogic perspectives. I found the scientific sections on the respiratory system and the nose fascinating and well written. A bit dry, but very clear and easy to understand (which is no small feat given the complex system they’re describing!). There were many interesting bits about yogic breathing but it doesn’t go too deep - it seems like progressing with breath control is better practiced with a teacher and hard to fully explain.
May 25, 2018
A concise look at a big topic
We all breathe or we die. As a retired RN and a current Yoga teacher i love this book. Lots of concrete physiology paired with an explanation of the Eastern thought on the Subtle Body . If you want to know more about your body. This is a good book.
We all breathe or we die. As a retired RN and a current Yoga teacher i love this book. Lots of concrete physiology paired with an explanation of the Eastern thought on the Subtle Body . If you want to know more about your body. This is a good book.
December 16, 2011
Interesting read. It was a bit more anatomy-focused than I expected, but a great emphasis on this amazing body function we all have and take for granted.
July 25, 2023
Very vague.
Many non-scientific claims without explaining how such conclusions are made or were verified.
One interesting point:
“The breath will be flowing predominantly through the right nostril or predominantly through the left nostril...through one nostril for about an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours, after which it becomes predominant in the other side... this is technically called an “infradian rhythm”” Huh. Whaddaya know? That’s happening all the time and I never paid much attention to it.
To continue: “... the svara yogis.. observed... that having the right or left nostril open would gear us toward one activity or another in the world. If individuals breathe through the right side, they said, they tend to become more active and aggressive, more alert and more oriented toward the external world. Breathing through the left side... produces a quieter, more passive psychological state, one more oriented toward the inner world.”
There are extremely brief explanations of various breathing exercises, most with the warning not to try them without a teacher. Kapalabhati pranayama, bhastrika pranayama, ujjayi, bhramari, sitali, sitkari.
Bandhas (locks), which apparently must be used with retention of the breath, are briefly discussed, but not in enough detail to feel confident using them with all the warnings not to do them if you have heart issues, Hugh blood pressure, are pregnant, etc.
There are better books about meditation on the breath. Even Thich Nhat Hanh’s books. For *absolute* beginners to the idea of observing your breath, however, I suppose this might bring some new insights.
Many non-scientific claims without explaining how such conclusions are made or were verified.
One interesting point:
“The breath will be flowing predominantly through the right nostril or predominantly through the left nostril...through one nostril for about an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours, after which it becomes predominant in the other side... this is technically called an “infradian rhythm”” Huh. Whaddaya know? That’s happening all the time and I never paid much attention to it.
To continue: “... the svara yogis.. observed... that having the right or left nostril open would gear us toward one activity or another in the world. If individuals breathe through the right side, they said, they tend to become more active and aggressive, more alert and more oriented toward the external world. Breathing through the left side... produces a quieter, more passive psychological state, one more oriented toward the inner world.”
There are extremely brief explanations of various breathing exercises, most with the warning not to try them without a teacher. Kapalabhati pranayama, bhastrika pranayama, ujjayi, bhramari, sitali, sitkari.
Bandhas (locks), which apparently must be used with retention of the breath, are briefly discussed, but not in enough detail to feel confident using them with all the warnings not to do them if you have heart issues, Hugh blood pressure, are pregnant, etc.
There are better books about meditation on the breath. Even Thich Nhat Hanh’s books. For *absolute* beginners to the idea of observing your breath, however, I suppose this might bring some new insights.
February 22, 2024
I picked this up from the library since James Nestor's "Breath" wasn't available. Science of Breath is a scientific approach to managing the breath and the mechanics behind the respiratory system. Swami Rama speaks on the spiritual implications one should expect when reregulating, maintaining, and developing the way we breathe, such as an increase in one's energy, an increase in focus, and a stronger awareness of one's overall being while two other doctors, Rudolph Ballentine, and Alan Hymes, take a dive into what is going on when we breathe by explaining the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems.
Because Rama was attached, I had a notion that the book would go deeper into the history of the spiritual practices that are mentioned, but overall, because of the science that is presented early and what feels like takes up a good chunk of the book, the overall material feels dry and introductory. Still, there is a lot of great information of a broad number of topics and one has to keep in mind that the book was released in the 70s when most Westerners were new to Eastern philosophies.
I wouldn't call this required reading today, but new subjects at the altar of yoga, breath work, and the science behind a system that helps keep us all alive will find something to take from it.
Because Rama was attached, I had a notion that the book would go deeper into the history of the spiritual practices that are mentioned, but overall, because of the science that is presented early and what feels like takes up a good chunk of the book, the overall material feels dry and introductory. Still, there is a lot of great information of a broad number of topics and one has to keep in mind that the book was released in the 70s when most Westerners were new to Eastern philosophies.
I wouldn't call this required reading today, but new subjects at the altar of yoga, breath work, and the science behind a system that helps keep us all alive will find something to take from it.
April 24, 2019
I looked into this book as it has good reviews, however there are other books with the same title written by other authors. Swami Rama did write only the second part of the book, it was written by westerners for westerners... it seems to be somewhat misleading. the writing style of the first part written by 'medicals' is uninteresting and often uses medical terms that are not properly explained nor understood by common people. As Einstein says 'if you cannot explain it simply you do not understand it' what Swami Rama says in the book is already written in other books
Read 7 books on breathing until now, and still have dozens to read...
The other reason I gave this book this rating and would give even less, as I noticed that the author had several sexual harassment cases. Nah! This is a BIG NO NO! Catholic priests and Indian or other yogis molesting people is DISGUSTING. These perverts should have NO credit at all.
Read 7 books on breathing until now, and still have dozens to read...
The other reason I gave this book this rating and would give even less, as I noticed that the author had several sexual harassment cases. Nah! This is a BIG NO NO! Catholic priests and Indian or other yogis molesting people is DISGUSTING. These perverts should have NO credit at all.
April 11, 2021
This book was quite literally life changing....as a classically trained vocalist and yoga practitioner, I have always been taught breath awareness and control but have never delved into the true origins and mechanics of the breath. Science of Breath does a truly incredible job of outlining the biomechanics of breath in a way that is accessible and exciting. I now want to read everything Swami Rama has written, and feel like I have a whole world of breath-work to explore both in my singing practice and general life. Anyone who wants higher body awareness and to learn a fundamental aspect of our anatomy and physiology in a warm and compelling way should give this a read!
June 8, 2023
Not sure how to rate to rate this book...
Basically it's saying that bad breathing will leave you vulnerable to disease and good breathing will protect you and allow you to live longer... It makes big claims like breathing is holy grail of health but doesn't give the right amount of science or even religious philosophy to back it up. Same with Prana and energy.
If your going to write a book like this it's important to back up your premise with points. He didn't do that well. He based most of his claims on the fact that he is and knows Yogi culture.
Don't know what was true. Also don't want to be feared into good breathing...
Basically it's saying that bad breathing will leave you vulnerable to disease and good breathing will protect you and allow you to live longer... It makes big claims like breathing is holy grail of health but doesn't give the right amount of science or even religious philosophy to back it up. Same with Prana and energy.
If your going to write a book like this it's important to back up your premise with points. He didn't do that well. He based most of his claims on the fact that he is and knows Yogi culture.
Don't know what was true. Also don't want to be feared into good breathing...
January 21, 2020
Simple and effective.
While the authors don't give insight to my most vexing questions, "Which came first the chicken or the egg?" and, by simple extention, "who created god? ", they do provide a clear discussion on the mundane act of breathing. Who would have thought the correct way of breathing could lead one to better health. Or enlightenment. This is a book I will treat more like a manual - specific chapters to be read over and over until so engrained it's practices become as natural as breathing.
While the authors don't give insight to my most vexing questions, "Which came first the chicken or the egg?" and, by simple extention, "who created god? ", they do provide a clear discussion on the mundane act of breathing. Who would have thought the correct way of breathing could lead one to better health. Or enlightenment. This is a book I will treat more like a manual - specific chapters to be read over and over until so engrained it's practices become as natural as breathing.
July 20, 2017
A short, but interesting look at breath from a scientific and a yogic perspective. A cooperation between scientists and an accomplished yogi. A look into something that we take for granted, but which can easily be shown to be of truly great importance to our physical and mental well-being.
Breath, the llink between our voluntary and involuntary systems, the supplier of nutrition to all systems of our body, and you can do so much with it.
Breath, the llink between our voluntary and involuntary systems, the supplier of nutrition to all systems of our body, and you can do so much with it.
November 5, 2017
Definitely worth a read. Learned a lot about the physiology behind breathing and how it connects the body and mind. Also learned that Western medicine largely ignores the importance of breathing and the crucial role it plays in health. Learned about yogic breathing exercises, and how the breath is central in yogic philosophy and practice, and the correct way to practice several breathing exercises. Great book!
August 27, 2018
Apart from useful physiology the exercises are in effect restricted for advanced students
Good but feel that the magic of breath yoga is held out and out of reach for the reader and hardly an attempt is made to make this accessible with encouragement and easy exercises that can be followed and checked against the instruction. There are better books out there. But useful descriptions of the anatomy of breathe and its circulation within the body.
Good but feel that the magic of breath yoga is held out and out of reach for the reader and hardly an attempt is made to make this accessible with encouragement and easy exercises that can be followed and checked against the instruction. There are better books out there. But useful descriptions of the anatomy of breathe and its circulation within the body.
January 31, 2021
Highly recommend! In just under 150 pages, makes a strong case for centering breathing into our lives, gives a quick rundown on Eastern vs Western approaches to mind / body / science, reminds you of high school biology, teaches you a fun thing or too about your nasal system, and oh but of course, gives a survey of a few of the most common breathing techniques.
July 29, 2025
This book is an introduction to breathing and how it's connected to the body and its different uses. It's a nice book but this book lacks clear focus. It goes everywhere and dips into multiple topics like meditation, mudras, yoga, chakras, etc. It's a book which you can skim through but there's nothing substantial about anything. Can skip.
February 25, 2021
Amazing book. It gives a scientific approach behind the breathing process and how it is connected to our life and health. It has changed my views about breathing process and made me aware of how it can be used to heal our body. A must read.
November 16, 2021
Very interesting & taught me how important it is to breath through the nose. Good information on prana which I had never known until opening up this book. There are a variety of pranayama given towards the end which you can practice
January 25, 2025
I bought this book as it was recommended for completing my breathwork certification. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much but really glad I read it. I appreciate the mirror that science and spirituality hold up to each other.
April 23, 2025
(reread)
It is simple and informative, a good place to start if one wants to explore the significance of breath/breathing.
This book was assigned as part of my yoga teacher training way back when.
I pulled it back out to refresh my memory as I now begin my advanced teacher training.
It is simple and informative, a good place to start if one wants to explore the significance of breath/breathing.
This book was assigned as part of my yoga teacher training way back when.
I pulled it back out to refresh my memory as I now begin my advanced teacher training.
August 30, 2017
Not too dense. Exercises are not well depicted (graphically), but are fairly comprehensive
November 20, 2018
A good reference.. although I found all lot of content generic and repeated from other texts - didn't find anything unique. But it was a good foundation / essential reading book.
December 10, 2018
Its very helpful and informative book. And foundation book for all yoga and pranayama practitioners.
It gives basic idea how prana/energy flow happens in the lungs.
It gives basic idea how prana/energy flow happens in the lungs.
December 28, 2018
A good basic primer on breathing. I learned some basic maintenance tips for keeping my nose unclogged. Very worth reading.
March 7, 2019
Very informative
Great for the person interested in the functions of breath on the body and a basic outline on breathing exercises.
Great for the person interested in the functions of breath on the body and a basic outline on breathing exercises.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews