The science Of Pranayama

This is a stupendous book with information unobtainable through any other source, but for some reason I can hardly wrap my mind around it. This book was written by Doctoral intellect Swami Sivananda with professional terms pertaining to the connection of breath with the body/soul. I understand for the most part the point he is trying to get across and is masterful at it. Although, this book lacks the connection of how pranayamas affect you directly and any experiences associated with each pranayama. I have been practicing Pranayama haphazardly for the the past year and a half. The times I have gotten it right, I have felt it amazing effects. Now that I have been practicing the a Pranayama for several day I understand that each breathing technique has a different result. Still this book is great with the information it does lend, but I would for lay people, recommend the Bihar School of Yoga's work on Pranayamas. Enjoy. Hatha Yoga Pradipika Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha/2008 Fourth Revised Edition

This book by Swami Sivananda Ji Maharaj is like all His other works -- namely practical! There is plenty of inspiring material as well with quotes and excerpts from the scriptures extolling the benefits and powers of a pranayama practice. There is a section "special instructions" which is full of useful guidelines. If you plan to undertake a dedicated pranayama practice for laying the foundation for spiritual practice then you must buy this book. Between this book and Swami Ramdev Ji's DVD on pranayama and asanas, you will have everything you need to start a very rewarding practice. I have been practicing pranayama for a little over a month for about 2 to 4 hours a day, after learning from Swami Ramdev Ji's DVD and this book. I can say without any reservation that pranayama is indeed the most powerful technique amongst all the knowledge known to mankind. All the laws of physics, mathematics and engineering marvels are a mere zero in comparison to the grandeur of this divine vidya. It will remove all sorts of health ailments, known and unknown. You will enjoy radiant health. It will clarify your thinking and make it crystal clear. It will make you fearless. It will improve your concetration. It will help in controlling your anger and allow you to go deep into meditation. I am waiting to see what will happen after six months of practice! Please do not delay, start a diligent practice from this very minute! Please do not listen to books and "experts" who always tell you to learn from a teacher. While it is true that one needs a teacher for advanced practices of retention, most of the simpler pranayamas can be learned with the aids mentioned here. One should not miss out on the profound benefits of pranayama while waiting for a teacher to arrive. All one has to do is to use caution and stay within one's capacity. All this is well explained in the resources mentioned here. Of course, it goes without saying that the books from the Bihar School of Yoga on this subject are also stellar works! These include the books by Swami Satyananda Saraswati Ji and Swami Niranjanananda Ji.

Technique and theory all in one book. Be careful if you practice, but it's all here.