The Power of Breath
Yoga Breathing for Inner Balance, Health and Harmony
Many years ago, my teacher, Swami Vishnu-devananda, instructed me to do 100 rounds of alternate nostril daily. I think he exaggerated in the hopes that I would do ‘something’. At the time I believed him and tried to do it. Although my eagerness was short-lived, it did inspire me to practise a bit more intensively. In The Power of Breath, I’ve tried to pass that inspiration on to you, in the hope that you will begin or intensify your pranayama practice. The book is practical; I’ve tried to make the writing style clear and approachable, even if you have little or no previous experience of yoga or breathing exercises. Yet, I have not over-simplified the teachings are, and the book also presents many in-depth practices.
The Power of Breath supplies a wealth of practical exercises to enrich your practice. Yoga teachers will probably find that it is the one of the only books available that discusses the five pranas vayus in detail. The Power of Breath explains the basics of breathing and the connections between the breath and the subtle body. It will help you rediscover natural breathing to maximize your intake of oxygen and rid your body of waste products.
The book is beautifully illustrated and there is a section of mini breathing programmes to target common problems, such as asthma, depression, lethargy and phobias. Other routines harness your breath to enhance vocal, dramatic or sports performance.
I’m pleased to say that The Power of Breath is available world-wide and has been translated into Dutch, French, German, Estonian, Italian, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.
There is also a Large print edition available from: https://www.readhowyouwant.com/books/search/saradananda
Comments from readers
"Take a deep breath and dive into Swami Saradananda’s exploration of pranayama. Saradananda, former director of Sivananda Yoga centers around the world, goes beyond fundamentals... There’s lots of information packed into this small book, but go slow, and you might ignite a regular pranayama practice."
- Richard Rosen in Yoga Journal
"This book brings clarity, light and ease of practice to the ancient art of pranayama. Understanding and regulation of breathing brings balance to the nervous system so that physical and mental health follow naturally. All levels of practitioners will find guidance in this valuable and knowledgeable book."
- Robert Moses, Yoga Teacher; co-publisher Namarupa Magazine
"The blissful depth of Pranayama can be experienced in no other way but through dedicated practice. Only one who has felt the true 'power of the breath' can share it with so much of love, beauty and clarity. Swami Saradananda has proven once again that she is a true Yogacharini through this delightful and wise exposition of subtle aspects of Pranayama, that hidden treasure missing from most modern Yoga teachings."
- Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Chairman ICYER, Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India
