Secret Power of Tantrik Breathing

EASTERN SPIRITUALITY / YOGA There is an intimate relationship between breathing and our emotional state. When we are nervous or excited, our breath rate increases. Conversely, if we alter our rate of breathing, we can alter our emotional state. The ancient civilization of India developed methods for changing the emotions and states of consciousness through yogic meditation and pranayama (breath control). Secret Power of Tantrik Breathing teaches the advanced pranayama system of svarodaya, which is based on the fact that we normally breathe freely through only one nostril at a time. In a healthy person, breathing changes roughly every 90 minutes from one nostril to the other, with each nostril imparting different qualities to one's mental and physical state. Breath passing through the left nostril is cool, soothing, passive, and feminine in nature; right-nostril breath is warm, energizing, active, and masculine. When the breath remains in one nostril for longer than normal, mental and physical illness can result. The goal of svarodaya is to harmonize the breath from each nostril with the life task needing to be accomplished. This book explains how to practice this breath control and how the vital energy of breath interacts with the chakras and energy channels (nadis) to create overall balance and harmony. It also includes svarodaya breathing techniques to help overcome illnesses, infertility, and bad luck; make predictions; and attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth. SWAMI SIVAPRIYANANDA (1939-1997) was born in Gujarat, India, and studied Sanskrit and Pali at Pune University. In 1974, after taking sannyasa, the act of renunciation within Hinduism, he visited many saints, ashrams, and centers of traditional learning in search of material on forgotten and neglected aspects of Indian religion and culture.