Breath Retreat

“One who has mastered the breath has discovered Superconsciousness.” — Swami Veda Bharati

Within the teachings of the Himalayan Tradition of Yoga Meditation, the practice of breath and pranayama exercises is one of the most important preparations for experiencing the depths of the practice of meditation.

Swamiji writes, “Often we see a rush to learn advanced pranayamas. This is being done without training the breath, without making it slow, subtle, deep. In our tradition there are multiple paths and exercises for achieving the full benefits from subtleties of breath.”

In the Himalayan Tradition, preliminary to the practice of pranayama, an emphasis is placed on correct posture to enable correct diaphragmatic breathing and the subtle elements of breath awareness as taught by the Himalayan sages. Mastery of these serves as a foundation for more advanced pranayamas, which flow as a continuum into the practices of sense withdrawal, concentration and meditation.
This special retreat with John Sellinger is a unique opportunity to learn the subtleties of breath practices. We will practice pranayamas thrice daily. The programme is open for both complete beginners and practitioners. There will be daily instructional sessions and theory/philosophy sessions about breath and pranayamas. Of greatest importance in the programme is the emphasis on guided personal practice.

Recommended Readings:

1. Science of Breath by Swami Rama, Dr. Rudolph Ballentine, and Dr. Alan Hymes.
2. A Practical Guide to Holistic Health by Swami Rama
3.  Meditation and Its Practice by Swami Rama
4. Path of Fire and Light (Vol. 2) by Swami Rama
5. Yogic Practices of the Himalayan Tradition as taught by H.H. Swami Rama of the Himalayas by Dr. Prakash Keshaviah
6. What Really Is Pranayama? by Swami Veda Bharati
7. Diaphragmatic Breathing by Swami Veda Bharati
8. 14 Breath and Meditation Practices by Swami Veda Bharati