The Tibetan Yoga of Breath, by Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo is a comprehensive guide to breathing meditation and breathing techniques.
By drawing on influences from Yantra Yoga, Buddhism, and western medicine the authors offer readers clear direction on how to use breathing to purify their wind energies as well as overcome psychological maladies such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
With accessible instruction, this book offers an opportunity to explore breathing meditation and breathing techniques in order to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The authors skillfully bring together the ancient wisdom of Tibetan yoga with modern scientific principles.
In the first part of the book, readers are presented with a general discussion of Tibetan Buddhism, breathing, and the challenges of modern life.
In the second part, readers are introduced to guided meditations using mantras to help repair disruptions between the mind and heart.
The Tibetan Yoga of Breath is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to practice breathing meditation and learn new breathing techniques.
By combining ancient wisdom with modern science, this book provides readers with a rare opportunity to create balance and harmony in their lives.

Author: Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo
Publisher: Shambhala
Paperback
ASIN: 1611800889
Pages: 160
Available in: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook, and MP3
62 reviews with a rating of 4.2 out of 5.
Chapter Reviews
Chapter 1:
Breath Is Life
This chapter goes through several exercises that show different types of breathing, like thoracic & abdominal.
Chapter 2:
Working With the Breath & Neurotic Mind
Good explanation of how the mind is affected by the breath (mind-breath) and how correct breathing can eliminate karma.
Basic Wind Energy Breathing Techniques
This chapter sets the foundation of the practice with an explanation of The Seven Point Posture of Vairocana and explains how they are connected to the 5 Elements and The Nine Purification Breaths or Nine Cycles of Inhalation and Exhalation. This practice involves taking nine deep, cleansing breaths to purify the body’s energy channels and release stagnant energy.
Chapter 6
Unlocking Old Patterns through Wind Energy Training
This part of the book shows how to see and purify our old habits, emotions, and the five poisons (attachment, aversion, ignorance, pride, & jealousy, and anger) based on wind energy or breathing techniques.
There are 5 different meditation exercises to examine and change our kleshas or mental states that cloud our minds.
- Basic Mindfulness Technique
- Sitting on the Cushion to Train In Mindfulness and Wind Energy
- Using Wind Energy Training With Everyday Anger
- Training In Rejoicing
- The 5 Senses And Wind Energy
The last section talks about creating new habits. It has taken a lifetime to build the habits we have now and to take on new habits will take even more effort because we have not done them before.
By paying attention to our wind energy breath we can clear negative thought patterns and easily redirect focus to something more substantial.
I think this may be the best chapter in the whole book besides the instructions chapters.
Personal Reflections
As someone who is having a problem with grinding teeth while sleeping and stressed, I found “The Tibetan Yoga of Breath” to be an invaluable resource in my journey towards greater self-awareness and inner peace. The book’s approach to breathwork resonated with me, as it bridged the gap between the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Yoga and the practical needs of modern life.
Incorporating these exercises into my daily routine has had a profound impact on my overall well-being. I have experienced a noticeable decrease in anxiety levels, improved sleep quality, and heightened mental clarity. These practices have also deepened my connection to my body, allowing me to better understand and respond to its needs.
Conclusion
This is an excellent book for a beginner to start a breathing meditation practice. Also if you are trying to strengthen your daily practice the exercises are easy step-by-step instructions to deepen one’s practice.
By reading The Tibetan Yoga of Breath, you can explore breathing meditation and breathing techniques that will help them cultivate physical and mental well-being. Combining ancient wisdom with modern science principles, this book provides readers with a unique opportunity to create balance and harmony in their lives.
With accessible instruction, you can use breathing to purify your wind energies and overcome psychological maladies.
Whether you’re new to breathwork or an experienced practitioner, this book offers valuable insights and techniques that can help you unlock the full potential of your breath and embark on a journey toward greater self-discovery and healing.
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