A video containing a half-hour's worth of breathing exercises and some chanting. The practices come from Tibetan Buddhism. Lama Surya Das is the instructor, and a small study booklet is included.

Anyone who wants to begin or enhance their Pranayama practice.

This is an energizing video, hosted by the most highly trained Tibetan Buddhist Lama to be born in America. Lama Surya Das may look and sound like an ordinary guy (he was born Jeffrey Miller and still has his Long Island accent); however he is anything but. He has studied for over 30 years with spiritual masters from Tibet, India and Asia, and is the author of a number of books and audio tapes. He is also founder of the Dzogchen Foundation, which brings Tibetan Buddhism to the Western World. In spite of all of this, Surya Das approach is earthy and practical, spiritual but not mystical, and best of all, open and inviting — "If I can do it, you can," he says more than once. The surrounding scenery — the beautiful mountains outside of Boulder, Colorado — is also a visual treat. Some of these breathing techniques will be familiar to anyone who is familiar with Yoga — Alternate Nostril Breathing, for example. Others, such as Shilwa (a variation of the Potbellied Stove Breath which involves rotating your abdomen) may be new. You will be making noise — one exercise involves chanting "Ahh," the vowel for the Anahata, or Heart Chakra, and the Lion's Roar raises quite a clamor — so don't practice this tape where someone may be disturbed! There's a healing connection between breathing and sound, as you will no doubt discover with this video. The workout ends with a chant and a "dedication of merit," which shows our willingness to pass on the merits we have earned to others. This practice is said to help clear away old karma, which further opens our spiritual path. While that claim may be hard to prove, there is no doubt that you will feel great after performing the exercises on this tape!

 

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