Literary References
Books That Inspire Our Reflection
At the Maurice Daubard Institute, we believe that practical experience and reflection complement one another.
The authors presented here explore, each in their own way, themes that are important to us: breathing, adaptation, mental preparation, our relationship with nature, humility, as well as trust, presence, and the ability to remain faithful to one’s deepest aspirations.
The books featured on this page are neither practical manuals nor presentations of the teachings offered by the Institute. They are, above all, sources of inspiration and reflection.
JAMES NESTOR
BREATH
American journalist and author James Nestor has spent many years exploring the interactions between human beings and their environment. His work has led him to investigate subjects as diverse as freediving, physiology, breathing, and a number of often-overlooked human capacities.
As part of his research, James Nestor met Maurice Daubard and took an interest in both his personal journey and his approach to cold adaptation. He refers to this encounter in his book Breath.
Why this reference?
Because it highlights the importance of breathing for our well-being and our ability to adapt. Through extensive research, James Nestor invites readers to take a fresh look at a fundamental human function that is often taken for granted.
→ Discover the book : Breath by James Nestor
GUILLAUME NERY
À PLEIN SOUFFLE
World champion freediver and underwater explorer Guillaume Néry shares in this book a profound reflection on breathing, relaxation, trust, and our relationship with the environment.
Drawing on his experience in deep freediving, he shows that lasting progress is not based on struggle or domination, but on the ability to adapt to circumstances and cultivate a state of attentive presence.
His testimony illustrates, with simplicity and depth, the importance of relaxation, humility, trust, and respect for natural balances.
Why this reference?
Because it perfectly illustrates how attention, presence, and adaptability can sometimes be more effective than force or the desire to control.
→ Discover the book (French edition only) : À Plein Souffle de Guillaume Néry
ORIANNE AYMARD
AU CŒUR DE L’EVEREST
Writer, researcher, and mountaineer Orianne Aymard recounts in this book her journey toward Mount Everest. Far beyond the story of a climb, it explores the human, mental, and inner dimensions of a major undertaking.
Among the significant stages of her preparation was her participation in a cold yoga retreat organized by the Maurice Daubard Institute in Italy’s Aosta Valley. She describes with sensitivity her experience of cold exposure, meditation, breathing practices, group life, and connection with nature.
Throughout the book emerge themes that are especially meaningful to us: adaptation rather than resistance, presence in the moment, trust, the strength of the collective, our relationship with the natural elements, and the importance of remaining faithful to our deepest aspirations despite doubt or external criticism.
Why this reference?
Because it shows that the most ambitious challenges are not prepared for through physical training or technical skills alone. They also invite us to cultivate attention, humility, trust, and the ability to adapt to circumstances.
→ Discover the book (French edition only) : Au Coeur de l´Everest de Orianne Aymard
Continuing the Conversation
This list will continue to grow over time.
We are grateful to the authors featured here for the quality of their work and for the insights they bring to our ongoing reflections.
Literary References That Influenced Maurice Daubard
Certain books played an important role in Maurice Daubard’s journey.
Originating from different traditions and periods, the works presented here accompanied him at various stages of his life and helped shape his reflection on human beings, nature and the inner quest.
SEBASTIAN KNEIPP
THUS SHALT THOU LIVE
Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th-century Bavarian priest, developed an approach based on contact with the natural elements, simplicity, self-reliance and healthy living.
His teaching extends far beyond the question of cold water alone. It encourages greater attention to daily habits, our relationship with nature and personal responsibility in the way we choose to live.
What influence did this have on Maurice Daubard’s journey?
The writings of Sebastian Kneipp nourished Maurice Daubard’s reflection on the relationship between human beings and the natural elements. They helped orient his early research toward an approach based on experience, observation, simplicity and self-reliance.
→ Discover the book: Thus Shalt Thou Live by Sebastian Kneipp
ALEXANDRA DAVID-NEEL
MAGIC AND MYSTERY IN TIBET
Explorer, writer and scholar of Eastern traditions, Alexandra David-Néel was among the first Westerners to spend extended periods in Tibet and to describe practices that were largely unknown in Europe at the time.
Her book Magic and Mystery in Tibet profoundly influenced generations of readers fascinated by the Himalayan traditions. Through her accounts, she opened a window onto a culture, a worldview and practices of adaptation that would leave a lasting mark on the Western imagination.
What influence did this have on Maurice Daubard’s journey?
Reading Magic and Mystery in Tibet marked a turning point in Maurice Daubard’s life.
Following this reading, Maurice Daubard took his first winter cold-water immersion in the Allier River in 1956, beginning an exploration that would accompany him throughout his life.
→ Discover the book : Magic and Mystery in Tibet by Alexandra David-Néel
MILAREPA
THE LIFE OF MILAREPA (Tsang Nyön Heruka)
An iconic figure of Tibet, Milarepa occupies a major place in the Himalayan tradition.
The Life of Milarepa recounts an extraordinary journey of transformation marked by devotion, solitude and a profound spiritual quest. Far beyond the historical period and cultural context in which it emerged, this story continues to inspire readers throughout the world.
What influence did this have on Maurice Daubard’s journey?
Beyond his extraordinary story, Milarepa represents a path of transformation founded on total commitment to an inner quest. His relationship with the mountains, solitude, discipline and the spiritual dimension of existence echoes values that deeply influenced Maurice Daubard’s journey.
→ Discover the book: The Life of Milarepa by Tsang Nyön Heruka
These books accompanied different stages of Maurice Daubard’s journey and continue to inspire our reflection today.
