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Title: The Hindu-Yogi Science Of Breath

Author: Yogi Ramacharaka

Release Date: September 9, 2004 [EBook #13402]
Last updated: March 2, 2009

Language: English

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THE HINDU-YOGI Science _of_ Breath




A Complete Manual of THE ORIENTAL BREATHING PHILOSOPHY of Physical,
Mental, Psychic and Spiritual Development.


By YOGI RAMACHARAKA





INDEX.

CHAPTER                                            Page

   I. Salaam                                          1

  II. "Breath Is Life"                                3

 III. The Exoteric Theory of Breath                  11

  IV. The Esoteric Theory of Breath                  16

   V. The Nervous System                             20

  VI. Nostril Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing          23

 VII. The Four Methods of Respiration                27

VIII. How to Acquire the Yogi Complete Breath        33

  IX. Physiological Effect of the Complete Breath    36

   X. A Few Bits of Yogi Lore                        40

  XI. The Seven Yogi Developing Exercises            43

 XII. Seven Minor Yogi Exercises                     48

XIII. Vibration and Yogi Rhythmic Breathing          51

 XIV. Phenomena of Yogi Psychic Breathing            55

  XV. More Phenomena of Yogi Psychic Breathing       61

 XVI. Yogi Spiritual Breathing                       69




CHAPTER I.


SALAAM.

The Western student is apt to be somewhat confused in his ideas
regarding the Yogis and their philosophy and practice. Travelers to
India have written great tales about the hordes of fakirs, mendicants
and mountebanks who infest the great roads of India and the streets of
its cities, and who impudently claim the title "Yogi." The Western
student is scarcely to be blamed for thinking of the typical Yogi as
an emaciated, fanatical, dirty, ignorant Hindu, who either sits in a
fixed posture until his body becomes ossified, or else holds his arm
up in the air until it becomes stiff and withered and forever after
remains in that position, or perhaps clenches his fist and holds it
tight until his fingernails grow through the palms of his hands. That
these people exist is true, but their claim to the title "Yogi" seems
as absurd to the true Yogi as does the claim to the title "Doctor" on
the part of the man who pares one's corns seem to the eminent surgeon,
or as does the title of "Professor," as assumed by the street corner
vendor of worm medicine, seem to the President of Harvard or Yale.

There have been for ages past in India and other Oriental countries
men who devoted their time and attention to the development of Man,
physically, mentally and spiritually. The experience of generations of
earnest seekers has been handed down for centuries from teacher to
pupil, and gradually a definite Yogi science was built up. To these
investigations and teachings was finally applied the term "Yogi," from
the Sanscrit word "Yug," meaning "to join." From the same source comes
the English word "yoke," with a similar meaning. Its use in connection
with these teachings is difficult to trace, different authorities
giving different explanations, but probably the most ingenious is that
which holds that it is intended as the Hindu equivalent for the idea
conveyed by the English phrase, "getting into harness," or "yoking
up," as the Yogi undoubtedly "gets into harness" in his work of
controlling the body and mind by the Will.

Yoga is divided into several branches, ranging from that which teaches
the control of the body, to that which teaches the attainment of the
highest spiritual development. In the work we will not go into the
higher phases of the subject, except when the "Science of Breath"
touches upon the same. The "Science of Breath" touches Yoga at many
points, and although chiefly concerned with the development and
control of the physical, has also its psychic side, and even enters
the field of spiritual development.

In India there are great schools of Yoga, comprising thousands of the
leading minds of that great country. The Yoga philosophy is the rule
of life for many people. The pure Yogi teachings, however, are given
only to the few, the masses being satisfied with the crumbs which fall
from the tables of the educated classes, the Oriental custom in this
respect being opposed to that of the Western world. But Western ideas
are beginning to have their effect even in the Orient, and teachings
which were once given only to the few are now freely offered to any
who are ready to receive them. The East and the West are growing
closer together, and both are profiting by the close contact, each
influencing the other.

The Hindu Yogis have always paid great attention to the Science of
Breath, for reasons which will be apparent to the student who reads
this book. Many Western writers have touched upon this phase of the
Yogi teachings, but we believe that it has been reserved for the
writer of this work to give to the Western student, in concise form
and simple language, the underlying principles of the Yogi Science of
Breath, together with many of the favorite Yogi breathing exercises
and methods. We have given the Western idea as well as the Oriental,
showing how one dovetails into the other. We have used the ordinary
English terms, almost entirely, avoiding the Sanscrit terms, so
confusing to the average Western reader.

The first part of the book is devoted to the physical phase of the
Science of Breath; then the psychic and mental sides are considered,
and finally the spiritual side is touched upon.

We may be pardoned if we express ourselves as pleased with our success
in condensing so much Yogi lore into so few pages, and by the use of
words and terms which may be understood by anyone. Our only fear is
that its very simplicity may cause some to pass it by as unworthy of
attention, while they pass on their way searching for something
"deep," mysterious and non-understandable. However, the Western mind
is eminently practical, and we know that it is only a question of a
short time before it will recognize the practicability of this work.

We greet our students, with our most profound salaam, and bid them be
seated for their first lessons in the Yogi Science of Breath.




CHAPTER II.


"BREATH IS LIFE."

Life is absolutely dependent upon the act of breathing. "Breath is
Life."

Differ as they may upon details of theory and terminology, the
Oriental and the Occidental agree upon these fundamental principles.

To breathe is to live, and without breath there is no life. Not only
are the higher animals dependent upon breath for life and health, but
even the lower forms of animal life must breathe to live, and plant
life is likewise dependent upon the air for continued existence.

The infant draws in a long, deep breath, retains it for a moment to
extract from it its life-giving properties, and then exhales it in a
long wail, and lo! its life upon earth has begun. The old man gives a
faint gasp, ceases to breathe, and life is over. From the first faint
breath of the infant to the last gasp of the dying man, it is one long
story of continued breathing. Life is but a series of breaths.

Breathing may be considered the most important of all of the functions
of the body, for, indeed, all the other functions depend upon it. Man
may exist some time without eating; a shorter time without drinking;
but without breathing his existence may be measured by a few minutes.

And not only is Man dependent upon Breath for life, but he is largely
dependent upon correct habits of breathing for continued vitality and
freedom from disease. An intelligent control of our breathing power
will lengthen our days upon earth by giving us increased vitality and
powers of resistance, and, on the other hand, unintelligent and
careless breathing will tend to shorten our days, by decreasing our
vitality and laying us open to disease.

Man in his normal state had no need of instruction in breathing. Like
the lower animal and the child, he breathed naturally and properly, as
nature intended him to do, but civilization has changed him in this
and other respects. He has contracted improper methods and attitudes
of walking, standing and sitting, which have robbed him of his
birthright of natural and correct breathing. He has paid a high price
for civilization. The savage, to-day, breathes naturally, unless he
has been contaminated by the habits of civilized man.

The percentage of civilized men who breathe correctly is quite small,
and the result is shown in contracted chests and stooping shoulders,
and the terrible increase in diseases of the respiratory organs,
including that dread monster, Consumption, "the white scourge."
Eminent authorities have stated that one generation of correct
breathers would regenerate the race, and disease would be so rare as
to be looked upon as a curiosity. Whether looked at from the
standpoint of the Oriental or Occidental, the connection between
correct breathing and health is readily seen and explained.

The Occidental teachings show that the physical health depends very
materially upon correct breathing. The Oriental teachers not only
admit that their Occidental brothers are right, but say that in
addition to the physical benefit derived from correct habits of
breathing, Man's mental power, happiness, self-control,
clear-sightedness, morals, and even his spiritual growth may be
increased by an understanding of the "Science of Breath." Whole
schools of Oriental Philosophy have been founded upon this science,
and this knowledge when grasped by the Western races, and by them put
to the practical use which is their strong point, will work wonders
among them. The theory of the East, wedded to the practice of the
West, will produce worthy offspring.

This work will take up the Yogi "Science of Breath," which includes
not only all that is known to the Western physiologist and hygienist,
but the occult side of the subject as well. It not only points out the
way to physical health along the lines of what Western scientists have
termed "deep breathing," etc., but also goes into the less known
phases of the subject, and shows how the Hindu Yogi controls his body,
increasing his mental capacity, and develops the spiritual side of his
nature by the "Science of Breath."

The Yogi practices exercises by which he attains control of his body,
and is enabled to send to any organ or part an increased flow of vital
force or "prana," thereby strengthening and invigorating the part or
organ. He knows all that his Western scientific brother knows about
the physiological effect of correct breathing, but he also knows that
the air contains more than oxygen and hydrogen and nitrogen, and that
something more is accomplished than the mere oxygenating of the blood.
He knows something about "prana," of which his Western brother is
ignorant, and he is fully aware of the nature and manner of handling
that great principle of energy, and is fully informed as to its effect
upon the human body and mind. He knows that by rhythmical breathing
one may bring himself into harmonious vibration with nature, and aid
in the unfoldment of his latent powers. He knows that by controlled
breathing he may not only cure disease in himself and others, but also
practically do away with fear and worry and the baser emotions.

To teach these things is the object of this work. We will give in a
few chapters concise explanations and instructions, which might be
extended into volumes. We hope to awaken the minds of the Western
world to the value of the Yogi "Science of Breath."




CHAPTER III.


THE EXOTERIC THEORY OF BREATH.

In this chapter we will give you briefly the theories of the Western
scientific world regarding the functions of the respiratory organs,
and the part in the human economy played by the breath. In subsequent
chapters we will give the additional theories and ascertained facts of
the Oriental school of thought and research. The Oriental accepts the
theories and facts of his Western brothers (which have been known to
him for centuries) and adds thereto much that the latter do not now
accept, but which they will in due time "discover" and which, after
renaming, they will present to the world as a great truth.

Before taking up the Western idea, it will perhaps be better to give a
hasty general idea of the Organs of Respiration.

The Organs of Respiration consist of the lungs and the air passages
leading to them. The lungs are two in number, and occupy the pleural
chamber of the thorax, one en each side of the median line, being
separated from each other by the heart, the greater blood vessels and
the larger air tubes. Each lung is free in all directions, except at
the root, which consists chiefly of the bronchi, arteries and veins
connecting the lungs with the trachea and heart. The lungs are spongy
and porous, and their tissues are very elastic. They are covered with
a delicately constructed but strong sac, known as the pleural sac, one
wall of which closely adheres to the lung, and the other to the inner
wall of the chest, and which secretes a fluid which allows the inner
surfaces of the walls to glide easily upon each other in the act of
breathing.

The Air Passages consist of the interior of the nose, pharynx, larynx,
windpipe or trachea, and the bronchial tubes. When we breathe, we draw
in the air through the nose, in which it is warmed by contact with the
mucous membrane, which is richly supplied with blood, and after it has
passed through the pharynx and larynx it passes into the trachea or
windpipe, which subdivides into numerous tubes called the bronchial
tubes (bronchia), which in turn subdivide into and terminate in minute
subdivisions in all the small air spaces in the lungs, of which the
lungs contain millions. A writer has stated that if the air cells of
the lungs were spread out over an unbroken surface, they would cover
an area of fourteen thousand square feet.

The air is drawn into the lungs by the action of the diaphragm, a
great, strong, flat, sheet-like muscle, stretched across the chest,
separating the chest-box from the abdomen. The diaphragm's action is
almost as automatic as that of the heart, although it may be
transformed into a semi-voluntary muscle by an effort of the will.
When it expands, it increases the size of the chest and lungs, and the
air rushes into the vacuum thus created. When it relaxes the chest and
lungs contract and the air is expelled from the lungs.

Now, before considering what happens to the air in the lungs, let us
look a little into the matter of the circulation of the blood. The
blood, as you know, is driven by the heart, through the arteries, into
the capillaries, thus reaching every part of the body, which it
vitalizes, nourishes and strengthens. It then returns by means of the
capillaries by another route, the veins, to the heart, from whence it
is drawn to the lungs.

The blood starts on its arterial journey, bright red and rich, laden
with life-giving qualities and properties. It returns by the venous
route, poor, blue and dull, being laden down with the waste matter of
the system. It goes out like a fresh stream from the mountains; it
returns as a stream of sewer water. This foul stream goes to the right
auricle of the heart. When this auricle becomes filled, it contracts
and forces the stream of blood through an opening in the right
ventricle of the heart, which in turn sends it on to the lungs, where
it is distributed by millions of hair-like blood vessels to the air
cells of the lungs, of which we have spoken. Now, let us take up the
story of the lungs at this point.

The foul stream of blood is now distributed among the millions of tiny
air cells in the lungs. A breath of air is inhaled and the oxygen of
the air comes in contact with the impure blood through the thin walls
of the hair-like blood vessels of the lungs, which walls are thick
enough to hold the blood, but thin enough to admit the oxygen to
penetrate them. When the oxygen comes in contact with the blood, a
form of combustion takes place, and the blood takes up oxygen and
releases carbonic acid gas generated from the waste products and
poisonous matter which has been gathered up by the blood from all
parts of the system.

The blood thus purified and oxygenated is carried back to the heart,
again rich, red and bright, and laden with life-giving properties and
qualities. Upon reaching the left auricle of the heart, it is forced
into the left ventricle, from whence it is again forced out through
the arteries on its mission of life to all parts of the system. It is
estimated that in a single day of twenty-four hours, 35,000 pints of
blood traverse the capillaries of the lungs, the blood corpuscles
passing in single file and being exposed to the oxygen of the air on
both of their surfaces. When one considers the minute details of the
process alluded to, he is lost in wonder and admiration at Nature's
infinite care and intelligence.

It will be seen that unless fresh air in sufficient quantities reaches
the lungs, the foul stream of venous blood cannot be purified, and
consequently not only is the body thus robbed of nourishment, but the
waste products which should have been destroyed are returned to the
circulation and poison the system, and death ensues. Impure air acts
in the same way, only in a lessened degree. It will also be seen that
if one does not breathe in a sufficient quantity of air, the work of
the blood cannot go on properly, and the result is that the body is
insufficiently nourished and disease ensues, or a state of imperfect
health is experienced. The blood of one who breathes improperly is, of
course, of a bluish, dark color, lacking the rich redness of pure
arterial blood. This often shows itself in a poor complexion. Proper
breathing, and a consequent good circulation, results in a clear,
bright complexion.

A little reflection will show the vital importance of correct
breathing. If the blood is not fully purified by the regenerative
process of the lungs, it returns to the arteries in an abnormal state,
insufficiently purified and imperfectly cleansed of the impurities
which it took up on its return journey. These impurities if returned
to the system will certainly manifest in some form of disease, either
in a form of blood disease or some disease resulting from impaired
functioning of some insufficiently nourished organ or tissue.

The blood, when properly exposed to the air in the lungs, not only has
its impurities consumed, and parts with its noxious carbonic acid gas,
but it also takes up and absorbs a certain quantity of oxygen which it
carries to all parts of the body, where it is needed in order that
Nature may perform her processes properly. When the oxygen comes in
contact with the blood, it unites with the hemoglobin of the blood and
is carried to every cell, tissue, muscle and organ, which it
invigorates and strengthens, replacing the worn out cells and tissue
by new materials which Nature converts to her use. Arterial blood,
properly exposed to the air, contains about 25 per cent of free
oxygen.

Not only is every part vitalized by the oxygen, but the act of
digestion depends materially upon a certain amount of oxygenation of
the food, and this can be accomplished only by the oxygen in the blood
coming in contact with the food and producing a certain form of
combustion. It is therefore necessary that a proper supply of oxygen
be taken through the lungs. This accounts for the fact that weak lungs
and poor digestion are so often found together. To grasp the full
significance of this statement, one must remember that the entire body
receives nourishment from the food assimilated, and that imperfect
assimilation always means an imperfectly nourished body. Even the
lungs themselves depend upon the same source for nourishment, and if
through imperfect breathing the assimilation becomes imperfect, and
the lungs in turn become weakened, they are rendered still less able
to perform their work properly, and so in turn the body becomes
further weakened. Every particle of food and drink must be oxygenated
before it can yield us the proper nourishment, and before the waste
products of the system can be reduced to the proper condition to be
eliminated from the system. Lack of sufficient oxygen means Imperfect
nutrition, Imperfect elimination and imperfect health. Verily, "breath
is life."

The combustion arising from the change in the waste products generates
heat and equalizes the temperature of the body. Good breathers are not
apt to "take cold," and they generally have plenty of good warm blood
which enables them to resist the changes in the outer temperature.

In addition to the above-mentioned important processes the act of
breathing gives exercise to the internal organs and muscles, which
feature is generally overlooked by the Western writers on the subject,
but which the Yogis fully appreciate.

In imperfect or shallow breathing, only a portion of the lung cells
are brought into play, and a great portion of the lung capacity is
lost, the system suffering in proportion to the amount of
under-oxygenation. The lower animals, in their native state, breathe
naturally, and primitive man undoubtedly did the same. The abnormal
manner of living adopted by civilized man--the shadow that follows
upon civilization--has robbed us of our natural habit of breathing,
and the race has greatly suffered thereby. Man's only physical
salvation is to "get back to Nature."




CHAPTER IV.


THE ESOTERIC THEORY OF BREATH.

The Science of Breath, like many other teachings, has its esoteric or
inner phase, as well as its exoteric or external. The physiological
phase may be termed the outer or exoteric side of the subject, and the
phase which we will now consider may be termed its esoteric or inner
side. Occultists, in all ages and lands, have always taught, usually
secretly to a few followers, that there was to be found in the air a
substance or principle from which all activity, vitality and life was
derived. They differed in their terms and names for this force, as
well as in the details of the theory, but the main principle is to be
found in all occult teachings and philosophies, and has for centuries
formed a portion of the teachings of the Oriental Yogis.

In order to avoid misconceptions arising from the various theories
regarding this great principle, which theories are usually attached to
some name given the principle, we, in this work, will speak of the
principle as "Prana," this word being the Sanskrit term meaning
"Absolute Energy." Many occult authorities teach that the principle
which the Hindus term "Prana" is the universal principle of energy or
force, and that all energy or force is derived from that principle,
or, rather, is a particular form of manifestation of that principle.
These theories do not concern us in the consideration of the subject
matter of this work, and we will therefore confine ourselves to an
understanding of prana as the principle of energy exhibited in all
living things, which distinguishes them from a lifeless thing. We may
consider it as the active principle of life--Vital Force, if you
please. It is found in all forms of life, from the amoeba to man--from
the most elementary form of plant life to the highest form of animal
life. Prana is all pervading. It is found in all things having life,
and as the occult philosophy teaches that life is in all things--in
every atom--the apparent lifelessness of some things being only a
lesser degree of manifestation, we may understand their teachings that
prana is everywhere, in everything. Prana must not be confounded with
the Ego--that bit of Divine Spirit in every soul, around which
clusters matter and energy. Prana is merely a form of energy used by
the Ego in its material manifestation. When the Ego leaves the body,
the prana, being no longer under its control, responds only to the
orders of the individual atoms, or groups of atoms, forming the body,
and as the body disintegrates and is resolved to its original
elements, each atom takes with it sufficient prana to enable it to
form new combinations, the unused prana returning to the great
universal storehouse from which it came. With the Ego in control,
cohesion exists and the atoms are held together by the Will of the
Ego.

Prana is the name by which we designate a universal principle, which
principle is the essence of all motion, force or energy, whether
manifested in gravitation, electricity, the revolution of the planets,
and all forms of life, from the highest to the lowest. It may be
called the soul of Force and Energy in all their forms, and that
principle which, operating in a certain way, causes that form of
activity which accompanies Life.

This great principle is in all forms of matter, and yet it is not
matter. It is in the air, but it is not the air nor one of its
chemical constituents. Animal and plant life breathe it in with the
air, and yet if the air contained it not they would die even though
they might be filled with air. It is taken up by the system along with
the oxygen, and yet is not the oxygen. The Hebrew writer of the book
of Genesis knew the difference between the atmospheric air and the
mysterious and potent principle contained within it. He speaks of
neshemet ruach chayim, which, translated, means "the breath of the
spirit of life." In the Hebrew neshemet means the ordinary breath of
atmospheric air, and chayim means life or lives, while the word ruach
means the "spirit of life," which occultists claim is the same
principle which we speak of as Prana.

Prana is in the atmospheric air, but it is also elsewhere, and it
penetrates where the air cannot reach. The oxygen in the air plays an
important part in sustaining animal life, and the carbon plays a
similar part with plant life, but Prana has its own distinct part to
play in the manifestation of life, aside from the physiological
functions.

We are constantly inhaling the air charged with prana, and are as
constantly extracting the latter from the air and appropriating it to
our uses. Prana is found in its freest state in the atmospheric air,
which when fresh is fairly charged with it, and we draw it to us more
easily from the air than from any other source. In ordinary breathing
we absorb and extract a normal supply of prana, but by controlled and
regulated breathing (generally known as Yogi breathing) we are enabled
to extract a greater supply, which is stored away in the brain and
nerve centers, to be used when necessary. We may store away prana,
just as the storage battery stores away electricity. The many powers
attributed to advanced occultists is due largely to their knowledge of
this fact and their intelligent use of this stored-up energy. The
Yogis know that by certain forms of breathing they establish certain
relations with the supply of prana and may draw on the same for what
they require. Not only do they strengthen all parts of their body in
this way, but the brain itself may receive increased energy from the
same source, and latent faculties be developed and psychic powers
attained. One who has mastered the science of storing away prana,
either consciously or unconsciously, often radiates vitality and
strength which is felt by those coming in contact with him, and such a
person may impart this strength to others, and give them increased
vitality and health. What is called "magnetic healing" is performed in
this way, although many practitioners are not aware of the source of
their power.

Western scientists have been dimly aware of this great principle with
which the air is charged, but finding that they could find no chemical
trace of it, or make it register an any of their instruments, they
have generally treated the Oriental theory with disdain. They could
not explain this principle, and so denied it. They seem, however, to
recognize that the air in certain places possesses a greater amount of
"something" and sick people are directed by their physicians to seek
such places in hopes of regaining, lost health.

The oxygen in the air is appropriated by the blood and is made use of
by the circulatory system. The prana in the air is appropriated by the
nervous system, and is used in its work. And as the oxygenated blood
is carried to all parts of the system, building up and replenishing,
so is the prana carried to all parts of the nervous system, adding
strength and vitality. If we think of prana as being the active
principle of what we call "vitality," we will be able to form a much
clearer idea of what an important part it plays in our lives. Just as
is the oxygen in the blood used up by the wants of the system, so the
supply of prana taken up by the nervous system is exhausted by our
thinking, willing, acting, etc., and in consequence constant
replenishing is necessary. Every thought, every act, every effort of
the will, every motion of a muscle, uses up a certain amount of what
we call nerve force, which is really a form of prana. To move a muscle
the brain sends out an impulse over the nerves, and the muscle
contracts, and so much prana is expended. When it is remembered that
the greater portion of prana acquired by man comes to him from the air
inhaled, the importance of proper breathing is readily understood.




CHAPTER V.


THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.

It will be noticed that the Western scientific theories regarding the
breath confine themselves to the effects of the absorption of oxygen,
and its use through the circulatory system, while the Yogi theory also
takes into consideration the absorption of Prana, and its
manifestation through the channels of the Nervous System. Before
proceeding further, it may be as well to take a hasty glance at the
Nervous System.

The Nervous System of man is divided into two great systems, viz., the
Cerebro-Spinal System and the Sympathetic System. The Cerebro-Spinal
System consists of all that part of the Nervous System contained
within the cranial cavity and the spinal canal, viz., the brain and
the spinal cord, together with the nerves which branch off from the
same. This system presides over the functions of animal life known as
volition, sensation, etc. The Sympathetic System includes all that
part of the Nervous System located principally in the thoracic,
abdominal and pelvic cavities, and which is distributed to the
internal organs. It has control over the involuntary processes, such
as growth, nutrition, etc.

The Cerebro-Spinal System attends to all the seeing, hearing, tasting,
smelling, feeling, etc. It sets things in motion; it is used by the
Ego to think--to manifest consciousness. It is the instrument with
which the Ego communicates with the outside world. This system may be
likened to a telephone system, with the brain as the central office,
and the spinal column and nerves as cable and wires respectively.

The brain is a great mass of nerve tissue, and consists of three
parts, viz., the Cerebrum or brain proper, which occupies the upper,
front, middle and back portion of the skull; the Cerebellum, or
"little brain," which fills the lower and back portion of the skull;
and the Medulla Oblongata, which Is the broadened commencement of the
spinal cord, lying before and in front of the Cerebellum.

The Cerebrum is the organ of that part of the mind which manifests
itself in intellectual action. The Cerebellum regulates the movements
of the voluntary muscles. The Medulla Oblongata is the upper enlarged
end of the spinal cord, and from it and the Cerebrum branch forth the
Cranial Nerves which reach to various parts of the head, to the organs
of special sense, and to some of the thoracic and abdominal organs,
and to the organs of respiration.

The Spinal Cord, or spinal marrow, fills the spinal canal in the
vertebral column, or "backbone." It is a long mass of nerve tissue,
branching off at the several vertebrae to nerves communicating with
all parts of the body. The Spinal Cord is like a large telephone
cable, and the emerging nerves are like the private wires connecting
therewith.

The Sympathetic Nervous System consists of a double chain of Ganglia
on the side of the Spinal column, and scattered ganglia in the head,
neck, chest and abdomen. (A ganglion is a mass of nervous matter
including nerve cells.) These ganglia are connected with each other by
filaments, and are also connected with the Cerebro-Spinal System by
motor and sensory nerves. From these ganglia numerous fibers branch
out to the organs of the body, blood vessels, etc. At various points,
the nerves meet together and form what are known as plexuses. The
Sympathetic System practically controls the involuntary processes,
such as circulation, respiration and digestion.

The power or force transmitted from the brain to all parts of the body
by means of the nerves, is known to Western science as "nerve force,"
although the Yogi knows it to be a manifestation of Prana. In
character and rapidity it resembles the electric current. It will be
seen that without this "nerve force" the heart cannot beat; the blood
cannot circulate; the lungs cannot breathe; the various organs cannot
function; in fact the machinery of the body comes to a stop without
it. Nay more, even the brain cannot think without Prana be present.
When these facts are considered, the importance of the absorption of
Prana must be evident to all, and the Science of Breath assumes an
importance even greater than that accorded it by Western science.

The Yogi teachings go further than does Western science, in one
important feature of the Nervous System. We allude to what Western
science terms the "Solar Plexus," and which it considers as merely one
of a series of certain matted nets of sympathetic nerves with their
ganglia found in various parts of the body. Yogi science teaches that
this Solar Plexus is really a most important part of the Nervous
System, and that it is a form of brain, playing one of the principal
parts in the human economy. Western science seems to be moving
gradually towards a recognition of this fact which has been known to
the Yogis of the East for centuries, and some recent Western writers
have termed the Solar Plexus the "Abdominal Brain." The Solar Plexus
is situated in the Epigastric region, just back of the "pit of the
stomach" on either side of the spinal column. It is composed of white
and gray brain matter, similar to that composing the other brains of
man. It has control of the main internal organs of man, and plays a
much more important part than is generally recognized. We will not go
into the Yogi theory regarding the Solar Plexus, further than to say
that they know it as the great central store-house of Prana. Men have
been known to be instantly killed by a severe blow over the Solar
Plexus, and prize fighters recognize its vulnerability and frequently
temporarily paralyze their opponents by a blow over this region.

The name "Solar" is well bestowed on this "brain," as it radiates
strength and energy to all parts of the body, even the upper brains
depending largely upon it as a storehouse of Prana. Sooner or later
Western science will fully recognize the real function of the Solar
Plexus, and will accord to it a far more important place then it now
occupies in their text-books and teachings.




CHAPTER VI.


NOSTRIL-BREATHING VS. MOUTH-BREATHING.

One of the first lessons in the Yogi Science of Breath, Is to learn
how to breathe through the nostrils, and to overcome the common
practice of mouth-breathing.

The breathing mechanism of Man is so constructed that he may breathe
either through the mouth or nasal tubes, but it is a matter of vital
importance to him which method he follows, as one brings health and
strength and the other disease and weakness.

It should not be necessary to state to the student that the proper
method of breathing is to take the breath through the nostrils, but
alas! the ignorance among civilized people regarding this simple
matter is astounding. We find people in all walks of life habitually
breathing through their mouths, and allowing their children to follow
their horrible and disgusting example.

Many of the diseases to which civilized man is subject are undoubtedly
caused by this common habit of mouth-breathing. Children permitted to
breathe in this way grow up with impaired vitality and weakened
constitutions, and in manhood and womanhood break down and become
chronic invalids. The mother of the savage race does better, being
evidently guided by her intuition. She seems to instinctively
recognize that the nostrils are the proper channels for the conveyal
of air to the lungs, and she trains her infant to close its little
lips and breathe through the nose. She tips its head forward when it
is asleep, which attitude closes the lips and makes nostril-breathing
imperative. If our civilized mothers were to adopt the same plan, it
would work a great good for the race.

Many contagious diseases are contracted by the disgusting habit of
mouth-breathing, and many cases of cold and catarrhal affections are
also attributable to the same cause. Many persons who, for the sake of
appearances, keep their mouth closed during the day, persist in
mouth-breathing at night and often contract disease in this way.

Carefully conducted scientific experiments have shown that soldiers
and sailors who sleep with their mouths open are much more liable to
contract contagious diseases than those who breathe properly through
the nostrils. An instance is related in which small-pox became
epidemic on a man-of-war in foreign parts, and every death which
resulted was that of some sailor or marine who was a mouth-breather,
not a single nostril-breather succumbing.

The organs of respiration have their only protective apparatus,
filter, or dust-catcher, in the nostrils. When the breath is taken
through the mouth, there is nothing from mouth to lungs to strain the
air, or to catch the dust and other foreign matter in the air. From
mouth to lungs the dirt or impure substance has a clear track, and the
entire respiratory system is unprotected. And, moreover, such
incorrect breathing admits cold air to the organs, thereby injuring
them. Inflammation of the respiratory organs often results from the
inhalation of cold air through the mouth. The man who breathes through
the mouth at night, always awakens with a parched feeling in the mouth
and a dryness in the throat. He is violating one of nature's laws, and
is sowing the seeds of disease.

Once more, remember that the mouth affords no protection to the
respiratory organs, and cold air, dust and impurities and germs
readily enter by that door. On the other hand, the nostrils and nasal
passages show evidence of the careful design of nature in this
respect. The nostrils are two narrow, tortuous channels, containing
numerous bristly hairs which serve the purpose of a filter or sieve to
strain the air of its impurities, etc., which are expelled when the
breath is exhaled. Not only do the nostrils serve this important
purpose, but they also perform an important function in warming the
air inhaled. The long narrow winding nostrils are filled with warm
mucous membrane, which coming in contact with the inhaled air Warms it
so that it can do no damage to the delicate organs of the throat, or
to the lungs.

No animal, excepting man, sleeps with the mouth open or breathes
through the mouth, and in fact it is believed that it is only
civilized man who so perverts nature's functions, as the savage and
barbarian races almost invariably breathe correctly. It is probable
that this unnatural habit among civilized men has been acquired
through unnatural methods of living, enervating luxuries and excessive
warmth.

The refining, filtering and straining apparatus of the nostrils
renders the air fit to reach the delicate organs of the throat and the
lungs, and the air is not fit to so reach these organs until it has
passed through nature's refining process. The impurities which are
stopped and retained by the sieves and mucous membrane of the
nostrils, are thrown out again by the expelled breath, in exhalation,
and in case they have accumulated too rapidly or have managed to
escape through the sieves and have penetrated forbidden regions,
nature protects us by producing a sneeze which violently ejects the
intruder.

The air, when it enters the lungs is as different from the outside
air, as is distilled water different from the water of the cistern.
The intricate purifying organization of the nostrils, arresting and
holding the impure particles in the air, is as important as is the
action of the mouth in stopping cherry-stones and fish-bones and
preventing them from being carried on to the stomach. Man should no
more breathe through his mouth than he would attempt to take food
through his nose.

Another feature of mouth-breathing is that the nasal passages, being
thus comparatively unused, consequently fail to keep themselves clean
and clear, and become clogged up and unclean, and are apt to contract
local diseases. Like abandoned roads that soon become filled with
weeds and rubbish, unused nostrils become filled with impurities and
foul matter.

One who habitually breathes through the nostrils is not likely to be
troubled with clogged or stuffy nostrils, but for the benefit of those
who have been more or less addicted to the unnatural mouth-breathing,
and who wish to acquire the natural and rational method, it may
perhaps be well to add a few words regarding the way to keep their
nostrils clean and free from impurities.

A favorite Oriental method is to snuff a little water up the nostrils
allowing it to run down the passage into the throat, from thence it
may be ejected through the mouth. Some Hindu yogis immerse the face in
a bowl of water, and by a sort of suction draw in quite a quantity of
water, but this latter method requires considerable practice, and the
first mentioned method is equally efficacious, and much more easily
performed.

Another good plan is to open the window and breathe freely, closing
one nostril with the finger or thumb, sniffing up the air through the
open nostril. Then repeat the process on the other nostril. Repeat
several times, changing nostrils. This method will usually clear the
nostrils of obstructions.

In case the trouble is caused by catarrh it is well to apply a little
vaseline or camphor ice or similar preparation. Or sniff up a little
witch-hazel extract once in a while, and you will notice a marked
improvement. A little care and attention will result in the nostrils
becoming clean and remaining so.

We have given considerable space to this subject of nostril-breathing,
not only because of its great importance in its reference to health,
but because nostril-breathing is a prerequisite to the practice of the
breathing exercises to be given later in this book, and because
nostril-breathing is one of the basic principles underlying the Yogi
Science of Breath.

We urge upon the student the necessity of acquiring this method of
breathing if he has it not, and caution him against dismissing this
phase of the subject as unimportant.




CHAPTER VII.


FOUR METHODS OF RESPIRATION.

In the consideration of the question of respiration, we must begin by
considering the mechanical arrangements whereby the respiratory
movements are effected. The mechanics of respiration manifest through
(1) the elastic movements of the lungs, and (2) the activities of the
sides and bottom of the thoracic cavity in which the lungs are
contained. The thorax is that portion of the trunk between the neck
and the abdomen, the cavity of which (known as the thoracic cavity) is
occupied mainly by the lungs and heart. It is bounded by the spinal
column, the ribs with their cartilages, the breastbone, and below by
the diaphragm. It is generally spoken of as "the chest." It has been
compared to a completely shut, conical box, the small end of which Is
turned upward, the back of the box being formed by the spinal column,
the front by the breastbone and the sides by the ribs.

The ribs are twenty-four in number, twelve on each side, and emerge
from each side of the spinal column. The upper seven pair are known as
"true ribs," being fastened to the breastbone direct, while the lower
five pairs are called (false ribs) or "floating ribs," because they
are not so fastened, the upper two of them being fastened by cartilage
to the other ribs, the remainder having no cartilages, their forward
ends being free.

The ribs are moved in respiration by two superficial muscular layers,
known as the intercostal muscles. The diaphragm, the muscular
partition before alluded to, separates the chest box from the
abdominal cavity.

In the act of inhalation the muscles expand the lungs so that a vacuum
is created and the air rushes in in accordance with the well known law
of physics. Everything depends upon the muscles concerned in the
process of respiration, which we may as, for convenience, term the
"respiratory muscles." Without the aid of these muscles the lungs
cannot expand, and upon the proper use and control of these muscles
the Science of Breath largely depends. The proper control of these
muscles will result in the ability to attain the maximum degree of
lung expansion, and the greatest amount of the life giving properties
of the air into the system.

The Yogis classify Respiration into four general methods, viz:

     (1) High Breathing.

     (2) Mid Breathing.

     (3) Low Breathing.

     (4) Yogi Complete Breathing.

We will give a general idea of the first three methods, and a more
extended treatment of the fourth method, upon which the Yogi Science
of Breath is largely based.


(1) HIGH BREATHING.

This form of breathing is known to the Western world as Clavicular
Breathing, or Collarbone Breathing. One breathing in this way elevates
the ribs and raises the collarbone and shoulders, at the same time
drawing in the abdomen and pushing its contents up against the
diaphragm, which in turn is raised.

The upper part of the chest and lungs, which is the smallest, is used,
and consequently but a minimum amount of air enters the lungs. In
addition to this, the diaphragm being raised, there can be no
expansion in that direction. A study of the anatomy of the chest will
convince any student that in this way a maximum amount of effort is
used to obtain a minimum amount of benefit.

High Breathing is probably the worst form of breathing known to man
and requires the greatest expenditure of energy with the smallest
amount of benefit. It is an energy-wasting, poor-returns plan. It is
quite common among the Western races, many women being addicted to It,
and even singers, clergymen, lawyers and others, who should know
better, using it ignorantly.

Many diseases of the vocal organs and organs of respiration may be
directly traced to this barbarous method of breathing, and the
straining of delicate organs caused by this method, often results in
the harsh, disagreeable voices heard on all sides. Many persons who
breathe In this way become addicted to the disgusting practice of
"mouth-breathing" described in a preceding chapter.

If the student has any doubts about what has been said regarding this
form of breathing, let him try the experiment of expelling all the air
from his lungs, then standing erect, with hands at sides, let him
raise the shoulders and collar-bone and inhale. He will find that the
amount of air inhaled far below normal. Then let him inhale a full
breath, after dropping the shoulders and collar-bone, and he will
receive an object lesson in breathing which he will be apt to remember
much longer than he would any words, printed or spoken.


(2) MID BREATHING.

This method of respiration is known to Western students as Rib
Breathing, or Inter-Costal Breathing, and while less objectionable
than High Breathing, is far inferior to either Low Breathing or to the
Yogi Complete Breath. In Mid Breathing the diaphragm is pushed upward,
and the abdomen drawn in. The ribs are raised somewhat, and the chest
is partially expanded. It is quite common among men who have made no
study of the subject. As there are two better methods known, we give
it only passing notice, and that principally to call your attention to
its short-comings.


(3) LOW BREATHING.

This form of respiration is far better than either of the two
preceding forms: and of recent years many Western writers have
extolled its merits, and have exploited it under the names of
"Abdominal Breathing," "Deep Breathing," "Diaphragmatic Breathing,"
etc., etc., and much good has been accomplished by the attention of
the public having been directed to the subject, and many having been
Induced to substitute it for the interior and injurious methods above
alluded to. Many "systems" of breathing have been built around Low
Breathing, and students have paid high prices to learn the new (?)
systems. But, as we have said, much good has resulted, and after all
the students who paid high prices to learn revamped old systems
undoubtedly got their money's worth if they were Induced to discard
the old methods of High Breathing and Low Breathing.

Although many Western authorities write and speak of this method as
the best known form of breathing, the Yogis know it to be but a part
of a system which they have used for centuries and which they know as
"The Complete Breath." It must be admitted, however, that one must be
acquainted with the principles of Low Breathing before he can grasp
the idea of Complete Breathing.

Let us again consider the diaphragm. What is it? We have seen that it
is the great partition muscle, which separates the chest and its
contents from the abdomen and its contents. When at rest it presents a
concave surface to the abdomen. That is, the diaphragm as viewed from
the abdomen would seem like the sky as viewed from the earth--the
interior of an arched surface. Consequently the side of the diaphragm
toward the chest organs is like a protruding rounded surface--like a
hill. When the diaphragm is brought into use the hill formation is
lowered and the diaphragm presses upon the abdominal organs and forces
out the abdomen.

In Low Breathing, the lungs are given freer play than in the methods
already mentioned, and consequently more air is inhaled. This fact has
led the majority of Western writers to speak and write of Low
Breathing (which they call Abdominal Breathing) as the highest and
best method known to science. But the Oriental Yogi has long known of
a better method, and some few Western writers have also recognized
this fact. The trouble with all methods of breathing, other than "Yogi
Complete Breathing" is that in none of these methods do the lungs
become filled with air--at the best only a portion of the lung space
is filled, even in Low Breathing. High Breathing fills only the upper
portion of the lungs. Mid Breathing fills only the middle and a
portion of the upper parts. Low Breathing fills only the lower and
middle parts. It is evident that any method that fills the entire lung
space must be far preferable to those filling only certain parts Any
method which will fill the entire lung space must be the greatest
value to Man in the way of allowing him to absorb the greatest
quantity of oxygen and to store away the greatest amount of prana. The
Complete Breath is known to the Yogis to be the best method of
respiration known to science.


THE YOGI COMPLETE BREATH.

Yogi Complete Breathing includes all the good points of High
Breathing, Mid Breathing and Low Breathing, with the objectionable
features of each eliminated. It brings into play the entire
respiratory apparatus, every part of the lungs, every air-cell, every
respiratory muscle. The entire respiratory organism responds to this
method of breathing, and the maximum amount of benefit is derived from
the minimum expenditure of energy. The chest cavity is increased to
its normal limits in all directions and every part of the machinery
performs its natural work and functions.

One of the most important features of this method of breathing is the
fact that the respiratory muscles are fully called into play, whereas
in the other forms of breathing only a portion of these muscles are so
used. In Complete Breathing, among other muscles, those controlling
the ribs are actively used, which increases the space in which the
lungs may expand, and also gives the proper support to the organs when
needed, Nature availing herself of the perfection of the principle of
leverage in this process. Certain muscles hold the lower ribs firmly
in position, while other muscles bend them outward.

Then again, in this method, the diaphragm is under perfect control and
is able to perform its functions properly, and in such manner as to
yield the maximum degree of service.

In the rib-action, above alluded to, the lower ribs are controlled by
the diaphragm which draws them slightly downward, while other muscles
hold them in place and the intercostal muscles force them outward,
which combined action increases the mid-chest cavity to its maximum.
In addition to this muscular action, the upper ribs are also lifted
and forced outward by the intercostal muscles, which increases the
capacity of the upper chest to its fullest extent.

If you have studied the special features of the four given methods of
breathing, you will at once see that the Complete Breath comprises all
the advantageous features of the three other methods, plus the
reciprocal advantages accruing from the combined action of the
high-chest, mid-chest, and diaphragmatic regions, and the normal
rhythm thus obtained.

In our next chapter, we will take up the Complete Breath in practice,
and will give full directions for the acquirement of this superior
method of breathing, with exercises, etc.




CHAPTER VIII.


HOW TO ACQUIRE THE YOGI COMPLETE BREATH.

The Yogi Complete Breath is the fundamental breath of the entire Yogi
Science of Breath, and the student must fully acquaint himself with
it, and master it perfectly before he can hope to obtain results from
the other forms of breath-mentioned and given in this book. He should
not be content with half-learning it, but should go to work in earnest
until it becomes his natural method of breathing. This will require
work, time and patience, but without these things nothing is ever
accomplished. There is no royal road to the Science of Breath, and the
student must be prepared to practice and study in earnest if he expect
to receive results. The results obtained by a complete mastery of the
Science of Breath are great, and no one who has attained them would
willingly go back to the old methods, and he will tell his friends
that he considers himself amply repaid for all his work. We say these
things now, that you may fully understand the necessity and importance
of mastering this fundamental method of Yogi Breathing, instead of
passing it by and trying some of the attractive looking variations
given later on in this book. Again, we say to you: Start right, and
right results will follow; but neglect your foundations and your
entire building will topple over sooner or later.

Perhaps the better way to teach you how to develop the Yogi Complete
Breath, would be to give you simple directions regarding the breath
itself, and then follow up the same with general remarks concerning
it, and then later on giving exercises for developing the chest,
muscles and lungs which have been allowed to remain in an undeveloped
condition by imperfect methods of breathing. Right here we wish to say
that this Complete Breath is not a forced or abnormal thing, but on
the contrary is a going back to first principles--a return to Nature.
The healthy adult savage and the healthy infant of civilization both
breathe in this manner, but civilized man has adopted unnatural
methods of living, clothing, etc., and has lost his birthright. And we
wish to remind the reader that the Complete Breath does not
necessarily call for the complete filling of the lungs at every
inhalation. One may inhale the average amount of air, using the
Complete Breathing Method and distributing the air inhaled, be the
quantity large or small, to all parts of the lungs. But one should
inhale a series of full Complete Breaths several times a day, whenever
opportunity offers, in order to keep the system in good order and
condition.

The following simple exercise will give you a clear idea of what the
Complete Breath is:

     (1) Stand or sit erect. Breathing through the nostrils,
     inhale steadily, first filling the lower part of the lungs,
     which is accomplished by bringing into play the diaphragm,
     which descending exerts a gentle pressure on the abdominal
     organs, pushing forward the front walls of the abdomen. Then
     fill the middle part of the lungs, pushing out the lower
     ribs, breast-bone and chest. Then fill the higher portion of
     the lungs, protruding the upper chest, thus lifting the
     chest, including the upper six or seven pairs of ribs. In
     the final movement, the lower part of the abdomen will be
     slightly drawn in, which movement gives the lungs a support
     and also helps to fill the highest part of the lungs.

     At first reading it may appear that this breath consists of
     three distinct movements. This, however, is not the correct
     idea. The inhalation is continuous, the entire chest cavity
     from the lowered diaphragm to the highest point of the chest
     in the region of the collar-bone, being expanded with a
     uniform movement. Avoid a jerky series of inhalations, and
     strive to attain a steady continuous action. Practice will
     soon overcome the tendency to divide the inhalation into
     three movements, and will result in a uniform continuous
     breath. You will be able to complete the inhalation in a
     couple of seconds after a little practice.

     (2) Retain the breath a few seconds.

     (3) Exhale quite slowly, holding the chest in a firm
     position, and having the abdomen in a little and lifting it
     upward slowly as the air leaves the lungs. When the air is
     entirely exhaled, relax the chest and abdomen. A little
     practice will render this part of the exercise easy, and the
     movement once acquired will be afterwards performed almost
     automatically.

It will be seen that by this method of breathing all parts of the
respiratory apparatus is brought into action, and all parts of the
lungs, including the most remote air cells, are exercised. The chest
cavity is expanded in all directions. You will also notice that the
Complete Breath is really a combination of Low, Mid and High Breaths,
succeeding each other rapidly in the order given, in such a manner as
to form one uniform, continuous, complete breath.

You will find it quite a help to you if you will practice this breath
before a large mirror, placing the hands lightly over the abdomen so
that you may feel the movements. At the end of the inhalation, it is
well to occasionally slightly elevate the shoulders, thus raising the
collarbone and allowing the air to pass freely into the small upper
lobe of the right lung, which place is sometimes the breeding place of
tuberculosis.

At the beginning of practice, you may have more or less trouble in
acquiring the Complete Breath, but a little practice will make
perfect, and when you have once acquired it you will never willingly
return to the old methods.




CHAPTER IX.


PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECT OF THE COMPLETE BREATH.

Scarcely too much can be said of the advantages attending the practice
of the Complete Breath. And yet the student who has carefully read the
foregoing pages should scarcely need to have pointed out to him such
advantages.

The practice of the Complete Breath will make any man or woman immune
to Consumption and other pulmonary troubles, and will do away with all
liability to contract "colds," as well as bronchial and similar
weaknesses. Consumption is due principally to lowered vitality
attributable to an insufficient amount of air being inhaled. The
impairment of vitality renders the system open to attacks from disease
germs. Imperfect breathing allows a considerable part of the lungs to
remain inactive, and such portions offer an inviting field for
bacilli, which invading the weakened tissue soon produce havoc. Good
healthy lung tissue will resist the germs, and the only way to have
good healthy lung tissue is to use the lungs properly.

Consumptives are nearly all narrow-chested. What does this mean?
Simply that these people were addicted to improper habits of
breathing, and consequently their chests failed to develop and expand.
The man who practices the Complete Breath will have a full broad
chest, end the narrow-chested man may develop his chest to normal
proportions if he will but adopt this mode of breathing. Such people
must develop their chest cavities if they value their lives. Colds may
often be prevented by practicing a little vigorous Complete Breathing
whenever you feel that you are being unduly exposed. When chilled,
breathe vigorously a few minutes, and you will feel a glow all over
your body. Most colds can be cured by Complete Breathing and partial
fasting for a day.

The quality of the blood depends largely upon its proper oxygenation
in the lungs, and if it is under-oxygenated it becomes poor in quality
and laden with all sorts of impurities, and the system suffers from
lack of nourishment, and often becomes actually poisoned by the waste
products remaining uneliminated in the blood. As the entire body,
every organ and every part, is dependent upon the blood for
nourishment, impure blood must have a serious effect upon the entire
system. The remedy is plain--practice the Yogi Complete Breath.

The stomach and other organs of nutrition suffer much from improper
breathing. Not only are they ill nourished by reason of the lack of
oxygen, but as the food must absorb oxygen from the blood and become
oxygenated before it can be digested and assimilated, it is readily
seen how digestion and assimilation is impaired by incorrect
breathing. And when assimilation is not normal, the system receives
less and less nourishment, the appetite fails, bodily vigor decreases,
and energy diminishes, and the man withers and declines. All from the
lack of proper breathing.

Even the nervous system suffers from improper breathing, inasmuch as
the brain, the spinal cord, the nerve centers, and the nerves
themselves, when improperly nourished by means of the blood, become
poor and inefficient instruments for generating, storing and
transmitting the nerve currents. And improperly nourished they will
become if sufficient oxygen is not absorbed through the lungs. There
is another aspect of the case whereby the nerve currents themselves,
or rather the force from which the nerve currents spring, becomes
lessened from want of proper breathing, but this belongs to another
phase of the subject which is treated of in other chapters of this
book, and our purpose here is to direct your attention to the fact
that the mechanism of the nervous system is rendered inefficient as an
instrument for conveying nerve force, as the indirect result of a lack
of proper breathing.

The effect of the reproductive organs upon the general health is too
well known to be discussed at length here, but we may be permitted to
say that with the reproductive organs in a weakened condition the
entire system feels the reflex action and suffers sympathetically. The
Complete Breath produces a rhythm which is Nature's own plan for
keeping this important part of the system in normal condition, and,
from the first, it will be noticed that the reproductive functions are
strengthened and vitalized, thus, by sympathetic reflex action, giving
tone to the whole system. By this, we do not mean that the lower sex
impulses will be aroused; far from it. The Yogis are advocates of
continence and chastity, and have learned to control the animal
passions. But sexual control does not mean sexual weakness, and the
Yogi teachings are that the man or woman whose reproductive organism
is normal and healthy, will have a stronger will with which to control
himself or herself. The Yogi believes that much of the perversion of
this wonderful part of the system comes from a lack of normal health,
and results from a morbid rather than a normal condition of these
organs. A little careful consideration of this question will prove
that the Yogi teachings are right. This is not the place to discuss
the subject fully, but the Yogis know that sex-energy may be conserved
and used for the development of the body and mind of the individual,
instead of being dissipated in unnatural excesses as is the wont of so
many uninformed people. By special request we will give in this book
one of the favorite Yogi exercises for this purpose. But whether or
not the student wishes to adopt the Yogi theories of continence and
clean-living, he or she will find that the Complete Breath will do
more to restore health to this part of the system than anything else
ever tried. Remember, now, we mean normal health, not undue
development. The sensualist will find that normal means a lessening of
desire rather than an increase; the weakened man or woman will find a
toning up and a relief from the weakness which has heretofore
depressed him or her. We do not wish to be misunderstood or misquoted
on this subject. The Yogis' ideal is a body strong in all its parts,
under the control of a masterful and developed Will, animated by high
ideals.

In the practice of the Complete Breath, during inhalation, the
diaphragm contracts and exerts a gentle pressure upon the liver,
stomach and other organs, which in connection with the rhythm of the
lungs acts as a gentle massage of these organs and stimulates their
actions, and encourages normal functioning. Each inhalation aids in
this internal exercise, and assists in causing a normal circulation to
the organs of nutrition and elimination. In High or Mid Breathing the
organs lose the benefit accruing from this internal massage.

The Western world is paying much attention to Physical Culture just
now, which is a good thing. But in their enthusiasm they must not
forget that the exercise of the external muscles is not everything.
The internal organs also need exercise, and Nature's plan for this
exercise is proper breathing. The diaphragm is Nature's principal
instrument for this internal exercise. Its motion vibrates the
important organs of nutrition and elimination, and massages and kneads
them at each inhalation and exhalation, forcing blood into them, and
then squeezing it out, and imparting a general tone to the organs. Any
organ or part of the body which is not exercised gradually atrophies
and refuses to function properly, and lack of the internal exercise
afforded by the diaphragmatic action leads to diseased organs. The
Complete Breath gives the proper motion to the diaphragm, as well as
exercising the middle and upper chest. It is indeed "complete" in its
action.

From the standpoint of Western physiology alone, without reference to
the Oriental philosophies and science, this Yogi system of Complete
Breathing is of vital importance to every man, woman and child who
wishes to acquire health and keep it. Its very simplicity keeps
thousands from seriously considering it, while they spend fortunes in
seeking health through complicated and expensive "systems." Health
knocks at their door and they answer not. Verily the stone which the
builders reject is the real cornerstone of the Temple of Health.




CHAPTER X.


A FEW BITS OF YOGI LORE.

We give below three forms of breath, quite popular among the Yogis.
The first is the well-known Yogi Cleansing Breath, to which is
attributed much of the great lung endurance found among the Yogis.
They usually finish up a breathing exercise with this Cleansing
Breath, and we have followed this plan in this book. We also give the
Yogi Nerve Vitalizing Exercise, which has been handed down among them
for ages, and which has never been improved on by Western teachers of
Physical Culture, although some of them have "borrowed" it from
teachers of Yoga. We also give the Yogi Vocal Breath, which accounts
largely for the melodious, vibrant voices of the better class of the
Oriental Yogis. We feel that if this book contained nothing more than
these three exercises, it would be invaluable to the Western student.
Take these exercises as a gift from your Eastern brothers and put them
into practice.

THE YOGI CLEANSING BREATH.

The Yogis have a favorite form of breathing which they practice when
they feel the necessity of ventilating and cleansing the lungs. They
conclude many of their other breathing exercises with this breath, and
we have followed this practice in this book. This Cleansing Breath
ventilates and cleanses the lungs, stimulates the cells and gives a
general tone to the respiratory organs, and is conducive to their
general healthy condition. Besides this effect, it is found to greatly
refresh the entire system. Speakers, singers, etc., will find this
breath especially restful, after having tired the respiratory organs.

     (1) Inhale a complete breath.

     (2) Retain the air a few seconds.

     (3) Pucker up the lips as if for a whistle (but do not swell
     out the cheeks), then exhale a little air through the
     opening, with considerable vigor. Then stop for a moment,
     retaining the air, and then exhale a little more air. Repeat
     until the air is completely exhaled. Remember that
     considerable vigor is to be used in exhaling the air through
     the opening in the lips.

This breath will be found quite refreshing when one is tired and
generally "used up." A trial will convince the student of its merits.
This exercise should be practiced until it can be performed naturally
and easily, as it is used to finish up a number of other exercises
given in this book, and it should be thoroughly understood.


THE YOGI NERVE VITALIZING BREATH.

This is an exercise well known to the Yogis, who consider it one of
the strongest nerve stimulants and invigorants known to man. Its
purpose is to stimulate the Nervous System, develop nerve force,
energy and vitality. This exercise brings a stimulating pressure to
bear on important nerve centers, which in turn stimulate and energize
the entire nervous system, and send an increased flow of nerve force
to all parts of the body.

     (1) Stand erect.

     (2) Inhale a Complete Breath, and retain same.

     (3) Extend the arms straight in front of you, letting them
     be somewhat limp and relaxed, with only sufficient nerve
     force to hold them out.

     (4) Slowly draw the hands back toward the shoulders,
     gradually contracting the muscles and putting force into
     them, so that when they reach the shoulders the fists will
     be so tightly clenched that a tremulous motion is felt.

     (5) Then, keeping the muscles tense, push the fists slowly
     out, and then draw them back rapidly (still tense) several
     times.

     (6) Exhale vigorously through the mouth.

     (7) Practice the Cleansing Breath.

The efficiency of this exercise depends greatly upon the speed of the
drawing back of the fists, and the tension of the muscles, and, of
course, upon the full lungs. This exercise must be tried to be
appreciated. It is without equal as a "bracer," as our Western friends
put it.


THE YOGI VOCAL BREATH.

The Yogis have a form of breathing to develop the voice. They are
noted for their wonderful voices, which are strong, smooth and clear,
and have a wonderful trumpet-like carrying power. They have practiced
this particular form of breathing exercise which has resulted in
rendering their voices soft, beautiful and flexible, imparting to it
that indescribable, peculiar floating quality, combined with great
power. The exercise given below will in time impart the
above-mentioned qualities, or the Yogi Voice, to the student who
practices it faithfully. It is to be understood, of course, that this
form of breath is to be used only as an occasional exercise, and not
as a regular form of breathing.

     (1) Inhale a Complete Breath very slowly, but steadily,
     through the nostrils, taking as much time as possible in the
     inhalation.

     (2) Retain for a few seconds.

     (3) Expel the air vigorously in one great breath, through
     the wide opened mouth.

     (4) Rest the lungs by the Cleansing Breath.

Without going deeply into the Yogi theories of sound-production in
speaking and singing, we wish to say that experience has taught them
that the timbre, quality and power of a voice depends not alone upon
the vocal organs in the throat, but that the facial muscles, etc.,
have much to do with the matter. Some men with large chests produce
but a poor tone, while others with comparatively small chests produce
tones of amazing strength and quality. Here is an interesting
experiment worth trying: Stand before a glass and pucker up your mouth
and whistle, and note the shape of your mouth and the general
expression of your face. Then sing or speak as you do naturally, and
see the difference. Then start to whistle again for a few seconds, and
then, _without changing the position of your lips or face_, sing a few
notes and notice what a vibrant, resonant, clear and beautiful tone is
produced.




CHAPTER XI.


THE SEVEN YOGI DEVELOPING EXERCISES.

The following are the seven favorite exercises of the Yogis for
developing the lungs, muscles, ligaments, air cells, etc. They are
quite simple but marvelously effective. Do not let the simplicity of
these exercises make you lose interest, for they are the result of
careful experiments and practice on the part of the Yogis, and are the
essence of numerous intricate and complicated exercises, the
non-essential portions being eliminated and the essential features
retained.

(1) THE RETAINED BREATH.

This is a very important exercise which tends to strengthen and
develop the respiratory muscles as well as the lungs, and its frequent
practice will also tend to expand the chest. The Yogis have found that
an occasional holding of the breath, after the lungs have been filled
with the Complete Breath, is very beneficial, not only to the
respiratory organs but to the organs of nutrition, the nervous system
and the blood itself. They have found that an occasional holding of
the breath tends to purify the air which has remained in the lungs
from former inhalations, and to more fully oxygenate the blood. They
also know that the breath so retained gathers up all the waste matter,
and when the breath is expelled it carries with it the effete matter
of the system, and cleanses the lungs just as a purgative does the
bowels. The Yogis recommend this exercise for various disorders of the
stomach, liver and blood, and also find that it frequently relieves
bad breath, which often arises from poorly ventilated lungs. We
recommend students to pay considerable attention to this exercise, as
it has great merits. The following directions will give you a clear
idea of the exercise:

     (1) Stand erect.

     (2) Inhale a Complete Breath.

     (3) Retain the air as long as you can comfortably.

     (4) Exhale vigorously through the open mouth.

     (5) Practice the Cleansing Breath.

At first you will be able to retain the breath only a short time, but
a little practice will also show a great improvement. Time yourself
with a watch if you wish to note your progress.

(2) LUNG CELL STIMULATION.

This exercise is designed to stimulate the air cells in the lungs, but
beginners must not overdo it, and in no case should it be indulged in
too vigorously. Some may find a slight dizziness resulting from the
first few trials, in which case let them walk around a little and
discontinue the exercise for a while.

     (1) Stand erect, with hands at sides.

     (2) Breathe in very slowly and gradually.

     (3) While inhaling, gently tap the chest with the finger
     tips, constantly changing position.

     (4) When the lungs are filled, retain the breath and pat the
     chest with the palms of the hands.

     (5) Practice the Cleansing Breath.

This exercise is very bracing and stimulating to the whole body, and
is a well-known Yogi practice. Many of the air cells of the lungs
become inactive by reason of incomplete breathing, and often become
almost atrophied. One who has practiced imperfect breathing for years
will find it not so easy to stimulate all these ill-used air cells
into activity all at once by the Complete Breath, but this exercise
will do much toward bringing about the desired result, and is worth
study and practice.

(3) RIB STRETCHING.

We have explained that the ribs are fastened by cartilages, which
admit of considerable expansion. In proper breathing, the ribs play an
important part, and it is well to occasionally give them a little
special exercise in order to preserve their elasticity. Standing or
sitting in unnatural positions, to which many of the Western people
are addicted, is apt to render the ribs more or less stiff and
inelastic, and this exercise will do much to overcome same.

     (1) Stand erect.

     (2) Place the hands one on each side of the body, as high up
     under the armpits as convenient, the thumbs reaching toward
     the back, the palms on the side of the chest and the fingers
     to the front over the breast.

     (3) Inhale a Complete Breath.

     (4) Retain the air for a short time.

     (5) Then gently squeeze the sides, at the same time slowly
     exhaling.

     (6) Practice the cleansing breath.

Use moderation in this exercise and do not overdo its

(4) CHEST EXPANSION.

The chest is quite apt to be contracted from bending over one's work,
etc. This exercise is very good for the purpose of restoring natural
conditions and gaining chest expansion.

     (1) Stand erect.

     (2) Inhale a Complete Breath.

     (3) Retain the air.

     (4) Extend both arms forward and bring the two clenched
     fists together on a level with the shoulder.

     (5) Then swing back the fists vigorously until the arms
     stand out straight sideways from the shoulders.

     (6) Then bring back to Position 4, and swing to Position 5.
     Repeat several times.

     (7) Exhale vigorously through the opened mouth.

     (8) Practice the Cleansing Breath.

Use moderation and do not overdo this exercise.

(5) WALKING EXERCISE.

     (1) Walk with head up, chin drawn slightly in, shoulders
     back, and with measured tread.

     (2) Inhale a Complete Breath, counting (mentally) 1, 2, 3,
     4, 5, 6, 7, 8, one count to each step, making the inhalation
     extend over the eight counts.

     (3) Exhale slowly through the nostrils, counting as
     before--1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8--one count to a step.

     (4) Rest between breaths, continuing walking and counting,
     I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 7, 8, one count to a step.

     (5) Repeat until you begin to feel tired. Then rest for a
     while, and resume at pleasure. Repeat several times a day.

Some Yogis vary this exercise by retaining the breath during a 1, 2,
3, 4, count, and then exhale in an eight-step count. Practice
whichever plan seems most agreeable to you.

(6) MORNING EXERCISE.

     (1) Stand erect in a military attitude, head up, eyes front,
     shoulders back, knees stiff, hands at sides.

     (2) Raise body slowly on toes, inhaling a Complete Breath,
     steadily and slowly.

     (3) Retain the breath for a few seconds, maintaining the
     same position.

     (4) Slowly sink to first position, at the same time slowly
     exhaling the air through the nostrils.

     (5) Practice Cleansing Breath.

     (6) Repeat several times, varying by using right leg alone,
     then left leg alone.

(7) STIMULATING CIRCULATION.

     (1) Stand erect.

     (2) Inhale a Complete Breath and retain.

     (3) Bend forward slightly and grasp a stick or cane steadily
     and firmly, and gradually exerting your entire strength upon
     the grasp.

     (4) Relax the grasp, return to first position, and slowly
     exhale.

     (5) Repeat several times.

     (6) Finish with the Cleansing Breath.

This exercise may be performed without the use of a stick or cane, by
grasping an imaginary cane, using the will to exert the pressure. The
exercise is a favorite Yogi plan of stimulating the circulation by
driving the arterial blood to the extremities, and drawing back the
venous blood to the heart and lungs that it may take up the oxygen
which has been inhaled with the air. In cases of poor circulation
there is not enough blood in the lungs to absorb the increased amount
of oxygen inhaled, and the system does not get the full benefit of the
improved breathing.

In such cases, particularly, It Is well to practice this exercise,
occasionally with the regular Complete Breathing exercise.




CHAPTER XII.


SEVEN MINOR YOGI EXERCISES.

This chapter is composed of seven minor Yogi Breathing Exercises,
bearing no special names, but each distinct and separate from the
others and having a different purpose in view. Each student will find
several of these exercises best adapted to the special requirements of
his particular case. Although we have styled these exercises "minor
exercises," they are quite valuable and useful, or they would not
appear in this book. They give one a condensed course in "Physical
Culture" and "Lung Development," and might readily be "padded out" and
elaborated into a small book on these subjects. They have, of course,
an additional value, as Yogi Breathing forms a part of each exercise.
Do not pass them by because they are marked "minor." Some one or more
of these exercises may be just what you need. Try them and decide for
yourself.

EXERCISE I.

     (1) Stand erect with hands at sides.

     (2) Inhale Complete Breath.

     (3) Raise the arms slowly, keeping them rigid until the
     hands touch over head.

     (4) Retain the breath a few minutes with hands over head.

     (5) Lower hands slowly to sides, exhaling slowly at same time.

     (6) Practice Cleansing Breath.

EXERCISE II.

     (1) Stand erect, with arms straight In front of you.

     (2) Inhale Complete Breath and retain.

     (3) Swing arms back as far as they will go; then back to
     first position; then repeat several times, returning the
     breath all the while.

     (4) Exhale vigorously through mouth.

     (5) Practice Cleansing Breath.

EXERCISE III.

     (1) Stand erect with arms straight In front of you,

     (2) Inhale Complete Breath.

     (3) Swing arms around in a circle, backward, a few times.
     Then reverse a few times, retaining the breath all the
     while. You may vary this by rotating them alternately like
     the sails of a windmill.

     (4) Exhale the breath vigorously through the mouth.

     (5) Practice Cleansing Breath.

EXERCISE IV.

     (1) Lie on the floor with your face downward and palms of
     hands flat upon the floor by your sides.

     (2) Inhale Complete Breath and retain.

     (3) Stiffen the body and raise yourself up by the strength
     of your arms until you rest on your hands and toes

     (4) Then lower yourself to original position. Repeat several
     times.

     (5) Exhale vigorously through your mouth.

     (6) Practice Cleansing Breath.

EXERCISE V.

     (1) Stand erect with your palms against the wall.

     (2) Inhale Complete Breath and retain.

     (3) Lower the chest to the wall, resting your weight on your
     hands.

     (4) Then raise yourself back with the arm muscles alone,
     keeping the body stiff.

     (5) Exhale vigorously through the mouth.

     (6) Practice Cleansing Breath.

EXERCISE VI.

     (1) Stand erect with arms "akimbo," that is, with hands
     resting around the waist and elbows standing out.

     (2) Inhale Complete Breath and retain.

     (3) Keep legs and hips stiff and bend well forward, as If
     bowing, at the same time exhaling slowly.

     (4) Return to first position and take another Complete Breath.

     (5) Then bend backward, exhaling slowly.

     (6) Return to first position and take a Complete Breath.

     (7) Then bend sideways, exhaling slowly. (Vary by bending to
     right and then to left.)

     (8) Practice Cleansing Breath.

EXERCISE VII.

     (1) Stand erect, or sit erect, with straight spinal column.

     (2) Inhale a Complete Breath, but instead of inhaling in a
     continuous steady stream, take a series of short, quick
     "sniffs," as if you were smelling aromatic salts or ammonia
     and did not wish to get too strong a "whiff." Do not exhale
     any of these little breaths, but add one to the other until
     the entire lung space Is filled.

     (3) Retain for a few seconds.

     (4) Exhale through the nostrils in a long, restful, sighing
     breath.

     (5) Practice Cleansing Breath.




CHAPTER XIII.


VIBRATION AND YOGI RHYTHMIC BREATHING

All is in vibration. From the tiniest atom to the greatest sun,
everything is in a state of vibration. There is nothing in absolute
rest in nature. A single atom deprived of vibration would wreck the
universe. In incessant vibration the universal work is performed.
Matter is being constantly played upon by energy and countless forms
and numberless varieties result, and yet even the forms and varieties
are not permanent. They begin to change the moment they are created,
and from them are born innumerable forms, which in turn change and
give rise to newer forms, and so on and on, in infinite succession.
Nothing is permanent in the world of forms, and yet the great Reality
is unchangeable. Forms are but appearances--they come, they go, but
the Reality is eternal and unchangeable.

The atoms of the human body are in constant vibration. Unceasing
changes are occurring. In a few months there is almost a complete
change in the matter composing the body, and scarcely a single atom
now composing your body will be found in It a few months hence.
Vibration, constant vibration. Change, constant change.

In all vibration is to be found a certain rhythm. Rhythm pervades the
universe. The swing of the planets around the sun; the rise and fall
of the sea; the beating of the heart; the ebb and flow of the tide;
all follow rhythmics laws. The rays of the sun reach us; the rain
descends upon us, in obedience to the same law. All growth is but an
exhibition of this law. All motion is a manifestation of the law of
rhythm.

Our bodies are as much subject to rhythmic laws as is the planet in
its revolution around the sun. Much of the esoteric side of the Yogi
Science of Breath is based upon this known principle of nature. By
falling in with the rhythm of the body, the Yogi manages to absorb a
great amount of Prana, which he disposes of to bring about results
desired by him. We will speak of this at greater length later on.

The body which you occupy is like a small inlet running in to the land
from the sea. Although apparently subject only to its own laws, it is
really subject to the ebb and flow of the tides of the ocean. The
great sea of life is swelling and receding, rising and falling, and we
are responding to its vibrations and rhythm. In a normal condition we
receive the vibration and rhythm of the great ocean of life, and
respond to it, but at times the mouth of the inlet seems choked up
with debris, and we fail to receive the impulse from Mother Ocean, and
inharmony manifests within us.

You have heard how a note on a violin, if sounded repeatedly and in
rhythm, will start into motion vibrations which will in time destroy a
bridge. The same result is true when a regiment of soldiers crosses a
bridge, the order being always given to "break step" on such an
occasion, lest the vibration bring down both bridge and regiment.
These manifestations of the effect of rhythmic motion will give you an
idea of the effect on the body of rhythmic breathing. The whole system
catches the vibration and becomes in harmony with the will, which
causes the rhythmic motion of the lungs, and while in such complete
harmony will respond readily to orders from the will. With the body
thus attuned, the Yogi finds no difficulty in increasing the
circulation in any part of the body by an order from the will, and in
the same way he can direct an increased current of nerve force to any
part or organ, strengthening and stimulating it.

In the same way the Yogi by rhythmic breathing "catches the swing," as
it were, and is able to absorb and control a greatly increased amount
of prana, which is then at the disposal of his will. He can and does
use it as a vehicle for sending forth thoughts to others and for
attracting to him all those whose thoughts are keyed in the same
vibration. The phenomena of telepathy, thought transference, mental
healing, mesmerism, etc., which subjects are creating such an interest
in the Western world at the present time, but which have been known to
the Yogis for centuries, can be greatly increased and augmented If the
person sending forth the thoughts will do so after rhythmic breathing.
Rhythmic breathing will increase the value of mental healing, magnetic
healing, etc., several hundred per cent.

In rhythmic breathing the main thing to be acquired is the mental idea
of rhythm. To those who know anything of music, the idea of measured
counting is familiar. To others, the rhythmic step of the soldier:
"Left, right; left, right; left, right; one, two, three, four; one,
two, three, four," will convey the idea.

The Yogi bases his rhythmic time upon a unit corresponding with the
beat of his heart. The heart beat varies in different persons, but the
heart beat unit of each person is the proper rhythmic standard for
that particular individual in his rhythmic breathing. Ascertain your
normal heart beat by placing your fingers over your pulse, and then
count: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6," etc., until the rhythm
becomes firmly fixed in your mind. A little practice will fix the
rhythm, so that you will be able to easily reproduce it. The beginner
usually inhales in about six pulse units, but he will be able to
greatly increase this by practice.

The Yogi rule for rhythmic breathing is that the units of inhalation
and exhalation should be the same, while the units for retention and
between breaths should be one-half the number of those of inhalation
and exhalation.

The following exercise in Rhythmic Breathing should be thoroughly
mastered, as it forms the basis of numerous other exercises, to which
reference will be made later.

     (1) Sit erect, in an easy posture, being sure to hold the
     chest, neck and head as nearly in a straight line as
     possible, with shoulders slightly thrown back and hands
     resting easily on the lap. In this position the weight of
     the body is largely supported by the ribs and the position
     may be easily maintained. The Yogi has found that one cannot
     get the best effect of rhythmic breathing with the chest
     drawn in and the abdomen protruding.

     (2) Inhale slowly a Complete Breath, counting six pulse
     units.

     (3) Retain, counting three pulse units.

     (4) Exhale slowly through the nostrils, counting six pulse
     units.

     (5) Count three pulse beats between breaths.

     (6) Repeat a number of times, but avoid fatiguing yourself
     at the start.

     (7) When you are ready to close the exercise, practice the
     cleansing breath, which will rest you and cleanse the lungs.

After a little practice you will be able to increase the duration of
the inhalations and exhalations, until about fifteen pulse units are
consumed. In this increase, remember that the units for retention and
between breaths is one-half the units for inhalation and exhalation.

Do not overdo yourself in your effort to increase the duration of the
breath, but pay as much attention as possible to acquiring the
"rhythm," as that is more important than the length of the breath.
Practice and try until you get the measured "swing" of the movement,
and until you can almost "feel" the rhythm of the vibratory motion
throughout your whole body. It will require a little practice and
perseverance, but your pleasure at your improvement will make the task
an easy one. The Yogi is a most patient and persevering man, and his
great attainments are due largely to the possession of these
qualities.




CHAPTER XIV.


PHENOMENA OF YOGI PSYCHIC BREATHING.

With the exception of the instructions in the Yogi Rhythmic Breathing,
the majority of the exercises heretofore given in this book relate to
the physical plane of effort, which, while highly important in itself,
is also regarded by the Yogis as in the nature of affording a
substantial basis for efforts on the psychic and spiritual plane. Do
not, however, discard or think lightly of the physical phase of the
subject, for remember that it needs a sound body to support a sound
mind, and also that the body is the temple of the Ego, the lamp in
which burns the light of the Spirit. Everything is good in its place,
and everything has its place. The developed man is the "all-around
man," who recognizes body, mind and spirit and renders to each its
due. Neglect of either is a mistake which must be rectified sooner or
later; a debt which must be repaid with interest.

We will now take up the Psychic phase of the Yogi Science of Breath in
the shape of a series of exercises, each exercise carrying with it its
explanation.

You will notice that in each exercise rhythmic breathing is
accompanied with the instructions to "carry the thought" of certain
desired results. This mental attitude gives the Will a cleared track
upon which to exercise its force. We cannot, in this work, go into the
subject of the power of the Will, and must assume that you have some
knowledge of the subject. If you have no acquaintance with the
subject, you will find that the actual practice of the exercises
themselves will give you a much clearer knowledge than any amount of
theoretical teaching, for as the old Hindu proverb says, "He who
tastes a grain of mustard seed knows more of its flavor than he who
sees an elephant load of it."

(1) GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR YOGI PSYCHIC BREATHING.

The basis of all Yogi Psychic Breathing is the Yogi Rhythmic Breath,
instruction regarding which we gave in our last chapter. In the
following exercises, in order to avoid useless repetition, we will say
merely, "Breathe Rhythmically," and then give the instruction for the
exercise of the psychic force, or directed Will power working in
connection with the rhythmic breath vibrations. After a little
practice you will find that you will not need to count after the first
rhythmic breath, as the mind will grasp the idea of time and rhythm
and you will be able to breathe rhythmically at pleasure, almost
automatically. This will leave the mind clear for the sending of the
psychic vibrations under the direction of the Will. (See the following
first exercise for directions in using the Will.)

(2) PRANA DISTRIBUTING.

Lying flat on the floor or bed, completely relaxed, with hands resting
lightly over the Solar Plexus (over the pit of the stomach, where the
ribs begin to separate), breathe rhythmically. After the rhythm is
fully established _will_ that each inhalation will draw in an
increased supply of prana or vital energy from the Universal supply,
which will be taken up by the nervous system and stored in the Solar
Plexus. At each exhalation will that the prana or vital energy is
being distributed all over the body, to every organ and part; to every
muscle, cell and atom; to nerve, artery and vein; from the top of your
head to the soles of your feet; invigorating, strengthening and
stimulating every nerve; recharging every nerve center; sending
energy, force and strength all over the system. While exercising the
will, try to form a mental picture of the inrushing prana, coming in
through the lungs and being taken up at once by the Solar Plexus, then
with the exhaling effort, being sent to all parts of the system, down
to the finger tips and down to the toes. It is not necessary to use
the Will with an effort. Simply commanding that which you wish to
produce and then making the mental picture of it is all that is
necessary. Calm command with the mental picture is far better than
forcible willing, which only dissipates force needlessly. The above
exercise is most helpful and greatly refreshes and strengthens the
nervous system and produces a restful feeling all over the body. It is
especially beneficial In cases where one is tired or feels a lack of
energy.

(3) INHIBITING PAIN.

Lying down or sitting erect, breath rhythmically, holding the thought
that you are inhaling prana. Then when you exhale, send the prana to
the painful part to re-establish the circulation and nerve current.
Then inhale more prana for the purpose of driving out the painful
condition; then exhale, holding the thought that you are driving out
the pain. Alternate the two above mental commands, and with one
exhalation stimulate the part and with the next drive out the pain.
Keep this up for seven breaths, then practice the Cleansing Breath and
rest a while. Then try it again until relief comes, which will be
before long. Many pains will be found to be relieved before the seven
breaths are finished. If the hand is placed over the painful part, you
may get quicker results. Send the current of prana down the arm and
into the painful part.

(4) DIRECTING THE CIRCULATION.

Lying down or sitting erect, breathe rhythmically, and with the
exhalations direct the circulation to any part you wish, which may be
suffering from imperfect circulation. This is effective in cases of
cold feet or in cases of headache, the blood being sent downward in
both cases, in the first case warming the feet, and in the latter,
relieving the brain from too great pressure. In the case of headache,
try the Pain Inhibiting first, then follow with sending the blood
downward. You will often feel a warm feeling in the legs as the
circulation moves downward. The circulation is largely under the
control of the will and rhythmic breathing renders the task easier.

(5) SELF-HEALING.

Lying in a relaxed condition, breathe rhythmically, and command that a
good supply of prana be inhaled. With the exhalation, send the prana
to the affected part for the purpose of stimulating it. Vary this
occasionally by exhaling, with the mental command that the diseased
condition be forced out and disappear. Use the hands in this exercise,
passing them down the body from the head to the affected part. In
using the hands in healing yourself or others always hold the mental
image that the prana is flowing down the arm and through the finger
tips into the body, thus reaching the affected part and healing it. Of
course we can give only general directions in this book without taking
up the several forms of disease in detail, but a little practice of
the above exercise, varying it slightly to fit the conditions of the
case, will produce wonderful results. Some Yogis follow the plan of
placing both hands on the affected part, and then breathing
rhythmically, holding the mental image that they are fairly pumping
prana into the diseased organ and part, stimulating it and driving out
diseased conditions, as pumping into a pail of dirty water will drive
out the latter and fill the bucket with fresh water. This last plan is
very effective if the mental image of the pump is clearly held, the
inhalation representing the lifting of the pump handle and the
exhalation the actual pumping.

(6) HEALING OTHERS.

We cannot take up the question of the psychic treatment of disease by
prana in detail in this book, as such would be foreign to its purpose.
But we can and will give you simple, plain instructions whereby you
may be enabled to do much good in relieving others. The main principle
to remember is that by rhythmic breathing and controlled thought you
are enabled to absorb a considerable amount of prana, and are also
able to pass it into the body of another person, stimulating weakened
parts and organs and imparting health and driving out diseased
conditions. You must first learn to form such a clear mental image of
the desired condition that you will be able to actually feel the
influx of prana, and the force running down your arms and out of your
finger tips into the body of the patient. Breathe rhythmically a few
times until the rhythm is fairly established, then place your bands
upon the affected part of the body of the patient, letting them rest
lightly over the part. Then follow the "pumping" process described to
the preceding exercise (Self-Healing) and fill the patient full of
prana until the diseased condition is driven out. Every once in a
while raise the hands and "flick" the fingers as if you were throwing
off the diseased condition. It is well to do this occasionally and
also to wash the hands after treatment, as otherwise you may take on a
trace of the diseased condition of the patient. Also practice the
Cleansing Breath several times after the treatment. During the
treatment let the prana pour into the patient in one continuous
stream, allowing yourself to be merely the pumping machinery
connecting the patient with the universal supply of prana, and
allowing it to flow freely through you. You need not work the hands
vigorously, but simply enough that the prana freely reaches the
affected parts. The rhythmic breathing must be practiced frequently
during the treatment, so as to keep the rhythm normal and to afford
the prana a free passage. It is better to place the hands on the bare
skin, but where this is not advisable or possible place them over the
clothing. Vary above method occasionally during the treatment by
stroking the body gently and softly with the finger tips, the fingers
being kept slightly separated. This is very soothing to the patient.
In cases of long standing you may find it helpful to give the mental
command in words, such as "get out, get out," or "be strong, be
strong," as the case may be, the words helping you to exercise the
will more forcibly and to the point. Vary these instructions to suit
the needs of the case, and use your own judgment and inventive
faculty. We have given you the general principles and you can apply
them in hundreds of different ways. The above apparently simple
instruction, if carefully studied and applied, will enable one to
accomplish all that the leading "magnetic healers" are able to,
although their "systems" are more or less cumbersome and complicated.
They are using prana ignorantly and calling it "magnetism." If they
would combine rhythmic breathing with their "magnetic" treatment they
would double their efficiency.

(7) DISTANT HEALING.

Prana colored by the thought of the sender may be projected to persons
at a distance, who are willing to receive it, and healing work done in
this way. This is the secret of the "absent healing," of which the
Western world has heard so much of late years. The thought of the
healer sends forth and colors the prana of the sender, and it flashes
across space and finds lodgment in the psychic mechanism of the
patient. It is unseen, and like the Marconi waves, it passes through
intervening obstacles and seeks the person attuned to receive it. In
order to treat persons at a distance, you must form a mental image of
them until you can feel yourself to be en rapport with them. This is a
psychic process dependent upon the mental imagery of the healer. You
can feel the sense of rapport when it is established, it manifesting
in a sense of nearness. That is about as plain as we can describe it.
It may be acquired by a little practice, and some will get it at the
first trial. When rapport is established, say mentally to the distant
patient, "I am sending you a supply of vital force or power, which
will invigorate you and heal you." Then picture the prana as leaving
your mind with each exhalation of rhythmic breath, and traveling
across space instantaneously and reaching the patient and healing him.
It is not necessary to fix certain hours for treatment, although you
may do so if you wish. The receptive condition of the patient, as he
is expecting and opening himself up to your psychic force, attunes him
to receive your vibrations whenever you may send them. If you agree
upon hours, let him place himself in a relaxed attitude and receptive
condition. The above is the great underlying principle of the "absent
treatment" of the Western world. You may do these things as well as
the most noted healers, with a little practice.




CHAPTER XV.


MORE PHENOMENA OF YOGI PSYCHIC BREATHING.

(1) THOUGHT PROJECTION.

Thoughts may be projected by following the last mentioned method
(Distant Healing) and others will feel the effect of thought so sent
forth, it being remembered always that no evil thought can ever injure
another person whose thoughts are good. Good thoughts are always
positive to bad ones, and bad ones always negative to good ones. One
can, however, excite the interest and attention of another by sending
him thought waves in this way, charging the prana with the message he
wishes to convey. If you desire another's love and sympathy, and
possess love and sympathy for him, you can send him thoughts of this
kind with effect, providing your motives are pure. Never, however,
attempt to influence another to his hurt, or from impure or selfish
motives, as such thoughts only recoil upon the sender with redoubled
force, and injure him, while the innocent party is not affected.
Psychic force when legitimately used is all right, but beware of
"black magic" or improper and unholy uses of it, as such attempts are
like playing with a dynamo, and the person attempting such things will
be surely punished by the result of the act itself. However, no person
of impure motives ever acquires a great degree of psychic power, and a
pure heart and mind is an invulnerable shield against improper psychic
power. Keep yourself pure and nothing can hurt you.

(2) FORMING AN AURA.

If you are ever in the company of persons of a low order of mind, and
you feel the depressing influence of their thought, breathe
rhythmically a few times, thus generating an additional supply of
prana, and then by means of the mental image method surround yourself
with an egg-shaped thought aura, which will protect you from the gross
thought and disturbing influences of others.

(3) RECHARGING YOURSELF.

If you feel that your vital energy is at a low ebb, and that you need
to store up a new supply quickly, the best plan is to place the feet
close together (side by side, of course) and to lock the fingers of
both hands in any way that seems the most comfortable. This closes the
circuit, as it were, and prevents any escape of prana through the
extremities. Then breathe rhythmically a few times, and you will feel
the effect of the recharging.

(4) RECHARGING OTHERS.

If some friend is deficient in vitality you may aid him by sitting in
front of him, your toes touching his, and his hands in yours. Then
both breathe rhythmically, you forming the mental image of sending
prana into his system, and he holding the mental image of receiving
the prana. Persons of weak vitality or passive will should be careful
with whom they try this experiment, as the prana of a person of evil
desires will be colored with the thoughts of that person, and may give
him a temporary influence over the weaker person. The latter, however,
may easily remove such influence by closing the circuit (as before
mentioned) and breathing a few rhythmic breaths, closing with the
Cleansing Breath.

(5) CHARGING WATER.

Water may be charged with prana, by breathing rhythmically, and
holding the glass of water by the bottom, in the left hand, and then
gathering the fingers of the right hand together and shaking them
gently over the water, as if you were shaking drops of water off of
your finger tips into the glass. The mental image of the prana being
passed into the water must also be held. Water thus charged is found
stimulating to weak or sick persons, particularly if a healing thought
accompanies the mental image of the transfer of the prana. The caution
given in the last exercise applies also to this one, although the
danger exists only in a greatly lessened degree.

(6) ACQUIRING MENTAL QUALITIES.

Not only can the body be controlled by the mind under direction of the
will, but the mind itself can be trained and cultivated by the
exercise of the controlling will. This, which the Western world knows
as "Mental Science," etc., has proved to the West portions of that
truth which the Yogi has known for ages. The mere calm demand of the
Will will accomplish wonders in this direction, but if the mental
exercise is accompanied by rhythmic breathing, the effect is greatly
increased. Desirable qualities may be acquired by holding the proper
mental image of what is desired during rhythmic breathing. Poise and
Self Control, desirable qualities; increased power, etc., may be
acquired in this way. Undesirable qualities may be eliminated by
cultivating the opposite qualities. Any or all the "Mental Science"
exercises, "treatments" and "affirmations" may be used with the Yogi
Rhythmic Breath. The following is a good general exercise for the
acquirement and development of desirable mental qualities:

     Lie in a passive attitude, or sit erect. Picture to yourself
     the qualities you desire to cultivate, seeing yourself as
     possessed of the qualities, and demanding that your mind
     develop the quality. Breathe rhythmically, holding the
     mental picture firmly. Carry the mental picture with you as
     much as possible, and endeavor to live up to the ideal you
     have set up in your mind. You will find yourself gradually
     growing up to your ideal. The rhythm of the breathing
     assists the mind in forming new combinations, and the
     student who has followed the Western system will find the
     Yogi Rhythmic a wonderful ally in his "Mental Science"
     works.

(7) ACQUIRING PHYSICAL QUALITIES.

Physical qualities may be acquired by the same methods as above
mentioned in connection with mental qualities. We do not mean, of
course, that short men can be made tall, or that amputated limbs may
be replaced, or similar miracles. But the expression of the
countenance may be changed; courage and general physical
characteristics improved by the control of the Will, accompanied by
rhythmic breathing. As a man thinks so does he look, act, walk, sit,
etc. Improved thinking will mean improved looks and actions. To
develop any part of the body, direct the attention to it, while
breathing rhythmically, holding the mental picture that you are
sending an increased amount of prana, or nerve force, to the part, and
thus increasing its vitality and developing it. This plan applies
equally well to any part of the body which you wish to develop. Many
Western athletes use a modification of this plan in their exercises.
The student who has followed our instructions so far will readily
understand haw to apply the Yogi principles in the above work. The
general rule of exercise is the same as in the preceding exercise
(acquiring Mental Qualities). We have touched upon the subject of the
cure of physical ailments in preceding pages.


(8) CONTROLLING THE EMOTIONS.

The undesirable emotions, such as Fear, Worry, Anxiety, Hate, Anger,
Jealousy, Envy, Melancholy, Excitement, Grief, etc., are amenable to
the control of the Will, and the Will is enabled to operate more
easily in such cases if rhythmic breathing is practiced while the
student is "willing." The following exercise has been found most
effective by the Yogi students, although the advanced Yogi has but
little need of it, as he has long since gotten rid of these
undesirable mental qualities by growing spiritually beyond them. The
Yogi student, however, finds the exercise a great help to him while he
is growing.

Breathe rhythmically, concentrating the attention upon the Solar
Plexus, and sending to it the mental command "Get Out." Send the
mental command firmly, just as you begin to exhale, and form the
mental picture of the undesirable emotions being carried away with the
exhaled breath. Repeat seven times, and finish with the Cleansing
Breath, and then see how good you feel. The mental command must be
given "in earnest," as trifling will not do the work.

(9) TRANSMUTATION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ENERGY.

The Yogis possess great knowledge regarding the use and abuse of the
reproductive principle in both sexes. Some hints of this esoteric
knowledge have filtered out and have been used by Western writers on
the subject, and much good has been accomplished in this way. In this
little book we cannot do more than touch upon the subject, and
omitting all except a bare mention of theory, we will give a practical
breathing exercise whereby the student will be enabled to transmute
the reproductive energy into vitality for the entire system, instead
of dissipating and wasting it in lustful indulgences in or out of the
marriage relations. The reproductive energy is creative energy, and
may be taken up by the system and transmuted into strength and
vitality, thus serving the purpose of regeneration instead of
generation. If the young men of the Western world understood these
underlying principles they would be saved much misery and unhappiness
in after years, and would be stronger mentally, morally and
physically.

This transmutation of the reproductive energy gives great vitality to
those practicing it. They will be filled with great vital force, which
will radiate from them and will manifest in what has been called
"personal magnetism." The energy thus transmuted may be turned into
new channels and used to great advantage. Nature has condensed one of
its most powerful manifestations of prana into reproductive energy, as
its purpose is to create. The greatest amount of vital force is
concentrated in the smallest area. The reproductive organism is the
most powerful storage battery in animal life, and its force can be
drawn upward and used, as well as expended in the ordinary functions
of reproduction, or wasted in riotous lust. The majority of our
students know something of the theories of regeneration; and we can do
little more than to state the above facts, without attempting to prove
them.

The Yogi exercise for transmuting reproductive energy is simple. It is
coupled with rhythmic breathing, and can be easily performed. It may
be practiced at any time, but is specially recommended when one feels
the instinct most strongly, at which time the reproductive energy is
manifesting and may be most easily transmuted for regenerative
purposes. The exercise is as follows: Keep the mind fixed on the idea
of Energy, and away from ordinary sexual thoughts or imaginings. If
these thoughts come into the mind do not be discouraged, but regard
them as manifestations of a force which you intend using for the
purposes of strengthening the body and mind. Lie passively or sit
erect, and fix your mind on the idea of drawing the reproductive
energy upward to the Solar Plexus, where it will be transmuted and
stored away as a reserve force of vital energy. Then breathe
rhythmically, forming the mental image of drawing up the reproductive
energy with each inhalation. With each inhalation make a command of
the Will that the energy be drawn upward from the reproductive
organization to the Solar Plexus. If the rhythm is fairly established
and the mental image is clear, you will be conscious of the upward
passage of the energy, and will feel its stimulating effect. If you
desire an increase in mental force, you may draw it up to the brain
instead of to the Solar Plexus, by giving the mental command and
holding the mental image of the transmission to the brain. The man or
woman doing metal creative work, or bodily creative work, will be able
to use this creative energy in their work by following the above
exercise, drawing up the energy with the inhalation and sending it
forth with the exhalation. In this last form of exercise, only such
portions as are needed in the work will pass into the work being done,
the balance remaining stored up in the Solar Plexus. You will
understand, of course, that it is not the reproductive fluids which
are drawn up and used, but the etheripranic energy which animates the
latter, the soul of the reproductive organism, as it were. It is usual
to allow the head to bend forward easily and naturally during the
transmuting exercise.

(10) BRAIN STIMULATING.

The Yogis have found the following exercise most useful in stimulating
the action of the brain for the purpose of producing clear thinking
and reasoning. It has a wonderful effect in clearing the brain and
nervous system, and those engaged in mental work will find it most
useful to them, both in the direction of enabling them to do better
work and also as a means of refreshing the mind and clearing it after
arduous mental labor.

Sit in an erect posture, keeping the spinal column straight, and the
eyes well to the front, letting the hands rest on the upper part of
the legs. Breathe rhythmically, but instead of breathing through both
nostrils as in the ordinary exercises, press the left nostril close
with the thumb, and inhale through the right nostril. Then remove the
thumb, and close the right nostril with the finger, and then exhale
through the left nostril. Then, without changing the fingers, inhale
through the left nostril, and changing fingers, exhale through the
right. Then inhale through right and exhale through left, and so on,
alternating nostrils as above mentioned, closing the unused nostril
with the thumb or forefinger. This is one of the oldest forms of Yogi
breathing, and is quite important and valuable, and is well worthy of
acquirement. But it is quite amusing to the Yogis to know that to the
Western world this method is often held out as being the "whole
secret" of Yogi Breathing. To the minds of many Western readers, "Yogi
Breathing" suggests nothing more than a picture of a Hindu, sitting
erect, and alternating nostrils in the act of breathing. "Only this
and nothing more." We trust that this little work will open the eyes
of the Western world to the great possibilities of Yogi Breathing, and
the numerous methods whereby it may be employed.

(11) THE GRAND YOGI PSYCHIC BREATH.

The Yogis have a favorite form of psychic breathing which they
practice occasionally, to which has been given a Sanscrit term of
which the above is a general equivalent. We have given it last, as it
requires practice on the part of the student in the line of rhythmic
breathing and mental imagery, which he has now acquired by means of
the preceding exercises. The general principles of the Grand Breath
may be summed up in the old Hindu saying: "Blessed is the Yogi who can
breathe through his bones." This exercise will fill the entire system
with prana, and the student will emerge from it with every bone,
muscle, nerve, cell, tissue, organ and part energized and attuned by
the prana and the rhythm of the breath. It is a general housecleaning
of the system, and he who practices it carefully will feel as if he
had been given a new body, freshly created, from the crown of his head
to the tips of his toes. We will let the exercise speak for itself.

     (1) Lie in a relaxed position, at perfect ease.

     (2) Breathe rhythmically until the rhythm is perfectly
     established.

     (3) Then, inhaling and exhaling, form the mental image of
     the breath being drawn up through the bones of the legs, and
     then forced out through them; then through the bones of the
     arms; then through the top of the skull; then through the
     stomach; then through the reproductive region; then as if it
     were traveling upward and downward along the spinal column;
     and then as if the breath were being inhaled and exhaled
     through every pore of the skin, the whole body being filled
     with prana and life.

     (4) Then (breathing rhythmically) send the current of prana
     to the Seven Vital Centers, in turn, as follows, using the
     mental picture as in previous exercises:

          (a) To the forehead.

          (b) To the back of the head.

          (c) To the base of the brain.

          (d) To the Solar Plexus.

          (e) To the Sacral Region (lower part of the spine).

          (f) To the region of the navel.

          (g) To the reproductive region.

     Finish by sweeping the current of prana, to and fro from
     head to feet several times.

     (5) Finish with Cleansing Breath.




CHAPTER XVI.


YOGI SPIRITUAL BREATHING.

The Yogis not only bring about desired mental qualities and properties
by will-power coupled with rhythmic breathing, but they also develop
spiritual faculties, or rather aid in their unfoldment, in the same
way. The Oriental philosophies teach that man has many faculties which
are at present in a dormant state, but which will become unfolded as
the race progresses. They also teach that man, by the proper effort of
the will, aided by favorable conditions, may aid in the unfoldment of
these spiritual faculties, and develop them much sooner than in the
ordinary process of evolution. In other words, one may even now
develop spiritual powers of consciousness which will not become the
common property of the race until after long ages of gradual
development under the law of evolution. In all of the exercises
directed toward this end, rhythmic breathing plays an important part.
There is of course no mystic property in the breath itself which
produces such wonderful results, but the rhythm produced by the Yogi
breath is such as to bring the whole system, including the brain,
under perfect control, and in perfect harmony, and by this means, the
most perfect condition is obtained for the unfoldment of these latent
faculties.

In this work we cannot go deeply into the philosophy of the East
regarding spiritual development, because this subject would require
volumes to cover it, and then again the subject is too abstruse to
interest the average reader. There are also other reasons, well known
to occultists, why this knowledge should not be spread broadcast at
this time. Rest assured, dear student, that when the time comes for
you to take the next step, the way will be opened out before you.
"When the chela (student) is ready, the guru (master) appears." In
this chapter we will give you directions for the development of two
phases of spiritual consciousness, i.e., (1) the consciousness of the
identity of the Soul, and (2) the consciousness of the connection of
the Soul with the Universal Life. Both of the exercises given below
are simple, and consist of mental images firmly held, accompanied with
rhythmic breathing. The student must not expect too much at the start,
but must make haste slowly, and be content to develop as does the
flower, from seed to blossom.


SOUL CONSCIOUSNESS.

The real Self is not the body or even the mind of man. These things
are but a part of his personality, the lesser self. The real Self is
the Ego, whose manifestation is in individuality. The real Self is
independent of the body, which it inhabits, and is even independent of
the mechanism of the mind, which it uses as an instrument. The real
Self is a drop from the Divine Ocean, and is eternal and
indestructible. It cannot die or be annihilated, and no matter what
becomes of the body, the real Self still exists. It is the Soul. Do
not think of your Soul as a thing apart from you, for YOU are the
Soul, and the body is the unreal and transitory part of you which is
changing in material every day, and which you will some day discard.
You may develop the faculties so that they will be conscious of the
reality of the Soul, and its independence of the body. The Yogi plan
for such development is by meditation upon the real Self or Soul,
accompanied by rhythmic breathing. The following exercise is the
simplest form.

EXERCISE.--Place your body in a relaxed, reclining position. Breathe
rhythmically, and meditate upon the real Self, thinking of yourself as
an entity independent of the body, although inhabiting it and being
able to leave it at will. Think of yourself, not as the body, but as a
spirit, and of your body as but a shell, useful and comfortable, but
not a part of the real You. Think of yourself as an independent being,
using the body only as a convenience. While meditating, ignore the
body entirely, and you will find that you will often become almost
entirely unconscious of it, and will seem to be out of the body to
which you may return when you are through with the exercise.

This is the gist of the Yogi meditative breathing methods, and if
persisted in will give one a wonderful sense of the reality of the
Soul, and will make him seem almost independent of the body. The sense
of immortality will often come with this increased consciousness, and
the person will begin to show signs of spiritual development which
will be noticeable to himself and others. But he must not allow
himself to live too much in the upper regions, or to despise his body,
for he is here on this plane for a purpose, and he must not neglect
his opportunity to gain the experiences necessary to round him out,
nor must he fail to respect his body, which is the Temple of the
Spirit.


THE UNIVERSAL CONSCIOUSNESS.

The Spirit in man, which is the highest manifestation of his Soul, is
a drop in the ocean of Spirit, apparently separate and distinct, but
yet really in touch with the ocean itself, and with every other drop
in it. As man unfolds in spiritual consciousness he becomes more and
more aware of his relation to the Universal Spirit, or Universal Mind
as some term it. He feels at times as if he were almost at-one-ment
with it, and then again he loses the sense of contact and
relationship. The Yogis seek to attain this state of Universal
Consciousness by meditation and rhythmic breathing, and many have thus
attained the highest degree of spiritual attainment possible to man in
this stage of his existence. The student of this work will not need
the higher instruction regarding adeptship at this time, as he has
much to do and accomplish before he reaches that stage, but it may be
well to initiate him into the elementary stages of the Yogi exercises
for developing Universal Consciousness, and if he is in earnest he
will discover means and methods whereby he may progress. The way is
always opened to him who is ready to tread the path. The following
exercise will be found to do much toward developing the Universal
Consciousness in those who faithfully practice it.

EXERCISE.--Place your body in a reclining, relaxed position. Breathe
rhythmically, and meditate upon your relationship with the Universal
Mind of which you are but an atom. Think of yourself as being in touch
with All, and at-one-ment with All. See All as One, and your Soul as a
part of that One. Feel that you are receiving the vibrations from the
great Universal Mind, and are partaking of its power and strength and
wisdom. The two following lines of meditation may be followed.

(a) With each inhalation, think of yourself as drawing in to yourself
the strength and power of the Universal Mind. When exhaling think of
yourself as passing out to others that same power, at the same time
being filled with love for every living thing, and desiring that it be
a partaker of the same blessings which you are now receiving. Let the
Universal Power circulate through you.

(b) Place your mind in a reverential state, and meditate upon the
grandeur of the Universal Mind, and open yourself to the inflow of the
Divine Wisdom, which will fill you with illuminating wisdom, and then
let the same flow out from you to your brothers and sisters whom you
love and would help.

This exercise leaves with those who have practiced it a new-found
sense of strength, power and wisdom, and a feeling of spiritual
exaltation and bliss. It must be practiced only in a serious,
reverential mood, and must not be approached triflingly or lightly.


GENERAL DIRECTIONS.

The exercises given in this chapter require the proper mental attitude
and conditions, and the trifler and person of a non-serious nature, or
one without a sense of spirituality and reverence, had better pass
them by, as no results will be obtained by such persons, and besides
it is a wilful trifling with things of a high order, which course
never benefits those who pursue it. These exercises are for the few
who can understand them, and the others will feel no attraction to try
them.

During meditation let the mind dwell upon the ideas given in the
exercise, until it becomes clear to the mind, and gradually manifests
in real consciousness within you. The mind will gradually become
passive and at rest, and the mental image will manifest clearly. Do
not indulge in these exercises too often, and do not allow the
blissful state produced to render you dissatisfied with the affairs of
everyday life, as the latter are useful and necessary for you, and you
must never shirk a lesson, however disagreeable to you it may be. Let
the joy arising from the unfolding consciousness buoy you up and nerve
you for the trials of life, and not make you dissatisfied and
disgusted. All is good, and everything has its place. Many of the
students who practice these exercises will in time wish to know more.
Rest assured that when the time comes we will see that you do not seek
in vain. Go on in courage and confidence, keeping your face toward the
East, from whence comes the rising Sun.

Peace be unto you, and unto all men.

AUM.





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