Abaan : Health Tips

Buy Online - Be Smart, Elegant and Unique... Buy Abaan

Online Catalogue : Health Tips

Breath is life by V.S. PERARA

With every breath you draw the vital force of the Universe into your body. Breath control, or pranayama, is simply the key to the flow of this vital energy through the human body. This was one of the most carefully guarded secrets of the Adepts of ancient India who learned to prolong life while retaining youth, health, charm and virility, some living to be over 200 years old!

Now these ancient secret breathing techniques are revealed in a simplified form. The ability to understand the laws governing breath control opens the door to unlimited human potential. By following these simple but profoundly effective breathing exercises you too can acquire perfect health, magnetism and beauty, vibrant with the supreme life force. You can banish old age as the body is rejuvenated and regenerated. Learn how to free yourself forever from pain, sorrow and fear.

As revealed in this treasured wisdom, the external forces control not only the body but all external conditions and experiences. Breathing exercises for thought control will increase your mental power to attract what you desire and accomplish your highest goals. As the spiritual forces awaken, the seemingly miraculous abilities of telepathy and astral projection can naturally unfold... but more importantly, the practice of these methods will bring the blessing of serenity, wisdom and peace.

LESSON ONE

1. If we divide a human body into two halves along the median line, or down the middle, we should observe that most of the organs which are intended to carry out some function of the body consist of two symmetrical parts, one located on the right half of the body, the other on the left half.

2. Thus, the brain, the eyes, the ears, the nose, the arms, the lungs, the kidneys, the testicles or ovaries, and the legs are all double organs or parts, one of which is situated on the right side of the body and the other on the left.

3. This is because the human being is a magnet having two poles, the same as all other bodies which manifest magnetic properties.

4. The right side of your body represents the positive pole, while the left side represents the negative pole.

5. Spirit, Mind Substance, Astral Substance, Ether and Matter all manifest two poles - the positive and the negative. This is an inherent law of the Cosmos. Male and female, heat and cold, north and south, east and west, light and darkness, day and night, represent the two poles of each continuous whole.

6. The positive pole manifests characteristics diametrically opposed to those of the negative. The functions of one similarly differ from the other.

7. Each pole of a body having magnetic properties is so constituted that it absorbs (inhales) stores up (retains) and radiates (exhales), a subtle form of energy, from and to the surrounding space.

8. The energy absorbed and radiated by the positive pole differs from the energy absorbed and radiated by the negative pole. But at the spot which divides the positive from the negative pole, the body possesses the characteristics of neither the positive nor the negative, but a combination of both.

9. Now this is true of the human organism. The right side of the body forms the positive pole and the left side the negative pole of the human magnet.

10. As energy is fluidic and kinetic, it has control over matter.

11. Ether is static energy, it fills all space and interpenetrates all solids, all gases.

12. Ether consists of positive and negative electrons.

13. When any body having magnetic properties ceases to absorb and radiate energy, from and to the surrounding space, its magnetic properties cease.

14. It is then dead.

15. Each human being from birth to death performs the act of breathing, inhaling, retaining and exhaling.

16. With each inhalation you absorb not only air, but also ether or Pranic energy, which interpenetrates the air.

17. Air is inhaled through the nostrils - the right nostril and the left nostril.

18. The inhaled air passes through the interior of the nose, the pharynx, the larynx, the wind-pipe and the bronchial tubes and enters the lungs.

19. The lungs receive the inhaled air and absorb the oxygen in the air, which mixes with the blood.

20. When the oxygen comes in contact with the blood, a form of combustion takes place and the blood takes up the oxygen and releases carbonic acid gas which is ejected from the lungs at each exhalation.

21. The Hindu scientists discovered that the breath does not always flow at the same time from both nostrils. They found that the breath flows through one nostril at a time, and from time to time during each day it flows for short intervals from both nostrils.

22. Instead of finding irregularity or want of uniformity in the flow of breath in human beings - in fact, in all breathing things - they found law, order and rhythm which governs all manifestations of the universe - from the most insignificant or trivial to the most stupendous.

23. They discovered that in people of normal health, the breath flows for nearly sixty minutes or one hour through one nostril and then changes to the other to flow for a period of the same duration, i.e., one hour.

24. Every hour the breath-flow changes from one nostril to the other, thus for each day of twentyfour hours, the breath flows for twelve alternate hours through the left nostril and the other twelve alternate hours through the right nostril.

25. When one nostril is in flow there will be no flow from the other, till the time comes for the breath flow to change to the other.

26. There are two nerve currents in the spinal column called Pingala and lda, and there is also a hollow canal called Sushumana running through the spinal cord.

27. Every time we breathe, air as well as ether travels along either lda Nerve or Pingala Nerve and after circulating up and down passes out through the nostrils.

28. The lda nerve begins in the left nostril, at the root of the nose just where the left nostril converges into the right, passes through the cerebellum and medulla oblongata, runs along the left side of the spinal cord, and ends at the lower end of the spine.

29. Similarly the Pingala nerve begins from the right nostril, passes through the cerebellum and medulla oblongata, runs through the right side of the spine and ends at its base.

30. The Sushumana nerve or canal though not directly connected with either of the nostrils, begins from the base of the brain or the medulla oblongata, runs down the central cavity of the spinal column and ends at the coccyx, where Pingala, lda, and Sushumana are connected.

31. Within the root of the nose, where the two nostrils converge and where lda and Pingala nerves begin, is one of the most vital spots in the body. This spot is very sensitive and manifests a peculiar kind of intelligence.

32. The roots of the lda and Pingala nerves are located here. Their sensitivity and intelligence are displayed in selecting etheric electrons from each breath of air, that passes through the nostrils.

33. Within the interior chamber of each nostril there is a gate or shutter of cartilaginous formation. These gates are controlled from this vital center. When the breath flows through one nostril, its gates stand open, while that of the other remains closed. This spot is a vital center, because health or disease, success or failure, gain or loss, life or death are the results which accrue from the way this center acts.

34. The planetary rays also converge at this spot and control its functions, and at this spot is located the helm which controls human life. Therefore a Yogi must learn to control this vital center and change the flow of breath as required for securing desired results.

35. When the Pingala nerve or the right nostril is in flow, the lda nerve lies inactive or dormant, and the gate of the left nostril remains closed. Similarly, when the lda nerve or the left nostril is in flow, the Pingala nerve lies dormant, and the gate of the right nostril remains shut. But when the Sushumana nerve or both nostrils are in flow, the gates of both of them lie ajar and both Pingala and lda nerves are fully active.

36. When the right nostril is in flow, from each inhalation of air, the pingala nerve selects the positive electrons contained in the ether which interpenetrate the air, and carries a current of positive electromagnetism down the right side of the spine.

37. Because the right side is positive, people in whom the right nostril flow predominates evince positive characteristics, such as martial spirit and sometimes unusual aggressiveness.

38. In certain individuals, overabundant sexual passion is the result of an excessive flow of the right nostril.

39. Similarly, when the left nostril is in flow, the lda nerve carries currents of negative electrons down the left side of the spine.

40. People with a predominant left nostril flow tend to manifest negative characteristics, such as fear, timidity, submission, humbleness, obedience, etc., and also virtues such as truthfulness, kindness, benevolence, reverence, and spirituality.

41. The positive electro-magnetic currents and the negative electromagnetic currents which run alternately down Pingala and lda nerves respectively, meet at the Solar Plexus and other Plexus of the Sympathetic Nervous System, Which lie along the spinal column, and supply Prana for the function of the human machine.

42. As the numerous branches which Pingala and lda nerves send out connect all of the plexi of the Sympathetic System with the Cerebrospinal system, much of the etheric energy which is conveyed along Pingala and lda is stored up in the different plexi, the chief of which is the Solar plexus.

43. When Sushumana or both nostrils are equally in flow, both Pingala and lda nerves carry their respective currents down the spine at the same time, and these currents as they go down the spine distributing their wealth among the different plexi, carry what remains to the base of the spine, where they meet and supply Prana to the Sushumana Canal.

44. The Sympathetic Nervous System has its center in the Solar Plexus, and is the channel of that mental action which unconsciously supports the vital functions of the body.

45. The connection between the Cerebro-spinal and the Sympathetic Nervous System is made by the vagus nerve, which passes out of the cerebral region as a portion of the voluntary system to the thorax, sending out branches to the heart and lungs, and finally passing through the diaphragm, it loses its outer coating and becomes identified with the nerves of the Sympathetic System, so forming a connecting link between the two and making the human physically a single entity.

46. The Cerebro-Spinal System is the organ of the conscious mind, and the Sympathetic is the organ of the sub-conscious. The Cerebro-spinal is the channel through which we receive conscious perception from the physical senses and exercise control over the movements of the body. This system of nerves has its center in the brain.

47. When the Solar Plexus is in active operation, and is radiating life and energy and vitality to every part of the body, and to every one that you meet, the sensations are pleasant, the body is filled with health, and all with whom you come in contact experience a pleasant sensation.

48. If you wish to develop courage and power, and if you wish to become less timid and more aggressive, practice breathing through the right nostril, at first you may find it necessary to close the left nostril with the forefinger, but you will gradually acquire control and will eventually be able to close either nostril at will.

49. If you wish to cultivate any of the spiritual qualities such as benevolence, reverence, truthfulness, kindness, cheerfulness or goodness, you should practice breathing through the left nostril.

50. The information contained in this lesson is so startling, so unique, so useful, so surprisingly dependable that we feel everyone fortunate enough to obtain these Amazing Secrets will lose no time in breaking the fetters which have held them in bondage to the misconceptions and traditions by which they have been enslaved.

51. The next lesson contains a secret of equal or greater importance: it tells how many attract happiness and fortune. It Also tells how the mighty wonder workers of India project themselves to any desired location at will. This is one of the secrets which have previously only been given by word of mouth. It has seldom, if ever before, been revealed in print.

Back | Top

LESSON TWO

1. The human being is a magnet. Every magnet has two poles, the positive or north pole, and the negative or south pole. If any magnet of any size is cut into two, or even into two hundred pieces, each separate piece will have two poles just like the original magnet.

2. All bar magnets suspended by their centers turn one pole to the north and the other to the south. It is the law and is invariable. But the pole of the magnet which turns to the north is not actually the north pole, but the opposite, the south, for in magnetism like poles repel like.

3. The world is one huge magnet.

4. The magnet called the human being can be divided in three ways. In each of these three ways, the qualities of positive and negative poles are manifested.

5. If you divide the body in half lengthwise, then the right half is the positive pole and the left half the negative.

6. If you divide the body again into the upper part and the lower part, the upper is the positive pole and the lower the negative.

7. Divided again into what is called the ventral side and the dorsal side, the ventral side is the positive and the dorsal is negative.

8. Similarly when we divide the earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the northern is the positive pole, and the southern the negative.

9. Again when we divide the earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres, the eastern is the positive pole, while the western is negative.

10. The Hindu sages discovered that when you sleep with your head towards the North, South, East or West you attract various conditions into your life, which depend upon the relation of your magnetic poles to those of the earth.

11. They taught that lying North and South brings peace and comfort, and long life, lying East and West bring about the reverse conditions.

12. Dr. Fere, in 1905, tested the theory for the French Biology Society, and came to a similar conclusion. Two other French engineers, Wm. Duchatel and Rene Warcollier, tested the theory and found it based on fact. They even went a step further and decided that humans not only must sleep from north to south, but must work from east to west. Without explaining whether the law is based upon magnetic terrestrial currents or the rotary movements of the earth, they concluded that all work executed by movements from north to south cause a useless waste of effort. They urge not only the turning of beds, but the moving of workshop tables in order to secure the best results.

13. During each lunar month as the moon passes through the twelve signs of the Zodiac, the negative etheric current shifts, travelling from the toes to the top of the head, and from the top of the head back down to the toes, making a complete circuit. The center of influence of the part of the body at which the negative etheric current is concentrated, on each day, is said to be a vulnerable spot in the body on that day.

14. In the same way during each lunar month, the focal center of the positive etheric current shifts from one part of the body to another, also making a complete circuit.

15. In fasting, when the stomach is deprived of food, air rushes into the stomach and fills the vacuum. The Yogi believes that filling up the stomach with air helps to develop various spiritual powers, such as clairvoyance or the power to heal. And for this purpose some Yogis actually drink or swallow air a number of times a day. This conscious swallowing of the air is not only beneficial, but also gives the person who practices it control over the muscles of the throat and the stomach. It is done in the following way.

16. Close the mouth and place the tongue touching the roof of the mouth just above the teeth. Inhale air through the nostrils and closing the glottis, with the epiglottis swallow the air or send it down the gullet by the action of the root of the tongue and the throat.

17. The Yogi adepts of India have been famed from the earliest antiquity as miracle workers. This is not oriental fable, but truth pregnant with irrefutable proofs. In a land where occultism was the rage of the elite, many young Hindus sacrificed the security and comfort of home for a serene spot in some sylvan solitude, to attain the highest achievement of adeptship on earth.

18. The wonderful fact of levitating the astral body and transporting it at will to any desired place, was said to be a common achievement of these adepts. Now for the method.

19. Surrounding our physical body there is an exact, invisible counterpart, composed of an ethereal substance which exists at a very high rate of vibration. It is not matter, but it is not force either. It is composed of something very fine, but far more tenacious than anything that is known as matter.

20. The material of this body, called Akasa in the science of the Yogi, is the super-sensitive substance which pervades all space and enters into all bodies. The body that is formed out of this substance is called the Astral Body.

21. Sit erect, facing the East, on a chair placed on a rubber carpet, or on a large thick slab of glass (or traditionally on either a tiger or a deer skin). Rest your feet lightly upon the carpet or the plate of glass.

22. At the lower end of the Sushumana Canal is an energy center called the "Lotus of the Kundalini" , triangular in form, and in the symbolic language of the Yogis, coiled up there resides a power called the Kundalini.

23. When the Kundalini awakens, it tries to force a passage through this hollow canal, and as it rises step, layer after layer of the mind becomes open, then visions and wonderful powers come to the Yogi, When Kundalini reaches the brain, the Yogi is perfectly detached from the body and mind, and the soul finds itself free.

24. Write the figure 8 horizontally. We find that there are two parts connected in the middle. Go on piling this figure one on top of the other. This represents the spinal cord. The left is the lda, and the right the Pingala, and the hollow canal which runs through the center of the spinal cord is the Sushumana. Where the spinal cord ends in the lumbar vertebrae, a fine fiber exists, and the canal is found even in that fiber, only much finer.

25. The canal is closed at the lower end, which is situated near the sacral plexus, which according to modern physiology is triangular in form.

26. Practice for thirty minutes daily the following exercise in rhythmic Breathing. Close the right nostril with the right thumb and inhale through the left, now close both nostrils and retain and exhale through the left. Inhale counting 8 heart beats, retain counting four heart beats, exhale counting 8 heart beats, interval between breaths, 4 heart beats. That is in the proportion of 2,1, 2,1. After some practice, increase the time of each inhalation to 12, 16 and 24 heart beats, increasing the time of retention, exhalation and interval in the given proportion.

27. As you continue this exercise, you will, it is said, one day be raised up bodily into the air by some invisible power, i.e., the power of stored up Prana. This is the first stage in levitation.

28. When this stage of spiritual development has been reached, you will experience little or no difficulty in projecting your astral body.

29. You have frequently experienced the elementary stages of projection although you did not realize it as such. Have you ever been half-conscious of the body jerking and actually jumping when almost asleep! Have you ever had the sensation of sinking, of dizziness, of floating, of whirling, or vibrating, under some conditions!

30. They are all the result of the psychic body being loosened from the physical, naturally causing a disturbance of the nervous system.

31. When a child whirls it becomes dizzy. Why! Because the psychic body has been loosened from the psychic. It is a known fact that some of the Yogis often "whirl" in order to project the astral body.

32. "The Lord God formed humans of the dust of the earth, and breathed into their nostrils the breath of life, and they became living Souls." Consider this quotation from an esoteric from an esoteric viewpoint. The energy which is generated by the psychic body and which permeates the physical is Prana or "The breath of life." Without such vibratory force, the body would return to the original elements of which it is composed - dust to dust.

33. The astral is the vital part of us, the actual clock of the Soul. The physical is merely propelled by the astral energy and enables you to act upon the physical plane.

34. When the psychic body is out of its physical counterpart it is connected with the physical by what mystics of all ages have called "The Silver Cord." In reality this cord is a current of energy similar in intensity to an electric current. It is of a greyish, white color and pulsates much as a living creature. In fact, as we observe this cord while in a projected state, it seems almost to be an alive, intelligent being. It is over an inch in diameter when the astral body is very close to the physical though its luminosity makes it appear wider. The cord becomes thinner and finer the farther from the physical the astral body goes.

35. The silver cord leaves the physical body at the forehead and connects with the psychic at the back of the head. While the projection is relatively close to the physical you will feel a throbbing at the back of the head, and see a similar throbbing or pulsating in the cord. The cord is the medium by which the physical body is supplied with vital energy while the psychic is "out."

36. If the astral cord should be severed death would immediately result, because the body would be cut off from a supply of life force.

37. While projected you can also hold the breath, but this is very dangerous. It has caused death, because it interferes with the rhythmic action of the cord, causing congestion in the physical body. This cord exerts quite a pull upon the psychic until a good distance separates the two bodies. It is true you must use will power to advance beyond the force of the cord. If you succeed in advancing a good distance from the body, the pull gradually becomes less and less, until there is no feeling at all from this source.

38. In the prolongation of life the sages discovered that breath came first in point of importance, food second and drink came third. After deep research in mineral, plant and animal kingdoms, they discovered many secrets that would enable them to rejuvenate and prolong life. They discovered that certain animals, such as birds, snakes, reptiles, frogs, deer, etc., are able to rejuvenate themselves even without much food, because most of them depend upon air more than they do upon food and water. Often these animals are compelled to live for days without food or water. To compensate for this they inflate their lungs fully with air and often hold the breath for some time. Air is for them food, water and the elixir of life. It is said that deer are able to breathe through every pore of their skin when running at lightning speed, and their ability to rejuvenate themselves by shedding their antlers and hair again and again, compels us to believe that there is some truth in this belief.

39. Thus it was found that animals which inspire more air, either by design or as a natural requirement, are able to prolong life. Therefore it is reasonable to think that humans, who are also breathing animals, could similarly remain ever young and also prolong life by the conscious control of breath. This has been put to the test by numberless Yogis in India, and all of them affirm with one accord that by scientific control of the breath anyone can retain health, renew youth and prolong life.

40. Air is a combination of oxygen and nitrogen. Western scientists recognize the value of oxygen to all living beings. Without it no life is possible upon earth. But these same scientists hold that nitrogen is the enemy of life, and without oxygen it is powerless to support life. This may be the truth. But without nitrogen, oxygen alone cannot support life, otherwise why did nature combine such a large percentage of nitrogen with other gases to form air! All things in nature have been so designed by an all-wise intelligence, that if we care to look deeper at things we discover that even the apparently most trivial and useless things serves a multitude of purposes in the laboratory of nature.

41. Nature is all-wise, it is our vision and knowledge that are circumscribed.

42. Scientists inform us that all things we require could be obtained or extracted from the air. All that we require for building and repairing our bodies must be present everywhere, and as the major portion of the ocean of the air is composed of nitrogen, much valuable substance for the building of living organisms must be found in its composition. Thus breathing not only helps to oxygenate the blood, but also supplies the basic building materials for making blood, cells and tissues. Therefore, to prolong life, practice breathing daily for at least fifteen minutes, in fresh and fragrant air.

43. The Yogis of India have been known from time immemorial to select shady spots under the Banyan-tree, Ficus Indica, situated in places far removed from the bustle and hum of busy cities or villages, as ideal spots for their Yogi practices. There are good reasons why they choose the shade of these trees.

44. The Banyan-tree is known to be the longest living tree in the world. The age of the Banyan-tree is estimated as 5000 years or more. The sap or the milk of this tree is full of the life-invigorating tissue and brain building substance phosphorus. Sages have recommended the milk of this tree as a sure and simple remedy for all sexual weaknesses.

45. The leaves of this tree contain milk, and it is said that a few leaves each day are sufficient as food for a Yogi. It is known that some Yogis depend entirely upon the leaves and fruit of this tree for their sustenance. Now you have another of the secrets which keeps the Yogis ever young and strong and full of sex force, which they transmute for building stronger mental powers and for attaining various spiritual powers.

46. Though the Western student is not in a position to use the milk of the Banyan-tree, I can recommend a simple preparation which may be used as a substitute and by which you may perpetuate health and long life.

47. Both occidental and oriental students will find no difficulty in preparing and using this simple compound, which is called "Ghee."

48. The method of preparing Ghee is: heat fresh butter until every trace of water evaporates from it. You will be left with an oily residue which is called Ghee, and it can be preserved in a stoppered bottle for quite some time. Mix this Ghee with honey, in the proportion of two parts of butter to one part of honey, and take a tablespoonful morning and evening each day. The use of this preparation not only confers health and life upon the user, but also helps to develop spirituality. Not only the Hindus, but we learn that some of the Jewish prophets were in the habit of using this preparation. John the Baptist who had a gigantic physique used honey as part of his food, and in the Bible, we find the following words: "Butter and honey shall he eat that he may know to refuse evil and choose the good." (Isaih Chap. 7-15).

Back | Top

LESSON THREE

1. Every form of disease bring about a disturbance in the balance between the flow of the right and the left nostril.

2. The cure lies in restoring the balance.

3. If you suffer from any disease, it should be your aim to make a careful study of your breath-flow.

4. Breathing accomplishes many vital functions of the body. It not only oxygenates the blood but also stores up pranic energy.

5. It not only co-ordinates the positive and negative electro-magnetic currents of the body but also attracts desirable and undesirable conditions into our lives by the operation of the magnetic law of attraction and repulsion.

7. All things we require for building and repairing our bodies are held in solution in the either. If this be so, every time we breathe we must draw from the air oxygen and from the ether nourishment.

8. This has been demonstrated time and again by the Indian Yogis who live for days or months without food, retaining buoyant health, rugged strength and charm of personality.

9. Our very lives depend upon breathing, is it then to much to think that life might be prolonged indefinitely, if the act of breathing could be prolonged indefinitely.

10. If disease can be prevented by a scientific control of the breath-flow, then surely old age, decay and death may be indefinitely postponed by a scientific control of the breath, coupled with proper dieting and with the practice of spiritual body-building exercises.

11. This is not a new theory, but on the contrary, it is said that in India today there are living examples of Yogis whose ages range from 200 to 500 years or more. Do you believe this!

12. First and foremost you should know that every kind of disease is the result of some disturbance in the balance of the two electro-magnetic currents - the positive and the negative - due to external causes. Therefore if we can restore the balance between these two currents and can also remove the physical or mental cause which brought about the disease, the disease will then disappear.

13. The proper balancing of the positive and the negative electro-magnetic currents, as nature intended, will produce prana to meet every demand of the body. But an excessive flow of one of these currents results in a proportionately lesser flow of the other. This does not produce enough prana, because, like electricity, prana is produced by the union of the positive current with a proportionate amount of the negative current.

14. Disease in most of us is due to a waste of prana generated in the body. Complete relaxation of the body during sleep and several times during the day will conserve the prana generated in the body.

15. Thoughts of happiness, hope, faith, courage and strength tend to conserve prana, while thoughts of sorrow, fear and worry tend to deplete the prana generated in the body.

16. A sudden shock of fear results in a cold uncanny thrill passing down the spine of a person. What is the secret of this ! It is nothing but the depletion of the whole supply of prana from the system. The cold thrill experienced along the spinal column is a certain indication of prana oozing out of the spine.

17. All sports of stomach troubles, such as indigestion, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, etc., occur when the left nostril is in flow, and often after a protracted flow of the left nostril. The cure lies in closing the left nostril and allowing the right nostril to flow till the symptoms disappear.

18. To hasten the cure you may place the palm of the right hand or the fleshy portion of the fore-arm just below the elbow on the pit of the stomach and take fifteen to twenty deep breaths through the right nostril, retaining the breath as long as you can. You will feel currents of prana coursing through the region of the stomach, before the lapse of three minutes.

19. All lung troubles such as asthma, catarrh, and consumption are due to a protracted flow of the left nostril daily, for months, or years, while the flow of the right nostril occurs only occasionally. In order to effect a cure, keep the left nostril closed during the greater part of the day. In addition take good nourishing food to build up the weakened system.

20. To cure constipation and its attendant disease piles, make it a point to drink a glass water before retiring and also early in the morning, and keep left nostril closed for about half an hour, before your usual time for easing the bowels,. Thus you will have free motion.

21. Paralysis is due to a longer flow of either of the two nostrils during each day. While diabetes is characterized by a longer flow of the right nostril daily.

22. Neurasthenia and impotency in males are attended by a predominant flow of the left nostril. By keeping the left nostril closed for a greater part of the day and by taking a nourishing diet these diseases could be cured. While neurasthenia in females is I believe attended by a predominant flow of the right nostril, as the sex principle in women is governed by the flow of the left nostril.

23. As you read through these lines which disclose to you how to conquer all disease by a natural, scientific and simple process, which had eluded the minds of the most contemplative sages of all other places, and in all ages, I hear you ask, "What remedy have the Yogi Adepts to offer regarding the cure of old age and death!" Well it is indeed a question of supreme importance to all who are spiritually awakened today, as it had been in that far distant age to the Yogi adepts of India, who studied the mystery of life from more angles than scientists know of today.

24. They pondered this question of questions and after much searching, discovered means and methods by which they could put off these twin enemies of humanity.

25. An occasional visitor to the sylvan solitudes situated in the high Himalayas where the Yogi adepts live, informs us that there are Yogis today whose ages range from two hundred years to five hundred or even more.

26. If this is true, it is positive proof that they are in possession of secrets unknown to others, by which they can prolong life far beyond the dreams of scientists.

27. But the modus operandi has remained a deep mystery to all up to the present.

28. You will now be entrusted with this dearest and brightest jewel in the diadem of Yogi power - the finest of all the gems in this mysterious necklet of cryptic wisdom.

29. But guard it as you would guard these eternal truths of life, from falling into the hands of the vulgar, sealing your lips with the seal of silence.

30. Deep in the recess of the heart of every spiritually awakened individual is an insatiable longing to prolong the span of life indefinitely, free from the ravages of declining years.

31. But even those who have enjoyed in their prime of life perfect health, vibrant with supreme life force, sorrow when they witness their once rosy cheeks, the vigor and virility of their youth, the charm and magnetism of their personality and the pulsating life force which thrilled and animated every atom of their being, forsaking them little by little as the unfriendly years pass by.

32. Science has not as yet discovered any method or methods which could permanently defeat the signs of consuming age.

33. But science teaches us that old age is due to a slackening of the functions of various vital organs and glands of the body owing to either an insufficient amount of energy being generated within the body for the perfect functioning of all the organs, or the dissipation of energy generated within the body by careless living.

34. The imperfect functioning of all the vital organs results in imperfect assimilation of the necessary elements for repairing and rebuilding the body and in imperfect elimination of waste matter from the system. These signs precede old age and death. And no medicine or nourishing food or other scientific device known, has been able to successfully banish the ravages of old age and scare the demon of death.

35. The Yogis know that as the prime of life is passed, the influence of the Moon begins to tell more and more upon the human organism as the years roll on. This influence of the moon affects the breath-flow, and the flow of the left nostril begins to predominate little by little, each day, each year. The decreased flow of the right nostril results consequently in imperfect digestion and assimilation, and signs of old age and decay begin to register upon the human organism.

36. Therefore, a proper balancing of the etheric currents energized by the solar rays and the etheric currents energized by the lunar rays, or polarized light from the sun, could retard signs of old age and decay, provided the person tries to preclude all that tends to dissipate energy, and lives a life of purity and chastity.

37. Now I shall explain the method by which the Yogis retain their youth and prolong life indefinitely. From sunrise to sunset or during the day these Yogis keep the right nostril closed, allowing the breath to flow only through the left nostril, and from sunset to sunrise or during the night they keep the left nostril closed allowing the breath to flow only through the right nostril.

38. By a careful and systematic practice of this method they arrest all decay, retain everlasting youth and defy even death. But the follower of this method is strictly enjoined to observe chastity and the conservation of the reproductive fluid, for without so doing, it would be difficult to control the breath as desired.

39. There is logic, science and philosophy in this method. The two luminaries, the Sun and the Moon, govern every incident in the life cycle of a human being. The Sun's influence is greater during the day, when it gives light and heat, while the Moon's influence is greater during the night. By causing the lunar nerve to flow during the day and the solar nerve to flow during the night, the evil effects of these luminaries are neutralized and their corroding influences checked. Thus all decay of the body is stopped and it is rejuvenated and regenerated as the years roll by.

40. Now you have the method followed by those who have succeeded in scaling this well-nigh impossible height. If you care to, you may attempt to reach it. And blessed are they who are willing to make the sacrifice, for the prize is indeed worth the cost.

Back | Top

LESSON FOUR

1. Yoga is an ancient philosophy of India.

2. A Yogi is one who makes a practice of that philosophy.

3. An adept is a Yogi who has become proficient in the practice of that philosophy.

4. A master, who may equally be female or male, is a Yogi who has apparently conquered the forces of nature and thus seems to work miracles, although simply putting into practice universal laws which she or he has come to understand.

5. This person has acquired the wisdom with which to manipulate the invisible forces of nature.

6. This person knows that the invisible controls the visible, that it is the mind that controls the human, the steam that controls the engine, the electrical reactions which control most of the industrial processes in the world today.

7. The objective is the visible, the subjective is the invisible. The objective and subjective mutually interact upon each other, but the power is in the subjective. There can be no changes in the objective without change first occurring in the subjective.

8. You can, if you will, even in the most antagonistic environment, rise above all external influences and this is one of the greatest and most important teachings of occultism.

9. Yoga is the science which develops the capacity of the human mind to respond to higher vibrations.

10. In fact, it makes one a receiving as well as a broadcasting station of radio activity with the mind as the aerial.

11. One can thus receive the unspoken thoughts of others from any distance.

12. One can also broadcast one's own thoughts and assist others spiritually or guide them when they are in difficulty.

13. All the miracles performed by the long line of saints, saviours and sages of all times and in all places, were due to the knowledge of this, the greatest of all sciences.

14. It is the science which leads the initiate by easy gradation to the height of self-realization, finally to stand face to face with the object of the search.

15. What the Western world calls Ether, the Yogi calls Prana.

16. Prana is the substance from which and by which is evolved everything that we call energy, power or force.

17. The ability to understand the laws governing this prana therefore opens the door to unlimited possibilities.

18. With breath, physical life begins, and with breath physical life ends. The breath, therefore, controls life or the internal nature.

19. The first inhalation infuses life, and the infant becomes a living entity. On the wings of the last exhalation the spark of life departs leaving behind a cold corpse of what was a little while ago, a child, a youth or an aged person.

20. These facts reveal that breathing which we regard as a commonplace things, and which is shared by all living things, is a subject of supreme importance, which deserves the most serious study of every enlightened person.

21. More than thirty centuries ago, the sages of India discovered that not only life, but health, longevity, wisdom, spiritual attainment and success depended upon certain processes which are governed by immutable cosmic laws.

22. They discovered the causes of the external effects of breath upon the physical organism. Then after a detailed study of the laws governing breath, they were able to bring about desired effects, by an intelligent control of breath.

23. By the control of breath, they retained health, virility, and youth, they attained to all wisdom and sublimated heights of spiritual grandeur, and they could prolong life indefinitely.

24. The internal nature is in direct contact with all nature, all persons and all things, and for this reason the individual who conquers the internal nature controls the whole universe: it becomes a servant.

25. These lessons will give you the various methods of gaining this control.

26. Higher forces than we know in physical nature will be subdued. The body is but the externalization of the mind. They are not different things, they are but two aspects of one thing.

27. The physical body is an electrical dynamo, and the astral body is simply the magnetic field of the individual. The Hindu sages after much investigation and experimentation found that the planetary vibrations which reach us in invisible waves of different wave-lengths, changed the polarity and valency of the astral body which controls all subconscious activities of the physical body.

28. They also found that a change in the polarity or valency of the astral body caused a radical and contemporaneous change in the breath flow. Thus it was discovered that the vibratory energy which emanates from the planets regulates the flow of the breath.

29. This in turn affects all other subconscious activities, which brings about similar changes in the thought of the individual.

30. The change in thought influences the operation of the magnetic law of attraction and repulsion, thus the person is drawn into a different environment, meeting with failure or success, sorrow or happiness, loss or gain, disease or health.

31. Thus the Yogi sages discovered that every thought changes the polarity and valency of the astral body.

32. As it is possible to regulate the thought activities, a scepter of power has been placed in the hands of those who are initiated into the mysteries of Yogi philosophy, by which they can become the architects of their own fortune and consciously control their health, conditions and experiences.

33. Let us see just how this is done. In the first place, rhythmical breathing causes all the molecules in the body to take the same direction, that induces an electrical current which changes mind into Will, because the nervous show polarity under the action of electric currents.

34. When all the motions of the body have become perfectly rhythmical, the body has become a gigantic battery of Will. This tremendous Will is exactly what the Yogi wants, because Will is concentrated thought, which impregnates the Astral Body.

35. The astral body, being composed of ethereal substance of a very high rate of vibration is in direct contact with all other ethereal substance and with every other astral body in the same rate of vibration, just as a radio receiver can be attuned to any vibrations in the ether of the same wave-length.

36. Thus the internal forces control not only the body, but all external conditions and experiences.

37. It then becomes evident that by control of the internal or mental, it becomes a simple matter to control the external or material.

38. We have previously neglected this finer internal nature. We have looked at things from the outside rather than from within. We have found it easier to accept conditions than to resist them.

39. In the development of the inner nature the perceptions get finer and finer until we begin to realize that we are in touch with a realm of consciousness which perhaps we may not have known was in existence.

40. A recognition of your inner or spiritual nature is essential before progress of any kind can be made, because such recognition is necessary for you to come into an understanding of the creative power of the creative power of thought , whereby you will be able to place the law into operation.

41. The affirmation at the end of this lesson has been prepared to assist you in bringing about any ideal in life which you may have.

42. In making use of the affirmation, sit erect, but comfortably, both feet on the floor, spine straight, and hold the thought in mind for at least ten minutes, to the exclusion of every other thought, do this night and morning, twice a day. At first you will find it difficult, but it will gradually become easier until the process becomes natural and finally almost automatic.

43. The continuous practice of this exercise will have a most wonderful influence upon your life, because every condition, physical, mental or environmental, much gradually change so as to be in harmony with the thought which you hold in mind.

44. But the affirmation will be of no value to you unless you use it, and the value will depend entirely upon the time and effort which you give to the work. If you take time to make use of this affirmation, you will find that you have plenty of time for everything else. "I did not have time", are the five most dangerous words in the English language, they mark the dividing line between success and failure for hundreds of millions of human beings. Successful people have plenty of time, they are never in a hurry, they know that there is no occasion for haste, therefore, they give their entire thought to the work which they have on hand.

45. If you concentrate upon the thoughts given, if you give them your entire attention, you will find a world of meaning in each sentence and will attract to yourself other thoughts in harmony with them, and you will soon grasp the full significance of the vital knowledge upon which you are concentrating.

46. Knowledge does not apply itself, you as an individual must make the application, and the application consists in fertilizing the thought with a living purpose.

47. The time and thought which most people waste in aimless effort would accomplish wonders if properly directed with some special object in view. In order to do this, it is necessary to center your mental force upon a specific thought and hold it there, to the exclusion of all other thoughts.

48. If you have ever looked through the focusing screen of a camera, you found that when the object was not in focus, the impression was indistinct and possibly blurred, but when the proper focus was obtained the picture was clear and distinct.

49. This illustrates the power of concentration. Unless you can concentrate upon the subject which you have in view, you will have but a hazy, indifferent, vague, indistinct and blurred outline of your ideal and the results will be in accordance with your mental picture.

AFFIRMATION
50. Spirit is one and indivisible, a part cannot be where the whole is not. "I" am therefore, the same in kind and quality as the whole, the only difference is one of degree. "I" am spirit, and am, therefore, whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy.

51. Spirit is the real elixir of life, the philosopher's stone, the fountain of external life, the transforming power which changes to golden truth all that seemed dark and mysterious in the past, and "I" am therefore enabled to express my highest desires in word and deed to and for humanity.

52. Spirit is the only creator there is, "I" am therefore constantly renewing, recreating and regenerating my body, from day to day, atom by atom, from food, water and air, and am, therefore, ever new, vigorous and youthful and can pursue my daily activities with ease and pleasure.

53. Spirit is omnipresent and is all life, strength and power, "I" am therefore constantly creating my own environment and this environment is wholesome, uplifting, agreeable, inspiring and has great opportunities for all human achievement.

54. Spirit possesses the power to think. :I: therefore create my body, my environment, my income, by what "I" think. I am therefore very careful to think Abundance, for myself and everyone else.

55. Spirit is omniscient. "I' can therefore readily determine what course to pursue in any emergency and am at all times, loyal, tactful, alert, contented and considerate.

56. Spirit is omnipotent. "I" therefore never let the sun go down without having made a special effort to help someone, somewhere, somehow.

57. I rest well, sleep well, and arise refreshed and invigorated and cheerfully assume the duties and responsibilities that await me.

58. The next lesson will tell you of the seven steps to Mastery. With the last step, you become peaceful and calm, never again to feel any pain, never again to be deluded, never again to feel miserable.

Back | Top

LESSON FIVE

1. RAJA YOGA-Literally" Royal" Yoga is the science of conquering the internal nature or realizing the Divinity within. The process is divided into seven steps:

First Step - YAMA

2. Truthfulness, compassion to life, non-killing, non-stealing, non-robbing, temperance.

3. The harmonious assimilation of all there is in the world, in such a manner that it will not exhaust the vital energy of life or the resources at one's command, but will perpetuate all that is good for the nobler ends of life in a qualitative manner.

Second Step - NIYAMA

3. Cleanliness, contentment, the surrender to an ideal. The state of cleanliness is imperative. The millions of pores of the body, the avenues through which life functions must be kept clean, the external must be kept as clean as the internal. The internal purity must find external expression.

5. There must also be mental purity. In order to meditate on any subject of an uplifting nature, it is essential to be bereft of malice, hatred, unkindliness and the like. By such mental action the inner self is purified and thought can function clearly to reach the desired end.

6. Contentment is a state of mind that permits no other thought to interfere with the one particular idea on which the devotee is meditating. It is essential that no wandering thought enter into the mind lest they disturb the equilibrium of the individual.

Third Step - ASANA

7. Posture, pose. One must take a comfortable position so that the physical may not call attention to itself, the thought must be allowed to travel unhampered on its errand. The state of pose expresses will and reason, in which the superior mind is manifested in sincerity and truthfulness.
Fourth Step - PRANAYAMA

8. Controlling the vital forces of the body through breath control.

Fifth Step - PRATHYAHARA

9. Making the mind introspective, self-examination, the effect known from past experiences, apply the knowledge gained to discern objects and their consequences whether immediate or remote.

Sixth Step - PHARANA (Concentration)

10. Recruiting thoughts and their objects for the purpose of selecting that which is essential for your work.

11. The object selected by concentration is now to be meditated upon for the purpose of embellishing the object, so that the thought may shine upon it, and through it.

12. When in the state of meditation you can take a subject and think hard upon it until you are able to learn its origin as well as its relation to all other things. You will find in this state that one thought will suggest another until you find the entire series. All of your problems can be worked out in this manner.

Seventh Step - NIRVANNA

13. A state to which only a great devotee can attain by strenuous discipline and by which planes beyond our realm are reached. In this state everything is perfect, it is a unity of all that exists. In this serene silence all differences have been subdued, all is perfect.

14. In the first step you will find that you are getting wisdom.

15. With the second step, the mind will cease to be dissatisfied.

16. With the third step, you will feel sure that you have found the truth.

17. With the fourth step you will know that the morning is breaking, and taking courage you will persevere until the goal reached.

18. With the fifth step, you will find that all pains will vanish. It will be impossible for anything physical, mental or spiritual, to give you pain.

19. With the sixth step will come freedom. With the attainment of freedom you will require nothing to make you happy, for you are happiness itself.

20. The seventh step will be the last state, and you will become peaceful and calm, never again to feel pain, never again to be deluded, never again to feel miserable.

21. The great hindrance to mastery is doubt, we are doubtful, even the best of us will doubt sometimes, but with practice within a few days, some glimpse will come, enough to give us encouragement and hope.

22. For instance, after the first few months of training, you will begin to find that you can read another's thoughts, they will come to you in picture from. Perhaps when you concentrate your mind or try to do so, you will hear something happening at a long distance. These glimpses will come, just a little at first, but enough to give you faith, and strength and hope.

23. To produce these results you must know the law and apply it. Miracles are the acts of great souls who have studied natural laws and at the opportune time, performed some act which was beyond the knowledge of the masses and for that reason is termed a "miracle".

24. You are daily experiencing the achievements of great souls in the realm of different departments of human progress. They have not added in any way to the elements which compose this cosmos, but they have utilized the elementary forms in the proper combinations and have thus secured the desired results.

25. When Socrates was condemned to drink the hemlock, and the people planned his escape he refused assistance, stating that if he evaded the law he would have to pay the penalty. He was a philosopher. He had no university education, but his followers are numbered by the million.

26. Yoga philosophy is neither strange nor mysterious.

27. Mystery-mongering is weakening. Because a philosophy is not understood it is not necessarily mysterious, the unusual power of the so-called adepts and Yogis is simply the result of an understanding of certain natural laws which all may posses.

28. The philosophy was discovered more than 4000 years ago, and has been perfectly delineated, formulated and given to the world by the ancient masters clearly and concisely.

29. A Yogi knows that the easiest way to be happy is to make others happy.

30. The Yogi knows that the easiest way to be happy is to make others happy.

31. When this power of truth is established in thought, word, and deed, the Yogi may say to a person, "Be blessed", and that person will be blessed. If a person is diseased, and the Yogi says, "Be thou made whole", it will be done.

32. By developing mental power you can penetrate anything. Take for instance drilling a well. If you have a diamond drill, it will go through rocks or anything else that may come in its path. So it is with mental power. You can penetrate to the borderland to the borderland of existence, and conceive of experiences which may seem miraculous to the uninitiated.

33. Physical ability may have its limitations, but mental ability knows no bounds. It will penetrate to the remotest spot in the world, it will contact the lnfinite, it will make the impossible possible.

34. Thought can bring us to the point where we can meet the wonder of the first cause and thus realize our unity with the Source.

35. There is something beyond our mind called the "Cosmic" mind which is greater than our mind. To illustrate: the "Cosmic" mind is the general power house, and we are dynamos through which the general power house distributes its energy.

36. In order that you may draw things to yourself by the Law of Attraction, it is necessary to recognize this "Cosmic Mind" which is within as well as without, and to attune the Self to it.

37. In the study of Yoga philosophy you will find that you can accomplish this. If you are tied with a chain, whether that chain is made of gold or something less, it is a chain just the same.

38. One that holds another down is just as much in bondage as the one held.

39. Yoga philosophy is a system of operating the cosmic law. We use the word "system" because it is a method by which we can apply our energy to get better results with less time and labor.

40. The operation of this system is called Pranayama.

41. Prana is life in action - vigorous action, motion, creative energy.

42. Pranayama is the control of this active force, or potential energy.

43. The Greek culture gave licence to a full life on earth with the enjoyment of all its allurements to the limit.

44. To the Greeks, temperance means the harmonious adjustment of conflicting tendencies, the proper mixture of symmetry, proportion, balance, harmony. These are expressed in Greek architecture, not only in itself, but in the setting of the scenery, the water, the sky.

45. With all this no attempt was made to express new spiritual struggles, or higher aspirations, but to form magnificent, enticing order and rhythm. The age of Pericles and the work of Phidias typifies the Greek conception of life.

46. We are indebted to the Greeks for the ideal of a sound mind in a sound body but the Yogi advocates the same idea, plus a spiritual nobility. The Gods and Goddesses of Greece were symmetrical as expressed in form and beauty, but this sensuality did not endure the ravages of time.

47. The Greeks as a people did not rise to a spiritual conception of life as did the Hindus. The mind of the Hindus penetrated into the superconscious state in which they enjoyed the blissful state of pure serenity.

48. The expression of the noble saints and sages of India filled their world with the thoughts of the Upanishads, the Vedic Hymns and the Epics of Ramayana and Mahabarara, which still thrill her people with their poetic beauty, mingled with the keenest philosophy.

49. We of the Western world now have the opportunity of combining the beauty and symmetry of the Greek ideal with the spiritual wisdom of the Hindu philosophy.

Back | Top

LESSON SIX

1. In order to prolong life we must have powerful lungs. In ordinary breathing we use only a portion of the lungs and unless we practise correct deep breathing a number of times a day, those parts of the lungs which are less used will in time become atrophied and disease will be the result.

2. Make it a point to practise deep breathing every day in the open for about ten minutes.

3. In deep breathing you should fill in the lower, middle and the upper parts - i.e., the whole - of the lungs to the full capacity by breathing slowly in one condition flow.

4. Each breath involves three actions, inhaling, retaining and exhaling. In certain kinds of breathing an interval is observed between each two breaths, and during such intervals no breathing takes places and the lungs are quite empty.

5. In Rhythmic Breathing it is required to observe time in performing these actions. Some Yogis are in the habit of timing these processes by the breathing of the hearts or the pulse, this is in keeping with the rhythm of the body of each person.

6. While practicing deep breathing retain the breath by closing both nostrils with your fingers. It is not advisable to cork up the breath in the throat by the contraction of the surrounding muscles, as it is injurious.

7 To stimulate the brain retain the breath by closing the nostrils, and allow it to circulate in the nasal passage and the upper part of the windpipe.

8. In Practicing you must always observe the following rules. They are very important.

9. By the observation of these rules you can prolong life and retain youth and health, free from decay. Some of these have never before been revealed.

10. Inhaling and exhaling should be done very slowly. As you go on practicing, you should try to lengthen the time taken for making each inhalation and exhalation, by inhaling and exhaling air very slowly in a long-drawn-out thin stream.

11. Inhaling very slowly helps the Pingala and lda nerves to absorb more etheric energy. This also helps to filter and warm the air it passes through the winding nasal passage, Inhaling quickly defeats all these three requirements in breathing.

12. Exhaling quickly helps to carry away much building material from the blood in the lungs. This dissipates energy and weakens the body. Inhaling and exhaling slowly will give you full control over all the breathing muscles.

13. Practice by degrees to prolong the time of retention and the interval between each two breaths. This oxygenates the blood perfectly, gives endurance to the lungs and quickens the circulation of blood.

14. Inhale fully till the abdominal regions swell up, and exhale fully till the abdominal regions shrink. This massages all the internal organs of that region, inciting them to normal action.

15. At every inhalation think that you absorb and store up a supply of prana and oxygen from the air.

16. Observe rhythm and try to balance the positive and negative etheric currents either by inhaling alternately one breath at a time from each nostril or by inhaling a number of breaths at a time from each nostril, alternately.

SPECIAL EXERCISES
17. Stand or sit with spine erect, open the mouth and place the tip of the tongue at the root of the upper row of teeth. Now close both your nostrils with the fingers, and inhale slowly through the mouth, a long breath. Slowly exhale all the breath from the lungs through the mouth, contracting the abdomen. Practice this about ten times, The practice of this exercise will the blood.

18. Stand or sit with spine erect, and point your lips just as you do when you whistle, leaving a small hole. Now close your nostrils with the fingers and inhale slowly a deep breath through the pointed mouth. Close the mouth and exhale through the nostrils. Practice this about ten times. This will cure diseases due to impure blood.

19. Practice whistling each day for about five minutes. This will strengthen the lungs and purity the blood as well.

20. If you do not find an opportunity to indulge in a hearty laugh each day, you can practice artificial laughing for two or three minutes each day. Practice this by trying to reproduce the same actions of the mouth, the lungs and the diaphragm, as when you naturally laugh.

21. Alternate Rhythmic Breathing.

22. Yogis base their rhythmic time upon a until corresponding with the beat of their heart. The heart beat varies in different people, but the heart beat unit of each person is the proper rhythmic standard for that particular individual in their rhythmic breathing. Ascertain your normal heart beat by placing your finger over your pulse and then count, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-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. Various Yogis practice rhythmic breathing by measuring the time of inhalation, retention, exhalation and interval between breaths, in various ways.

23. Below are given three exercises, each of which differs from the other. You may practice any, or all, of them.
(a) Inhale counting 8 heart beats, retain counting 32 heart beats, exhale counting 16 heart beats, no interval between breaths. As you progress, you may increase the time of inhaling, retaining and exhaling in the proportion of 1:4:2 always.

(b) Inhale counting 8 heart beats, retain counting 16 heart beats, exhale counting 8 heart beats, no interval between breaths. After some practice, the time of inhalation and exhalation may be doubled, trebled or quadrupled.

(c) In this exercise, increase the time of retention gradually from 16 to 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 or any multiple of eight which is the most important thing, even if the time of inhaling and exhaling remains 8 heart beats.

24. There are Yogis who, after years of practice of this exercise, are able to retain the breath for one or even two hours. This seems miraculous to the ordinary person.

25. Alternate Breathing. Close the left nostril and inhale a breath slowly through the right nostril. Exhale without retaining through the same (right) nostril. Now inhale through the left and exhale through same. Practice a number of times, alternating the nostril every time.

26. Breathing exercise of Thought Control. Close the left nostril and inhale a breath through the right. Retaining the breath as long as you can, try to concentrate on the act of retaining the breath without allowing any thoughts to enter your mind. Exhale through the right and inhale through the left and do likewise. The attempt to control through every time when the air is in the lungs will help you to acquire the habit of thought control easily.

27. Other methods of controlling thought are by concentrating the mind on some sound such as the ticking of a clock, or on deep silence in which you hear a "still small voice", or by concentrating the gaze on some object or on an empty void. By combining one or more of these with breathing you can acquire the art of thought control in a very short time.

28. An exercise for the Transmutation of Reproductive Energy. In order to affect a transmission of the reproductive energy to the solar plexus, or to the heart and lungs, or to the brain when the sexual instinct is uppermost, you should first close the right nostril flow if you are male, or the left nostril flow if you are the female. You may keep the required nostril closed with one of the fingers till you go through the exercise. Stand erect or sit erect with feet placed squarely on the floor and inhale a deep breath through the open nostril. Retaining the breath, expand and contract the abdominal regions several times and then exhale. Inhale again through the same nostril and do as before.

29. When you inhale three or four breaths as directed the emotions will be subjugated but now you must transmit the energy to the required region. Do this by inhaling another breath and retaining it without expanding or contracting the abdomen. Then, contract or draw in the anus, mentally ordering the energy to be transmitted to the required region. Exhale, and inhale another breath and contract the anus as before. If you have mastered the act of drawing in the anus, you will actually feel the etheric energy which animates the sex organs being drawn up.

30. Remember in the transmutation of the reproductive energy, the most essential thing is the contraction of the anus, there should be no contraction or shrinking of the abdominal regions, but an internal action of the intestines and the muscles of the anus, only.

Back | Top

LESSON SEVEN

1. PRANA is the vital force of the Universe.

2. PRANAYAMA is the method of controlling this force.

3. The Yogis secure this control by a scientific process of breathing.

4. Breath is Life. Some by inherent nature breathe property, but others must discover the way. Some by inherent nature become great artists, while others have to acquire this by work.

5. Breath is like the fly-wheel of a machine. In a large engine the fly-wheel is the first thing to move and that motion is conveyed to the finer and finer machinery, until the most delicate and finest mechanism in the machine is in motion.

6. The breath is that fly-wheel! It supplies and regulates this motive power for the entire body.

7. We never breath from nostrils at the same time. According to the Yoga method, we should use the following formula:
12 seconds inhalation (Puraka)
4 seconds retain or hold (Kumbhaka)
8 seconds exhale (Rechaka)

8. When you have practiced Yogi breathing for a few months you will wonder where you have been all these years. You will say, "I never knew I could achieve such results."

9. Respiration may be classified into four types, viz., High-Breathing, Mid-Breathing, Low-Breathing and Yoga-Breathing. High-breathing is what we know as clavicular or collarbone breathing. In this breathing only the upper part of the chest and lungs, which is the smallest part, is used, and consequently, a minimum amount of air enters the lungs. In addition to this, the diaphragm, a partition separating the thoracic from the abdominal cavity, being raised, it compresses the lowest portion of the lungs and thus no expansion of the lungs occurs downwards. In this breathing, there is a maximum amount of effort made to obtain a minimum amount of benefit.

10. Mid-breathing to which we are normally accustomed, is what we call intercostal or thoracic breathing. It is less objectionable that high breathing, but inferior to low-breathing.

11. Low-breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, is far better than the two previously mentioned forms of breathing. Western writers have now come to learn the importance of this breathing and have largely extolled its merits in their health magazines. In this breathing the movement of the diaphragm plays a very important part. The diaphragm when at rest, presents a concave surface to the abdominal cavity and is protruded in the chest like a cone. When it is brought into use, the conical appearance disappears and the diaphragm presses on the abdominal contents and forces the abdomen out. This breathing fills the lower and middle parts only.

12. Yoga breathing includes all the three modes. The process for this breathing is as follows: The upper part of the lungs is first filled with air, then, by expanding the ribs an additional volume of air is further inhaled to fill up the middle portion of the lungs. Thus, in Yoga breathing, the whole of the lungs from apex to base is filled with air at each inspiration so as to absorb the maximum amount of prana.

13. After you have learned to expand the lungs to their fullest capacity, the next step is to bring a rhythm into the respiration.

14. This rhythm bears a fixed relation to inhalation and retention of breath and again to retention of breath and exhalation, and when complete mastery over this rhythm and full expansion of the lungs is obtained, prana or energy may be willed into any particular part of the body.

15 The training of the will by Pranayama gives exercise to the mind, so that in course of time, it acquires a capacity to respond to the superconscious which is the object of Pranayama in the science and philosophy of Yoga.

16. By this process the body automatically adjusts itself to your method of thought. When you get accustomed to this process of breathing you will find your thoughts clarified, and with this clarification of your thoughts, you will be able to concentrate indefinitely.

17. Should you desire to bring to your memory past ideas, hold the head upward after thinking for a minute or so and the ideas will come to you.

18. The method by which the flow can be changed from one nostril to the other is very important, for in cases of disease or trouble, the change of flow will have quick and favorable results.

19. In the majority of people, owing to cold or catarrh, the nasal passage gets occasionally obstructed with mucus or catarrhal matter. This affects the breath-flow, and causes the health of the person to become impaired. By the practice of the following method you can keep the nasal passage unobstructed, and be free from cold, catarrh, headaches, etc.

20. Nasal douching: Take a cup full of pure cool water near your nostrils and immerse the nose, closing one of the nostrils with one of your fingers. Then inhale the water till a quantity of it comes down the nasal passage into the mouth, from where it can be thrown out. You may feel a little pain and irritation at first, but after some practice this will disappear.

21. Now repeat the same process with the other nostril. After about a week's practice each nostril may be washed three or four times in this way. You can practice this every morning when you have your morning ablutions. Then you can either take the water in the cup of your right hand and inhale it, or immerse your face in the basin of water. Practice this every day.

22. Various methods for changing the flow,
(1) Get a small piece of cloth from a clean old soft cotton rag. Make this into a ball large enough to be inserted into your nostril. With this close the flowing nostril, and the breath will begin to flow from the other. You may even use a ball of clean cotton for this purpose.
(2) Keep the flowing nostril closed for some time with one of your fingers and the breath-flow will change to the other.

(3) Inhale through the flowing nostril and then close that nostril and exhale through the other. Repeat this process for some minutes and then reverse it, and the flow will change to the other.

(4) When you are lying down in bed you can change the flow by lying on the flowing side, so that the non-flowing side may be up. While lying in this way exert considerable pressure near the armpit of the side on which you lie, and the flow will then change.

23. The way the breath flows in a person determines their physical condition, and the converse of this is also true. That is, certain conditions brought about by external agencies, such as, food, drink, medicines, environment, etc., react upon the breathing mechanism and change the breath-flow.

24. Exposing yourself to sudden changes of temperature also changes the breath-flow especially in those of lower vitality.

25. For immediate change of flow, you will find that the first method is by far the easiest, if the nasal passage is not obstructed with any catarrhal matter, but for permanent results make use of the last method.

26. If you suffer from cold, then it is not advisable to use cold water nasal douching. Before changing the flow by method one, it will be good to clear the obstructed nostril by introducing the little finger carefully as far as it goes. Then blow the nose vigorously once or twice.

27. Another method is to inhale a deep breath and close both nostrils tightly. Then concentrate the air inhaled in the upper part of the lungs, the windpipe, and in the nasal passage, by drawing in the diaphragm and by a contraction of the throat. Hold the breath as long as you can, then release it. Practice this four times. This helps to open up the obstructed nostril, especially when you suffer from cold.

28. Sometimes it happens that a fleshy growth or malformation of the nasal passage prevents the normal flow of breath. In such a case consult a good surgeon.

29. All heating foods have a tendency to increase the temperature of the body. This sometimes causes an increased flow of the right nostril. Liquor like brandy, whisky, wine, has a tendency to cause the right nostril to flow, and hence their effect upon digestion.

30. Cooling foods on the other hand are comparatively indigestible and they have a tendency to cause the left nostril to flow.

31. The heating foods include such things as: Beer, cocoa, coffee, honey, cod liver oil, every kind of liquor, condensed milk, salt or tinned fish, and meat, etc. These have the tendency to increase the internal heat of the body.

Back | Top

LESSON EIGHT

1. Silence is that relaxed and passive condition of the mind and body in which the spirit energizes, illumines and clarifies the conscious planes of the mind.

2. On order that this may take places it is important that you have a special time for quietness or silence, in which you should allow no interruptions.

3. Every muscle of your body should be relaxed, and the mind withdrawn from all external things and given wholly to a listening attitude, as though you were in the presence of a great teacher.

4. In the silence the mind's ear should be turned to the Supreme Spirit, and no other source of instruction, If your attention wanders bring it back. Spend from 10 to 20 or 30 minutes in this silence. It is not best to spend a longer period of time in the silence, unless there is some special emergency.

5. It is a good practice to have a set time or times every day for this silence. You may have other moments of silence, such as three to five minutes at your desk, in your bed-room, or while riding in the street car or train. You will find it easier to observe silence and receive wisdom with your eyes closed.

6. Do not be discouraged if wonderful things do not occur in the silence. Sometimes wonderful things occur after the silence rather than in it. Do not do the thinking yourself, but let the Supreme One think through you and for you.

7. At first when thoughts begin to come, they may not be very clear, or very correct, just listen, as the stream of thought flows on, it clarifies itself, and in a few moments you will be receiving wisdom, to help you in your life and work.

8. If you seem to receive no thought or instruction at all, do not be discouraged. You may be receiving just as rich a lesson as if you were conscious of it. It is being registered on the subconscious mind, and will be brought forth into the conscious mind as soon as needed

9. Note the similarity between this philosophy and that of Moses.

10. The ancient tabemacle erected by Moses, typifies the three planes of mind in its three courts, the outer, the inner and the inmost. The outer court was known as the profane, or world court. This is where the beasts and fowls were prepared for sacrificial offering. It represents the world or mortal mind, or as we prefer to say, the conscious mind.

11. The inner court was known as the holy place. This is where the people gathered to worship, to pray, and also to receive the word of the Supreme One. The court is the soul which stands between the inmost and outmost, as a medium to transmit the message to the people. The operator in the telephone exchange answers a similar purpose. When you take down the receiver of the telephone, you ask for the number of someone in another part of the city or state. The operator connects you, and you are able to converse through the connection the operator made for you.

12. The inmost court is known as the "holy of holies". This represents the purified inner shrine. No one could enter this court but the high priest, and he but once a year, for the purpose of making atonement for himself and the people. In the "holy of holies" there was a chest containing very sacred furnishings of the tabernacle. This chest was lined and covered with gold plate. On top of it were two cherubim, kneeling and facing each other. Between the cherubim on the cover was an upraised place somewhat like an altar, this was known as the "mercy seat". From the mercy seat there emanated a mysterious light or radiance, which was known as the "holy Shekinah". Light was evidence of Jehovah's presence. It was regarded as the real presence of Jehovah's which filled the entire "holy of holies".

13. This chest with all its furnishings was known as the "ark of the covenant", which represents the inmost word or thought of god. Your spirit is an extension of the divine into a personal human body. It is here in Spirit, that all are united as one.

14. The oneness is in all people, and we call it the super-conscious mind. The pure divine light manifests in human beings, in accordance with the purity or non-purity of the person through whom it shines. We can illustrate this better by saying that electricity radiating through a red globe produces a red light, through a blue globe, blue light and through a white globe, white light. The inner light in every instance is pure white. Our business is to clean the outer plane of consciousness so that the light may shine through us in its whiteness, instead of red or blue.

15. Attaining this state, we have become illuminated and inspired and we are no longer experimenters, speculators or guessers, on the path of life. We know - and we know that we know, without being bombastic or egotistical. The silence, therefore, is entering the "holy of holies", beyond the veil of ordinary sense, to make our own atone-ment. Thus we become knowers of the divine will, or the universal law, "which maketh rich and addeth no sorrow therewith".

16. Entering this true silence you become the possessor of advanced knowledge. This silence is where you meet the greatest teacher of all. This is the university of universities. In this silence chamber all masters have learned mastery.

17. In silence and concentration your experiences will be of a character pertinent to your evolution and unfoldment. Some will seem to see light, some will seem to hear voices, others will only catch fertile thoughts and plans, still others will have a feeling or impulse to do, or not to do the things they contemplate. Some will seem to get nothing at all, but they do receive, though not apparent.

18. The human Spirit, or the super-conscious mind, is a great storehouse of power, love, and life. The Spirit might also be likened to high tension electrical energy, it is the power behind the throne.

19. The idea and purpose of the silence is to make daily connection with the great store-house of energy. To be charged with it in the silence, according to your specific need, is much the same as charging electrical storage batteries, namely, when you are low on wisdom, energy or tact, go into silence and replenish (refill) yourself.

20. This is making your at-one-ment, so that you go back into the business world richly supplied with divine energy and equipment for work. When you are in tune with the universal, nothing can prevail against you.

21. You march victoriously forward.

22. A razor blade has penetrative power because of its extremely fine edge. It meets with less resistance in passing through and between the molecules of substance, than a blade with a blunt edge. The concentrated mind is one-pointed, sharp and penetrative and finds a way through hard problems. It thus dissolves and disintegrates the seemingly impossible, or brings the gold of experience out of them.

23. Many perplexed business people have turned the tide of failure into success by devoting an hour to silent meditation each day in their place of business before opening to the public. This accomplishes its purposes, it puts them in tune with their inner business manager, and it charges their place of business with a divine presence, which acts as a magnet to draw trade, in the same manner that honey in the blossom draws the honey bee.

24. The silence is the greatest university of all. It is here that all wise people have received their wisdom. It is here that the greatest teacher of all instructs the devotee.

25. A master mind is one which is capable of adjusting itself to every problem with which it is confronted. The person of concentration has wisdom and can master every problem.

26. The human being is an epitome of all the law, force and manifestation in nature. The telephone, camera, flying machine, typewriter, etc., have their representation in the complex nature and make up of humanity.

27. Using the simile of electricity, the human Spirit may property be likened to high tension power, the human Soul to a transforming station and conduit wires, and the conscious mind to the actual use of electrical appliances in the world.

28. The Spirit is the power behind the throne.
The next lesson will tell you how desirable conditions are brought about by the use of attraction, adhesion and cohesion, and how undesirable conditions are dissolved by scattering, diluting, vaporizing and disintegration.

Back | Top

LESSON NINE

1. To concentrate the mind means to fix all attention at a common center. To centralize and intensify attention. To make the mind one-pointed. One hundred per cent attention is concentration. One hundred per cent attention brings power and success.

2. Dynamite is concentrated and crystalized energy. Mind becomes dynamite when concentrated. Such a mind can do wonderful work and unthought of things. The dynamic mind makes a success where others fail. This is so because it evolves and invents means and methods to attract success. It has power to carry out its plans and methods.

3. Take a double convex lens and focus the rays of the sun on any combustible substance. Enough energy is centralized to fuse or diffuse the substance. Mind should be used for both fusion and diffusion.

4. The trained business mind dissolves undesirable conditions and produces desirable conditions by scientific concentration. In the dissolving concentration, you use a mental idea, or word. That word represents what you wish to happen, namely, scattering, diluting, vaporizing or disintegrating.

5. In attractive concentration, you use the words magnetism, attraction, adhesion, cohesion. In concentration these words become very powerful in accomplishing their purpose.

6. The most ideal condition for concentration is solitude. The frame of mind should be one of earnest desire, solicitude and determination. To accomplish the greatest results in concentration determine first what is your greatest desire. Then concentrate upon that. Affirm that you will accomplish it. Know that you are not working alone, the indwelling mind works with you, guides your thoughts, decisions, and actions.

7. After you have decided on your greatest desire, and made your positive affirmation, be sure to relax every muscle of your body and be quiet in contemplative thought. You may sit quietly, or recline.

8. Concentration may be used to acquire business success, mental accuracy, wisdom, knowledge, power, inspiration and soul growth. Mis-directed and un-directed mind power are responsible for many failures in life. Too many people enter upon the business of life in a haphazard way, without definite aims or purposes.

9. Success has its definite law, as much so as mathematics or electricity. Your first consideration in life should be to familiarize yourself with the laws of success, both on the internal and external planes.

10. It is this ability to concentrate that has caused people, in all times to look upon the adepts and masters as miracle workers.

11. This understanding takes time, sometimes many years, but as the intensity of action will increase the speed, so the assimilation of knowledge will increase power, and enable the initiate to control conditions and experiences, for any extraordinary display of power is but the conscious control of prana, the source of all power, all motion and all being.

12. The finer forces of nature may be dormant in you, but they are awaiting the call. The door is there, the lock is awaiting the key. The key is the knowledge we possess which will open the combination lock of the cosmic treasure house where varied treasures are stored. Through knowledge, you are to live in a mansion of your own choice where peace and happiness prevail.

13. The nerve force of the human body governs and controls the circulation of the blood. In other words, the heart does not do all the work of circulating the blood through the body. Further, we know that the quantity of nerve force can be increase or decreased in any part of the body, by the centralization of the will in any part of the body. You can increase or withdraw the blood from any part of the body through the intelligent use of Will Power.

14. Intense mental activity immediately after meals increase the quantity of blood in the brain, and decreases the quantity in the stomach and bowels, leaving the work of digestion to stagnate for want of plenty of blood. People troubled with indigestion should increase the quantity of blood in the stomach and bowels immediately after meals, by an intelligent centralization of the will power in the stomach and bowels. This will cure indigestion without fail.

15. Prosperity is the fruitful result of endeavor in any field of human activity. It means not only an abundance of external things but an abundance of intellectual things. It is applying the knowledge you have learned. If you are progressive you are prosperous. Real prosperity is within you, and it is the greatest prosperity because it is with you always.

16. Prosperity is the measure that expresses the individual in accordance with the maintenance of a principle, followed by sagacity, endurance and continuity of purpose.

17. No one, the initiates in India alone excepted, ever dreamed that such marvellous things might be accomplished by a scientific and intelligent control of breath. But this a fact which can be verified by all if they pay the price for such attainment. For what has been done, you can do, if you know how.

18. By the study of Yoga philosophy you will enrich your knowledge and achieve results in accordance with your capacity to receive. Rouse your dormant energy by the study of philosophy and this Philosophic Flame will find its own fuel and perpetuate itself into greatness which will enlighten the world.

19. Arguments cease when harmony is attained. A still higher plane exists called the super-conscious which is Samadhi. In this state everything is perfect, it is a unity of all that exists, there is no arguing or wrangling. In this serene silence all differences have been subdued, all is perfect.

20. This explains the ethical theory that we must hate, but must love, because, just as in the case of electricity or any other force, this modern theory is that the power which leaves the dynamo will complete the circuit and return to the dynamo, so with all forces in nature, they must come back to the source.

21. Therefore do not hate anyone, because that force, that hatred which comes from you, must come back to you.

22. If you love will come back to you, and it is just as certain that every bit of hatred will come back to you in full force, nothing can stop it. Every impulse and emotion will return to the source from where it originated.

23. Yoga will even change a hoarse voice into beautiful one, ugly lines in the face will disappear, and an expression of calmness, quiet and serenity will appear. A few months practice is all that is necessary. These bring about results.

24. In Yoga philosophy concentration is called Prana-Yama, it is well then to remember:

(1) AKASA -- Omnipresent, all penetrating existence, the sum total of the cosmic energy.

(2) PRANA -- The Vital Force.

(3) PRANA-YAMA -- Control of the Prana.

25. We find then, that everything is formed out of AKASA.

26. That PRANA is the vital force permeating the Universe, it is AKASA in motion.

27. PRANA-YAMA is the method of controlling this force.

28. Now Yoga philosophy utilizes this knowledge of the Prana-Yama in order to accomplish desired ends. These ends differ in accordance with individual needs. An understanding of Prana-Yama frees us from sorrow, fear and pain. It is the knowledge of power which makes possible the impossible.

29. Yoga philosophy makes clear that great, mysterious law - the Law of Correspondences, and when you understand the workings of this law of laws you will understand Yoga.

30. The Akasa is in all-pervading, primordial, homogeneous substance, every part or portion of which contains in potential all the powers that now or will ever exist. Every atom of the present heterogeneous universe, being but a conditioned aspect of the homogeneous whole from which it came, contains inherent within itself all these infinite powers which are ever seeking to express themselves.

31. But the activities of these powers are conditioned by the states of the substance in which they act, and all these conditioned activities in reality make life, will mind and all the forces of natures.

32. There is a spirit or will, a self-moving power, substance or inseparable portion of this same spirit which moves.

33. The spirit or force or will is Prana.

34. The third and likewise inseparable fact of motion by which the spirit or substance is controlled makes a trinity which is a unity, this unity is called Pranayama.

35. There are many different kinds and rates of motion or vibration, and every motion or vibration makes its corresponding substance, color, sound and number.

36. Of the different kinds of motion, this character represents the spiral, this the vertical, this the vibratory, this the undulating, and this attraction or repulsion.

37. Scientists, by the aid of microscopes, have discovered invisible lives corresponding to all of these, and even their from reveals their relation. Let them beware, they are treading on the domains of the occult, and before long they may be proclaiming as science the ancient philosophy of the Yogi

38. In this realm unity prevails. Seviours and saints are minor notes - there is no distinction between the individual or the universal mind.

39. Compassion, mercy and justice are mere words, youth, beauty and splendor shine in this realm.

40. In this great and wondrous life, morality, ethics, power and attraction are all mingled in one congress of queens and kings.

41. They have by strenuous effort gained all there is .

42. They have attained the goal.

43. Eventually the 'Yogi attains an ideal state of bliss called Nirvana. To compare this state would be impossible, for there is nothing with which to compare it. However, this state is within the reach of all in this life. It is a state of Mind.

44. BAKTA YOGI teaches a devotion to an ideal.

45. To such Yogis, the ideal takes on the form of reality and their daily life is arranged so that in thought, word or deed they are constantly evdeavoring to attain this ideal.

46. This attainment is expressed when they become one with which is sought - then the seeker and the sought are one, and the ideal is realized.

47. On the path of attainment all obstacles are but condition to test the strength of your idea. The fact is every condition that obstructs it is means to uplift, strengthen and pursue the course with added vigor, strength and conviction.

48. When Bakta Yogi is attained, life's adventures and romances merge into nobler and grander calibre and mingle with Gods and Goddesses, angles and sanctified beings of every place, who merge as one in happy reunion, where none is greater than the other . This state can only be obtained by the process of development, and in this state there are:

NO CRAVERS OF HEALTH - FOR ALL IS HEALTH
NO CRAVERS OF BEAUTY - FOR ALL IS BEAUTY
NO CRAVERS OF YOUTH - FOR ALL IS YOUTH.

Health Tips

Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Online Catalogue : Health Tips

Email this page to a friend or colleague

www.abaan.com

Buy Online - Be Smart, Elegant and Unique... Buy Abaan

Ladies fashion - clothing - apparel - designers manufacture - wholesale & retail. factory prices - catalogs - shopping e-commerce... Ladies lingerie - ladies leather jackets -ladies bags.. Jewellery fantasy & costume..Organic cosmetics-organic health shop-organic bath products..Dr Bach flowers. Organic & biodynamic foods-organic supermarket-organic&biodynamic wines-organic & biodynamic coffee & tea. Organic baby foods... Gifts - flowers-free greeting cards & e-cards. Free health tips & Alternative Therapies. Free horoscope free news - free jokes & proverbs.

Charity - children's charity - world hunger.. Web design - website design.