Lesson
7 Human Magnetism
HUMAN
Magnetism, as the term is used in these
lessons, is a very different thing from
that which the public generally terms
"Personal Magnetism". Personal Magnetism
is an attribute of the mind, and belongs
to the subject of the Dynamics of Thought.
Human Magnetism, on the contrary, is a
manifestation of Prana, and belongs to
that part of the general subject.
The term "Human Magnetism" is a poor one,
but like many other such terms, is used
for want of a better one, and to avoid the
coining of new terms which would be likely
to confuse the student. The Sanskrit
contains terms perfectly fitting each
phase of the subject, which terms have
come into use as the knowledge of the
subject grew. And such will be the case as
the knowledge of this philosophy of the
Orient becomes more generally known to the
Western people--new terms, fitting to the
subject, will spring into general usage,
and the confusion which now exists will
cease.
We prefer the term "Human Magnetism" to
that of "Animal Magnetism," as the latter
is generally confounded with some
manifestations of Mesmerism. But this
Human Magnetism is not the sole property
of Man, for the lower animals possess it
in a degree. There is this difference,
however. Man is able to consciously direct
it by his will, and through his Thought,
while the lower animals use it more or
less unconsciously, and without
intellectual aid, or under control of the
Will. Both the lower animals and man
constantly throw off this magnetism, or
pranic energy, unconsciously, but the
developed or psychically educated man has
the force under his control, and can
either repress it to a great extent, or
throw off greatly increased quantities of
it; and may also direct it to any special
place or spot. He can also use it in
connection with his thought waves, in
order to give the same a greater carrying
power and strength.
At the risk of being charged with needless
repetition, we wish to impress upon your
minds that this Pranic Energy, or Human
Magnetism, is a very different thing from
"thought-force" or any exhibition of the
power of thought, except that it may be
used in connection with thought-waves as
above stated. It is merely a blind force
of nature, just as is electricity or
similar forces, and may be used
consciously or unconsciously; wisely or
foolishly. It has no intelligent action
except as directed by the mind of its
user. ''Human Electricity would be a far
more appropriate name for it than is
"Human Magnetism"--for it resembles
Electricity far more than it does
Magnetism.
With this explanation, we will continue
the use of the term "Magnetism," asking
that you always remember just what we mean
by the term.
Human Magnetism is a form of Pranic
Energy. We have said something about Prana
in our First Lesson. Prana is the
Universal Energy, and is found in varying
forms, in all things, animate or
inanimate. All forms of Force or Energy
are but manifestations of Prana.
Electricity is a form of Prana - so is the
force of Gravitation - so is the Human
Magnetism. It is one of the Seven
Principles of Man, and is found in a
greater or lesser degree in all human
organisms.
Man extracts Prana from the air he
breathes; the food he eats; the fluid he
drinks. If he be deficient in Prana, he
becomes weak and "lacks vitality," as the
term goes. When his supply of Prana is
sufficiently large for his needs, he
becomes active, bright, energetic, and
"full of life." We have given directions
regarding the acquiring and storing up of
Prana, by means of Breath, in our little
book, "Science of Breath," and will give
directions for its best absorption from
the food and fluids, in our forthcoming
book, "Hatha Yoga."
There is a great difference in the amount
of Prana absorbed and stored up by
different persons.
Some are surcharged with Prana, and
radiate it like an electrical machine,
causing all others with whom they come in
contact to feel increased health,
strength, life and vigor. Others are so
deficient in Prana, that when they come
into company of other persons, their
depleted condition causes them to draw
upon the Pranic supply of magnetism of the
others, the result being that the other
persons so drawn upon, are apt to feel
uncomfortable and weak after the
interview. Some people are practically
vampires, and live upon the magnetism of
others, unconsciously, usually, although
some have acquired the knowledge that they
may live on others' strength in this way,
and practice their wicked arts
consciously. This conscious use of their
power is a form of black magic, and is
attended with certain psychic penalties
and punishments. But no one can be thus
drawn upon, either by the unconscious
demand of others, or by conscious design,
after they have once learned something
about this Human Magnetism, and its laws.
Human Magnetism, or Pranic Energy, is a
most potent therapeutic force, and, in one
form or another, it is found in the
majority of cases of psychic healing. It
is one of the oldest forms of natural
healing, and it may be said to be almost
instinctive in the race. A child who has
hurt itself, or who feels a pain, at once
runs to its mother who kisses the hurt
part, or places her hand on the seat of
the pain and in a few moments the child is
better. When we approach one who is
suffering, it is very natural for us to
place our hands on his brow, or to pass
our hand over him. This instinctive use of
the hand is a form of conveying magnetism
to the afflicted person, who is usually
relieved by the act. The holding of a babe
to its mother's bosom, is another
instinctive act for the same purpose. The
mother's magnetism goes out, propelled by
her loving thought, and the child is
soothed, rested, and strengthened. Human
Magnetism may be thrown off from the
system by means of a desire or thought, or
it may be more directly passed to another
by means of the hand; contact of the body;
a kiss; the breath; and similar ways. We
will speak of this matter, again, in our
Eighth Lesson, on "Occult Therapeutics."
It is impossible to give a plain, clear
explanation of just what this Human
Magnetism is, unless we go into the deeper
occult teachings, which are not fitted for
the beginner. To tell what Human Magnetism
is, we must explain what Prana is, and in
order to tell what Prana is, we must go
right to the root of the matter and
discover the true nature and origin of
"Force," something which modern physical
science has failed to do, but which the
deeper occult teachings are able to
explain, at least to those who have
reached that stage of understanding, by
slow, laborious and gradual steps.
It may be urged that we are expecting too
much when we ask students to accept as
truth, the statement that there exists
such a thing as Human Magnetism, or Pranic
Energy, at all, when we cannot explain its
real nature. Replying to this objection,
we answer that there are many things which
may be proven by their observed effects,
although the thing itself cannot be
explained in plain terms. Take
Electricity, or Magnetism, for instance-we
have their existence clearly proved to us
every day, by their effects, and yet
physical science tells us very little that
can be understood, about their real
nature. And so it is with this other
exhibition of Pranic Energy.Human
Magnetism--we must look to its effects for
proof, rather than try to solve the
mystery of the common source of all forms
of force--Prana.
But, we have had it urged that whereas we
can easily observe the effects and outward
manifestation of Electricity and
Magnetism, there are no such effects and
manifestations of Human Magnetism, or
Pranic Energy. This objection has always
amused us, when we remember that every
movement of the body, from the mighty
effort of the giant, to the quiver of an
eye-lash, is a direct effect and
manifestation of this Human Magnetism or
Pranic Energy.
Physical scientists call this thing
"Nervous Force" or similar names, but it
is the same thing that we have called
human Magnetism--a form of Pranic Energy.
When we wish to raise a finger, we put
forth an effort of the Will, if the desire
be a conscious one--or an effort of the
Instinctive Mind, if the desire be
sub-conscious--and a supply of Human
Magnetism is sent to the muscles
controlling the movement of the finger.
The muscles contract, and the finger
raises. And so it is with every movement
of the body, both on the conscious and
sub-conscious plane of effort. Every step
we take is caused by this same
process-every word we utter is produced in
this way--every tear we shed obeys the
law--even time beating of the heart
responds to the supply of Human Magnetism,
propelled, in this last case, by the
command of the Instinctive Mind.
The magnetism is sent over the nerves,
just as is a telegraph message sent over
the wires leading from the central office
to all parts of the land. The nerves are
its telegraph wires, and the current in
the body always travels over these wires.
And just as, until a very recent time, it
has been thought impossible for messages
to be sent without wires, so even to this
day, do the physical scientists deny that
this Human Magnetism (which they call
Nervous Force) can be transmitted except
over these wires of the nervous system.
And just as the scientists have recently
discovered that "wireless telegraphy" is a
possibility, and a working truth-so have
the occultists known for centuries that
this human Magnetism can be transmitted
from person to person, through the astral
atmosphere, without the need of the wires
of the nerves.
Have we helped you to form a clearer idea
of Human Magnetism?
As we have stated, Human Magnetism is
taken up by the organism of man, from the
air he breathes; the water he drinks; and
the food he eats. It is extracted in
Nature's laboratory, and stored up in his
nervous system, in a chain of
storage-batteries, of which the Solar
Plexus is the central and chief
store-house. From these storage-batteries,
the magnetism is drawn by the mind and
sent forth to be used for the thousands of
purposes for which it is intended. When we
say, "drawn by the mind," we do not mean
that it must be necessarily drawn by an
effort of the conscious mind, or will
power,- in fact, not over five per cent of
the amount used is so drawn, the remaining
ninety-five per cent, being drawn and used
by the Instinctive Mind, which controls
the functions of the body-the workings of
the internal organs-the processes of
digestion, assimilation, and
elimination-the circulation of the blood
and the various functions of the physical
body, all of which are wholly, or in part,
under the control and care of the
Instinctive Mind.
Nor must it be supposed that this
magnetism is absent from any part of the
body, at any time; or is absent until it
is sent there by a distinct effort of the
mind. The fact is that every part of the
body contains a greater or lesser amount
of magnetism--at all times--the amount
depending upon the general vitality of the
person, which vitality is determined
entirely by the total amount of Prana, or
Human Magnetism in the system.
A brief consideration of the nervous
system, with its nerve-cells, ganglia,
plexi, etc., will be advisable, at this
point, in order to gain a clearer idea of
the processes of nature in its
distribution of the supply of magnetism.
The Nervous System of man is divided into
two great systems, viz., the
Cerebro-Spinal System, and the Sympathetic
System. The Cerebro-Spinal System consists
of all that part of the Nervous System
contained within the cranial cavity, and
the spinal canal, viz., the brain and the
spinal cord, together with the nerves
which branch off from the latter. This
system presides over the functions of
animal life known as volition, sensation,
etc. The Sympathetic System includes all
that part of the Nervous System located
principally in the thoracic, abdominal,
and pelvic cavities, and which is
distributed to the internal organs. It
controls the involuntary processes, such
as growth, nutrition, etc., under the
supervision and direction of the
Instinctive Mind.
The Cerebro-Spinal System attends to all
the seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling,
feeling, etc. It sets things in motion; it
is used by the Ego to think--to manifest
consciousness and intellect. It is the
instrument by which the Ego is enabled to
communicate with outside world by means of
the physical senses. This system has been
likened to a great telephone system, with
the brain as the central office, and the
spinal column and nerves as cable and
wires respectively.The brain is a great
mass of nerve tissue, and consists of
three parts, viz., the Cerebrum, or brain
proper--which occupies the upper, front,
middle and back portion of the skull; the
Cerebellum, or "little brain" which fills
the lower and back portion of the skull;
and the Medulla Oblongata, which is the
broadened commencement of the spinal cord,
lying before and in front of the
Cerebellum.
The Cerebrum is the organ of the
intellect, and also of the unfolding
Spiritual Mind--the organ of
manifestation, remember, not the thing
itself. The Cerebellum is the organ of the
Instinctive Mind. The Medulla Oblongata is
the upper enlarged part of the spinal
cord, and from it and the Cerebrum branch
forth the cranial nerves which reach to
various parts of the head; to the organs
of special sense, and to some of the
thoracic and abdominal organs, and to the
organs of respiration.
The Spinal Cord, or spinal marrow, fills
the spinal canal in the vertebral column,
or "backbone." It is a long mass of nerve
tissue, branching off at the several
vertebrae to nerves communicating to all
parts of the body. The Spinal Cord is like
a great telephone cable, and the emerging
nerves are like the private wires
connecting therewith.
The Sympathetic System is composed of a
double chain of ganglia on each side of
the spinal column, and scattered ganglia
in the head, neck, chest, and abdomen. (A
ganglion is a mass of nervous matter,
including nerve cells.) These ganglia are
connected with each other by filaments,
and are also connected with the
Cerebro-Spinal System by motor and sensory
nerves. From these ganglia numerous fibres
branch out to the organs of the body,
blood vessels, etc. At various points, the
nerves meet together and form what are
known as plexi, or plexuses. The
Sympathetic System practically controls
the involuntary processes, such as the
circulation, respiration and digestion.
Over this wonderful system operates the
Human Magnetism or Pranic Energy (or
"Nervous Force," if you prefer the term of
the physical scientists.) By means of the
impulses from the mind, through the brain,
the magnetism is drawn from its storage
batteries, and sent to all parts of the
body, or to any particular part of the
body, over the wires of the nervous
system. Without this magnetism, the heart
cannot beat; the blood cannot circulate;
the lungs cannot breathe; the various
organs cannot function; in fact, the
entire machinery of the body comes to a
stop if the supply of magnetism be shut
oil. Nay, more, even the brain itself
cannot perform its functions as the
physical organ of the mind, unless a
supply of Prana or magnetism be present.
And yet, the physical scientists smile at
the mention of the subject of "Human
Magnetism," and dismiss it by giving it
another name, "Nervous Force," but
limiting its scope.
The Yogi teachings go further than does
Western Physical science regarding one
particular part of the nervous system. We
allude to that which physical scientists
call "the Solar Plexus," or "Abdominal
Brain," and which they consider as merely
one of a series of certain matted nets of
sympathetic nerves which, with their
ganglia are found in various parts of the
body. Yogi science teaches that this Solar
Plexus is really a most important part of
the nervous system, and that it is the
great storehouse or Prana, which supplies
the minor storage-batteries, and the
entire system. The Solar Plexus is
situated in the Epigastric region, just
back of the pit of the stomach, on either
side of the spinal column. It is composed
of white and gray brain matter, similar to
that composing the other brains of man. It
plays a much more important part in the
life of man than is generally supposed.
Men have been killed instantly by a severe
blow over this region, and prize fighters
recognize its vulnerability, and
frequently paralyze their opponents by a
blow over it. The name "Solar" is well
bestowed, as, in fact, it does radiate
energy and strength to all parts of the
body, even the upper brains depending upon
it for energy with which to work.
Just as the blood penetrates all parts of
the system, by means of the arteries, and
smaller blood vessels, terminating in
tiny, fine hair-like vessels called
capillaries, and the system is thereby
kept supplied with rich, red blood,
building up and repairing the cells of the
body, and supplying the material required
for that endless work of repair and
rebuilding which is constantly going on in
every part of the body, under the
direction of that faithful servant, the
Instinctive Mind-so does this Human
Magnetism, or Pranic Energy, penetrate
every portion of the system, by means of
this wonderful and complex machinery
called the Nervous. System, with its
complicated systems within systems of
cables, wires, relays, storage-batteries,
and the like. Without this magnetism there
could be no life, as even the machinery
and apparatus for the carrying on of the
work of the circulation of the blood
depends for motive power upon this Pranic
Energy.
The healthy human body is filled from head
to toe with this wonderful force, which
keeps its machinery moving, and which is
used not only on the physical but on the
astral plane, as we shall see later on.
But, it must be remembered that the
Instinctive Mind is back of all this
distribution, for it keeps up a continual
demand and draught upon the storage
batteries of the system for a sufficient
supply of magnetism to supply all parts of
the body, and only calls for a special
amount in response to a sudden and
immediate demand. But the Instinctive Mind
regards the supply and demand question in
this continuous draught upon the storage
batteries, and the consequent sending
forth of the magnetism to all parts of the
body. It sends forth only a certain
reasonable percentage of the amount stored
up, otherwise it would soon bankrupt the
system. If one has an abundant supply of
magnetism, the instinctive Mind is quite
liberal in disbursing that amount, for it
is no miser--it is merely prudent--and
such a person fairly radiates magnetism,
so that others coming in contact with him
feel the healthy outpouring which leaps
beyond the confines of' the nervous
system, and fills the astral atmosphere
around him. We have described the human
Aura in our Fourth Lesson, and in the same
lesson have touched upon the Aura of the
third principle, or Prana, which is
practically the Aura of Human Magnetism.
This Aura may be felt by many, and seen by
those having a certain degree of
clairvoyant vision. In fact, a good
clairvoyant may see the magnetism as it
moves alone within the nervous system of a
person. When in or very near the body, it
has a faint rosy tint, which leaves it as
it moves away from the body. At a little
distance from the body, it resembles a
vapory cloud of the color and appearance
of an electric spark, or rather of the
radiations from an X-ray tube.
Clairvoyants see spark-like particles of
it being shaken from the finger-tips of
those giving "magnetic treatments" or
mesmeric passes. It is also seen by some
persons who do not consider themselves
clairvoyants, to whom it appears like the
heated air arising from a stove, or from
the heated ground; that is, like a
colorless, vapory something, pulsating and
vibrating.
A person of strong concentration or
trained powers of thought, also throws off
a considerable amount of magnetism along
with the thought-waves emanating from his
brain. In fact, all thought-waves are more
or less charged with magnetism, but those
of poor concentration and negative
character throw off so little that we do
not generally take it into consideration
as compared to the heavily charged thought
waves of the positive or developed person.
The great point of difference between the
physical scientist and the occultist, is
in the question of the possible
transference of magnetism, or nervous
force as the physical scientist calls it.
The physical scientist insists that
although the nervous force undoubtedly
exists and does all within the body that
the occultist claims, yet it is confined
to the nervous systems, and cannot
traverse their limits. He consequently
denies the existence of much of the
phenomena incident to Human Magnetism, and
considers the occult teachings as fit only
for visionary and imaginative people. The
occultist, on the other hand, knows by
experience that this magnetism, or nervous
force, can and repeatedly does traverse
the boundaries of the nervous system, and
is projected, at times, to distances far
remote from the person in whose system it
was stored up. The proof of this occult
teaching is to be found by anyone who will
experiment for himself, providing lie will
divest his mind of prejudice and will be
willing to accept facts as they are
presented to him.
Before proceeding further, we wish to
again remind our students that this Human
Magnetism is merely a manifestation or
form of Prana, and that Prana is not made
to order by people to supply their needs.
When one increases the amount of magnetism
in his system, he does it not by making a
fresh supply of it, but by drawing to
himself an increased supply of Prana from
the great source of supply, by breathing,
eating, or drinking. The amount so
absorbed or extracted from air, food, and
fluid may be greatly increased by the
mental desire, or will power as we will
presently see. There is a certain amount
of Prana in existence--this amount cannot
he added to or diminished. It is
unchangeable. It is Force.
In our Fifth Lesson, we told you that when
a thought is sent forth with strength, it
usually carries with it a considerable
amount of Prana, or magnetism, which gives
to it additional strength, and sometimes
produces startling effects. This Prana, or
magnetism, practically vitalizes the
thought, and makes it almost a living
force. All positive thought, good or bad,
is more or less heavily charged with Prana
or magnetism. The man of strong will
sending forth a vigorous, positive thought
unconsciously (or consciously, if he
understand the subject) sends with it a
supply of Prana, or magnetism,
proportioned to the force or energy with
which the thought is propelled. A thought
sent forth when one is laboring under a
strong emotion is likewise heavily charged
with magnetism. Thoughts, so charged, are
often sent like a bullet to the mark,
instead of drifting along slowly like an
ordinary thought emanation. Sonic public
speakers have acquired this art, and send
forth their words with such force that one
can fairly feel the impact of the thought.
A strong, vigorous thinker, whose thoughts
are heavily charged with Prana, will
sometimes impart such vitality to his
thoughts that they will live for a time as
Thought Forms-that is to say, will possess
such vitality, from the Prana with which
they are charged, that they will become
almost like living forces. We may have
something to say on this subject in our
Lesson on the Astral 'World (Lesson X) .
Such Thought Forms, coming into one's
Psychic atmosphere, possess almost the
same degree of power that would be
experienced were the person present in
person talking to you. Read over pages
85-88, Fifth Lesson, now that you have
learned some little more about Prana, and
you will get a clearer idea of Thought
Forms.
Prana depends very considerably upon the
desires and expectations of the person,
both in the matter of his absorption and
its projection with a thought-wave. That
is to say, that while every person absorbs
more or less Prana every moment of his
life, and this amount may be largely
increased by following the Yogi teaching
regarding breathing, eating and drinking,
still the thought, or desire, or
expectation of the person will greatly
increase the amount of Prana absorbed.
And, in like manner, will the desire or
will of the person greatly multiply the
force with which a thought is projected,
as it largely increases the amount of
Prana with which the thought is charged.
To speak more plainly: If one will form a
mental image of the absorption of Prana,
while breathing, eating or drinking, he
will bring into operation certain occult
laws which will tend to release a greater
amount of Prana from its confining matter,
and he will be greatly strengthened in
consequence. Try the experiment of taking
a few deep breaths, holding the mental
image that you are absorbing a large
amount of Prana with each inward breath,
and you will feel an influx of new
strength. This is worth trying when you
feel tired and exhausted. Likewise, drink
slowly a cupful of water, forming the
mental image that you are extracting from
the water a great supply of Prana which is
stored up in it, and you will experience a
similar result. Likewise, in eating, if
you will masticate your food slowly,
holding the mental image that you are
extracting the strength of the Prana in
the food, you will receive a much greater
per cent of nourishment and strength from
the food than you would in the ordinary
way. These things are all helpful-we hope
that you will try them, and use them when
you need them. Do not let the simplicity
of these things cause you to undervalue
them.
The same law causes a thought projected
with the mental image that it is heavily
charged with Prana, to attain a greater
velocity and force than would an ordinary
thought, and its potency will be greatly
increased by this practice. But be careful
not to send forth evil thoughts in this
way. Read your lesson on "Thought
Dynamics" (Fifth Lesson) carefully, and
heed the warnings contained therein.
A number of interesting experiments along
the lines of Human Magnetism may he tried.
If you have a number of friends interested
in this subject you may try this
experiment: Let a party sit around in a
circle, holding hands, and all concentrate
their minds on the common purpose of
sending a Pranic current, or current of
magnetism, around the circle. There must
be a common understanding of the
direction, else some will be sending in
one direction and some in another, and the
benefit of co-operation will be lost. A
good plan is to send the current in the
direction of the movement of the hands of
a watch around its face, that is, pick out
some person to represent the figure XII,
and then start the current moving in the
direction of "right" from that person. If
the party is harmonious, and the
conditions are favorable, they will soon
feel a faint tingling like a weak current
of electricity moving through them. This
practice, if moderately indulged in, will
prove invigorating to all concerned in it,
but we would not advise that the sittings
be continued too long', as it might
produce a sufficiently strong current that
might be conducive to the production of
psychic phenomena, which should not be too
freely indulged in by those who are not
familiar with the laws of psychic
phenomena. We do not approve of
indiscriminate, and unintelligent
production of phenomena of this sort. One
should learn something of the laws, before
lie attempts to produce phenomena.
Our little book, "Science of Breath,"
gives in condensed form, a number of
methods of using Pranic force, or Human
Magnetism, and we refer the student to
that book, after he has finished this
lesson. All of our publications dove-tail
one into the other, and as each one is
read others become plainer. OF necessity,
we must condense our information, and must
trust to a careful reading of all the
lessons on the part of our students, in
order that they may obtain the best
results.
In order not to go over the same ground
twice we must refer the student to
"Science of Breath" for directions and
exercises calculated to increase the
absorption of Prana, and also for
directions regarding its distribution.
Chapter XIV, of "Science of Breath," gives
you some valuable information along these
lines. In this chapter, Paragraph 2
furnishes a fine exercise for the
increased absorption of Prana, and its
distribution to all parts of the body,
strengthening and invigorating all the
cells, organs and parts of the body. This
exercise will seem doubly valuable to you
now that we have gone a little deeper into
the subject of Prana or magnetism.
Paragraph 3, of the same chapter,
instructs you how to inhibit pain by the
direction of Prana. Paragraph 4 instructs
you in the directing of the circulation.
Paragraph 5 gives you information on Self
Healing, and Paragraph 6 gives you a short
course on Healing of Others, which if
followed carefully by you will make you a
good "magnetic healer." Paragraph 7
instructs you in Distant Healing.
The next chapter, Chapter XV ,gives you
information regarding thought projection
by means of sending distant thoughts
charged with Prana; directions for forming
a Protective Aura, which will enable you
to resist the thoughts and Prana of
others, if desired-this information is
especially valuable, and we urge upon the
student that he acquire this practice of
forming a Protective Aura, as he will find
it of use to him many times. Our Fifth
Lesson also contains directions for the
same thing, going a little more into
detail than does "Science of Breath."
Chapter XV of "Science of Breath" also
tells you bow to Re-charge yourself, and
how to Recharge others, with Prana; also
how to charge water, and quite a number of
valuable exercises and directions for the
use of Pranic force, or Human Magnetism;
much of which has, so far as we know,
never been printed before.
A casual reader of these concluding lines
might very naturally suppose that we were
trying to sell "Science of Breath" to our
students, by reason of these constant
references to it. We beg to inform such
casual reader of a fact, which all our
students realize, without being told, and
that is, that nearly every student of this
Class has read "Science of Breath,"
generally before he has purchased this
Course. Consequently, he is not a good
subject for another sale of the same book,
so we must be relieved of the suspicion'
of an inordinate desire to sell our books
by means of praising them in our lessons.
Our real reason for this repeated allusion
to "Science of Breath" is that we have
noticed that the average student, even
though he had re-read the little book
several times, does not begin to realize
the large amount of information contained
within its pages, until his attention is
called to it. Then, we know that if he
takes up the book, after our calling his
attention to it, he will be able to
understand this particular lesson much
better by reason of the reference to the
book. Likewise, he will understand the
book better by reason of his having just
read the lesson. We wish to keep hammering
away at these ideas, until our students
have firmly grasped them. These lessons
are intended as lessons, not as mere
interesting reading. They are intended to
teach something-not merely to amuse our
students.
So, if the student wishes to practice the
workings of Pranic Energy or Human
Magnetism, we cheerfully direct him to
"Science of Breath," in which he will find
enough to keep him busy for a while.
In our Lesson VIII, on "Occult
Therapeutics" we will also give him some
work to do, if he desires, with a few
exercises new to him.
As we have before said, these lessons must
be read and re-read, in connection with
one another, as one lesson will throw
light on another, and vice versa. They are
all parts of the one thins--all stones
going to build up the temple--each has its
place, and each fits into the other.
To those among our students, who have not
reached that state of perfect health which
the Yogi Philosophy teaches is desirable,
as it fits the body for use as a perfect
instrument of the Ego--to those who are
suffering from disease and ill-health--we
urge the practice of increasing the supply
of Prana, by means of the breath, the
food, and the fluids, as stated in this
lesson, and in "Science of Breath." A
careful and constant practice of this
absorption and storage of Prana will
benefit every person, particularly those
who are not in perfect health. Do not
despise the body, as it is the Temple of
the Living Spirit. Tend it well, and make
a worthy instrument of it.
