,,the ,,hindu-,,yogi ,science of ,breath ,a ,complete ,manual of ,,the ,,oriental ,,breathing ,,philosophy of ,physical1 ,mental1 ,psychic and ,spiritual ,development4 ,by ,,yogi ,,ramacharaka ,,index4 ,,chapter ,page ,i4 ,salaam #a ,,ii4 ,breath ,is ,life #c ,,iii4 ,the ,exoteric ,theory of ,breath #aa ,,iv4 ,the ,esoteric ,theory of ,breath #af ,v4 ,the ,nervous ,system #bj ,,vi4 ,nostril ,breathing vs4 ,mouth ,breathing #bc ,,vii4 ,the ,four ,methods of ,respiration #bg ,,viii4 ,how to ,acquire the ,yogi ,complete ,breath #cc ,,ix4 ,physiological ,effect of the ,complete ,breath #cf ,x4 ,a ,few ,bits of ,yogi ,lore #dj ,,xi4 ,the ,seven ,yogi ,developing ,exercises #dc ,,xii4 ,seven ,minor ,yogi ,exercises #dh ,,xiii4 ,vibration and ,yogi ,rhythmic ,breathing #ea ,,xiv4 ,phenomena of ,yogi ,psychic ,breathing #ee ,,xv4 ,more ,phenomena of ,yogi ,psychic ,breathing #fa ,,xvi4 ,yogi ,spiritual ,breathing #fi ,,chapter ,i4 ,,salaam4 ,the ,western student is apt to be somewhat confused in his ideas regarding the ,yogis and their philosophy and practice4 ,travelers to ,india have written great tales about the hordes of fakirs1 mendicants and mountebanks who infest the great roads of ,india and the streets of its cities1 and who impudently claim the title ,yogi4 ,the ,western student is scarcely to be blamed for thinking of the typical ,yogi as an emaciated1 fanatical1 dirty1 ignorant ,hindu1 who either sits in a fixed posture until his body becomes ossified1 or else holds his arm up in the air until it becomes stiff and withered and forever after remains in that position1 or perhaps clenches his fist and holds it tight until his fingernails grow through the palms of his hands4 ,that these people exist is true1 but their claim to the title ,yogi seems as absurd to the true ,yogi as does the claim to the title ,doctor on the part of the man who pares one's corns seem to the eminent surgeon1 or as does the title of ,professor1 as assumed by the street corner vendor of worm medicine1 seem to the ,president of ,harvard or ,yale4 ,there have been for ages past in ,india and other ,oriental countries men who devoted their time and attention to the development of ,man1 physically1 mentally and spiritually4 ,the experience of generations of earnest seekers has been handed down for centuries from teacher to pupil1 and gradually a definite ,yogi science was built up4 ,to these investigations and teachings was finally applied the term ,yogi1 from the ,sanscrit word ,yug1 meaning to join4 ,from the same source comes the ,english word yoke1 with a similar meaning4 ,its use in connection with these teachings is difficult to trace1 different authorities giving different explanations1 but probably the most ingenious is that which holds that it is intended as the ,hindu equivalent for the idea conveyed by the ,english phrase1 getting into harness1 or yoking up1 as the ,yogi undoubtedly gets into harness in his work of controlling the body and mind by the ,will4 ,yoga is divided into several branches1 ranging from that which teaches the control of the body1 to that which teaches the attainment of the highest spiritual development4 ,in the work we will not go into the higher phases of the subject1 except when the ,science of ,breath touches upon the same4 ,the ,science of ,breath touches ,yoga at many points1 and although chiefly concerned with the development and control of the physical1 has also its psychic side1 and even enters the field of spiritual development4 ,in ,india there are great schools of ,yoga1 comprising thousands of the leading minds of that great country4 ,the ,yoga philosophy is the rule of life for many people4 ,the pure ,yogi teachings1 however1 are given only to the few1 the masses being satisfied with the crumbs which fall from the tables of the educated classes1 the ,oriental custom in this respect being opposed to that of the ,western world4 ,but ,western ideas are beginning to have their effect even in the ,orient1 and teachings which were once given only to the few are now freely offered to any who are ready to receive them4 ,the ,east and the ,west are growing closer together1 and both are profiting by the close contact1 each influencing the other4 ,the ,hindu ,yogis have always paid great attention to the ,science of ,breath1 for reasons which will be apparent to the student who reads this book4 ,many ,western writers have touched upon this phase of the ,yogi teachings1 but we believe that it has been reserved for the writer of this work to give to the ,western student1 in concise form and simple language1 the underlying principles of the ,yogi ,science of ,breath1 together with many of the favorite ,yogi breathing exercises and methods4 ,we have given the ,western idea as well as the ,oriental1 showing how one dovetails into the other4 ,we have used the ordinary ,english terms1 almost entirely1 avoiding the ,sanscrit terms1 so confusing to the average ,western reader4 ,the first part of the book is devoted to the physical phase of the ,science of ,breath2 then the psychic and mental sides are considered1 and finally the spiritual side is touched upon4 ,we may be pardoned if we express ourselves as pleased with our success in condensing so much ,yogi lore into so few pages1 and by the use of words and terms which may be understood by anyone4 ,our only fear is that its very simplicity may cause some to pass it by as unworthy of attention1 while they pass on their way searching for something deep1 mysterious and non-understandable4 ,however1 the ,western mind is eminently practical1 and we know that it is only a question of a short time before it will recognize the practicability of this work4 ,we greet our students1 with our most profound salaam1 and bid them be seated for their first lessons in the ,yogi ,science of ,breath4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,breath ,,is ,,life4 ,life is absolutely dependent upon the act of breathing4 ,breath is ,life4 ,differ as they may upon details of theory and terminology1 the ,oriental and the ,occidental agree upon these fundamental principles4 ,to breathe is to live1 and without breath there is no life4 ,not only are the higher animals dependent upon breath for life and health1 but even the lower forms of animal life must breathe to live1 and plant life is likewise dependent upon the air for continued existence4 ,the infant draws in a long1 deep breath1 retains it for a moment to extract from it its life-giving properties1 and then exhales it in a long wail1 and lo6 its life upon earth has begun4 ,the old man gives a faint gasp1 ceases to breathe1 and life is over4 ,from the first faint breath of the infant to the last gasp of the dying man1 it is one long story of continued breathing4 ,life is but a series of breaths4 ,breathing may be considered the most important of all of the functions of the body1 for1 indeed1 all the other functions depend upon it4 ,man may exist some time without eating2 a shorter time without drinking2 but without breathing his existence may be measured by a few minutes4 ,and not only is ,man dependent upon ,breath for life1 but he is largely dependent upon correct habits of breathing for continued vitality and freedom from disease4 ,an intelligent control of our breathing power will lengthen our days upon earth by giving us increased vitality and powers of resistance1 and1 on the other hand1 unintelligent and careless breathing will tend to shorten our days1 by decreasing our vitality and laying us open to disease4 ,man in his normal state had no need of instruction in breathing4 ,like the lower animal and the child1 he breathed naturally and properly1 as nature intended him to do1 but civilization has changed him in this and other respects4 ,he has contracted improper methods and attitudes of walking1 standing and sitting1 which have robbed him of his birthright of natural and correct breathing4 ,he has paid a high price for civilization4 ,the savage1 to-day1 breathes naturally1 unless he has been contaminated by the habits of civilized man4 ,the percentage of civilized men who breathe correctly is quite small1 and the result is shown in contracted chests and stooping shoulders1 and the terrible increase in diseases of the respiratory organs1 including that dread monster1 ,consumption1 the white scourge4 ,eminent authorities have stated that one generation of correct breathers would regenerate the race1 and disease would be so rare as to be looked upon as a curiosity4 ,whether looked at from the standpoint of the ,oriental or ,occidental1 the connection between correct breathing and health is readily seen and explained4 ,the ,occidental teachings show that the physical health depends very materially upon correct breathing4 ,the ,oriental teachers not only admit that their ,occidental brothers are right1 but say that in addition to the physical benefit derived from correct habits of breathing1 ,man's mental power1 happiness1 self-control1 clear-sightedness1 morals1 and even his spiritual growth may be increased by an understanding of the ,science of ,breath4 ,whole schools of ,oriental ,philosophy have been founded upon this science1 and this knowledge when grasped by the ,western races1 and by them put to the practical use which is their strong point1 will work wonders among them4 ,the theory of the ,east1 wedded to the practice of the ,west1 will produce worthy offspring4 ,this work will take up the ,yogi ,science of ,breath1 which includes not only all that is known to the ,western physiologist and hygienist1 but the occult side of the subject as well4 ,it not only points out the way to physical health along the lines of what ,western scientists have termed deep breathing1 etc41 but also goes into the less known phases of the subject1 and shows how the ,hindu ,yogi controls his body1 increasing his mental capacity1 and develops the spiritual side of his nature by the ,science of ,breath4 ,the ,yogi practices exercises by which he attains control of his body1 and is enabled to send to any organ or part an increased flow of vital force or prana1 thereby strengthening and invigorating the part or organ4 ,he knows all that his ,western scientific brother knows about the physiological effect of correct breathing1 but he also knows that the air contains more than oxygen and hydrogen and nitrogen1 and that something more is accomplished than the mere oxygenating of the blood4 ,he knows something about prana1 of which his ,western brother is ignorant1 and he is fully aware of the nature and manner of handling that great principle of energy1 and is fully informed as to its effect upon the human body and mind4 ,he knows that by rhythmical breathing one may bring himself into harmonious vibration with nature1 and aid in the unfoldment of his latent powers4 ,he knows that by controlled breathing he may not only cure disease in himself and others1 but also practically do away with fear and worry and the baser emotions4 ,to teach these things is the object of this work4 ,we will give in a few chapters concise explanations and instructions1 which might be extended into volumes4 ,we hope to awaken the minds of the ,western world to the value of the ,yogi ,science of ,breath4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,the ,,exoteric ,,theory ,,of ,,breath4 ,in this chapter we will give you briefly the theories of the ,western scientific world regarding the functions of the respiratory organs1 and the part in the human economy played by the breath4 ,in subsequent chapters we will give the additional theories and ascertained facts of the ,oriental school of thought and research4 ,the ,oriental accepts the theories and facts of his ,western brothers 7which have been known to him for centuries7 and adds thereto much that the latter do not now accept1 but which they will in due time discover and which1 after renaming1 they will present to the world as a great truth4 ,before taking up the ,western idea1 it will perhaps be better to give a hasty general idea of the ,organs of ,respiration4 ,the ,organs of ,respiration consist of the lungs and the air passages leading to them4 ,the lungs are two in number1 and occupy the pleural chamber of the thorax1 one en each side of the median line1 being separated from each other by the heart1 the greater blood vessels and the larger air tubes4 ,each lung is free in all directions1 except at the root1 which consists chiefly of the bronchi1 arteries and veins connecting the lungs with the trachea and heart4 ,the lungs are spongy and porous1 and their tissues are very elastic4 ,they are covered with a delicately constructed but strong sac1 known as the pleural sac1 one wall of which closely adheres to the lung1 and the other to the inner wall of the chest1 and which secretes a fluid which allows the inner surfaces of the walls to glide easily upon each other in the act of breathing4 ,the ,air ,passages consist of the interior of the nose1 pharynx1 larynx1 windpipe or trachea1 and the bronchial tubes4 ,when we breathe1 we draw in the air through the nose1 in which it is warmed by contact with the mucous membrane1 which is richly supplied with blood1 and after it has passed through the pharynx and larynx it passes into the trachea or windpipe1 which subdivides into numerous tubes called the bronchial tubes 7bronchia71 which in turn subdivide into and terminate in minute subdivisions in all the small air spaces in the lungs1 of which the lungs contain millions4 ,a writer has stated that if the air cells of the lungs were spread out over an unbroken surface1 they would cover an area of fourteen thousand square feet4 ,the air is drawn into the lungs by the action of the diaphragm1 a great1 strong1 flat1 sheet-like muscle1 stretched across the chest1 separating the chest-box from the abdomen4 ,the diaphragm's action is almost as automatic as that of the heart1 although it may be transformed into a semi-voluntary muscle by an effort of the will4 ,when it expands1 it increases the size of the chest and lungs1 and the air rushes into the vacuum thus created4 ,when it relaxes the chest and lungs contract and the air is expelled from the lungs4 ,now1 before considering what happens to the air in the lungs1 let us look a little into the matter of the circulation of the blood4 ,the blood1 as you know1 is driven by the heart1 through the arteries1 into the capillaries1 thus reaching every part of the body1 which it vitalizes1 nourishes and strengthens4 ,it then returns by means of the capillaries by another route1 the veins1 to the heart1 from whence it is drawn to the lungs4 ,the blood starts on its arterial journey1 bright red and rich1 laden with life-giving qualities and properties4 ,it returns by the venous route1 poor1 blue and dull1 being laden down with the waste matter of the system4 ,it goes out like a fresh stream from the mountains2 it returns as a stream of sewer water4 ,this foul stream goes to the right auricle of the heart4 ,when this auricle becomes filled1 it contracts and forces the stream of blood through an opening in the right ventricle of the heart1 which in turn sends it on to the lungs1 where it is distributed by millions of hair-like blood vessels to the air cells of the lungs1 of which we have spoken4 ,now1 let us take up the story of the lungs at this point4 ,the foul stream of blood is now distributed among the millions of tiny air cells in the lungs4 ,a breath of air is inhaled and the oxygen of the air comes in contact with the impure blood through the thin walls of the hair-like blood vessels of the lungs1 which walls are thick enough to hold the blood1 but thin enough to admit the oxygen to penetrate them4 ,when the oxygen comes in contact with the blood1 a form of combustion takes place1 and the blood takes up oxygen and releases carbonic acid gas generated from the waste products and poisonous matter which has been gathered up by the blood from all parts of the system4 ,the blood thus purified and oxygenated is carried back to the heart1 again rich1 red and bright1 and laden with life-giving properties and qualities4 ,upon reaching the left auricle of the heart1 it is forced into the left ventricle1 from whence it is again forced out through the arteries on its mission of life to all parts of the system4 ,it is estimated that in a single day of twenty-four hours1 #ce1jjj pints of blood traverse the capillaries of the lungs1 the blood corpuscles passing in single file and being exposed to the oxygen of the air on both of their surfaces4 ,when one considers the minute details of the process alluded to1 he is lost in wonder and admiration at ,nature's infinite care and intelligence4 ,it will be seen that unless fresh air in sufficient quantities reaches the lungs1 the foul stream of venous blood cannot be purified1 and consequently not only is the body thus robbed of nourishment1 but the waste products which should have been destroyed are returned to the circulation and poison the system1 and death ensues4 ,impure air acts in the same way1 only in a lessened degree4 ,it will also be seen that if one does not breathe in a sufficient quantity of air1 the work of the blood cannot go on properly1 and the result is that the body is insufficiently nourished and disease ensues1 or a state of imperfect health is experienced4 ,the blood of one who breathes improperly is1 of course1 of a bluish1 dark color1 lacking the rich redness of pure arterial blood4 ,this often shows itself in a poor complexion4 ,proper breathing1 and a consequent good circulation1 results in a clear1 bright complexion4 ,a little reflection will show the vital importance of correct breathing4 ,if the blood is not fully purified by the regenerative process of the lungs1 it returns to the arteries in an abnormal state1 insufficiently purified and imperfectly cleansed of the impurities which it took up on its return journey4 ,these impurities if returned to the system will certainly manifest in some form of disease1 either in a form of blood disease or some disease resulting from impaired functioning of some insufficiently nourished organ or tissue4 ,the blood1 when properly exposed to the air in the lungs1 not only has its impurities consumed1 and parts with its noxious carbonic acid gas1 but it also takes up and absorbs a certain quantity of oxygen which it carries to all parts of the body1 where it is needed in order that ,nature may perform her processes properly4 ,when the oxygen comes in contact with the blood1 it unites with the hemoglobin of the blood and is carried to every cell1 tissue1 muscle and organ1 which it invigorates and strengthens1 replacing the worn out cells and tissue by new materials which ,nature converts to her use4 ,arterial blood1 properly exposed to the air1 contains about #be per cent of free oxygen4 ,not only is every part vitalized by the oxygen1 but the act of digestion depends materially upon a certain amount of oxygenation of the food1 and this can be accomplished only by the oxygen in the blood coming in contact with the food and producing a certain form of combustion4 ,it is therefore necessary that a proper supply of oxygen be taken through the lungs4 ,this accounts for the fact that weak lungs and poor digestion are so often found together4 ,to grasp the full significance of this statement1 one must remember that the entire body receives nourishment from the food assimilated1 and that imperfect assimilation always means an imperfectly nourished body4 ,even the lungs themselves depend upon the same source for nourishment1 and if through imperfect breathing the assimilation becomes imperfect1 and the lungs in turn become weakened1 they are rendered still less able to perform their work properly1 and so in turn the body becomes further weakened4 ,every particle of food and drink must be oxygenated before it can yield us the proper nourishment1 and before the waste products of the system can be reduced to the proper condition to be eliminated from the system4 ,lack of sufficient oxygen means ,imperfect nutrition1 ,imperfect elimination and imperfect health4 ,verily1 breath is life4 ,the combustion arising from the change in the waste products generates heat and equalizes the temperature of the body4 ,good breathers are not apt to take cold1 and they generally have plenty of good warm blood which enables them to resist the changes in the outer temperature4 ,in addition to the above-mentioned important processes the act of breathing gives exercise to the internal organs and muscles1 which feature is generally overlooked by the ,western writers on the subject1 but which the ,yogis fully appreciate4 ,in imperfect or shallow breathing1 only a portion of the lung cells are brought into play1 and a great portion of the lung capacity is lost1 the system suffering in proportion to the amount of under-oxygenation4 ,the lower animals1 in their native state1 breathe naturally1 and primitive man undoubtedly did the same4 ,the abnormal manner of living adopted by civilized man--the shadow that follows upon civilization--has robbed us of our natural habit of breathing1 and the race has greatly suffered thereby4 ,man's only physical salvation is to get back to ,nature4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,the ,,esoteric ,,theory ,,of ,,breath4 ,the ,science of ,breath1 like many other teachings1 has its esoteric or inner phase1 as well as its exoteric or external4 ,the physiological phase may be termed the outer or exoteric side of the subject1 and the phase which we will now consider may be termed its esoteric or inner side4 ,occultists1 in all ages and lands1 have always taught1 usually secretly to a few followers1 that there was to be found in the air a substance or principle from which all activity1 vitality and life was derived4 ,they differed in their terms and names for this force1 as well as in the details of the theory1 but the main principle is to be found in all occult teachings and philosophies1 and has for centuries formed a portion of the teachings of the ,oriental ,yogis4 ,in order to avoid misconceptions arising from the various theories regarding this great principle1 which theories are usually attached to some name given the principle1 we1 in this work1 will speak of the principle as ,prana1 this word being the ,sanskrit term meaning ,absolute ,energy4 ,many occult authorities teach that the principle which the ,hindus term ,prana is the universal principle of energy or force1 and that all energy or force is derived from that principle1 or1 rather1 is a particular form of manifestation of that principle4 ,these theories do not concern us in the consideration of the subject matter of this work1 and we will therefore confine ourselves to an understanding of prana as the principle of energy exhibited in all living things1 which distinguishes them from a lifeless thing4 ,we may consider it as the active principle of life--,vital ,force1 if you please4 ,it is found in all forms of life1 from the amoeba to man--from the most elementary form of plant life to the highest form of animal life4 ,prana is all pervading4 ,it is found in all things having life1 and as the occult philosophy teaches that life is in all things--in every atom--the apparent lifelessness of some things being only a lesser degree of manifestation1 we may understand their teachings that prana is everywhere1 in everything4 ,prana must not be confounded with the ,ego--that bit of ,divine ,spirit in every soul1 around which clusters matter and energy4 ,prana is merely a form of energy used by the ,ego in its material manifestation4 ,when the ,ego leaves the body1 the prana1 being no longer under its control1 responds only to the orders of the individual atoms1 or groups of atoms1 forming the body1 and as the body disintegrates and is resolved to its original elements1 each atom takes with it sufficient prana to enable it to form new combinations1 the unused prana returning to the great universal storehouse from which it came4 ,with the ,ego in control1 cohesion exists and the atoms are held together by the ,will of the ,ego4 ,prana is the name by which we designate a universal principle1 which principle is the essence of all motion1 force or energy1 whether manifested in gravitation1 electricity1 the revolution of the planets1 and all forms of life1 from the highest to the lowest4 ,it may be called the soul of ,force and ,energy in all their forms1 and that principle which1 operating in a certain way1 causes that form of activity which accompanies ,life4 ,this great principle is in all forms of matter1 and yet it is not matter4 ,it is in the air1 but it is not the air nor one of its chemical constituents4 ,animal and plant life breathe it in with the air1 and yet if the air contained it not they would die even though they might be filled with air4 ,it is taken up by the system along with the oxygen1 and yet is not the oxygen4 ,the ,hebrew writer of the book of ,genesis knew the difference between the atmospheric air and the mysterious and potent principle contained within it4 ,he speaks of neshemet ruach chayim1 which1 translated1 means the breath of the spirit of life4 ,in the ,hebrew neshemet means the ordinary breath of atmospheric air1 and chayim means life or lives1 while the word ruach means the spirit of life1 which occultists claim is the same principle which we speak of as ,prana4 ,prana is in the atmospheric air1 but it is also elsewhere1 and it penetrates where the air cannot reach4 ,the oxygen in the air plays an important part in sustaining animal life1 and the carbon plays a similar part with plant life1 but ,prana has its own distinct part to play in the manifestation of life1 aside from the physiological functions4 ,we are constantly inhaling the air charged with prana1 and are as constantly extracting the latter from the air and appropriating it to our uses4 ,prana is found in its freest state in the atmospheric air1 which when fresh is fairly charged with it1 and we draw it to us more easily from the air than from any other source4 ,in ordinary breathing we absorb and extract a normal supply of prana1 but by controlled and regulated breathing 7generally known as ,yogi breathing7 we are enabled to extract a greater supply1 which is stored away in the brain and nerve centers1 to be used when necessary4 ,we may store away prana1 just as the storage battery stores away electricity4 ,the many powers attributed to advanced occultists is due largely to their knowledge of this fact and their intelligent use of this stored-up energy4 ,the ,yogis know that by certain forms of breathing they establish certain relations with the supply of prana and may draw on the same for what they require4 ,not only do they strengthen all parts of their body in this way1 but the brain itself may receive increased energy from the same source1 and latent faculties be developed and psychic powers attained4 ,one who has mastered the science of storing away prana1 either consciously or unconsciously1 often radiates vitality and strength which is felt by those coming in contact with him1 and such a person may impart this strength to others1 and give them increased vitality and health4 ,what is called magnetic healing is performed in this way1 although many practitioners are not aware of the source of their power4 ,western scientists have been dimly aware of this great principle with which the air is charged1 but finding that they could find no chemical trace of it1 or make it register an any of their instruments1 they have generally treated the ,oriental theory with disdain4 ,they could not explain this principle1 and so denied it4 ,they seem1 however1 to recognize that the air in certain places possesses a greater amount of something and sick people are directed by their physicians to seek such places in hopes of regaining1 lost health4 ,the oxygen in the air is appropriated by the blood and is made use of by the circulatory system4 ,the prana in the air is appropriated by the nervous system1 and is used in its work4 ,and as the oxygenated blood is carried to all parts of the system1 building up and replenishing1 so is the prana carried to all parts of the nervous system1 adding strength and vitality4 ,if we think of prana as being the active principle of what we call vitality1 we will be able to form a much clearer idea of what an important part it plays in our lives4 ,just as is the oxygen in the blood used up by the wants of the system1 so the supply of prana taken up by the nervous system is exhausted by our thinking1 willing1 acting1 etc41 and in consequence constant replenishing is necessary4 ,every thought1 every act1 every effort of the will1 every motion of a muscle1 uses up a certain amount of what we call nerve force1 which is really a form of prana4 ,to move a muscle the brain sends out an impulse over the nerves1 and the muscle contracts1 and so much prana is expended4 ,when it is remembered that the greater portion of prana acquired by man comes to him from the air inhaled1 the importance of proper breathing is readily understood4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,the ,,nervous ,,system4 ,it will be noticed that the ,western scientific theories regarding the breath confine themselves to the effects of the absorption of oxygen1 and its use through the circulatory system1 while the ,yogi theory also takes into consideration the absorption of ,prana1 and its manifestation through the channels of the ,nervous ,system4 ,before proceeding further1 it may be as well to take a hasty glance at the ,nervous ,system4 ,the ,nervous ,system of man is divided into two great systems1 viz41 the ,cerebro-,spinal ,system and the ,sympathetic ,system4 ,the ,cerebro-,spinal ,system consists of all that part of the ,nervous ,system contained within the cranial cavity and the spinal canal1 viz41 the brain and the spinal cord1 together with the nerves which branch off from the same4 ,this system presides over the functions of animal life known as volition1 sensation1 etc4 ,the ,sympathetic ,system includes all that part of the ,nervous ,system located principally in the thoracic1 abdominal and pelvic cavities1 and which is distributed to the internal organs4 ,it has control over the involuntary processes1 such as growth1 nutrition1 etc4 ,the ,cerebro-,spinal ,system attends to all the seeing1 hearing1 tasting1 smelling1 feeling1 etc4 ,it sets things in motion2 it is used by the ,ego to think--to manifest consciousness4 ,it is the instrument with which the ,ego communicates with the outside world4 ,this system may be likened to a telephone system1 with the brain as the central office1 and the spinal column and nerves as cable and wires respectively4 ,the brain is a great mass of nerve tissue1 and consists of three parts1 viz41 the ,cerebrum or brain proper1 which occupies the upper1 front1 middle and back portion of the skull2 the ,cerebellum1 or little brain1 which fills the lower and back portion of the skull2 and the ,medulla ,oblongata1 which ,is the broadened commencement of the spinal cord1 lying before and in front of the ,cerebellum4 ,the ,cerebrum is the organ of that part of the mind which manifests itself in intellectual action4 ,the ,cerebellum regulates the movements of the voluntary muscles4 ,the ,medulla ,oblongata is the upper enlarged end of the spinal cord1 and from it and the ,cerebrum branch forth the ,cranial ,nerves which reach to various parts of the head1 to the organs of special sense1 and to some of the thoracic and abdominal organs1 and to the organs of respiration4 ,the ,spinal ,cord1 or spinal marrow1 fills the spinal canal in the vertebral column1 or backbone4 ,it is a long mass of nerve tissue1 branching off at the several vertebrae to nerves communicating with all parts of the body4 ,the ,spinal ,cord is like a large telephone cable1 and the emerging nerves are like the private wires connecting therewith4 ,the ,sympathetic ,nervous ,system consists of a double chain of ,ganglia on the side of the ,spinal column1 and scattered ganglia in the head1 neck1 chest and abdomen4 7,a ganglion is a mass of nervous matter including nerve cells47 ,these ganglia are connected with each other by filaments1 and are also connected with the ,cerebro-,spinal ,system by motor and sensory nerves4 ,from these ganglia numerous fibers branch out to the organs of the body1 blood vessels1 etc4 ,at various points1 the nerves meet together and form what are known as plexuses4 ,the ,sympathetic ,system practically controls the involuntary processes1 such as circulation1 respiration and digestion4 ,the power or force transmitted from the brain to all parts of the body by means of the nerves1 is known to ,western science as nerve force1 although the ,yogi knows it to be a manifestation of ,prana4 ,in character and rapidity it resembles the electric current4 ,it will be seen that without this nerve force the heart cannot beat2 the blood cannot circulate2 the lungs cannot breathe2 the various organs cannot function2 in fact the machinery of the body comes to a stop without it4 ,nay more1 even the brain cannot think without ,prana be present4 ,when these facts are considered1 the importance of the absorption of ,prana must be evident to all1 and the ,science of ,breath assumes an importance even greater than that accorded it by ,western science4 ,the ,yogi teachings go further than does ,western science1 in one important feature of the ,nervous ,system4 ,we allude to what ,western science terms the ,solar ,plexus1 and which it considers as merely one of a series of certain matted nets of sympathetic nerves with their ganglia found in various parts of the body4 ,yogi science teaches that this ,solar ,plexus is really a most important part of the ,nervous ,system1 and that it is a form of brain1 playing one of the principal parts in the human economy4 ,western science seems to be moving gradually towards a recognition of this fact which has been known to the ,yogis of the ,east for centuries1 and some recent ,western writers have termed the ,solar ,plexus the ,abdominal ,brain4 ,the ,solar ,plexus is situated in the ,epigastric region1 just back of the pit of the stomach on either side of the spinal column4 ,it is composed of white and gray brain matter1 similar to that composing the other brains of man4 ,it has control of the main internal organs of man1 and plays a much more important part than is generally recognized4 ,we will not go into the ,yogi theory regarding the ,solar ,plexus1 further than to say that they know it as the great central store-house of ,prana4 ,men have been known to be instantly killed by a severe blow over the ,solar ,plexus1 and prize fighters recognize its vulnerability and frequently temporarily paralyze their opponents by a blow over this region4 ,the name ,solar is well bestowed on this brain1 as it radiates strength and energy to all parts of the body1 even the upper brains depending largely upon it as a storehouse of ,prana4 ,sooner or later ,western science will fully recognize the real function of the ,solar ,plexus1 and will accord to it a far more important place then it now occupies in their text-books and teachings4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,nostril-,,breathing ,,vs4 ,,mouth-,,breathing4 ,one of the first lessons in the ,yogi ,science of ,breath1 ,is to learn how to breathe through the nostrils1 and to overcome the common practice of mouth-breathing4 ,the breathing mechanism of ,man is so constructed that he may breathe either through the mouth or nasal tubes1 but it is a matter of vital importance to him which method he follows1 as one brings health and strength and the other disease and weakness4 ,it should not be necessary to state to the student that the proper method of breathing is to take the breath through the nostrils1 but alas6 the ignorance among civilized people regarding this simple matter is astounding4 ,we find people in all walks of life habitually breathing through their mouths1 and allowing their children to follow their horrible and disgusting example4 ,many of the diseases to which civilized man is subject are undoubtedly caused by this common habit of mouth-breathing4 ,children permitted to breathe in this way grow up with impaired vitality and weakened constitutions1 and in manhood and womanhood break down and become chronic invalids4 ,the mother of the savage race does better1 being evidently guided by her intuition4 ,she seems to instinctively recognize that the nostrils are the proper channels for the conveyal of air to the lungs1 and she trains her infant to close its little lips and breathe through the nose4 ,she tips its head forward when it is asleep1 which attitude closes the lips and makes nostril-breathing imperative4 ,if our civilized mothers were to adopt the same plan1 it would work a great good for the race4 ,many contagious diseases are contracted by the disgusting habit of mouth-breathing1 and many cases of cold and catarrhal affections are also attributable to the same cause4 ,many persons who1 for the sake of appearances1 keep their mouth closed during the day1 persist in mouth-breathing at night and often contract disease in this way4 ,carefully conducted scientific experiments have shown that soldiers and sailors who sleep with their mouths open are much more liable to contract contagious diseases than those who breathe properly through the nostrils4 ,an instance is related in which small-pox became epidemic on a man-of-war in foreign parts1 and every death which resulted was that of some sailor or marine who was a mouth-breather1 not a single nostril-breather succumbing4 ,the organs of respiration have their only protective apparatus1 filter1 or dust-catcher1 in the nostrils4 ,when the breath is taken through the mouth1 there is nothing from mouth to lungs to strain the air1 or to catch the dust and other foreign matter in the air4 ,from mouth to lungs the dirt or impure substance has a clear track1 and the entire respiratory system is unprotected4 ,and1 moreover1 such incorrect breathing admits cold air to the organs1 thereby injuring them4 ,inflammation of the respiratory organs often results from the inhalation of cold air through the mouth4 ,the man who breathes through the mouth at night1 always awakens with a parched feeling in the mouth and a dryness in the throat4 ,he is violating one of nature's laws1 and is sowing the seeds of disease4 ,once more1 remember that the mouth affords no protection to the respiratory organs1 and cold air1 dust and impurities and germs readily enter by that door4 ,on the other hand1 the nostrils and nasal passages show evidence of the careful design of nature in this respect4 ,the nostrils are two narrow1 tortuous channels1 containing numerous bristly hairs which serve the purpose of a filter or sieve to strain the air of its impurities1 etc41 which are expelled when the breath is exhaled4 ,not only do the nostrils serve this important purpose1 but they also perform an important function in warming the air inhaled4 ,the long narrow winding nostrils are filled with warm mucous membrane1 which coming in contact with the inhaled air ,warms it so that it can do no damage to the delicate organs of the throat1 or to the lungs4 ,no animal1 excepting man1 sleeps with the mouth open or breathes through the mouth1 and in fact it is believed that it is only civilized man who so perverts nature's functions1 as the savage and barbarian races almost invariably breathe correctly4 ,it is probable that this unnatural habit among civilized men has been acquired through unnatural methods of living1 enervating luxuries and excessive warmth4 ,the refining1 filtering and straining apparatus of the nostrils renders the air fit to reach the delicate organs of the throat and the lungs1 and the air is not fit to so reach these organs until it has passed through nature's refining process4 ,the impurities which are stopped and retained by the sieves and mucous membrane of the nostrils1 are thrown out again by the expelled breath1 in exhalation1 and in case they have accumulated too rapidly or have managed to escape through the sieves and have penetrated forbidden regions1 nature protects us by producing a sneeze which violently ejects the intruder4 ,the air1 when it enters the lungs is as different from the outside air1 as is distilled water different from the water of the cistern4 ,the intricate purifying organization of the nostrils1 arresting and holding the impure particles in the air1 is as important as is the action of the mouth in stopping cherry-stones and fish-bones and preventing them from being carried on to the stomach4 ,man should no more breathe through his mouth than he would attempt to take food through his nose4 ,another feature of mouth-breathing is that the nasal passages1 being thus comparatively unused1 consequently fail to keep themselves clean and clear1 and become clogged up and unclean1 and are apt to contract local diseases4 ,like abandoned roads that soon become filled with weeds and rubbish1 unused nostrils become filled with impurities and foul matter4 ,one who habitually breathes through the nostrils is not likely to be troubled with clogged or stuffy nostrils1 but for the benefit of those who have been more or less addicted to the unnatural mouth-breathing1 and who wish to acquire the natural and rational method1 it may perhaps be well to add a few words regarding the way to keep their nostrils clean and free from impurities4 ,a favorite ,oriental method is to snuff a little water up the nostrils allowing it to run down the passage into the throat1 from thence it may be ejected through the mouth4 ,some ,hindu yogis immerse the face in a bowl of water1 and by a sort of suction draw in quite a quantity of water1 but this latter method requires considerable practice1 and the first mentioned method is equally efficacious1 and much more easily performed4 ,another good plan is to open the window and breathe freely1 closing one nostril with the finger or thumb1 sniffing up the air through the open nostril4 ,then repeat the process on the other nostril4 ,repeat several times1 changing nostrils4 ,this method will usually clear the nostrils of obstructions4 ,in case the trouble is caused by catarrh it is well to apply a little vaseline or camphor ice or similar preparation4 ,or sniff up a little witch-hazel extract once in a while1 and you will notice a marked improvement4 ,a little care and attention will result in the nostrils becoming clean and remaining so4 ,we have given considerable space to this subject of nostril-breathing1 not only because of its great importance in its reference to health1 but because nostril-breathing is a prerequisite to the practice of the breathing exercises to be given later in this book1 and because nostril-breathing is one of the basic principles underlying the ,yogi ,science of ,breath4 ,we urge upon the student the necessity of acquiring this method of breathing if he has it not1 and caution him against dismissing this phase of the subject as unimportant4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,four ,,methods ,,of ,,respiration4 ,in the consideration of the question of respiration1 we must begin by considering the mechanical arrangements whereby the respiratory movements are effected4 ,the mechanics of respiration manifest through 7#a7 the elastic movements of the lungs1 and 7#b7 the activities of the sides and bottom of the thoracic cavity in which the lungs are contained4 ,the thorax is that portion of the trunk between the neck and the abdomen1 the cavity of which 7known as the thoracic cavity7 is occupied mainly by the lungs and heart4 ,it is bounded by the spinal column1 the ribs with their cartilages1 the breastbone1 and below by the diaphragm4 ,it is generally spoken of as the chest4 ,it has been compared to a completely shut1 conical box1 the small end of which ,is turned upward1 the back of the box being formed by the spinal column1 the front by the breastbone and the sides by the ribs4 ,the ribs are twenty-four in number1 twelve on each side1 and emerge from each side of the spinal column4 ,the upper seven pair are known as true ribs1 being fastened to the breastbone direct1 while the lower five pairs are called 7false ribs7 or floating ribs1 because they are not so fastened1 the upper two of them being fastened by cartilage to the other ribs1 the remainder having no cartilages1 their forward ends being free4 ,the ribs are moved in respiration by two superficial muscular layers1 known as the intercostal muscles4 ,the diaphragm1 the muscular partition before alluded to1 separates the chest box from the abdominal cavity4 ,in the act of inhalation the muscles expand the lungs so that a vacuum is created and the air rushes in in accordance with the well known law of physics4 ,everything depends upon the muscles concerned in the process of respiration1 which we may as1 for convenience1 term the respiratory muscles4 ,without the aid of these muscles the lungs cannot expand1 and upon the proper use and control of these muscles the ,science of ,breath largely depends4 ,the proper control of these muscles will result in the ability to attain the maximum degree of lung expansion1 and the greatest amount of the life giving properties of the air into the system4 ,the ,yogis classify ,respiration into four general methods1 viz3 7#a7 ,high ,breathing4 7#b7 ,mid ,breathing4 7#c7 ,low ,breathing4 7#d7 ,yogi ,complete ,breathing4 ,we will give a general idea of the first three methods1 and a more extended treatment of the fourth method1 upon which the ,yogi ,science of ,breath is largely based4 7#a7 ,,high ,,breathing4 ,this form of breathing is known to the ,western world as ,clavicular ,breathing1 or ,collarbone ,breathing4 ,one breathing in this way elevates the ribs and raises the collarbone and shoulders1 at the same time drawing in the abdomen and pushing its contents up against the diaphragm1 which in turn is raised4 ,the upper part of the chest and lungs1 which is the smallest1 is used1 and consequently but a minimum amount of air enters the lungs4 ,in addition to this1 the diaphragm being raised1 there can be no expansion in that direction4 ,a study of the anatomy of the chest will convince any student that in this way a maximum amount of effort is used to obtain a minimum amount of benefit4 ,high ,breathing is probably the worst form of breathing known to man and requires the greatest expenditure of energy with the smallest amount of benefit4 ,it is an energy-wasting1 poor-returns plan4 ,it is quite common among the ,western races1 many women being addicted to ,it1 and even singers1 clergymen1 lawyers and others1 who should know better1 using it ignorantly4 ,many diseases of the vocal organs and organs of respiration may be directly traced to this barbarous method of breathing1 and the straining of delicate organs caused by this method1 often results in the harsh1 disagreeable voices heard on all sides4 ,many persons who breathe ,in this way become addicted to the disgusting practice of mouth-breathing described in a preceding chapter4 ,if the student has any doubts about what has been said regarding this form of breathing1 let him try the experiment of expelling all the air from his lungs1 then standing erect1 with hands at sides1 let him raise the shoulders and collar-bone and inhale4 ,he will find that the amount of air inhaled far below normal4 ,then let him inhale a full breath1 after dropping the shoulders and collar-bone1 and he will receive an object lesson in breathing which he will be apt to remember much longer than he would any words1 printed or spoken4 7#b7 ,,mid ,,breathing4 ,this method of respiration is known to ,western students as ,rib ,breathing1 or ,inter-,costal ,breathing1 and while less objectionable than ,high ,breathing1 is far inferior to either ,low ,breathing or to the ,yogi ,complete ,breath4 ,in ,mid ,breathing the diaphragm is pushed upward1 and the abdomen drawn in4 ,the ribs are raised somewhat1 and the chest is partially expanded4 ,it is quite common among men who have made no study of the subject4 ,as there are two better methods known1 we give it only passing notice1 and that principally to call your attention to its short-comings4 7#c7 ,,low ,,breathing4 ,this form of respiration is far better than either of the two preceding forms3 and of recent years many ,western writers have extolled its merits1 and have exploited it under the names of ,abdominal ,breathing1 ,deep ,breathing1 ,diaphragmatic ,breathing1 etc41 etc41 and much good has been accomplished by the attention of the public having been directed to the subject1 and many having been ,induced to substitute it for the interior and injurious methods above alluded to4 ,many systems of breathing have been built around ,low ,breathing1 and students have paid high prices to learn the new 787 systems4 ,but1 as we have said1 much good has resulted1 and after all the students who paid high prices to learn revamped old systems undoubtedly got their money's worth if they were ,induced to discard the old methods of ,high ,breathing and ,low ,breathing4 ,although many ,western authorities write and speak of this method as the best known form of breathing1 the ,yogis know it to be but a part of a system which they have used for centuries and which they know as ,the ,complete ,breath4 ,it must be admitted1 however1 that one must be acquainted with the principles of ,low ,breathing before he can grasp the idea of ,complete ,breathing4 ,let us again consider the diaphragm4 ,what is it8 ,we have seen that it is the great partition muscle1 which separates the chest and its contents from the abdomen and its contents4 ,when at rest it presents a concave surface to the abdomen4 ,that is1 the diaphragm as viewed from the abdomen would seem like the sky as viewed from the earth--the interior of an arched surface4 ,consequently the side of the diaphragm toward the chest organs is like a protruding rounded surface--like a hill4 ,when the diaphragm is brought into use the hill formation is lowered and the diaphragm presses upon the abdominal organs and forces out the abdomen4 ,in ,low ,breathing1 the lungs are given freer play than in the methods already mentioned1 and consequently more air is inhaled4 ,this fact has led the majority of ,western writers to speak and write of ,low ,breathing 7which they call ,abdominal ,breathing7 as the highest and best method known to science4 ,but the ,oriental ,yogi has long known of a better method1 and some few ,western writers have also recognized this fact4 ,the trouble with all methods of breathing1 other than ,yogi ,complete ,breathing is that in none of these methods do the lungs become filled with air--at the best only a portion of the lung space is filled1 even in ,low ,breathing4 ,high ,breathing fills only the upper portion of the lungs4 ,mid ,breathing fills only the middle and a portion of the upper parts4 ,low ,breathing fills only the lower and middle parts4 ,it is evident that any method that fills the entire lung space must be far preferable to those filling only certain parts ,any method which will fill the entire lung space must be the greatest value to ,man in the way of allowing him to absorb the greatest quantity of oxygen and to store away the greatest amount of prana4 ,the ,complete ,breath is known to the ,yogis to be the best method of respiration known to science4 ,,the ,,yogi ,,complete ,,breath4 ,yogi ,complete ,breathing includes all the good points of ,high ,breathing1 ,mid ,breathing and ,low ,breathing1 with the objectionable features of each eliminated4 ,it brings into play the entire respiratory apparatus1 every part of the lungs1 every air-cell1 every respiratory muscle4 ,the entire respiratory organism responds to this method of breathing1 and the maximum amount of benefit is derived from the minimum expenditure of energy4 ,the chest cavity is increased to its normal limits in all directions and every part of the machinery performs its natural work and functions4 ,one of the most important features of this method of breathing is the fact that the respiratory muscles are fully called into play1 whereas in the other forms of breathing only a portion of these muscles are so used4 ,in ,complete ,breathing1 among other muscles1 those controlling the ribs are actively used1 which increases the space in which the lungs may expand1 and also gives the proper support to the organs when needed1 ,nature availing herself of the perfection of the principle of leverage in this process4 ,certain muscles hold the lower ribs firmly in position1 while other muscles bend them outward4 ,then again1 in this method1 the diaphragm is under perfect control and is able to perform its functions properly1 and in such manner as to yield the maximum degree of service4 ,in the rib-action1 above alluded to1 the lower ribs are controlled by the diaphragm which draws them slightly downward1 while other muscles hold them in place and the intercostal muscles force them outward1 which combined action increases the mid-chest cavity to its maximum4 ,in addition to this muscular action1 the upper ribs are also lifted and forced outward by the intercostal muscles1 which increases the capacity of the upper chest to its fullest extent4 ,if you have studied the special features of the four given methods of breathing1 you will at once see that the ,complete ,breath comprises all the advantageous features of the three other methods1 plus the reciprocal advantages accruing from the combined action of the high-chest1 mid-chest1 and diaphragmatic regions1 and the normal rhythm thus obtained4 ,in our next chapter1 we will take up the ,complete ,breath in practice1 and will give full directions for the acquirement of this superior method of breathing1 with exercises1 etc4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,how ,,to ,,acquire ,,the ,,yogi ,,complete ,,breath4 ,the ,yogi ,complete ,breath is the fundamental breath of the entire ,yogi ,science of ,breath1 and the student must fully acquaint himself with it1 and master it perfectly before he can hope to obtain results from the other forms of breath-mentioned and given in this book4 ,he should not be content with half-learning it1 but should go to work in earnest until it becomes his natural method of breathing4 ,this will require work1 time and patience1 but without these things nothing is ever accomplished4 ,there is no royal road to the ,science of ,breath1 and the student must be prepared to practice and study in earnest if he expect to receive results4 ,the results obtained by a complete mastery of the ,science of ,breath are great1 and no one who has attained them would willingly go back to the old methods1 and he will tell his friends that he considers himself amply repaid for all his work4 ,we say these things now1 that you may fully understand the necessity and importance of mastering this fundamental method of ,yogi ,breathing1 instead of passing it by and trying some of the attractive looking variations given later on in this book4 ,again1 we say to you3 ,start right1 and right results will follow2 but neglect your foundations and your entire building will topple over sooner or later4 ,perhaps the better way to teach you how to develop the ,yogi ,complete ,breath1 would be to give you simple directions regarding the breath itself1 and then follow up the same with general remarks concerning it1 and then later on giving exercises for developing the chest1 muscles and lungs which have been allowed to remain in an undeveloped condition by imperfect methods of breathing4 ,right here we wish to say that this ,complete ,breath is not a forced or abnormal thing1 but on the contrary is a going back to first principles--a return to ,nature4 ,the healthy adult savage and the healthy infant of civilization both breathe in this manner1 but civilized man has adopted unnatural methods of living1 clothing1 etc41 and has lost his birthright4 ,and we wish to remind the reader that the ,complete ,breath does not necessarily call for the complete filling of the lungs at every inhalation4 ,one may inhale the average amount of air1 using the ,complete ,breathing ,method and distributing the air inhaled1 be the quantity large or small1 to all parts of the lungs4 ,but one should inhale a series of full ,complete ,breaths several times a day1 whenever opportunity offers1 in order to keep the system in good order and condition4 ,the following simple exercise will give you a clear idea of what the ,complete ,breath is3 7#a7 ,stand or sit erect4 ,breathing through the nostrils1 inhale steadily1 first filling the lower part of the lungs1 which is accomplished by bringing into play the diaphragm1 which descending exerts a gentle pressure on the abdominal organs1 pushing forward the front walls of the abdomen4 ,then fill the middle part of the lungs1 pushing out the lower ribs1 breast-bone and chest4 ,then fill the higher portion of the lungs1 protruding the upper chest1 thus lifting the chest1 including the upper six or seven pairs of ribs4 ,in the final movement1 the lower part of the abdomen will be slightly drawn in1 which movement gives the lungs a support and also helps to fill the highest part of the lungs4 ,at first reading it may appear that this breath consists of three distinct movements4 ,this1 however1 is not the correct idea4 ,the inhalation is continuous1 the entire chest cavity from the lowered diaphragm to the highest point of the chest in the region of the collar-bone1 being expanded with a uniform movement4 ,avoid a jerky series of inhalations1 and strive to attain a steady continuous action4 ,practice will soon overcome the tendency to divide the inhalation into three movements1 and will result in a uniform continuous breath4 ,you will be able to complete the inhalation in a couple of seconds after a little practice4 7#b7 ,retain the breath a few seconds4 7#c7 ,exhale quite slowly1 holding the chest in a firm position1 and having the abdomen in a little and lifting it upward slowly as the air leaves the lungs4 ,when the air is entirely exhaled1 relax the chest and abdomen4 ,a little practice will render this part of the exercise easy1 and the movement once acquired will be afterwards performed almost automatically4 ,it will be seen that by this method of breathing all parts of the respiratory apparatus is brought into action1 and all parts of the lungs1 including the most remote air cells1 are exercised4 ,the chest cavity is expanded in all directions4 ,you will also notice that the ,complete ,breath is really a combination of ,low1 ,mid and ,high ,breaths1 succeeding each other rapidly in the order given1 in such a manner as to form one uniform1 continuous1 complete breath4 ,you will find it quite a help to you if you will practice this breath before a large mirror1 placing the hands lightly over the abdomen so that you may feel the movements4 ,at the end of the inhalation1 it is well to occasionally slightly elevate the shoulders1 thus raising the collarbone and allowing the air to pass freely into the small upper lobe of the right lung1 which place is sometimes the breeding place of tuberculosis4 ,at the beginning of practice1 you may have more or less trouble in acquiring the ,complete ,breath1 but a little practice will make perfect1 and when you have once acquired it you will never willingly return to the old methods4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,physiological ,,effect ,,of ,,the ,,complete ,,breath4 ,scarcely too much can be said of the advantages attending the practice of the ,complete ,breath4 ,and yet the student who has carefully read the foregoing pages should scarcely need to have pointed out to him such advantages4 ,the practice of the ,complete ,breath will make any man or woman immune to ,consumption and other pulmonary troubles1 and will do away with all liability to contract colds1 as well as bronchial and similar weaknesses4 ,consumption is due principally to lowered vitality attributable to an insufficient amount of air being inhaled4 ,the impairment of vitality renders the system open to attacks from disease germs4 ,imperfect breathing allows a considerable part of the lungs to remain inactive1 and such portions offer an inviting field for bacilli1 which invading the weakened tissue soon produce havoc4 ,good healthy lung tissue will resist the germs1 and the only way to have good healthy lung tissue is to use the lungs properly4 ,consumptives are nearly all narrow-chested4 ,what does this mean8 ,simply that these people were addicted to improper habits of breathing1 and consequently their chests failed to develop and expand4 ,the man who practices the ,complete ,breath will have a full broad chest1 end the narrow-chested man may develop his chest to normal proportions if he will but adopt this mode of breathing4 ,such people must develop their chest cavities if they value their lives4 ,colds may often be prevented by practicing a little vigorous ,complete ,breathing whenever you feel that you are being unduly exposed4 ,when chilled1 breathe vigorously a few minutes1 and you will feel a glow all over your body4 ,most colds can be cured by ,complete ,breathing and partial fasting for a day4 ,the quality of the blood depends largely upon its proper oxygenation in the lungs1 and if it is under-oxygenated it becomes poor in quality and laden with all sorts of impurities1 and the system suffers from lack of nourishment1 and often becomes actually poisoned by the waste products remaining uneliminated in the blood4 ,as the entire body1 every organ and every part1 is dependent upon the blood for nourishment1 impure blood must have a serious effect upon the entire system4 ,the remedy is plain--practice the ,yogi ,complete ,breath4 ,the stomach and other organs of nutrition suffer much from improper breathing4 ,not only are they ill nourished by reason of the lack of oxygen1 but as the food must absorb oxygen from the blood and become oxygenated before it can be digested and assimilated1 it is readily seen how digestion and assimilation is impaired by incorrect breathing4 ,and when assimilation is not normal1 the system receives less and less nourishment1 the appetite fails1 bodily vigor decreases1 and energy diminishes1 and the man withers and declines4 ,all from the lack of proper breathing4 ,even the nervous system suffers from improper breathing1 inasmuch as the brain1 the spinal cord1 the nerve centers1 and the nerves themselves1 when improperly nourished by means of the blood1 become poor and inefficient instruments for generating1 storing and transmitting the nerve currents4 ,and improperly nourished they will become if sufficient oxygen is not absorbed through the lungs4 ,there is another aspect of the case whereby the nerve currents themselves1 or rather the force from which the nerve currents spring1 becomes lessened from want of proper breathing1 but this belongs to another phase of the subject which is treated of in other chapters of this book1 and our purpose here is to direct your attention to the fact that the mechanism of the nervous system is rendered inefficient as an instrument for conveying nerve force1 as the indirect result of a lack of proper breathing4 ,the effect of the reproductive organs upon the general health is too well known to be discussed at length here1 but we may be permitted to say that with the reproductive organs in a weakened condition the entire system feels the reflex action and suffers sympathetically4 ,the ,complete ,breath produces a rhythm which is ,nature's own plan for keeping this important part of the system in normal condition1 and1 from the first1 it will be noticed that the reproductive functions are strengthened and vitalized1 thus1 by sympathetic reflex action1 giving tone to the whole system4 ,by this1 we do not mean that the lower sex impulses will be aroused2 far from it4 ,the ,yogis are advocates of continence and chastity1 and have learned to control the animal passions4 ,but sexual control does not mean sexual weakness1 and the ,yogi teachings are that the man or woman whose reproductive organism is normal and healthy1 will have a stronger will with which to control himself or herself4 ,the ,yogi believes that much of the perversion of this wonderful part of the system comes from a lack of normal health1 and results from a morbid rather than a normal condition of these organs4 ,a little careful consideration of this question will prove that the ,yogi teachings are right4 ,this is not the place to discuss the subject fully1 but the ,yogis know that sex-energy may be conserved and used for the development of the body and mind of the individual1 instead of being dissipated in unnatural excesses as is the wont of so many uninformed people4 ,by special request we will give in this book one of the favorite ,yogi exercises for this purpose4 ,but whether or not the student wishes to adopt the ,yogi theories of continence and clean-living1 he or she will find that the ,complete ,breath will do more to restore health to this part of the system than anything else ever tried4 ,remember1 now1 we mean normal health1 not undue development4 ,the sensualist will find that normal means a lessening of desire rather than an increase2 the weakened man or woman will find a toning up and a relief from the weakness which has heretofore depressed him or her4 ,we do not wish to be misunderstood or misquoted on this subject4 ,the ,yogis' ideal is a body strong in all its parts1 under the control of a masterful and developed ,will1 animated by high ideals4 ,in the practice of the ,complete ,breath1 during inhalation1 the diaphragm contracts and exerts a gentle pressure upon the liver1 stomach and other organs1 which in connection with the rhythm of the lungs acts as a gentle massage of these organs and stimulates their actions1 and encourages normal functioning4 ,each inhalation aids in this internal exercise1 and assists in causing a normal circulation to the organs of nutrition and elimination4 ,in ,high or ,mid ,breathing the organs lose the benefit accruing from this internal massage4 ,the ,western world is paying much attention to ,physical ,culture just now1 which is a good thing4 ,but in their enthusiasm they must not forget that the exercise of the external muscles is not everything4 ,the internal organs also need exercise1 and ,nature's plan for this exercise is proper breathing4 ,the diaphragm is ,nature's principal instrument for this internal exercise4 ,its motion vibrates the important organs of nutrition and elimination1 and massages and kneads them at each inhalation and exhalation1 forcing blood into them1 and then squeezing it out1 and imparting a general tone to the organs4 ,any organ or part of the body which is not exercised gradually atrophies and refuses to function properly1 and lack of the internal exercise afforded by the diaphragmatic action leads to diseased organs4 ,the ,complete ,breath gives the proper motion to the diaphragm1 as well as exercising the middle and upper chest4 ,it is indeed complete in its action4 ,from the standpoint of ,western physiology alone1 without reference to the ,oriental philosophies and science1 this ,yogi system of ,complete ,breathing is of vital importance to every man1 woman and child who wishes to acquire health and keep it4 ,its very simplicity keeps thousands from seriously considering it1 while they spend fortunes in seeking health through complicated and expensive systems4 ,health knocks at their door and they answer not4 ,verily the stone which the builders reject is the real cornerstone of the ,temple of ,health4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,a ,,few ,,bits ,,of ,,yogi ,,lore4 ,we give below three forms of breath1 quite popular among the ,yogis4 ,the first is the well-known ,yogi ,cleansing ,breath1 to which is attributed much of the great lung endurance found among the ,yogis4 ,they usually finish up a breathing exercise with this ,cleansing ,breath1 and we have followed this plan in this book4 ,we also give the ,yogi ,nerve ,vitalizing ,exercise1 which has been handed down among them for ages1 and which has never been improved on by ,western teachers of ,physical ,culture1 although some of them have borrowed it from teachers of ,yoga4 ,we also give the ,yogi ,vocal ,breath1 which accounts largely for the melodious1 vibrant voices of the better class of the ,oriental ,yogis4 ,we feel that if this book contained nothing more than these three exercises1 it would be invaluable to the ,western student4 ,take these exercises as a gift from your ,eastern brothers and put them into practice4 ,,the ,,yogi ,,cleansing ,,breath4 ,the ,yogis have a favorite form of breathing which they practice when they feel the necessity of ventilating and cleansing the lungs4 ,they conclude many of their other breathing exercises with this breath1 and we have followed this practice in this book4 ,this ,cleansing ,breath ventilates and cleanses the lungs1 stimulates the cells and gives a general tone to the respiratory organs1 and is conducive to their general healthy condition4 ,besides this effect1 it is found to greatly refresh the entire system4 ,speakers1 singers1 etc41 will find this breath especially restful1 after having tired the respiratory organs4 7#a7 ,inhale a complete breath4 7#b7 ,retain the air a few seconds4 7#c7 ,pucker up the lips as if for a whistle 7but do not swell out the cheeks71 then exhale a little air through the opening1 with considerable vigor4 ,then stop for a moment1 retaining the air1 and then exhale a little more air4 ,repeat until the air is completely exhaled4 ,remember that considerable vigor is to be used in exhaling the air through the opening in the lips4 ,this breath will be found quite refreshing when one is tired and generally used up4 ,a trial will convince the student of its merits4 ,this exercise should be practiced until it can be performed naturally and easily1 as it is used to finish up a number of other exercises given in this book1 and it should be thoroughly understood4 ,,the ,,yogi ,,nerve ,,vitalizing ,,breath4 ,this is an exercise well known to the ,yogis1 who consider it one of the strongest nerve stimulants and invigorants known to man4 ,its purpose is to stimulate the ,nervous ,system1 develop nerve force1 energy and vitality4 ,this exercise brings a stimulating pressure to bear on important nerve centers1 which in turn stimulate and energize the entire nervous system1 and send an increased flow of nerve force to all parts of the body4 7#a7 ,stand erect4 7#b7 ,inhale a ,complete ,breath1 and retain same4 7#c7 ,extend the arms straight in front of you1 letting them be somewhat limp and relaxed1 with only sufficient nerve force to hold them out4 7#d7 ,slowly draw the hands back toward the shoulders1 gradually contracting the muscles and putting force into them1 so that when they reach the shoulders the fists will be so tightly clenched that a tremulous motion is felt4 7#e7 ,then1 keeping the muscles tense1 push the fists slowly out1 and then draw them back rapidly 7still tense7 several times4 7#f7 ,exhale vigorously through the mouth4 7#g7 ,practice the ,cleansing ,breath4 ,the efficiency of this exercise depends greatly upon the speed of the drawing back of the fists1 and the tension of the muscles1 and1 of course1 upon the full lungs4 ,this exercise must be tried to be appreciated4 ,it is without equal as a bracer1 as our ,western friends put it4 ,,the ,,yogi ,,vocal ,,breath4 ,the ,yogis have a form of breathing to develop the voice4 ,they are noted for their wonderful voices1 which are strong1 smooth and clear1 and have a wonderful trumpet-like carrying power4 ,they have practiced this particular form of breathing exercise which has resulted in rendering their voices soft1 beautiful and flexible1 imparting to it that indescribable1 peculiar floating quality1 combined with great power4 ,the exercise given below will in time impart the above-mentioned qualities1 or the ,yogi ,voice1 to the student who practices it faithfully4 ,it is to be understood1 of course1 that this form of breath is to be used only as an occasional exercise1 and not as a regular form of breathing4 7#a7 ,inhale a ,complete ,breath very slowly1 but steadily1 through the nostrils1 taking as much time as possible in the inhalation4 7#b7 ,retain for a few seconds4 7#c7 ,expel the air vigorously in one great breath1 through the wide opened mouth4 7#d7 ,rest the lungs by the ,cleansing ,breath4 ,without going deeply into the ,yogi theories of sound-production in speaking and singing1 we wish to say that experience has taught them that the timbre1 quality and power of a voice depends not alone upon the vocal organs in the throat1 but that the facial muscles1 etc41 have much to do with the matter4 ,some men with large chests produce but a poor tone1 while others with comparatively small chests produce tones of amazing strength and quality4 ,here is an interesting experiment worth trying3 ,stand before a glass and pucker up your mouth and whistle1 and note the shape of your mouth and the general expression of your face4 ,then sing or speak as you do naturally1 and see the difference4 ,then start to whistle again for a few seconds1 and then1 without changing the position of your lips or face1 sing a few notes and notice what a vibrant1 resonant1 clear and beautiful tone is produced4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,the ,,seven ,,yogi ,,developing ,,exercises4 ,the following are the seven favorite exercises of the ,yogis for developing the lungs1 muscles1 ligaments1 air cells1 etc4 ,they are quite simple but marvelously effective4 ,do not let the simplicity of these exercises make you lose interest1 for they are the result of careful experiments and practice on the part of the ,yogis1 and are the essence of numerous intricate and complicated exercises1 the non-essential portions being eliminated and the essential features retained4 7#a7 ,,the ,,retained ,,breath4 ,this is a very important exercise which tends to strengthen and develop the respiratory muscles as well as the lungs1 and its frequent practice will also tend to expand the chest4 ,the ,yogis have found that an occasional holding of the breath1 after the lungs have been filled with the ,complete ,breath1 is very beneficial1 not only to the respiratory organs but to the organs of nutrition1 the nervous system and the blood itself4 ,they have found that an occasional holding of the breath tends to purify the air which has remained in the lungs from former inhalations1 and to more fully oxygenate the blood4 ,they also know that the breath so retained gathers up all the waste matter1 and when the breath is expelled it carries with it the effete matter of the system1 and cleanses the lungs just as a purgative does the bowels4 ,the ,yogis recommend this exercise for various disorders of the stomach1 liver and blood1 and also find that it frequently relieves bad breath1 which often arises from poorly ventilated lungs4 ,we recommend students to pay considerable attention to this exercise1 as it has great merits4 ,the following directions will give you a clear idea of the exercise3 7#a7 ,stand erect4 7#b7 ,inhale a ,complete ,breath4 7#c7 ,retain the air as long as you can comfortably4 7#d7 ,exhale vigorously through the open mouth4 7#e7 ,practice the ,cleansing ,breath4 ,at first you will be able to retain the breath only a short time1 but a little practice will also show a great improvement4 ,time yourself with a watch if you wish to note your progress4 7#b7 ,,lung ,,cell ,,stimulation4 ,this exercise is designed to stimulate the air cells in the lungs1 but beginners must not overdo it1 and in no case should it be indulged in too vigorously4 ,some may find a slight dizziness resulting from the first few trials1 in which case let them walk around a little and discontinue the exercise for a while4 7#a7 ,stand erect1 with hands at sides4 7#b7 ,breathe in very slowly and gradually4 7#c7 ,while inhaling1 gently tap the chest with the finger tips1 constantly changing position4 7#d7 ,when the lungs are filled1 retain the breath and pat the chest with the palms of the hands4 7#e7 ,practice the ,cleansing ,breath4 ,this exercise is very bracing and stimulating to the whole body1 and is a well-known ,yogi practice4 ,many of the air cells of the lungs become inactive by reason of incomplete breathing1 and often become almost atrophied4 ,one who has practiced imperfect breathing for years will find it not so easy to stimulate all these ill-used air cells into activity all at once by the ,complete ,breath1 but this exercise will do much toward bringing about the desired result1 and is worth study and practice4 7#c7 ,,rib ,,stretching4 ,we have explained that the ribs are fastened by cartilages1 which admit of considerable expansion4 ,in proper breathing1 the ribs play an important part1 and it is well to occasionally give them a little special exercise in order to preserve their elasticity4 ,standing or sitting in unnatural positions1 to which many of the ,western people are addicted1 is apt to render the ribs more or less stiff and inelastic1 and this exercise will do much to overcome same4 7#a7 ,stand erect4 7#b7 ,place the hands one on each side of the body1 as high up under the armpits as convenient1 the thumbs reaching toward the back1 the palms on the side of the chest and the fingers to the front over the breast4 7#c7 ,inhale a ,complete ,breath4 7#d7 ,retain the air for a short time4 7#e7 ,then gently squeeze the sides1 at the same time slowly exhaling4 7#f7 ,practice the cleansing breath4 ,use moderation in this exercise and do not overdo its 7#d7 ,,chest ,,expansion4 ,the chest is quite apt to be contracted from bending over one's work1 etc4 ,this exercise is very good for the purpose of restoring natural conditions and gaining chest expansion4 7#a7 ,stand erect4 7#b7 ,inhale a ,complete ,breath4 7#c7 ,retain the air4 7#d7 ,extend both arms forward and bring the two clenched fists together on a level with the shoulder4 7#e7 ,then swing back the fists vigorously until the arms stand out straight sideways from the shoulders4 7#f7 ,then bring back to ,position #d1 and swing to ,position #e4 ,repeat several times4 7#g7 ,exhale vigorously through the opened mouth4 7#h7 ,practice the ,cleansing ,breath4 ,use moderation and do not overdo this exercise4 7#e7 ,,walking ,,exercise4 7#a7 ,walk with head up1 chin drawn slightly in1 shoulders back1 and with measured tread4 7#b7 ,inhale a ,complete ,breath1 counting 7mentally7 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g1 #h1 one count to each step1 making the inhalation extend over the eight counts4 7#c7 ,exhale slowly through the nostrils1 counting as before--#a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g1 #h--one count to a step4 7#d7 ,rest between breaths1 continuing walking and counting1 ,i1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #h1 #g1 #h1 one count to a step4 7#e7 ,repeat until you begin to feel tired4 ,then rest for a while1 and resume at pleasure4 ,repeat several times a day4 ,some ,yogis vary this exercise by retaining the breath during a #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 count1 and then exhale in an eight-step count4 ,practice whichever plan seems most agreeable to you4 7#f7 ,,morning ,,exercise4 7#a7 ,stand erect in a military attitude1 head up1 eyes front1 shoulders back1 knees stiff1 hands at sides4 7#b7 ,raise body slowly on toes1 inhaling a ,complete ,breath1 steadily and slowly4 7#c7 ,retain the breath for a few seconds1 maintaining the same position4 7#d7 ,slowly sink to first position1 at the same time slowly exhaling the air through the nostrils4 7#e7 ,practice ,cleansing ,breath4 7#f7 ,repeat several times1 varying by using right leg alone1 then left leg alone4 7#g7 ,,stimulating ,,circulation4 7#a7 ,stand erect4 7#b7 ,inhale a ,complete ,breath and retain4 7#c7 ,bend forward slightly and grasp a stick or cane steadily and firmly1 and gradually exerting your entire strength upon the grasp4 7#d7 ,relax the grasp1 return to first position1 and slowly exhale4 7#e7 ,repeat several times4 7#f7 ,finish with the ,cleansing ,breath4 ,this exercise may be performed without the use of a stick or cane1 by grasping an imaginary cane1 using the will to exert the pressure4 ,the exercise is a favorite ,yogi plan of stimulating the circulation by driving the arterial blood to the extremities1 and drawing back the venous blood to the heart and lungs that it may take up the oxygen which has been inhaled with the air4 ,in cases of poor circulation there is not enough blood in the lungs to absorb the increased amount of oxygen inhaled1 and the system does not get the full benefit of the improved breathing4 ,in such cases1 particularly1 ,it ,is well to practice this exercise1 occasionally with the regular ,complete ,breathing exercise4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,seven ,,minor ,,yogi ,,exercises4 ,this chapter is composed of seven minor ,yogi ,breathing ,exercises1 bearing no special names1 but each distinct and separate from the others and having a different purpose in view4 ,each student will find several of these exercises best adapted to the special requirements of his particular case4 ,although we have styled these exercises minor exercises1 they are quite valuable and useful1 or they would not appear in this book4 ,they give one a condensed course in ,physical ,culture and ,lung ,development1 and might readily be padded out and elaborated into a small book on these subjects4 ,they have1 of course1 an additional value1 as ,yogi ,breathing forms a part of each exercise4 ,do not pass them by because they are marked minor4 ,some one or more of these exercises may be just what you need4 ,try them and decide for yourself4 ,,exercise ,i4 7#a7 ,stand erect with hands at sides4 7#b7 ,inhale ,complete ,breath4 7#c7 ,raise the arms slowly1 keeping them rigid until the hands touch over head4 7#d7 ,retain the breath a few minutes with hands over head4 7#e7 ,lower hands slowly to sides1 exhaling slowly at same time4 7#f7 ,practice ,cleansing ,breath4 ,,exercise ,,ii4 7#a7 ,stand erect1 with arms straight ,in front of you4 7#b7 ,inhale ,complete ,breath and retain4 7#c7 ,swing arms back as far as they will go2 then back to first position2 then repeat several times1 returning the breath all the while4 7#d7 ,exhale vigorously through mouth4 7#e7 ,practice ,cleansing ,breath4 ,,exercise ,,iii4 7#a7 ,stand erect with arms straight ,in front of you1 7#b7 ,inhale ,complete ,breath4 7#c7 ,swing arms around in a circle1 backward1 a few times4 ,then reverse a few times1 retaining the breath all the while4 ,you may vary this by rotating them alternately like the sails of a windmill4 7#d7 ,exhale the breath vigorously through the mouth4 7#e7 ,practice ,cleansing ,breath4 ,,exercise ,,iv4 7#a7 ,lie on the floor with your face downward and palms of hands flat upon the floor by your sides4 7#b7 ,inhale ,complete ,breath and retain4 7#c7 ,stiffen the body and raise yourself up by the strength of your arms until you rest on your hands and toes 7#d7 ,then lower yourself to original position4 ,repeat several times4 7#e7 ,exhale vigorously through your mouth4 7#f7 ,practice ,cleansing ,breath4 ,,exercise ,v4 7#a7 ,stand erect with your palms against the wall4 7#b7 ,inhale ,complete ,breath and retain4 7#c7 ,lower the chest to the wall1 resting your weight on your hands4 7#d7 ,then raise yourself back with the arm muscles alone1 keeping the body stiff4 7#e7 ,exhale vigorously through the mouth4 7#f7 ,practice ,cleansing ,breath4 ,,exercise ,,vi4 7#a7 ,stand erect with arms akimbo1 that is1 with hands resting around the waist and elbows standing out4 7#b7 ,inhale ,complete ,breath and retain4 7#c7 ,keep legs and hips stiff and bend well forward1 as ,if bowing1 at the same time exhaling slowly4 7#d7 ,return to first position and take another ,complete ,breath4 7#e7 ,then bend backward1 exhaling slowly4 7#f7 ,return to first position and take a ,complete ,breath4 7#g7 ,then bend sideways1 exhaling slowly4 7,vary by bending to right and then to left47 7#h7 ,practice ,cleansing ,breath4 ,,exercise ,,vii4 7#a7 ,stand erect1 or sit erect1 with straight spinal column4 7#b7 ,inhale a ,complete ,breath1 but instead of inhaling in a continuous steady stream1 take a series of short1 quick sniffs1 as if you were smelling aromatic salts or ammonia and did not wish to get too strong a whiff4 ,do not exhale any of these little breaths1 but add one to the other until the entire lung space ,is filled4 7#c7 ,retain for a few seconds4 7#d7 ,exhale through the nostrils in a long1 restful1 sighing breath4 7#e7 ,practice ,cleansing ,breath4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,vibration ,,and ,,yogi ,,rhythmic ,,breathing ,all is in vibration4 ,from the tiniest atom to the greatest sun1 everything is in a state of vibration4 ,there is nothing in absolute rest in nature4 ,a single atom deprived of vibration would wreck the universe4 ,in incessant vibration the universal work is performed4 ,matter is being constantly played upon by energy and countless forms and numberless varieties result1 and yet even the forms and varieties are not permanent4 ,they begin to change the moment they are created1 and from them are born innumerable forms1 which in turn change and give rise to newer forms1 and so on and on1 in infinite succession4 ,nothing is permanent in the world of forms1 and yet the great ,reality is unchangeable4 ,forms are but appearances--they come1 they go1 but the ,reality is eternal and unchangeable4 ,the atoms of the human body are in constant vibration4 ,unceasing changes are occurring4 ,in a few months there is almost a complete change in the matter composing the body1 and scarcely a single atom now composing your body will be found in ,it a few months hence4 ,vibration1 constant vibration4 ,change1 constant change4 ,in all vibration is to be found a certain rhythm4 ,rhythm pervades the universe4 ,the swing of the planets around the sun2 the rise and fall of the sea2 the beating of the heart2 the ebb and flow of the tide2 all follow rhythmics laws4 ,the rays of the sun reach us2 the rain descends upon us1 in obedience to the same law4 ,all growth is but an exhibition of this law4 ,all motion is a manifestation of the law of rhythm4 ,our bodies are as much subject to rhythmic laws as is the planet in its revolution around the sun4 ,much of the esoteric side of the ,yogi ,science of ,breath is based upon this known principle of nature4 ,by falling in with the rhythm of the body1 the ,yogi manages to absorb a great amount of ,prana1 which he disposes of to bring about results desired by him4 ,we will speak of this at greater length later on4 ,the body which you occupy is like a small inlet running in to the land from the sea4 ,although apparently subject only to its own laws1 it is really subject to the ebb and flow of the tides of the ocean4 ,the great sea of life is swelling and receding1 rising and falling1 and we are responding to its vibrations and rhythm4 ,in a normal condition we receive the vibration and rhythm of the great ocean of life1 and respond to it1 but at times the mouth of the inlet seems choked up with debris1 and we fail to receive the impulse from ,mother ,ocean1 and inharmony manifests within us4 ,you have heard how a note on a violin1 if sounded repeatedly and in rhythm1 will start into motion vibrations which will in time destroy a bridge4 ,the same result is true when a regiment of soldiers crosses a bridge1 the order being always given to break step on such an occasion1 lest the vibration bring down both bridge and regiment4 ,these manifestations of the effect of rhythmic motion will give you an idea of the effect on the body of rhythmic breathing4 ,the whole system catches the vibration and becomes in harmony with the will1 which causes the rhythmic motion of the lungs1 and while in such complete harmony will respond readily to orders from the will4 ,with the body thus attuned1 the ,yogi finds no difficulty in increasing the circulation in any part of the body by an order from the will1 and in the same way he can direct an increased current of nerve force to any part or organ1 strengthening and stimulating it4 ,in the same way the ,yogi by rhythmic breathing catches the swing1 as it were1 and is able to absorb and control a greatly increased amount of prana1 which is then at the disposal of his will4 ,he can and does use it as a vehicle for sending forth thoughts to others and for attracting to him all those whose thoughts are keyed in the same vibration4 ,the phenomena of telepathy1 thought transference1 mental healing1 mesmerism1 etc41 which subjects are creating such an interest in the ,western world at the present time1 but which have been known to the ,yogis for centuries1 can be greatly increased and augmented ,if the person sending forth the thoughts will do so after rhythmic breathing4 ,rhythmic breathing will increase the value of mental healing1 magnetic healing1 etc41 several hundred per cent4 ,in rhythmic breathing the main thing to be acquired is the mental idea of rhythm4 ,to those who know anything of music1 the idea of measured counting is familiar4 ,to others1 the rhythmic step of the soldier3 ,left1 right2 left1 right2 left1 right2 one1 two1 three1 four2 one1 two1 three1 four1 will convey the idea4 ,the ,yogi bases his rhythmic time upon a unit corresponding with the beat of his heart4 ,the heart beat varies in different persons1 but the heart beat unit of each person is the proper rhythmic standard for that particular individual in his rhythmic breathing4 ,ascertain your normal heart beat by placing your fingers over your pulse1 and then count3 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f2 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 etc41 until the rhythm becomes firmly fixed in your mind4 ,a little practice will fix the rhythm1 so that you will be able to easily reproduce it4 ,the beginner usually inhales in about six pulse units1 but he will be able to greatly increase this by practice4 ,the ,yogi rule for rhythmic breathing is that the units of inhalation and exhalation should be the same1 while the units for retention and between breaths should be one-half the number of those of inhalation and exhalation4 ,the following exercise in ,rhythmic ,breathing should be thoroughly mastered1 as it forms the basis of numerous other exercises1 to which reference will be made later4 7#a7 ,sit erect1 in an easy posture1 being sure to hold the chest1 neck and head as nearly in a straight line as possible1 with shoulders slightly thrown back and hands resting easily on the lap4 ,in this position the weight of the body is largely supported by the ribs and the position may be easily maintained4 ,the ,yogi has found that one cannot get the best effect of rhythmic breathing with the chest drawn in and the abdomen protruding4 7#b7 ,inhale slowly a ,complete ,breath1 counting six pulse units4 7#c7 ,retain1 counting three pulse units4 7#d7 ,exhale slowly through the nostrils1 counting six pulse units4 7#e7 ,count three pulse beats between breaths4 7#f7 ,repeat a number of times1 but avoid fatiguing yourself at the start4 7#g7 ,when you are ready to close the exercise1 practice the cleansing breath1 which will rest you and cleanse the lungs4 ,after a little practice you will be able to increase the duration of the inhalations and exhalations1 until about fifteen pulse units are consumed4 ,in this increase1 remember that the units for retention and between breaths is one-half the units for inhalation and exhalation4 ,do not overdo yourself in your effort to increase the duration of the breath1 but pay as much attention as possible to acquiring the rhythm1 as that is more important than the length of the breath4 ,practice and try until you get the measured swing of the movement1 and until you can almost feel the rhythm of the vibratory motion throughout your whole body4 ,it will require a little practice and perseverance1 but your pleasure at your improvement will make the task an easy one4 ,the ,yogi is a most patient and persevering man1 and his great attainments are due largely to the possession of these qualities4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,phenomena ,,of ,,yogi ,,psychic ,,breathing4 ,with the exception of the instructions in the ,yogi ,rhythmic ,breathing1 the majority of the exercises heretofore given in this book relate to the physical plane of effort1 which1 while highly important in itself1 is also regarded by the ,yogis as in the nature of affording a substantial basis for efforts on the psychic and spiritual plane4 ,do not1 however1 discard or think lightly of the physical phase of the subject1 for remember that it needs a sound body to support a sound mind1 and also that the body is the temple of the ,ego1 the lamp in which burns the light of the ,spirit4 ,everything is good in its place1 and everything has its place4 ,the developed man is the all-around man1 who recognizes body1 mind and spirit and renders to each its due4 ,neglect of either is a mistake which must be rectified sooner or later2 a debt which must be repaid with interest4 ,we will now take up the ,psychic phase of the ,yogi ,science of ,breath in the shape of a series of exercises1 each exercise carrying with it its explanation4 ,you will notice that in each exercise rhythmic breathing is accompanied with the instructions to carry the thought of certain desired results4 ,this mental attitude gives the ,will a cleared track upon which to exercise its force4 ,we cannot1 in this work1 go into the subject of the power of the ,will1 and must assume that you have some knowledge of the subject4 ,if you have no acquaintance with the subject1 you will find that the actual practice of the exercises themselves will give you a much clearer knowledge than any amount of theoretical teaching1 for as the old ,hindu proverb says1 ,he who tastes a grain of mustard seed knows more of its flavor than he who sees an elephant load of it4 7#a7 ,,general ,,directions ,,for ,,yogi ,,psychic ,,breathing4 ,the basis of all ,yogi ,psychic ,breathing is the ,yogi ,rhythmic ,breath1 instruction regarding which we gave in our last chapter4 ,in the following exercises1 in order to avoid useless repetition1 we will say merely1 ,breathe ,rhythmically1 and then give the instruction for the exercise of the psychic force1 or directed ,will power working in connection with the rhythmic breath vibrations4 ,after a little practice you will find that you will not need to count after the first rhythmic breath1 as the mind will grasp the idea of time and rhythm and you will be able to breathe rhythmically at pleasure1 almost automatically4 ,this will leave the mind clear for the sending of the psychic vibrations under the direction of the ,will4 7,see the following first exercise for directions in using the ,will47 7#b7 ,,prana ,,distributing4 ,lying flat on the floor or bed1 completely relaxed1 with hands resting lightly over the ,solar ,plexus 7over the pit of the stomach1 where the ribs begin to separate71 breathe rhythmically4 ,after the rhythm is fully established will that each inhalation will draw in an increased supply of prana or vital energy from the ,universal supply1 which will be taken up by the nervous system and stored in the ,solar ,plexus4 ,at each exhalation will that the prana or vital energy is being distributed all over the body1 to every organ and part2 to every muscle1 cell and atom2 to nerve1 artery and vein2 from the top of your head to the soles of your feet2 invigorating1 strengthening and stimulating every nerve2 recharging every nerve center2 sending energy1 force and strength all over the system4 ,while exercising the will1 try to form a mental picture of the inrushing prana1 coming in through the lungs and being taken up at once by the ,solar ,plexus1 then with the exhaling effort1 being sent to all parts of the system1 down to the finger tips and down to the toes4 ,it is not necessary to use the ,will with an effort4 ,simply commanding that which you wish to produce and then making the mental picture of it is all that is necessary4 ,calm command with the mental picture is far better than forcible willing1 which only dissipates force needlessly4 ,the above exercise is most helpful and greatly refreshes and strengthens the nervous system and produces a restful feeling all over the body4 ,it is especially beneficial ,in cases where one is tired or feels a lack of energy4 7#c7 ,,inhibiting ,,pain4 ,lying down or sitting erect1 breath rhythmically1 holding the thought that you are inhaling prana4 ,then when you exhale1 send the prana to the painful part to re-establish the circulation and nerve current4 ,then inhale more prana for the purpose of driving out the painful condition2 then exhale1 holding the thought that you are driving out the pain4 ,alternate the two above mental commands1 and with one exhalation stimulate the part and with the next drive out the pain4 ,keep this up for seven breaths1 then practice the ,cleansing ,breath and rest a while4 ,then try it again until relief comes1 which will be before long4 ,many pains will be found to be relieved before the seven breaths are finished4 ,if the hand is placed over the painful part1 you may get quicker results4 ,send the current of prana down the arm and into the painful part4 7#d7 ,,directing ,,the ,,circulation4 ,lying down or sitting erect1 breathe rhythmically1 and with the exhalations direct the circulation to any part you wish1 which may be suffering from imperfect circulation4 ,this is effective in cases of cold feet or in cases of headache1 the blood being sent downward in both cases1 in the first case warming the feet1 and in the latter1 relieving the brain from too great pressure4 ,in the case of headache1 try the ,pain ,inhibiting first1 then follow with sending the blood downward4 ,you will often feel a warm feeling in the legs as the circulation moves downward4 ,the circulation is largely under the control of the will and rhythmic breathing renders the task easier4 7#e7 ,,self-,,healing4 ,lying in a relaxed condition1 breathe rhythmically1 and command that a good supply of prana be inhaled4 ,with the exhalation1 send the prana to the affected part for the purpose of stimulating it4 ,vary this occasionally by exhaling1 with the mental command that the diseased condition be forced out and disappear4 ,use the hands in this exercise1 passing them down the body from the head to the affected part4 ,in using the hands in healing yourself or others always hold the mental image that the prana is flowing down the arm and through the finger tips into the body1 thus reaching the affected part and healing it4 ,of course we can give only general directions in this book without taking up the several forms of disease in detail1 but a little practice of the above exercise1 varying it slightly to fit the conditions of the case1 will produce wonderful results4 ,some ,yogis follow the plan of placing both hands on the affected part1 and then breathing rhythmically1 holding the mental image that they are fairly pumping prana into the diseased organ and part1 stimulating it and driving out diseased conditions1 as pumping into a pail of dirty water will drive out the latter and fill the bucket with fresh water4 ,this last plan is very effective if the mental image of the pump is clearly held1 the inhalation representing the lifting of the pump handle and the exhalation the actual pumping4 7#f7 ,,healing ,,others4 ,we cannot take up the question of the psychic treatment of disease by prana in detail in this book1 as such would be foreign to its purpose4 ,but we can and will give you simple1 plain instructions whereby you may be enabled to do much good in relieving others4 ,the main principle to remember is that by rhythmic breathing and controlled thought you are enabled to absorb a considerable amount of prana1 and are also able to pass it into the body of another person1 stimulating weakened parts and organs and imparting health and driving out diseased conditions4 ,you must first learn to form such a clear mental image of the desired condition that you will be able to actually feel the influx of prana1 and the force running down your arms and out of your finger tips into the body of the patient4 ,breathe rhythmically a few times until the rhythm is fairly established1 then place your bands upon the affected part of the body of the patient1 letting them rest lightly over the part4 ,then follow the pumping process described to the preceding exercise 7,self-,healing7 and fill the patient full of prana until the diseased condition is driven out4 ,every once in a while raise the hands and flick the fingers as if you were throwing off the diseased condition4 ,it is well to do this occasionally and also to wash the hands after treatment1 as otherwise you may take on a trace of the diseased condition of the patient4 ,also practice the ,cleansing ,breath several times after the treatment4 ,during the treatment let the prana pour into the patient in one continuous stream1 allowing yourself to be merely the pumping machinery connecting the patient with the universal supply of prana1 and allowing it to flow freely through you4 ,you need not work the hands vigorously1 but simply enough that the prana freely reaches the affected parts4 ,the rhythmic breathing must be practiced frequently during the treatment1 so as to keep the rhythm normal and to afford the prana a free passage4 ,it is better to place the hands on the bare skin1 but where this is not advisable or possible place them over the clothing4 ,vary above method occasionally during the treatment by stroking the body gently and softly with the finger tips1 the fingers being kept slightly separated4 ,this is very soothing to the patient4 ,in cases of long standing you may find it helpful to give the mental command in words1 such as get out1 get out1 or be strong1 be strong1 as the case may be1 the words helping you to exercise the will more forcibly and to the point4 ,vary these instructions to suit the needs of the case1 and use your own judgment and inventive faculty4 ,we have given you the general principles and you can apply them in hundreds of different ways4 ,the above apparently simple instruction1 if carefully studied and applied1 will enable one to accomplish all that the leading magnetic healers are able to1 although their systems are more or less cumbersome and complicated4 ,they are using prana ignorantly and calling it magnetism4 ,if they would combine rhythmic breathing with their magnetic treatment they would double their efficiency4 7#g7 ,,distant ,,healing4 ,prana colored by the thought of the sender may be projected to persons at a distance1 who are willing to receive it1 and healing work done in this way4 ,this is the secret of the absent healing1 of which the ,western world has heard so much of late years4 ,the thought of the healer sends forth and colors the prana of the sender1 and it flashes across space and finds lodgment in the psychic mechanism of the patient4 ,it is unseen1 and like the ,marconi waves1 it passes through intervening obstacles and seeks the person attuned to receive it4 ,in order to treat persons at a distance1 you must form a mental image of them until you can feel yourself to be en rapport with them4 ,this is a psychic process dependent upon the mental imagery of the healer4 ,you can feel the sense of rapport when it is established1 it manifesting in a sense of nearness4 ,that is about as plain as we can describe it4 ,it may be acquired by a little practice1 and some will get it at the first trial4 ,when rapport is established1 say mentally to the distant patient1 ,i am sending you a supply of vital force or power1 which will invigorate you and heal you4 ,then picture the prana as leaving your mind with each exhalation of rhythmic breath1 and traveling across space instantaneously and reaching the patient and healing him4 ,it is not necessary to fix certain hours for treatment1 although you may do so if you wish4 ,the receptive condition of the patient1 as he is expecting and opening himself up to your psychic force1 attunes him to receive your vibrations whenever you may send them4 ,if you agree upon hours1 let him place himself in a relaxed attitude and receptive condition4 ,the above is the great underlying principle of the absent treatment of the ,western world4 ,you may do these things as well as the most noted healers1 with a little practice4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,more ,,phenomena ,,of ,,yogi ,,psychic ,,breathing4 7#a7 ,,thought ,,projection4 ,thoughts may be projected by following the last mentioned method 7,distant ,healing7 and others will feel the effect of thought so sent forth1 it being remembered always that no evil thought can ever injure another person whose thoughts are good4 ,good thoughts are always positive to bad ones1 and bad ones always negative to good ones4 ,one can1 however1 excite the interest and attention of another by sending him thought waves in this way1 charging the prana with the message he wishes to convey4 ,if you desire another's love and sympathy1 and possess love and sympathy for him1 you can send him thoughts of this kind with effect1 providing your motives are pure4 ,never1 however1 attempt to influence another to his hurt1 or from impure or selfish motives1 as such thoughts only recoil upon the sender with redoubled force1 and injure him1 while the innocent party is not affected4 ,psychic force when legitimately used is all right1 but beware of black magic or improper and unholy uses of it1 as such attempts are like playing with a dynamo1 and the person attempting such things will be surely punished by the result of the act itself4 ,however1 no person of impure motives ever acquires a great degree of psychic power1 and a pure heart and mind is an invulnerable shield against improper psychic power4 ,keep yourself pure and nothing can hurt you4 7#b7 ,,forming ,,an ,,aura4 ,if you are ever in the company of persons of a low order of mind1 and you feel the depressing influence of their thought1 breathe rhythmically a few times1 thus generating an additional supply of prana1 and then by means of the mental image method surround yourself with an egg-shaped thought aura1 which will protect you from the gross thought and disturbing influences of others4 7#c7 ,,recharging ,,yourself4 ,if you feel that your vital energy is at a low ebb1 and that you need to store up a new supply quickly1 the best plan is to place the feet close together 7side by side1 of course7 and to lock the fingers of both hands in any way that seems the most comfortable4 ,this closes the circuit1 as it were1 and prevents any escape of prana through the extremities4 ,then breathe rhythmically a few times1 and you will feel the effect of the recharging4 7#d7 ,,recharging ,,others4 ,if some friend is deficient in vitality you may aid him by sitting in front of him1 your toes touching his1 and his hands in yours4 ,then both breathe rhythmically1 you forming the mental image of sending prana into his system1 and he holding the mental image of receiving the prana4 ,persons of weak vitality or passive will should be careful with whom they try this experiment1 as the prana of a person of evil desires will be colored with the thoughts of that person1 and may give him a temporary influence over the weaker person4 ,the latter1 however1 may easily remove such influence by closing the circuit 7as before mentioned7 and breathing a few rhythmic breaths1 closing with the ,cleansing ,breath4 7#e7 ,,charging ,,water4 ,water may be charged with prana1 by breathing rhythmically1 and holding the glass of water by the bottom1 in the left hand1 and then gathering the fingers of the right hand together and shaking them gently over the water1 as if you were shaking drops of water off of your finger tips into the glass4 ,the mental image of the prana being passed into the water must also be held4 ,water thus charged is found stimulating to weak or sick persons1 particularly if a healing thought accompanies the mental image of the transfer of the prana4 ,the caution given in the last exercise applies also to this one1 although the danger exists only in a greatly lessened degree4 7#f7 ,,acquiring ,,mental ,,qualities4 ,not only can the body be controlled by the mind under direction of the will1 but the mind itself can be trained and cultivated by the exercise of the controlling will4 ,this1 which the ,western world knows as ,mental ,science1 etc41 has proved to the ,west portions of that truth which the ,yogi has known for ages4 ,the mere calm demand of the ,will will accomplish wonders in this direction1 but if the mental exercise is accompanied by rhythmic breathing1 the effect is greatly increased4 ,desirable qualities may be acquired by holding the proper mental image of what is desired during rhythmic breathing4 ,poise and ,self ,control1 desirable qualities2 increased power1 etc41 may be acquired in this way4 ,undesirable qualities may be eliminated by cultivating the opposite qualities4 ,any or all the ,mental ,science exercises1 treatments and affirmations may be used with the ,yogi ,rhythmic ,breath4 ,the following is a good general exercise for the acquirement and development of desirable mental qualities3 ,lie in a passive attitude1 or sit erect4 ,picture to yourself the qualities you desire to cultivate1 seeing yourself as possessed of the qualities1 and demanding that your mind develop the quality4 ,breathe rhythmically1 holding the mental picture firmly4 ,carry the mental picture with you as much as possible1 and endeavor to live up to the ideal you have set up in your mind4 ,you will find yourself gradually growing up to your ideal4 ,the rhythm of the breathing assists the mind in forming new combinations1 and the student who has followed the ,western system will find the ,yogi ,rhythmic a wonderful ally in his ,mental ,science works4 7#g7 ,,acquiring ,,physical ,,qualities4 ,physical qualities may be acquired by the same methods as above mentioned in connection with mental qualities4 ,we do not mean1 of course1 that short men can be made tall1 or that amputated limbs may be replaced1 or similar miracles4 ,but the expression of the countenance may be changed2 courage and general physical characteristics improved by the control of the ,will1 accompanied by rhythmic breathing4 ,as a man thinks so does he look1 act1 walk1 sit1 etc4 ,improved thinking will mean improved looks and actions4 ,to develop any part of the body1 direct the attention to it1 while breathing rhythmically1 holding the mental picture that you are sending an increased amount of prana1 or nerve force1 to the part1 and thus increasing its vitality and developing it4 ,this plan applies equally well to any part of the body which you wish to develop4 ,many ,western athletes use a modification of this plan in their exercises4 ,the student who has followed our instructions so far will readily understand haw to apply the ,yogi principles in the above work4 ,the general rule of exercise is the same as in the preceding exercise 7acquiring ,mental ,qualities74 ,we have touched upon the subject of the cure of physical ailments in preceding pages4 7#h7 ,,controlling ,,the ,,emotions4 ,the undesirable emotions1 such as ,fear1 ,worry1 ,anxiety1 ,hate1 ,anger1 ,jealousy1 ,envy1 ,melancholy1 ,excitement1 ,grief1 etc41 are amenable to the control of the ,will1 and the ,will is enabled to operate more easily in such cases if rhythmic breathing is practiced while the student is willing4 ,the following exercise has been found most effective by the ,yogi students1 although the advanced ,yogi has but little need of it1 as he has long since gotten rid of these undesirable mental qualities by growing spiritually beyond them4 ,the ,yogi student1 however1 finds the exercise a great help to him while he is growing4 ,breathe rhythmically1 concentrating the attention upon the ,solar ,plexus1 and sending to it the mental command ,get ,out4 ,send the mental command firmly1 just as you begin to exhale1 and form the mental picture of the undesirable emotions being carried away with the exhaled breath4 ,repeat seven times1 and finish with the ,cleansing ,breath1 and then see how good you feel4 ,the mental command must be given in earnest1 as trifling will not do the work4 7#i7 ,,transmutation ,,of ,,the ,,reproductive ,,energy4 ,the ,yogis possess great knowledge regarding the use and abuse of the reproductive principle in both sexes4 ,some hints of this esoteric knowledge have filtered out and have been used by ,western writers on the subject1 and much good has been accomplished in this way4 ,in this little book we cannot do more than touch upon the subject1 and omitting all except a bare mention of theory1 we will give a practical breathing exercise whereby the student will be enabled to transmute the reproductive energy into vitality for the entire system1 instead of dissipating and wasting it in lustful indulgences in or out of the marriage relations4 ,the reproductive energy is creative energy1 and may be taken up by the system and transmuted into strength and vitality1 thus serving the purpose of regeneration instead of generation4 ,if the young men of the ,western world understood these underlying principles they would be saved much misery and unhappiness in after years1 and would be stronger mentally1 morally and physically4 ,this transmutation of the reproductive energy gives great vitality to those practicing it4 ,they will be filled with great vital force1 which will radiate from them and will manifest in what has been called personal magnetism4 ,the energy thus transmuted may be turned into new channels and used to great advantage4 ,nature has condensed one of its most powerful manifestations of prana into reproductive energy1 as its purpose is to create4 ,the greatest amount of vital force is concentrated in the smallest area4 ,the reproductive organism is the most powerful storage battery in animal life1 and its force can be drawn upward and used1 as well as expended in the ordinary functions of reproduction1 or wasted in riotous lust4 ,the majority of our students know something of the theories of regeneration2 and we can do little more than to state the above facts1 without attempting to prove them4 ,the ,yogi exercise for transmuting reproductive energy is simple4 ,it is coupled with rhythmic breathing1 and can be easily performed4 ,it may be practiced at any time1 but is specially recommended when one feels the instinct most strongly1 at which time the reproductive energy is manifesting and may be most easily transmuted for regenerative purposes4 ,the exercise is as follows3 ,keep the mind fixed on the idea of ,energy1 and away from ordinary sexual thoughts or imaginings4 ,if these thoughts come into the mind do not be discouraged1 but regard them as manifestations of a force which you intend using for the purposes of strengthening the body and mind4 ,lie passively or sit erect1 and fix your mind on the idea of drawing the reproductive energy upward to the ,solar ,plexus1 where it will be transmuted and stored away as a reserve force of vital energy4 ,then breathe rhythmically1 forming the mental image of drawing up the reproductive energy with each inhalation4 ,with each inhalation make a command of the ,will that the energy be drawn upward from the reproductive organization to the ,solar ,plexus4 ,if the rhythm is fairly established and the mental image is clear1 you will be conscious of the upward passage of the energy1 and will feel its stimulating effect4 ,if you desire an increase in mental force1 you may draw it up to the brain instead of to the ,solar ,plexus1 by giving the mental command and holding the mental image of the transmission to the brain4 ,the man or woman doing metal creative work1 or bodily creative work1 will be able to use this creative energy in their work by following the above exercise1 drawing up the energy with the inhalation and sending it forth with the exhalation4 ,in this last form of exercise1 only such portions as are needed in the work will pass into the work being done1 the balance remaining stored up in the ,solar ,plexus4 ,you will understand1 of course1 that it is not the reproductive fluids which are drawn up and used1 but the etheripranic energy which animates the latter1 the soul of the reproductive organism1 as it were4 ,it is usual to allow the head to bend forward easily and naturally during the transmuting exercise4 7#aj7 ,,brain ,,stimulating4 ,the ,yogis have found the following exercise most useful in stimulating the action of the brain for the purpose of producing clear thinking and reasoning4 ,it has a wonderful effect in clearing the brain and nervous system1 and those engaged in mental work will find it most useful to them1 both in the direction of enabling them to do better work and also as a means of refreshing the mind and clearing it after arduous mental labor4 ,sit in an erect posture1 keeping the spinal column straight1 and the eyes well to the front1 letting the hands rest on the upper part of the legs4 ,breathe rhythmically1 but instead of breathing through both nostrils as in the ordinary exercises1 press the left nostril close with the thumb1 and inhale through the right nostril4 ,then remove the thumb1 and close the right nostril with the finger1 and then exhale through the left nostril4 ,then1 without changing the fingers1 inhale through the left nostril1 and changing fingers1 exhale through the right4 ,then inhale through right and exhale through left1 and so on1 alternating nostrils as above mentioned1 closing the unused nostril with the thumb or forefinger4 ,this is one of the oldest forms of ,yogi breathing1 and is quite important and valuable1 and is well worthy of acquirement4 ,but it is quite amusing to the ,yogis to know that to the ,western world this method is often held out as being the whole secret of ,yogi ,breathing4 ,to the minds of many ,western readers1 ,yogi ,breathing suggests nothing more than a picture of a ,hindu1 sitting erect1 and alternating nostrils in the act of breathing4 ,only this and nothing more4 ,we trust that this little work will open the eyes of the ,western world to the great possibilities of ,yogi ,breathing1 and the numerous methods whereby it may be employed4 7#aa7 ,,the ,,grand ,,yogi ,,psychic ,,breath4 ,the ,yogis have a favorite form of psychic breathing which they practice occasionally1 to which has been given a ,sanscrit term of which the above is a general equivalent4 ,we have given it last1 as it requires practice on the part of the student in the line of rhythmic breathing and mental imagery1 which he has now acquired by means of the preceding exercises4 ,the general principles of the ,grand ,breath may be summed up in the old ,hindu saying3 ,blessed is the ,yogi who can breathe through his bones4 ,this exercise will fill the entire system with prana1 and the student will emerge from it with every bone1 muscle1 nerve1 cell1 tissue1 organ and part energized and attuned by the prana and the rhythm of the breath4 ,it is a general housecleaning of the system1 and he who practices it carefully will feel as if he had been given a new body1 freshly created1 from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes4 ,we will let the exercise speak for itself4 7#a7 ,lie in a relaxed position1 at perfect ease4 7#b7 ,breathe rhythmically until the rhythm is perfectly established4 7#c7 ,then1 inhaling and exhaling1 form the mental image of the breath being drawn up through the bones of the legs1 and then forced out through them2 then through the bones of the arms2 then through the top of the skull2 then through the stomach2 then through the reproductive region2 then as if it were traveling upward and downward along the spinal column2 and then as if the breath were being inhaled and exhaled through every pore of the skin1 the whole body being filled with prana and life4 7#d7 ,then 7breathing rhythmically7 send the current of prana to the ,seven ,vital ,centers1 in turn1 as follows1 using the mental picture as in previous exercises3 7a7 ,to the forehead4 7b7 ,to the back of the head4 7c7 ,to the base of the brain4 7d7 ,to the ,solar ,plexus4 7e7 ,to the ,sacral ,region 7lower part of the spine74 7f7 ,to the region of the navel4 7g7 ,to the reproductive region4 ,finish by sweeping the current of prana1 to and fro from head to feet several times4 7#e7 ,finish with ,cleansing ,breath4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,yogi ,,spiritual ,,breathing4 ,the ,yogis not only bring about desired mental qualities and properties by will-power coupled with rhythmic breathing1 but they also develop spiritual faculties1 or rather aid in their unfoldment1 in the same way4 ,the ,oriental philosophies teach that man has many faculties which are at present in a dormant state1 but which will become unfolded as the race progresses4 ,they also teach that man1 by the proper effort of the will1 aided by favorable conditions1 may aid in the unfoldment of these spiritual faculties1 and develop them much sooner than in the ordinary process of evolution4 ,in other words1 one may even now develop spiritual powers of consciousness which will not become the common property of the race until after long ages of gradual development under the law of evolution4 ,in all of the exercises directed toward this end1 rhythmic breathing plays an important part4 ,there is of course no mystic property in the breath itself which produces such wonderful results1 but the rhythm produced by the ,yogi breath is such as to bring the whole system1 including the brain1 under perfect control1 and in perfect harmony1 and by this means1 the most perfect condition is obtained for the unfoldment of these latent faculties4 ,in this work we cannot go deeply into the philosophy of the ,east regarding spiritual development1 because this subject would require volumes to cover it1 and then again the subject is too abstruse to interest the average reader4 ,there are also other reasons1 well known to occultists1 why this knowledge should not be spread broadcast at this time4 ,rest assured1 dear student1 that when the time comes for you to take the next step1 the way will be opened out before you4 ,when the chela 7student7 is ready1 the guru 7master7 appears4 ,in this chapter we will give you directions for the development of two phases of spiritual consciousness1 i4e41 7#a7 the consciousness of the identity of the ,soul1 and 7#b7 the consciousness of the connection of the ,soul with the ,universal ,life4 ,both of the exercises given below are simple1 and consist of mental images firmly held1 accompanied with rhythmic breathing4 ,the student must not expect too much at the start1 but must make haste slowly1 and be content to develop as does the flower1 from seed to blossom4 ,,soul ,,consciousness4 ,the real ,self is not the body or even the mind of man4 ,these things are but a part of his personality1 the lesser self4 ,the real ,self is the ,ego1 whose manifestation is in individuality4 ,the real ,self is independent of the body1 which it inhabits1 and is even independent of the mechanism of the mind1 which it uses as an instrument4 ,the real ,self is a drop from the ,divine ,ocean1 and is eternal and indestructible4 ,it cannot die or be annihilated1 and no matter what becomes of the body1 the real ,self still exists4 ,it is the ,soul4 ,do not think of your ,soul as a thing apart from you1 for ,,you are the ,soul1 and the body is the unreal and transitory part of you which is changing in material every day1 and which you will some day discard4 ,you may develop the faculties so that they will be conscious of the reality of the ,soul1 and its independence of the body4 ,the ,yogi plan for such development is by meditation upon the real ,self or ,soul1 accompanied by rhythmic breathing4 ,the following exercise is the simplest form4 ,,exercise4--,place your body in a relaxed1 reclining position4 ,breathe rhythmically1 and meditate upon the real ,self1 thinking of yourself as an entity independent of the body1 although inhabiting it and being able to leave it at will4 ,think of yourself1 not as the body1 but as a spirit1 and of your body as but a shell1 useful and comfortable1 but not a part of the real ,you4 ,think of yourself as an independent being1 using the body only as a convenience4 ,while meditating1 ignore the body entirely1 and you will find that you will often become almost entirely unconscious of it1 and will seem to be out of the body to which you may return when you are through with the exercise4 ,this is the gist of the ,yogi meditative breathing methods1 and if persisted in will give one a wonderful sense of the reality of the ,soul1 and will make him seem almost independent of the body4 ,the sense of immortality will often come with this increased consciousness1 and the person will begin to show signs of spiritual development which will be noticeable to himself and others4 ,but he must not allow himself to live too much in the upper regions1 or to despise his body1 for he is here on this plane for a purpose1 and he must not neglect his opportunity to gain the experiences necessary to round him out1 nor must he fail to respect his body1 which is the ,temple of the ,spirit4 ,,the ,,universal ,,consciousness4 ,the ,spirit in man1 which is the highest manifestation of his ,soul1 is a drop in the ocean of ,spirit1 apparently separate and distinct1 but yet really in touch with the ocean itself1 and with every other drop in it4 ,as man unfolds in spiritual consciousness he becomes more and more aware of his relation to the ,universal ,spirit1 or ,universal ,mind as some term it4 ,he feels at times as if he were almost at-one-ment with it1 and then again he loses the sense of contact and relationship4 ,the ,yogis seek to attain this state of ,universal ,consciousness by meditation and rhythmic breathing1 and many have thus attained the highest degree of spiritual attainment possible to man in this stage of his existence4 ,the student of this work will not need the higher instruction regarding adeptship at this time1 as he has much to do and accomplish before he reaches that stage1 but it may be well to initiate him into the elementary stages of the ,yogi exercises for developing ,universal ,consciousness1 and if he is in earnest he will discover means and methods whereby he may progress4 ,the way is always opened to him who is ready to tread the path4 ,the following exercise will be found to do much toward developing the ,universal ,consciousness in those who faithfully practice it4 ,,exercise4--,place your body in a reclining1 relaxed position4 ,breathe rhythmically1 and meditate upon your relationship with the ,universal ,mind of which you are but an atom4 ,think of yourself as being in touch with ,all1 and at-one-ment with ,all4 ,see ,all as ,one1 and your ,soul as a part of that ,one4 ,feel that you are receiving the vibrations from the great ,universal ,mind1 and are partaking of its power and strength and wisdom4 ,the two following lines of meditation may be followed4 7a7 ,with each inhalation1 think of yourself as drawing in to yourself the strength and power of the ,universal ,mind4 ,when exhaling think of yourself as passing out to others that same power1 at the same time being filled with love for every living thing1 and desiring that it be a partaker of the same blessings which you are now receiving4 ,let the ,universal ,power circulate through you4 7b7 ,place your mind in a reverential state1 and meditate upon the grandeur of the ,universal ,mind1 and open yourself to the inflow of the ,divine ,wisdom1 which will fill you with illuminating wisdom1 and then let the same flow out from you to your brothers and sisters whom you love and would help4 ,this exercise leaves with those who have practiced it a new-found sense of strength1 power and wisdom1 and a feeling of spiritual exaltation and bliss4 ,it must be practiced only in a serious1 reverential mood1 and must not be approached triflingly or lightly4 ,,general ,,directions4 ,the exercises given in this chapter require the proper mental attitude and conditions1 and the trifler and person of a non-serious nature1 or one without a sense of spirituality and reverence1 had better pass them by1 as no results will be obtained by such persons1 and besides it is a wilful trifling with things of a high order1 which course never benefits those who pursue it4 ,these exercises are for the few who can understand them1 and the others will feel no attraction to try them4 ,during meditation let the mind dwell upon the ideas given in the exercise1 until it becomes clear to the mind1 and gradually manifests in real consciousness within you4 ,the mind will gradually become passive and at rest1 and the mental image will manifest clearly4 ,do not indulge in these exercises too often1 and do not allow the blissful state produced to render you dissatisfied with the affairs of everyday life1 as the latter are useful and necessary for you1 and you must never shirk a lesson1 however disagreeable to you it may be4 ,let the joy arising from the unfolding consciousness buoy you up and nerve you for the trials of life1 and not make you dissatisfied and disgusted4 ,all is good1 and everything has its place4 ,many of the students who practice these exercises will in time wish to know more4 ,rest assured that when the time comes we will see that you do not seek in vain4 ,go on in courage and confidence1 keeping your face toward the ,east1 from whence comes the rising ,sun4 ,peace be unto you1 and unto all men4 ,,aum4