YOGA

HATHA
OR

PHILOSOPHY

YOGI

THE

WELL-BEING

PHYSICAL

"

Science

Breath,"

of

Occultism,"

Oriental

ETC.

RAMACHARAKA

YOGI

By
of

EXERCISES,

NUMEROUS

WITH

Author

OF

"

"Yogi

Advanced

Philosophy
Course,"

LONDON:

N.

L.
1

FOWLER
NEW

BRIDGE

"

Co.

STREET,

LTD.

E.C.4

Etc.

and

(C

N.

1-OVV

I I K

8524

PRINTED
BY

A.

WHEATON

IN

3093

(iREAI

"

CO..

CO

III

BRITAIN
KXKTF.k

CONTENTS

OF

TABLE
CHAP

I.
II.

is Hatha

What
The

Yoga

for

Yogis' Regard

the

Physical
16

Body
The

IV.

Our

Friend, The

Vital

Force

24

V.

The

Laboratory

of the

Body

30

VI.

The

Life

VII.

The

VIII.
IX.

Work

Architect.

Divine

of the

III.

Fluid

42

Nourishment

Hunger

52

Absorption

XI.

About

Food

XIV.

XV.
XVI.
XVII.

XVIII.
XIX.

Irrigation of

The

Ashes

Nostril

Pranic

XXI.

Pranic

XXIV.

Use

System

91
104

vs.

of the

Lives

of the

122

Mouth

Involuntary System.

of

132
137

148
155
166

Exercises
of

Breathing

Body

Energy

for

118

Breathing

Breathing

Science
Rules

78

Body

Exercises

Little

Control

XXIII.

the

of Correct

Breathing

XX.

XXII.

of

the

Breathing

Effect

The

62

Food

from

73

The

Yogi

56

Appetite

vs.

Prana

XIII.

46

System

of the

Crematory

X.

XII.

20
...

Relaxation

Relaxation

Physical Exercise
3

176
184
197

TABLE

CONTENTS

OF

PAGE

CHAP.

XXV.

XXVI.

XXVII.

XXVIII.

XXIX.

The

The

Exercise

Physical

Yogi

203

Bath

Yogi
Solar

213

Energy

223

Air

Kn-sh

Nature's

229
Sweet

Restorer-

Sleep.

.233
..

XXX.

XXXI.

XXXII.

238

Regeneration
The

Led

Mental

by

the

Attitude

Spirit

2^5

250

NOTICE

PUBLISHERS'

we
arranged for the
original intention, when
publication of this book, and, in fact, almost
up
that it should
until it went
to press,
be, in a
was
Science
supplementary to our little book,
measure,

OUR

"

"

of Breath

should

the

by

take

exception of
etc.)which has
the

is to
"

"

say, it
with

Hatha
Yoga
subject of
that phase of the subject(breathing,

the

up

-that

author

same

been

the last moment

we

in that

covered

decided

that

But

book.
be

it would

at

mis

"

"

Hatha
with
on
Yoga
publish a book
such an important part of the subjectas Yogi Breath
been
though that subject had
ing omitted, even
To omit
that important
book.
in another
covered
phase of the subject would be working an injustice
of
those who
to
book, as many
purchased the new
have read the first book,
such purchasers would
never
take

to

justifiedin expecting that the present

book would
treat of all phases of the general subject.
So we
decided
to incorporate in the present volume
those parts of
which
Science of Breath
belonged
Hatha
Yoga," omitting
strictlyto the subject of
such portions as belonged rather to the other branch
We
of the Yogi Philosophy, i.e.,Raja Yoga.
men
tion these facts that the purchasers of this book,

and

would

be

"

"

"

who
accuse
one.

have
us

We

also
of

read

a
filling

advertised

former

our

book

new

this

book,

with

book,

might

parts

of

intending

an

to

not

old

give

only the supplemental parts, as above stated, and

the portions of
Science of Breath," which have been
"

added

thereto, have

pense,

and

"

baker's

in the

dozen."

been

nature

inserted
of

"

at

our

own

good measure,"

ex
or

the

NOTICE

PUBLISHERS'

probable that,

It is
make

at

the

with

arrangements

future

some

author

same
"

"

portions of
Raja Yoga
and to amplify and enlarge upon
foundation
already built, just as
"

the

present book

upon

contained

the

If this

in

"

the

has

he

up

of Breath,"

adding

same,

will

we

to take

Science

to the

in the

done
"

foundation
Yoga
first published by us.

Hatha

little book

"

present book,

is followed, the

course

time,

HATHA

"

Yogi Books,"
in succession, the different phases of the

will be the

YOGA,"

first of

series of

taking up,
of
Science
great Yogi Philosophy, the little book
to the series,
Breath
serving as an introduction
and as a handy little book for beginners, or those just
"

"

"

YOGA,"

HATHA

the

in

interested

becoming

subject.
deals

present book,

the

alto

psychical,mental
gether with the physical. The
and
spiritualphases of the subject belong to the
Hatha
of the work.
other
branches
Yoga," how
"

will be

ever,

student

splendid foundation

build,

may

for

is necessary

one

as

which

upon

the

sound, strong, healthy body

has

so

and

study, as
explained in the

work

his best

to do

of this book

author

the

well

text.

have

We

this book,
the

asked

this he

but

should

book

author

to

declines

to

the

speak

write

do,

and
itself,

for

as

he

preface to

he feels that
does

not

like

it) intruding his per

truth
his readers, holding that
sonality
upon
should be self-evident and needing no personaltouch

the

of

idea

(as he

"

expresses

"

to

the

make

it truth.

place of

This

preface

notice, therefore, will take

in this

YOGI

case.

PUBLICATION

SOCIETY.

TO
HEALTHY

THE
AND

MAN

THIS
IS

THEY

DONE

BE

AND

THIS

TELL

BE

THEN

SO

FAR

DOUBT

HEALTHY

THE

MAN

CLOSELY,

AND

THE

THINGS

THIS

NOT

VOU

MIT

OR

WOMAN,

SEE

WHETHER

BOOK

AND

LEAVE

UNDONE

"

THINGS

TO

ARE

APPLY

OR

DOES

NOT

TO

DOES

ASKED

TO

THIS

SUB

SEVERE

IT.

DO

SHE,

HAVE

WILLING

SOME

HIM,

YOU

OR

WE

TO

"

FIND

SHE,

HE,

TEACHINGS

TEST

OR

OUT

WHETHER

WE

ABLE.

WATCH

POINTED

THE

LIKEWISE

STATEMENTS,

HE,

AVOID.

OUR

OUR

AND

HAVE

DO

ARE

OF

ARE.

AND

YOU

TRUTH

WE

TO

AS

TO

ORDER

THEY

GO

DO

HEALTHY

IN

WHAT

YOU

THEY.

ATTEMPT

DID

JUST

AND

IT,

OUR

IN

WHY

ARE

THIS

WOMAN

AND

TO

IS

WILL

REASON

AS

JUST

WHAT

JUST

NO

IS

BE

BOOK

YOU

MAN

YOU

NOT

IF

NORMAL)

THERE

LITTLE

AND

AND

SUB

FROM

MATURITY,

THINGS,

SHOULD

TOO,

OR

THEMSELVES

HEALTHY

SO

SAME

YOU,

BRING

NORMAL

NOT

JUSTTHESE

IF

TO

HEALTHY,

MAY

(CONSCIOUSLY

THINGS

ORDER

IN

TO

READ

DEDICATED.

CERTAIN

CONSCIOUSLY)

(WHO

BOOK

RESPECTFULLY

HAVE

FANCY

WOMAN

"

HER,

DO

IN

CHAPTER

IS

WHAT

THE

branches.
divisions

the

only

will have

we

Hatha

deals
"

tends
health.

the

voices

Western

the

for

is

he

and

that

tinues

"

he

as

has

thing

not
to

he

strength
and

does
been

cuddle

lured
close

at

has

been

not

these

the

Yogi's
and

childish

nature's
to

forget

Fashions
the

of

dazzled

to

races

things,

bosom

close

externals

towards

reached

pretences

up

of

many

always clung

existed.

from

by

and

get back,

civilized

not

living

to

rush

mad

of

have

has

and

that

state

of
up

its

"

all

and

"

care

Nature,"

he

nature

great

to

not

as

although

get back

does

modern

the

us

its

"

normal

taken

the

smiles

time,

at

not

Yogi Philosophy

been

for

is de

writings.
of the

Let

will

(3)

all of these

mode

ways,

have

this

natural

Yogi

the

by

ambitions

sciousness
them

her

caused

such

social

"

the

and

has

upon

has

already there,

befooled

which

to

its

which

that

nature

at

"

leading

book

we

physical body

health

world

excepting

others

it i-i its natural

cry

This
and

say

several

(2) Raja Yoga

Yoga.

branch

the

teaches

It

and

future

in

with

keep

to

the

is that

its

well-being

known

first named,

Yoga,

Yoga

into

Yoga

something

of

branches

which

the

to

divided

best

Gnani

(4)

describe

to

tempt

is

(i) Hatha

Yoga

voted

he

Among
are

Karma

to

Yoga

YOGA

HATHA

of

science

of

con

regards
games

but

arms,

and

his

"

con

good

HATHA

io

who

mother
warmth

has

confronted

with

apply

natural

to conform

"

for

one

tion

is directed

methods

the

danger

of

contact

with

world

could

"

ing

says,

let

themselves

"

them

natural

grassy

impulse

foot ; whether
the

shoes

fads

"

lines, with

flooded.

"

For

to

in
in

to

in

rub

wear

sleep in

does

What

Nature

find out

to

whether

see

nature's

the manufacture

what

plans

and

wear

Let
glass feet for beds.
full of
the strong magnetic men,
the
things let them see whether
"

in the
whether

"

the

"

advised

in order

Then,

vitality,do these
most
vigorous races
see
things let them
from
on
lying down
the natural
impulse
upon

their atten

soles, and

whether

see

are

glass feet, to prevent nature

sucking and drawing out of
which
she has just given them,

contemplated

of rubber

them

be

with

ask

this ?

have

when

being

seems

plan will

their shoes, and

heels upon

students

nature

is

the earth, and

insulated

about

This

ideas, along health

(mother Earth) from

the magnetism
them
say

that which

theories

many

is the

"

soles and

let the

Which

they are asked to believe that they are

magnetism," by coming
losing their

if

"

and

Western

"

to follow

the

When

plans,theories,

to nature.

first,

is

last, NATURE.

choose

always

to

nourishment,

Yoga

touchstone

students

our

plans

stance,

beds

and

the nearest

good

ber

the

him

of methods,

choice

them

to

way

which

and

second, nature,

etc.,

always given
protection. Hatha

and

nature

YOGA

they

these

feel debilitated

grassy sward, or whether

of man
is not to flinghimself
"

let them

childhood

it does

(rubber

done

have

the

bank
of

world

not

see

is not

whether
to

run

the
bare

refresh the feet to take

soles and

all)and

walk

off

around

barefooted
conducive

to

rubber

whether
"

and

particularly
and so on.
vitality,
are

that

illustration,not

an

as

boots

"

magnetism

give this merely

We

YOGA

HATHA

IS

WHAT

servative

discussing the merits

rubber
soles,and glass bed feet as
A little observation
of magnetism.

teach

man

wish

waste

to

of

merits

the

time

in

all of nature's

that

or
a

show

answers

we

de
pre
will
him

magnetism from the earth,

and that the earth is a battery charged with it,and
anxious
its
to give forth
is always willing and
of it and
instead of being devoid
strength to man,
draw
to be dreaded
as
being anxious and likelyto
of these
its child.
Some
the magnetism from man,
be teaching that the
latter day prophets will next
Prana
from people,instead of giving it to
air draws
that

he gets much

of his

"

"

them.

So, by all

theories of this kind

do
is

not
a

square
safe one.

apply

means,

with

our

"

own

nature,

Nature

knows

the

nature

included
discard

but
with

the

subject of

Hatha

Yoga

"

and

them

what

is your friend and not your enemy.

There
and most
have been many
written on the other branches
of the

test

to

if they
the

"

it is about

valuable

all

"

rule
she

works

Yogi Philosophy,

has

been

dismissed

by most of the writers upon

Yoga. This is largelydue to the fact that in India
of the
there exists a horde
of ignorant mendicants
lower fakir class,who
Yogis, but who
pose as Hatha
have not the slightestconception of the underlying
These people con
of that branch of Yoga.
principles
of
tent themselves
with obtainingcontrol over
some
the involuntary muscles
of the body (a thing poss
a

ible to

brief reference

anyone

who

will devote

to

it the

time

and

trouble

for

necessary

acquiring the
"

YOGA

HATHA

12

"

tricks

which

its

accomplishment), thereby
perform certain abnormal

ability to
they exhibit

to

travellers.

(or disgust)Western

and

amuse

Some

entertain

of their

feats

quite wonderful, when regarded from the stand

the
be
performers would
point of curiosity,and
dime
worthy applicants for paying positions in the

are

"

"

similar
"

to

performed by

some

We

freaks."

hear

pride such tricks and

the ability to reverse
bowels

and
of

ments

of

cesses

parts

into

and

ejected

ment

of the

from

as

the

Western

people exhibiting

the

of

the

swallowing

give

to

with

body,
be

may

move

disgusting ex

of the

reversal

colon

the

of the

some

acquired habits as, for instance,

action
of the
the peristaltic

gullet,so
complete

those

introduced

of these

intestines, and

the
of

hibition

their feats being very

indeed

of America,

museums

so

normal
that

carried

gullet, by

this

involuntary muscles,

etc.

pro
articles

upwards

reverse

move

This, from

interesting,but
physician's point of view is most
the layman is a most
to
disgusting thing, and one
Other
feats of these
utterly unworthy of a man.
so-called
Hatha
Yogis are about on a par with the
have
which
instance
we
reluctantlygiven, and we
is of the
know
of nothing that they perform which
woman
or
slightestinterest or benefit to the man
natural
a healthy, normal,
body.
seeking to maintain
These
in

mendicants

India

who

assume

akin
the

to

the

to

their hands

wash

the

or

who

sit

so

class

of fanatics

"Yogi," and
religiousreasons

title

body for
until it
sit with
uplifted arm
allow their fingernails to grow

refuse
who

who

are

still that

is withered
until
the

who
;

or

or

they pierce
birds

build

WHAT

IS

YOGA

HATHA

13

perform other ridiculous

before the
feats, in order to pose as
holy men
ignorant multitude, and, incidentally,to be fed by
that
consider
the ignorant classes who
they are
These
people
by the act.
earning a future reward
in their hair ;

nests

or

who

"

"

either

are

as

class

rank
are

on

frauds,
a

par

self-deluded

or

with

certain

fanatics, and
class of

beggars

large cities who exhibit

and
their
bogus deformities,
the passer-by,who
in order to wring pennies from
in order to get
his head and drops the coppers
turns
the thing out of his sight.
have
are
The
we
just mentioned
people whom
regarded with pity by the real Yogis who regard
Hatha
Yoga as an important branch of their philo
a
it gives man
a
healthy body
sophy, because
work
which
to
with
a
fitting
good instrument
and

European
self-inflicted wounds,

in American

"

"

for the

Spirit.
this little book, we
plain,simple form,

temple

endeavoured

give
the underlying principlesof
in a
Hatha
Yoga- -giving the Yogi plan of physicallife.
for each
tried to give you the reason
have
And
we
to first explain
plan. We have found it necessary
of Western
in the
terms
to
physiology the
you
of the body, and then to indicate
various functions
should
Nature's
one
plans and methods, which
doctor
far as possible. It is not
a
adhere
to as
book," and contains
nothing about medicine, and
practicallynothing about the cure of diseases, except
In

have

to

"

where
back

Man

indicate

we

to
"

to the

natural

its main

standard

what
state.

should

one

do in order

to

get

keynote is the Healthy

help people to conform

Its

to
purpose
of the normal

man.

But

we

believe

HATHA

14
that

that

YOGA

which

keeps a healthy man

healthy will
make
an
healthy, if he follows it.
unhealthy man
Hatha
normal
natural,
Yoga
preaches a sane,
of living and
manner
life,which, if followed, will
It
benefit
and
keeps close to nature
anyone.
advocates
in preference
return
methods
to natural
a
those

to

which

have

artificial habits
This

book

grown

around

up

in

us

our

of

living.
simple very

is

simple so simple, in
wih1 most
it aside
fact, that many
likely throw
it contains
because
or
nothing new
startling. They
have
wonderful
recital of
probably hoped for some
the far-famed
freak tricks of the mendicant
Yogis (?)
and plans whereby these feats could be duplicated
would
read it. We
tell such
must
by those who
We
people that this book is not that kind of book.
do not tell you how
to assume
seventy-four kinds of
postures, nor how to draw linen through the intes
tines for the purpose
of cleaning them
out
(contrast
this with nature's
plans),or how to stop the heart's
internal
beating, or to perform tricks with- your
Not
a bit of such
teaching will you find
apparatus.
do tell you how
to command
to again function
properly,and

organ

about

things
which

has

these

the

not

"

have

preferredto
Woman,

what

makes

Then

we

to

not

control

on

gone

thingsonly

being

and

"

We

here.

We

"

over

in the line of

make

"

freak

said much

we

have

making
"

about

several

other

involuntary part

an

strike, but

rebellious

mentioned

man

healthy

of him.
disease.

We

have

your gaze the Healthy Man

asking you to look well at them and see
them
healthy and keeps them healthy.

hold

call your

up

to

attention

to what

they do

and

how

do

they
if

Then

it.

But

"

that
for

done
In

you

other
of

the

Hatha

behind

"

is

do

the

tell
the

also

that

but

will

it

rely

the

bodies.

Read

trying

to

the

to
'

book

is
to

about

practice
a

good

seek.

the

the
fair

and

really

precepts
start

on

you
is

that

and

will

the

deliver

to

this

out

the

this
road

book,
to

that

answer

headed

is

Read

understand

find

are

which
In

you

our

we

all

it

is

and

you

knowledge

this
little

some

"

of

we

allow

with

you.

to

say

will
to

if

message

chapter

"

we

well
what

see

get

which

Yoga

end,
it

what

will
to

Principle

belief

be

will

will

"

with

Hatha

all

you

charged

question,

What

you

Life

great

principle,
us

and

to

been

Intelligence

"

great

through
on,

say

have

we

and

of

principle

the

that

properly

take

Yogis

underlying

in

trust

that

on

in

work

to

work

its

on

carry

the

in

be

may

yourself.

why

belief

do.

to

try

that

rest

you

likewise,

we

everything

"

to

all

is

15

do

and

"

Life

all

about

go

That

that

Yoga

to

you

them.

we

and

body,

YOGA

must

you

"

chapters,

the

care

like

all

tell

we

be

would

you

HATHA

IS

WHAT

put
will

into

get
you

CHAPTER

THE

II

REGARD

YOGIS'

FOR

PHYSICAL

THE

BODY

To

casual

observer,

the

apparent

anomaly

of

the

the

holding

that

nothing

when

Man,

the

importance
direction

In

ings,

Hatha

physical

Western
the

bodies,
the

and

the

is

perhaps,
it.

So
not

Culture,
but

little

for

knowing

teach

care

of

detail
in

students
and

the

the

development.
who

bestow

have
their

upon

which

they

devote

conclusion

that

the

an

Oriental

form

of

carefully studied,

more

having

"

nothing

seeing merely
enough

this

physical

the

merely

system

much

to

the

Yogi

Orient

attention

jumped

Philosophy

Physical

and

the

Yogis

the

time

task, have

Yogi

and

which

care

its

in

in

considerable

physical training
travellers

that

the

to

of

instruction

of this

of

into

goes

of

nourishment,
of

branch

is devoted

and

as

and

care

students

its

improvement

Yoga,

and

much

attention,

whole

one

the

principles

in

fact

body,

regarding

to

and

exercise

body.

Some

careful

while

higher principles
of

instruction

the

of

training,

seen

the

to

the

devotes

time

same

is material

body

to

which,

teaching

physical

compared

the

at

Yogi Philosophy presents

to

the

look

spiritual

forms,

outer
"

"

behind

the

students

the

scenes."

We
real

scarcely
reason

need

for the

to

explain

Yogis'

care

16

to

our

for the

body,

nor

need

i8

HATHA

obtained

only

when

for, nourished
For

these

and

care

the

same

The

developed.

first of all, be

highly trained

strong healthy body.

the

Yogi pays such great attention

physical side of his nature, and, for

reasons

to

the

reason,

Culture

it, the body, is properly cared

and

body must,

YOGA

forms

the

Oriental

of

system

part of the Yogi science

Physical
of Hatha

Yoga.
The

Western

his

body for
body is He.

PhysicalCulture enthusiast develops

his body's sake, often believingthat the
The Yogi develops the body knowing it

to

be but

of

himself, and

ment

to

growth.
with

an

instrument

solelythat

the end
The

that

only

does

cell,and
do

he

part

this, but

not

part

instru
of Soul

himself

and

exercises

Yogi throws Mind

only the muscle but

of his
he

work

contents

movements

The

real

body

obtains

as

well.

control

Not
over

body, and
acquires mastery
the involuntary part of his organism as well
over
the
the
over
as
voluntary, something of which
knows
Physical Culturist
practically
average
nothing.
We
the
trust
to point out to the Western
student
of
way of the Yogi teachings regarding the perfecting
the physical body, and feel assured that he who
will
and conscientiouslywill be amply
follow us carefully
rewarded
for his time and trouble, and will acquire
the feelingof mastery, over
a
splendidlydeveloped
physical body, of which body he will feel as proud as
every

does

part

the

of

in the

Culturist

developing the muscles.

into the task, and develops
organ,

of the

perfectthe

used

for

every

use

he may

it be

Physical
mechanical

mere

for the

master

his

violinist of the

Stradivarius

which

FOR

REGARD

bow,

or

tool

which

useful

with

almost

responds
as

does

things

the

intelligence

him

enables
for

artisan

master

the

to

world.

BODY

PHYSICAL

THE

create

to

over

the

touch

some

beautiful

ig

of

his

perfect
and

CHAPTER

THE

THE

and

also

order, and
become

of

They

its

regard

greatest

and

because

of

body

IS

know

that

in

the

the

through

the

Man

disease

and
to

beautiful
and

that

still

the

body,

That
call
names,

heal

"

its

be

may

each

over

is

or

constantly

wounds,

off harmful

"

"

that

knit
materials

on

the

then

20

the

ran

the

every

alert

and

have

Intelli
of

feared.

not

which

of

to

away

function

Principle," and

together broken
which

know

also

that

and

will

it is ridiculous

manifestation
Life

so

Intelligence caused

safely trusted

The

they

law, inharmony

exist, and

to

intelligence, the
Nature

that

the

individual

They

fate, for they know

presides
and

to

the

and

Law,

Divine

believe

great

body

the

the

operating

the

as

strength.

They
this

human

left it to

gence

and

contrary

runs

result.

suppose

of

working

still

is

that

and

human

that

know

Intelligence

in health

continue

the

Intelligence,

great

same

it to

indicates

which

They

care.
a

allows

machine,

working

of

physical body,

with

when

as

operation

wisdom

it in

Intelligence.

great

each

keeping

negligence

of

organism

and

conception

of

to

his needs,

to

Yogis recognize

handiwork

the

as

that

The

gives

means

it if his

repairing

God

adapted

the

with

inefficient.

body

falls

him

supplies

ARCHITECT

that

machine

physical

DIVINE

teaches

Yogi Philosophy

individual

he

THE

OF

WORK

III

we

similar

repair damage,

bones

accumulated

to

throw
in the

THE

s3/stem

DIVINE

and

ARCHITECT

thousands

in

of

21

keep

to

ways

the

Much
that we
call
good running order.
action
of
disease
is really a
beneficent
Nature
designed to get rid of poisonous substances which we
in our
and remain
have
allowed
to enter
system.
this body means.
Let us
Let us
see
just what
in which
to work
soul seeking a tenement
a
suppose
know
this phase of its existence.
Occultists
out
machine

in

order

need

of

that
has

in

soul

the

in

certain

fleshlyhabitation.

the

requiresin

Nature

whether

see

us

manifest

to

of

way
has

given

In the first place,the soul needs

which

Nature

body, and
it what
a

what

see

then

let

it needs.

highly organized

thought, and a central station

direct the workings of the body.

it may

provides

us

of

physicalinstrument
from

Let

soul

the

ways

wonderful

that

instrument,

the

of which
at this
possibilities
we,
time, but
faintly recognize. The portion of the
brain which Man
in this stage of his development
uses
is but
The
a
tiny part of the entire brain-area.
unused
of the race.
portion is awaiting the evolution
Secondly,the soul needs organs designed to receive
and
forms
of impressions from
record the various
without.
Nature
steps in and provides the eye, the
human

brain, the

the

ear,

whereby

and

Nature

different

wires
its

"

has

wonderful

parts
"

wired

to

cell

to

all

and

and

the

nerves

keeping other senses

is felt by the race.
of them
is

of

the

The

manner.

instructions

orders

taste

of communication

means

the

Nature

the need

until

of

organs

feel.

we

in reserve,

Then,

the

nose,

the

the brain

between

body

are

needed.

in a
body with nerves
brain telegraphsover
these
parts of the body, sending
and
insisting upon
organ,

HATHA

22

immediate
from

YOGA
The

obedience.

brain

parts of the body, warning it

all

callingfor help ; making

Then
the
body must
around

in the world.

inherited
Besides

and

to

wants

reach

to

own

and

needs

body

protect

firmness

to

with
means

other

framework

shock

prop
frame

it up,

to

embodied

hearing.
The
body

needs

on."

move

with

which

to

; to
as

keep it in
give it strength

needs

to

it

Nature

were.

the

skeleton,

is well

worthy

communication

Nature

souls.

in the organs

of communication

repair ;

"

things and
has provided

tendrons,

it from

it the

materials

moving
plant-like

after

out

known
as
bony
marvellous
piece of machinery, which
of your study.
The soul needs a physicalmeans
of

gives

the

Nature

use.

muscles,

the

shape,

of

means

limbs.

the

Then

its

to

limbs, and
work

have

It has outgrown

this it wants

telegrams
of danger ;

complaints, etc.

tendencies, and

them

turn

receives

supplies the
of speech and

of

carrying repair
to all of its system, to build up ; replenish;
and strengthen all the several parts. It also
similar system whereby the waste, refuse
a

system

crematory, burned up
Nature
and
of the system.
sent
out
gives us the
blood
the arteries and veins through
life-carrying
which
the
it flows to and fro performing its work
lungs to oxygenize the blood and to burn up the
matter

may

be carried

to

the

"

"

waste

The
which
vides

matter.

body

needs

to build
means

of

material

from

the

outside, with

repairits parts. Nature pro

eating the food ; of digestingit ; of

up

and

THE

DIVINE

the

nutritious

extracting

the

creting

fleshly
It

the

of

chance,

in

Then

he

know

that

being

will

it,

of
with

souls

we

trust

necessarily

have

suffer.

it

is

the

will
we

the

to

we

shut

him

be
the

has

the

power
of

charge

him

always.
inflow

of

upon

the

If

benefited.
door

to

physical

"

of

charge

and

into
that

life

then,

him

ourselves

not,

blind

not

that

him

brought

through
of

charge

it

is

Intelligence,

that

trust

him

so

Life

great

it

but

great

INTELLIGENCE.

which

Principle,

that

sees

of
most

that

of

the

happening,

that

open

study

this

sees

some

workings

reality

he
he

to

will

from

"

"

learns

carry

and

the

of

study

to

anyone

gets

nature

mighty

took
and

or

One

haphazard

or

of

mechanism

operation

in

of

Life

ex

means

other

providing

time

realization

Principle

which

the

body.

Intelligence

As

and

wonderful

the

convincing

now,

of

with

provided

is

body

kind,

worth

human

work

system

tenements.

is well

thing

the

its

reproducing

the

by

it

converting

of

portions.

waste

finally,

And,

23

elements

absorption

for

shape

into

ARCHITECT

it

great
we

and

fear
must

CHAPTER

OUR

MANY

FRIEND,

people

Disease

as

Health.

Man,

Health.
he

is

If

abnormal

conditions

manifest

themselves,

the

of

name

Disease

is

throw

order

to

resume

We

are

so

entity.

an

seats

itself

that

"

mild"

it

that
"

that

it

if it

as

"

"

and

the

the

We
in

an

is
"

organ

it

"

"

"

"

We

thing which

takes

possession

of

rat

in
in

would

seek

sheepfold

the
one

to

We

granary
of

kill it,

"

the
or

"

in

weasel
and

go

least

in

about

24

scare

quite
of

speak

character,

arid

the

"

all treatment"

of

us

is

"

it

course

"

it

consider

above
to

its

as

"

that

"

WTe

speak of

animals
at

condition,

"

etc., etc.

"

qualities.

wolf

to

runs

persistently resists

destruction.

call

we

attempt

us

that

"

vital

our

which

"

it

position and
for

give

we

speak of, Disease

entity possessed

an

symptoms

symptoms

attacks

that

"

yields readily

were

it

and

malignant

very

violated,

action.

that

say

certain

abnormal

of

of Nature

is

Nature's

of

consider,

to

laws

That

result

natural

absence

law

which

disease.

the

the

the

of

opponent
is

some

to

normal

apt

with

considering

an

"

simply

result, and

dislodge,

or

is

When

some

simply

off,

thing

comply

sick.

of

Health

Disease

can

be

cannot

real

"

EORCE

mistake

incorrect.

and
one

VITAL

the

entity

This
of

state

THE

make

an

IV

it

it

we

chicken

fighting
mentioned.
it away.

dis

some

its power

uses
as

as

it

would
roost

it

as

"

we

We

26

HATHA
the instinct of

But

"

equally strong.
for

YOGA

preservationof

All

that

the

his life," saith

individual

hath

man

writer, and

lifeis

will he

while

give

it is not

of the

strictlytrue

it is sufficiently
developed man,
of illustrating
for the purpose
the principle
true to use
of self-preservation.And
this instinct is not of the
the foundation
Intellect,but is found down
among
of

stones

rules

Intellect.

with

It is

being.
"

him

instinct which

an

It makes

when

man's

often

legs "run

over

away

he had

firmlyresolved to stand in a
to
a
dangerous position it causes
shipwrecked man
violate some
of the principlesof civilization,
causing
"

him

to kill and

it has made
Hole

"

it asserts
life
"

disease

and

health

It is
"

sick in order

us

which

intrude
This

"

our

and

drink

his blood

in the terrible

men

many

life- for

makes

brings on
matter

under

of

its supremacy.

more

often

to

wild beasts

and

"

his comrade

eat

in order

carelessness

"

"

Black

varying conditions
working always for
And

health.

more

to

make

to

get rid of
and

us

it

healthier
some

follyhas

"

foul

allowed

in the system.

the part of
on
principleof self-preservation
the Vital Force, also moves
us
along in the direction
of health, as surely as does the influence within
the
We
it point due north.
magnetic needle make
may
turn
aside, not heeding the impulse, but the urge is
instinct is within us, which,
The same
always there.
in the seed, causes
it to put forth its littleshoot, often
times heavier than itself,
moving weights a thousand
in its effort to get to the sunlight. The same
impulse
the sapling to shoot upward from the ground.
causes
The same
roots to spread downward
principlecauses
and
In each
outward.
although the direction
case,

THE

is in the

move

wounded,

are

27

If
rightdirection.
the Vital Force begins to heal the
work
with wonderful
sagacityand

is different,each
we

FORCE

VITAL

doing the
precision. If we break a bone, all that we, or the
do, is to place the bones into juxta
surgeon
may
position and keep them there, while the great Vital
Force knits the fractured parts together. If we
fall,
muscles
or
our
or
ligaments are torn, all that we can
do is to observe certain things in the way of attention,
and
the Vital Force
starts in to do its work, and
drawing on the system for the necessary materials,
wound,

repairs the damage.

All physiciansknow, and their schools teach, that
if a man
is in good physicalcondition, his Vital Force
will

him

cause

to

recover

from
vital

excepting

when

When

physical system

the

the

is much

down, recovery

almost

organs
has been

more

rest assured

But

are

destroyed.

allowed

to

difficult,
if,indeed,

impossible, as the efficiencyof the

impaired and is compelled to work
conditions.

condition

any

that

Vital
under

run

not

Force

is

adverse

it is doing the best

for you, always, under the existingconditions.

do for you all that it aims to do,
If Vital Force cannot
it will not give up the attempt as hopeless,but will

it

can

accommodate
best
in

of it.

itself to
Give

perfecthealth

natural

methods

it
"

of

and

circumstances

free hand

restrict it

living,and

and

by

it will

irrational

make

the

keep you
and

it will stilltry to

un

pull

through, and will serve

you until the end, to the
of its ability,in spite of your ingratitudeand
stupidity. It will fightfor you to the finish.
all
The
is manifested
principleof accommodation
through all forms of life. A seed dropped into the

you
best

HATHA

28

of

YOGA
it

rock, when

either
begins to grow
becomes
squeezed into the shape of the rock, or, if it
be
in twain
and
strong enough, splits the rock
of Man,
attains
its normal
shape. So, in the case

crevice

who

live and

to

manages

has

conditions, the Vital Force

to

the

conditions

for

life under

normal

health

caused

a
are

sprout in
and

alive

The

proper

Health

is but

disease

is life
which

conditions

healthy,vigorous man
keep him in health and vigour.
to

grow
to

necessary

somewhat

the

while

observed.

are

not

hardy.

diseased

conditions.
to

man

it could

where

conditions, while

abnormal

under

the

itself

accommodated

varying conditions, and,

splitthe rock, it sent out

distorted
shape, but still
No organism can
become

hood

in all climates, and

thrive

right condition, the Vital Force will do its

the Vital
best work, but given imperfect conditions
but imperfectly,and
Force will be able to manifest

Given

the

more

less of what

or

living in

civilization

less unnatural

do

We

call disease

has

which

to do

as

We

ensues.

forced

of life upon

mode

finds it hard

Force

we

well for

us

as

or

more

the

and

us,

are

Vital

like.

it would

naturally ; drink naturally ; sleep

naturally ; breathe naturally ; or dress naturally.
have done those things which
We
we
ought not to
those things
left undone
have
have
done, and we
not

eat

"

which

we

within

ought

to have

"

us

"

or,

we

there is

done, and

might add,

Health

no

little health

as

as

we

help.

can

We
of the

have

dwelt

upon

the

Vital Force, for the

of the friendliness

matter
reason

by those
usually overlooked
study of it. It forms a part

that

who
of the

have

it is
not

matter

made

Yogi Philosophy

Hatha

of

and

Yoga,

have

Force,
and

and

try

interfere

to

the

Much

and
clear

chariot

smooth,
Follow

body.

their

the

without

exercises

of

track
of

the

clear
his

road,

precepts

and

devoted

is

and

the

aim

the

it

will

they

to

of

the

give
way

Hatha
well

To

end.
to

the

to

methods

that

right

be

Force
its

and

of

of

consists

Vital

the

allow

Force

is

and

Yoga

obstructions,

Vital

its

it.

hindrance,

largely

are

them,

Force

health,

Hatha

to

Vital

with

Vital

and

they

the

through

the

in

of

success

and

freely

the

that

confidence

in

possible

as

well-being

that

ally

freely

little

calculated

best

flow

to

know

greatest
of

methods
work

to

know

strong

into

largely

it

They

as

They

awake

repose

it

allow

they

operations.
ever

and

friend

good

lives.

29

take

Yogis

the

their

in

consideration

FORCE

VITAL

THE

with

on

Yogi.
your

CHAPTER

LABORATORY

THE

THIS

little book

and

uses

well

to

of

the

the

and

of

the

perform

the

assimilation

body

which

"

have

food

it

think

as

important

very

do

to

people

functions

we

the

upon

of

nature,

organs,

regarding

which

body

of the

bodily

text-book

majority

the

idea

no

words

few

say

or

for

as

various

of the

organs
tion

little

have

to

seem

inasmuch

but

physiology,

intended

not

is

BODY

THE

OF

the

with

diges

nourishes

which

of the

work

laboratory

system.
first bit of the

The
to

considered

be

provided

by

bits, thus

into

fine

and

consistency
the

to

oft-told

an

really

act

as

had

teeth

just

as

act

as

by

the

and

This

if teeth
if Nature

break

bolted.

if

been

aid

how

tale, but

given
had

they

could

bits

the

friends,
30

what

that

their

their

and
a

fowl
that

your

food

generally

with

like the
food

readers

our

bolt

They
them

repetition

purpose

for show,

provided

small

Remember,

them

for

absorbed

of

many

merely

were

of which
into

knew

they

its nourish

and

merely

the
after

stomach,

that

form

be

to

seems

size

by

upon

easily assimilated

be

ing qualities may

liquid

it

grind

convenient

of the

it is reduced

of

it of

digestive juices

be

and

food

our

acted

which

body.

bite

to

has

Nature

teeth.

easily

and

the

the

are

digestion

of

machinery

rendering
to

saliva

by

us

teeth

with

us

human

gizzard,
grind

they
teeth

up

had
were

she would
with

of

will have

We

teeth.

Yoga,

The

much

located

are

cheeks

side.

Their

generate

chewed

function

mixes

the

with

increased

food

The

The

effect.

allowing it

to

be

tion, however,

important

Its best

important one)

is its chemical

starchyfood

the

first step in the

Here

which

perform

being

into
being chewed
to more
thoroughly
a
correspondingly
the food, thus
this func

to

function
is

its

more

(and
its

offices,which

the

most

convert

many

she has

which

all know

You

of you eat in a
to put the saliva to work

how

designed ? You
perfunctory chews
which

is

into sugar, thus performing

process of digestion.

had

toward

manufacture,

which

teaches

oft- told tale.

Nature

allows

each

on

matter

is another

saliva, but

known

science

the

two

needed, flows

incident

mere

and

one

easilyswallowed,

more

Western

which

is to

saliva moistens

being

ones.

ears,

food

the saliva is able

particles,
all portions of it with

reach

jaw,

in different parts of the

ducts

numerous

masticated.

or

small

to

while.

saliva,which, when

secrete

or

of the

front

best known

and

mouth,

the

the tongue and

under

in the

through

one

go along, as it has
vital principleof

we

after

see

about

say

the Salivary
are
organs to be considered
These
glands are six in number, of which

in the

out

will

you

as

to

next

Glands.
four

31

of the teeth as
the proper use
with
close connection
a
very
Hatha

BODY

and also consider

the fact
purpose,
had intended
you to bolt your food
have provided you with a gizzard instead

you for
if Nature

given
that

THE

OF

LABORATORY

she

bolt
and
gone

has

your
defeat
to

so

built

food

after

Nature's
much

such

about
manner
as

she

few

plans,

trouble, and
beautiful

and

YOGA

HATHA

32

delicate
"

back
her

But

machinery.
at

for your

you

has

Nature

plans
"

makes

you

pay

We

must

not

faithful friend

good

"

get

disregard of
and
always

and

contempt
a

to

manages

memory

debts.

your

forget to
who

Nature

is

so

mention
often

the

made

tongue "that

to

perform

the

of angry
ignoble task of assistingin the utterance
words, retailingof gossip,lying,nagging, swearing,
and
last but not
least, complaining.
The
important work to perform
tongue has a most
food.
of nourishing the body with
in the
process

Besides

of mechanical

number

performs in eating, in which it helps

food
along and its similar service in
of taste
swallowing, it is the organ
which
the food
critical judgment upon
it

tance

the

to

which

movements
to

the

move

of

the

act

and

passes

asks

admit

stomach.

of the teeth,
uses
neglected the normal
the tongue, and
the salivary glands and
they have
If
consequently failed to give you the best service.
have

You

you but
methods

trust

and

them

return

to

sane

and

normal

gladly and
eating you will find them
cheerfully responding to your trust and will once
They are
more
give you their full share of service.
good friends and servants, but need a little confi
dence, trust and responsibilityto bring out their
best points.
of

After

the

food

then

saturated

into

the

has been

with

stomach.

chewed

or

saliva it passes
The

lower

masticated
down

part of

and

the throat
the

throat,

gullet, performs a peculiar

the
muscular
pushes downward
contraction, which
of food, which act forms a part of the process
particles

which

is

called

the

YOGA

HATHA

34

building
"

The

"

inside

organs.
of the stomach

and

is

which

from

into
open
fine network

very

manufactured,

thin

secreted,

or

the

of

walls,
that

gastricjuice

fluid, the gastricjuice. The

wonderful

is filled

which

remarkably

with

blood-vessels

minute

is

which

around

with

is covered

membrane,
liningof delicate mucous
with
minute
glands, all of which
stomach

adding

parts and

all the

to

repairing, strengthening and

up,

powerful liquidacting as a solvent upon what is

It also
called the nitrogenous portions of the food.
been
has
the
or
acts
glucose which
sugar
upon
the starchy food
from
manufactured
by the saliva,
It is a bitter sort of liquid,
described.
above
as
containing a chemical product called pepsin,which
is its active agent and which
plays a most important
part in the digestion of the food.
the stomach
manu
In a normal, healthy person
gallon of gastricjuice
factures or secretes about one

is

in the process
twenty-four hours, and uses same
When
the food reaches
of digestion of the food.
the little glands,before mentioned, pour
the stomach
sufficient supply of the gastricjuice, which
out
a

in

mixes

the stomach

Then
which
end

the

with

up

moves

the

end, from

to

churning and
into

derful
like

And

it. The
work

food

up sort of a
pulpy food round
sets

in

part of

the

Instinctive

in the

stomach

mass

Mind

stomach.

the

churning motion,
round, from

and

side to side,twistingand

kneading it, until

penetrates every
up

of

mass

turning it,

the

gastricjuice

and

is well mixed

does

movements

won

some

and

works

well oiled machine.

if the

stomach

has

been

treated

to

properly

prepared,
the
as

well

often

so

for the

or

"

"

stuffed
be

to

happens,
bolted

by

if

such

owner

stomach

the

results,and

half
been

has
is

there

going

of

instead

becomes

stomach

fermenting, putrefying, rotting

"

but

been

"

case,

fit

qualitynot

the

of digestionbeing performed, the

process
and fermentation
is unable
to do its work

normal

pot

35

stomach

the

gluttonous
In

trouble.

is of

if it has

or

"

or

"

BODY

food, properly insalivated,

fine job. But if,
out
turn
a

the food

stomach

human

chewed,
to

chewed

is able

machine

THE

OF

LABORATORY

called

been

it has

"

mass

such

under

holder

the

yeast

"

of

circumstances.

people could but form an idea of what a cesspool

in their stomachs
they would cease
they maintain
whenever
look bored
and
to shrug their shoulders
habits of eating are
the subjectof rational and sane
If

mentioned.
This
habits
in

putrefying ferment, arising from

chronic
of eating,often becomes

condition

of what

which

is called

It remains

in the

meal, and

then

stomach

the

manifests

abnormal
and

itself in the symptoms

"

dyspepsia,"or similar
for a long time
stomach
when

the

fermentation

results

next

meal

continues

troubles.
after the

reaches

the

until

the

a
perpetually active
actually becomes
results
yeast pot." This condition, of course,
in an
impairment of the normal functioningof the
stomach, the surface of which becomes
slimy, soft,
thin and
The
weak.
glands become
clogged and
becomes
the whole digestiveapparatus of the stomach
the half
In such event
impaired and broken down.
intestine,
digested food passes out into the small
tainted
with
the acids arisingfrom
fermentation,

stomach
"

HATHA

3b
and

result

the

YOGA
whole

the

is that

becomes

system

imperfectlynourished.
the gastricjuice
food-mass
saturated
with
has been
and
poured upon it and kneaded
the stomach
into it, leaves
by the Pyloric
the lower
on
right-handside of the stomach,

graduallypoisoned and
The
which

churned
orifice
and

intestine.

intestine is

small

The

small

the

enters

ingeniously
comparatively

tube-like

canal

itself so as to occupy
but a
coiled upon
small
which
is really from
space, but

twenty

to

thirtyfeet in length. Its inner walls are lined with

and through the greater part of
a velvety substance,
its length this velvety liningis arranged in transverse
shelf-like folds, which maintain
winking
a sort of
"

"

motion,

backward

swaying

intestinal

forward

and

fluids, retarding the

passage

in

the

food

of the

providingan increased surface for secretion and

absorption. The velvety condition of this mucous
minute
elevations,
lining is caused by numerous
something like the surface of a pieceof plush,which
and

known

are

which

soon

with

bile is
for

bladder.
in

About

in

Its

two

saturating the

intestine.

office of

villi,"the

little further
enters

mass

secretion

use

"

the

on.

small intestine

peculiarfluid called the bile, which

with
it.
is thoroughly mixed
up

it and

saturates

ready

food

the

as

it is met

The

explained a

will be

As

intestinal

the

as

of the

liver and

is stored

strong bag, known

quarts of

food

purpose

as

bile

it passes

is to

the

as

per

day

into

assist the

up

gall

is used

the

small

pancreatic

juice in preparingthe fatty parts of the food for

absorption and also to aid in the prevention of
decomposition and putrefactionof the food as it

LABORATORY

OF

THE

BODY

37

passes through the small intestine and the neutraliza

tion of the gastricjuicewhich
has already performed
its work.

The

pancreatic juice is secreted by the

an
elongated organ situated just behind
pancreas,
the stomach, and its purpose
is to act upon
the fatty
portions of the food and to render them
possibleof
absorption from the intestines along with the other
About
and
one
parts of the food nourishment.
one-half pints is used dailyin this work.
The hundreds
of plush-like hairs
of thousands
upon the velvety liningof the small intestine (above
alluded to),and which
known
are
as
villi,"main
tain a constant
waving motion, passing through and
in the soft,semi-liquid
food which
is passing through
the small intestine.
They are constantly in motion,
that is
licking up and absorbing the nourishment
contained
in the food-mass
and
transmitting it to
the system.
The
several steps whereby the food is converted
into blood and is carried to all parts of the system are
follows : Mastication, insalivation, deglutition,
as
and
stomach
intestinal digestion,absorption, circu
lation and assimilation.
Let us run
them
over
again
hastilythat we may not forget them.
Mastication
is performed by the teeth
it is the
the lips,tongue and
cheeks assist
chewing process
It breaks
ing in the work.
up the food into small
particlesand enables the saliva to reach it more
thoroughly.
Insalivation
is the
of saturating the
process
"

"

"

"

"

masticated
from
cooked

the

food

with

the

saliva

which

pours

into

it

salivaryglands. The saliva acts upon the

starch in the food, changing it into dextrine

YOGA

HATHA

38

glucose, thus rendering it soluble.

This
chemical
possible by the
change is rendered
action
of the
pytaline in the saliva acting as a
and
ferment
constitution
changing the chemical
for which
of those substances
it has an affinity.
and small
Digestion is performed in the stomach
and

then

into

intestines

conversion

consists in the

and

food-

of the

products capable of being absorbed

assimilated.
the
Digestion begins when
The
the stomach.
reaches
gastric juice then
with
out
copiously,and, becoming mixed
up

churned
tive

into
of

tissue

releases

meat,
them

wheat

and

form

of

white

they

assimilated.

fat

lean

as

of

pours
and

connec

of

some

the

absorbed

being

the

gluten

albuminose,

in

and

occasioned

transformation

The

food

envelopes

its

meat,

into

eggs,

capable

are

from

the

transforms

and

up

material, such

albuminous

which

it dissolves

food-mass,

the

by breaking
of

and

into

mass

by

digestion is accomplished by the chemical

action of an
organic ingredient of the gastricjuice,
with the acid ingredients
called pepsin,in connection
of the gastricjuice.
While
the process of digestionis being performed
the fluid portion of the food-mass,
by the stomach
stomach

both
which

liberated

the

from

digestion is rapidly
the
more

by

stomach
solid
the

stated.
the

and

solid

muscular
In

food-mass

the

action

about

up

is carried

portions of
a

well

as

food

taken

stomach

the

drunken,

been

have

entered

has

which

that

to

in

by

food-mass

of the

half-hour

begin slowly

to

leave

the

fluids

process
absorbents

of
of

blood, while

the

churned

up

are

stomach,
the

fluids

the

the

the

as

as

solid
the

as

we

have

portions of
stomach

in

OF

LABORATORY
of

the form
is

which
the

39

grayish,pasty substance, called chyme,

of

mixture

of the sugar and salts of

starch or glucose,of soft

some

food, of transformed

fat

starch, of broken

ened
and

BODY

THE

and

tissue,

connective

of albuminose.

chyme, leavingthe stomach,

The

intestine,as
with
the

have

we

described, and

fluids dissolve

digestion

of the food

most

in contact

comes

intestinal

pancreatic and
bile, and intestinal
the

the small

enters

that

with

juicesand

These

ensues.

has

not

already

digestion resolves the

as
(i)Peptone,
chyme into three substances, known
from
the digestion of albuminous
particles; (2)
Chyle, from the emulsion of the fats ; (3) Glucose,
of
from the transformation
of the starchy elements
These
substances
the food,
are, to a large extent,

been

softened.

into

carried
while

the

intestine

the

Intestinal

blood

and

become

part of it,

undigested food passes out of

through a trap-door-likevalve

the

small
the

into

large bowel called the colon, of which we shall speak

by-and-by.
is known
the process
Absorption, by which name
products of the food,
by which the above-named
resultingfrom the digestiveprocess, are taken up
by the veins and lacteals,is effected by endosmosis.
The

and

water

the

fluids liberated

from

the

food-

rapidlyabsorbed
and carried away
by the blood in the portal vein to
the liver. The peptone and glucose from the small
the portal vein to the liver
intestines also reaches
of the
intestinal
villi,
through the blood-vessels

mass

by

the

which

we

heart

after

stomach

have

digestionare

described.

This

passing through

blood

the

reaches

liver, where

the
it

HATHA

4o

undergoes

YOGA

which

process

we

subject of the
remaining
product

reach

intestines

after

taken

and

up

the

speak of when
The
chyle, which

liver.

the

the

will

of

and

peptone

carried

to

the

lacteals

food-mass

the

the

glucose

in

into

the

been
and

up

thoracic

is
the

have

liver, is taken

we

duct,

passes

through

and

gradually conveyed to the blood, as will be

in our
described
chapter on the Circulation.
will explain
chapter on the Circulation we

is

further
In

our

blood

the

how

carries

digested food

nutriment

the

from

derived

all parts of the

body, giving to
and
each
tissue, cell, organ
by
part the material
it builds up and
which
repairs itself,thus enabling
and develop.
the body to grow
the

The

small

liver

to

the

secretes

intestine, as

bile,which

have

we

stated.

to

the

It also stores

up

is carried

in the
glycogen, which is formed
the digested materials
liver from
brought to it by
the portal vein
(as above
explained). Glycogen is
is afterwards
stored up in the liver, and
gradually
transformed, in the intervals of digestion,into glu
a

called

substance

cose

or

secretes

pancreas
pours

into

similar

substance

the

grape

sugar.

pancreatic juices,which

the

small

to

intestine,

to

aid

in

The
it

intestinal

chieflyupon the fatty por

The
tions of the food.
kidneys are located in the
loins,behind the intestines.
They are two in number
and
are
They purify the blood
shaped like beans.
called
by removing from it a poisonous substance
and
other
waste
urea
products. The fluid secreted
by the kidneys is carried by two tubes, called ureters,
bladder
is located in the pelvis
The
to the bladder.

digestion,where

and

serves

as

it acts

reservoir

for the

urine, which

consists

CHAPTER

THE

IN

last

our

food

the

by

up

all parts

and

brief

nutritive

blood

flows

tissue

of the

the

this

portion

of the

and

through

recuperative

waste

be

may

and

other

work

of

from

the

The

building

give

you

blood

the

is

engine

take

instead

This

is called

heart

which

up

your

tell

you

the
the

flow

the

drives

is,of
time

The
cell

through

returns

cells

"

the

the

that

system,
system

and

its construc

broken-down

it the

from

is taken

every

It then

performing

system.

to

perform

of

food
blood.

becomes

work.

expelled

organs

the

digested

it may

matter

physical machinery

by

of

arteries

the

that

body

other

waste

not

and

arteries, carrying with

and

to

parts of the

will

we

work

how

in

several

chapter

circulation

the

by

tive

nourishment

on.

The
up

of

description

carried

this

In

man.

taken

and

it is used
the

the

resolved

and

the

where

renewing

of how

absorbed

being

carries

system,

idea

an

you

transformed

of

which

blood,
of the

physical

gave

capable

repairing

up,

we

FLUID

gradually

is

substances

into

LIFE

chapter

eat

we

VI

lungs

the

by

"

casting-out
blood

of the

to

and

Circulation.
this

wonderful

describing
of

something

Heart.

the

course,

We

heart, but

the

the

system

work

of

will
will

performed

it.
Let

us

begin

at

the

point
42

at

which

we

left off in

our

THE
last

LIFE

FLUID

43

of
chapter the point at which the nourishment
the food, taken up by the blood which
assimilates it,
"

the

reaches

heart, which

sends

it out

on

its errand

of

nourishing the body.

The

blood

starts

arteries,which
divisions
canals

are

and

which

feed

series of elastic canals,

the

ones

are
capillaries

ing about

one

diameter.

They

smaller

until the

ones,

are
capillaries

resemblance

gives them

of the blood

exude

fine

very

their

having

the main

which

very small blood-vessels

three-thousandth
of an
resemble

the

journey through

subdivisions, beginning with

feed stillsmaller
The

its

on

in

turn

reached.
measur

inch

in

hairs, which

The

capillaries
of network, bringing
penetrate the tissues in meshes
the blood in close contact
with all the parts. Their
walls are
the nutritious
ingredients
very thin and

through

name.

their walls and

are

taken

The
capillariesnot only exude
up by the tissues.
the nourishment
from the blood, but they also take
up

the

blood

on

its return

journey (as we

will

see

presently)and

generally fetch and carry for the

system, including the absorption of the nourishment
of the food from the intestinal villi,
in
described
as
last chapter.
our
Well, to get back to the arteries. They carry the
rich, red, pure blood from the heart, laden with
and
life, distributing it
health-givingnutrition
through large canals into smaller, from smaller into
still smaller, until finally
the tiny hair-like capillaries
are

and

reached
use

and

it for

cells of the

the

tissues take

buildingpurposes,

up
the

the

nourishment

wonderful

little

body doing this work most intelligently.

(We shall have something to say regarding the work

HATHA

44

YOGA

blood
having
by-and-by.) The
given up a supply of nourishment,
begins its return
journey to the heart, taking with it the waste product s,
of

cells,

these

d"-ad

cells,broken-down

and

tissue

refuse

other

of the

this
but
capillaries,
return
through the arteries, but
journey is not made
by a switch-off arrangement it is directed into the
smaller veinlets of the venous
system (or system of
the
whence
veins "), from
it passes
to
larger
It

system.

with

starts

the

"

veins

and

the

to

on

arteries

again,

happens

to it. It goes

in

order

burnt

to

up

on

have

and

to

the

its waste

off.

cast

In

the

exists

system.

This

closely resembles
contains
have
some

some

exuded

the

of the

from

impurities
another
chapter we will
the lungs.

being

cleansed

so

human

silver.

blood

in

walls of the

and
re-enter

that

through

which
Lymph,
composition. It
the

blood

which

blood-vessels

the

system, which,

"made-over"
the

and

blood,

by
and

the
are

lymph circulates in thin vein-like

be readily seen
small that they cannot
by
injectedwith quick
eye, until they are

again used.
canals,

circulates
the

products of

waste

lymphatic system,

called

tell you

must

we

ingredientsof

the

of the

after

the

is

of the lungs,

and

matter

fluid which

another

the

something

crematory

of
this work
tell you about
Before passing on, however,
there

it reaches

trip, however,

new

Before

heart.

These

The

canals

empty

into

several

of

the

large veins, and the lymph then mingles with the

The
the
heart.
to
returning blood, on its way
Chyle," after leaving the small intestine (see last
lesson)mingles with the lymph from the lower parts
of the body, and
gets into the blood in this way,
"

FLUID

LIFE

THE

45

products of the digestedfood pass

through the portalvein and the liver on their journey
that, although they take different routes, they
"so
meet
again in the circulatingblood.
So, you will see, the blood is the constituent of the
furnishes nourish
body which, directlyor indirectly,
and life to all the parts of the body. If the
ment
of
blood is poor, or the circulation weak, nutrition
other

while

the

some

parts of the
conditions

diseased

must

be

will result.

The

body

of man's

one-tenth

about

one-quarter is distributed

liver ; about

and

veins

this amount

heart, lungs,

in the

one-quarter in the
the muscles, the remain

about

in

one-quarter

ing quarter being

Of

weight.

about

large arteries

impaired, and
blood
supplies

distributed

remaining

the

among

brain utilizes about

The
and
tissues.
organs
fifth of the entire quantity of blood.

always, in thinking

Remember,

is what

the blood

that

eat, and

it

you make
eat it. You

the way
you
best kind of blood, and

intended

you

have

may

Or,

do.

to

by

you

the very
selectingthe

have

can

the

on

blood,

the food

plenty of it,by
by eating such food

foods, and

proper

the

about

one-

other

as

Nature

hand,

you

insufficient
an
blood, and
poor
of the abnormal
foolish gratification

very

quantity of it,by
Appetite, and by improper eating (not worthy of the
name) of any kind of food. The blood is the life and
"

you

make

Now,
and

see

the
let

us

what

blood
pass
is

going

the

body,

Let

us

have

laden
a

look

to

has

with
at

in

is the matter

to the

on

blood, which

venous

that

"

nutshell.

crematory of the lungs,

happen
come

to that

back

from

impurities and
the crematory.

blue, impure
all parts of

waste

matter.

CHAPTER

THE

THE

of

and

number,

thorax,

leading

one

on

from

separated

side

each

other

and

blood-vessels

of

chiefly
the

necting
lungs

are

lungs
spongy

but

constructed

other

the

to

and

porous,

each

glide easily upon

to

The

larynx,
the

through

with
with

the

windpipe,
called

the

subdivide

and

larynx

it

it

bronchial
and

tubes

which
of
of

we

it is warmed

has

passes

subdivides

which

into

after

lung,

act

is

The

into

sac,

the

and

secretes

walls

the

breathing.

of the

nose,

the

and

draw

by

in

the

contact

richly supplied

passed through
into

are

delicately

trachea,

or

con

pleural

interior

which

membrane,
and

the

breathe,

we

in which

nose,

mucous

blood,

pharynx

of the

con

tissues

the

in the

other

which

surfaces

windpipe
When

tubes.

bronchial

with

chest, and

inner

Passages consist

Air

pharynx,
air

the

lung

veins

their

to

greater

heart.

and

and

the

Each

and

known^as

sac,

of the

allows

root,

trachea

covered

are

wall

inner

which

fluid

the

closely adheres

of which

wall

one

with

strong

the

at

arteries

bronchi,

They

of

heart, the

by the

two

are

line, being

larger air tubes.

the

the

elastic.

very

of

lungs

median

the

is free in all directions, except

sists

The

and

lungs

pleural chamber

the

each

of the

them.

to

occupy

SYSTEM

THE

consist

Respiration

air passages

in

OF

CREMATORY

Organs

the

VI T

the
numerous

the

trachea

or

tubes

(bronchia), which, in turn,

terminate

46

in minute

subdivisions

CREMATORY
in all the small

lungs

contain

OF

THE

air spaces in the

millions.
A writer

the air cells of the

lungs were
surface, they would

broken

SYSTEM

lungs, of
has

spread
an

cover

feet.
square
air is drawn
into the

47

stated

out

the

which

if

that

over

un

an

of fourteen

area

thousand
The

diaphragm,
stretched

the action

lungsby

great, strong, flat,sheet-like

muscle,

chest, separatingthe chest-box

the

across

of the

diaphragm's action is
that of the heart, although it
almost as automatic
as
be transformed
into a semi-voluntary muscle
may
When
effort of the will.
it expands, it
by an
the size of the chest and lungs, and the air
increases
from

the

rushes

the

into

laxes, the

the

When

created.

it

and
the
lungs contract
the lungs.
consideringwhat happens to the

before

lungs, let

and

look

us

of the

circulation

thus

vacuum

chest

expelled from
Now,

The

abdomen.

little into the

blood.

The

blood,

air is

air in
of the

matter

as

re

know, is

you

by the heart, through the arteries,into the

thus reaching every
capillaries,
part of the body,
which
it vitalizes,nourishes
and
strengthens. It
of the capillaries
then returns
by means
by another
driven

route, the veins, to the heart, from

to the

The
and

blood

starts

rich, laden

system.
mountains

It goes
;

on

with

dull,being laden

When

it is drawn

lungs.

ties. It returns

This

whence

by

journey,brightred
and proper
life-giving
qualities

the

down
out

it returns

foul stream

its arterial

route, poor, blue

venous

with
like
as

goes to the
this auricle becomes

the waste
a

matter

fresh

stream

stream

of

of the

from

sewer

right auricle of the

filled,it contracts

and

the

water.

heart.
and

HATHA

4*
forces the stream

the

to

of blood
of the

right ventncle

story
The
the

have

of the

foul stream

of air is inhaled

at this

to

thick

enough

admit

the

is

impure
hold

to

takes

us

take

up

distributed

the

among

lungs.

breath

of the

lungs,which walls
blood, but thin enough
When

penetrate them.

to

place,

with

the

blood,

and

the

blood

releases carbonic

and

let

now

the

in contact

combustion
oxygen

air

in
of the air comes
oxygen
blood through the thin walls

the

oxygen

comes

oxygen

on

point.

of blood

and

the

with

it

sends

by millions of
cells of the lungs, of

Now,

of the hair-like blood-vessels

are

in turn

of tiny air cells in the

millions

contact

to the

spoken.

lungs

in the

opening

an

it is distributed

lungs, where
we

through

heart, which

hair-like blood-vessels
which

YOGA

the

form

takes

of
up

acid gas generated from

has
which
products and poisonous matter
been gathered up by the blood from all parts of the
The blood thus purifiedand oxygenated is
system.
carried back to the heart, again rich, red and bright,
and
laden with
life-giving
properties and qualities.
Upon reaching the left auricle of the heart, it is
it is again
whence
forced into the left ventricle,from
of life to
forced out through the arteries on its mission
the

waste

all parts of the

that

It is estimated

system.

in

twenty-four hours, 35,000 pints of blood

the capillaries
of the lungs, the blood cor
traverse
pusclespassing in singlefile and being exposed to the

singleday

of

of the air on
oxygen
considers the minute
he

is lost in

infinite
It

care

will be

both

details of the process

wonder

and
seen

When

of their surfaces.

and

admiration

alluded
at

one

to,

Nature's

intelligence.
that

unless

fresh

air in sufficient

in order

that

properly.

When

needed
cesses

with

is carried

and

to

converts

oxygen.
Not

only

the

every

her

about

is every

which

materials

new

Arterial

use.

pro

haemoglobin of the
cell,tissue, muscle and
strengthens,replacing

with

air,contains

to the

exposed

to

her

in contact

comes

oxygen

it

worn-out

Nature

the

perform

may

invigoratesand
cells and tissue by

which

organ,

Nature

blood, it unites

the

blood

the

YOGA

HATHA

50

blood, properly
of free

25 per cent,

part vitalized by

but

the oxygen,

a
digestion depends materially upon
of oxygenation of the food, and this
certain amount
in the blood
is only accomplished by the oxygen
and
the food
with
producing a
coming in contact

the

of

act

sary that
the

of

form

certain

proper
lungs. This
a

lungs and

poor

grasp the
remember
must
To

supply

of oxygen

accounts

for

that
the

from

imperfect

assimilation

nourished

body.

the

be taken

Even
source

same

neces

through
weak

that

fact

the

digestionare so often
of this
full significance

nourishment

upon

It is therefore

combustion.

found

together.

statement,

body

one

receives

the

entire

food

assimilated, and

that

an
imperfectly
always means
the lungs themselves
depend

for

nourishment,

and

if

assimilation
imperfect breathing the
becomes
imperfect,and the lungs in turn become
weakened, they are rendered stillless able to perform
their work
properly,and so in turn the body becomes
weakened.
further
Every particle of food and
be oxygenated before it can
yield us the
drink must
the waste
and before
products
nourishment,
proper

through

of the
to be

system

can

eliminated

be

from

reduced

to the proper

the system.

Lack

condition

of sufficient

OF

CREMATORY

and

tion,
The

combustion

"

to

of

good

the

in

overlooked

of

but

imperfect
lung

the

of

portion

suffering

cells

in

breathe

state,

edly

did

by

adopted
upon

habit

lower

civilized

man

has

to

breathing,
Man's

Nature."

and

only

is gener

writers

the

on

the

only

and

and

lost,

the

is

in

abnormal

robbed
race

physical

us

has

undoubt
of

living
follows

natural

our

greatly

salvation

system

native

that
of

great

their

manner

shadow

under-

man

"

portion

of

amount

primitive

the

play,

animals,

the

the

to

feature

into

"

of

resist

to

exercise

breathing,

to

The

same.

plenty

fully appreciate.

capacity

naturally,

civilization

thereby.
back

the

have

important

gives

brought

The

not

are

them

which

Yogis

proportion

oxygenation.

breathers

Western

the

lung

the

the

equalizes

generally

muscles,

are

the

in

change

enables

shallow

or

is life."

temperature.

the

which

and

breathing

by

elimina

breath

above-mentioned

of

and

organs

heat

which

the

act

the

they

outer

to

the

subject,
In

the

addition

internal

and

from

Good

body.

blood

warm

processes,

ally

the

cold,"

take

changes
In

generates

of

temperature

"

Verily,

arising

products

waste

apt

health.

imperfect

51

imperfect

nutrition,

imperfect

means

oxygen

SYSTEM

THE

is

suffered
to

"get

CHAPTER

VIII

NOURISHMENT

THE

human

is

body

constantly undergoing change.

of bone, tissue, flesh,muscle, fat and

Atoms

constantly being
system, and
factured

in

and

sent

then

discarded
Let

us

atoms

new

are

wonderful

the

take

to

and

out

worn

the

removed

fluids

are

from

the

constantly being manu

laboratory of the body,
and
place of the worn-out

material.
consider

mechanism,

as

physicalbody

the

plant

"

of

and

man

and, indeed, it is akin

to

its
the

life of the

What
does the plant
plant in its nature.
seed to sprout, from
require to bring it up from
sprout to plant, with flower, seed and fruit ? The
is simple" fresh
and
air, sunlight, water,
answer
nourishing soil these things, and all of them, must
And
it have in order to grow
to healthy maturity.
Man's
thingsphysicalbody requiresjust the same
all of them"
in order
be
to
healthy, strong and
normal.
Remember
the requisites-fresh air, sun
We
the matter
will consider
and
food.
light,water
of air, sunlight and
in other chapters and will
water
consider
of nourishing food first.
the matter
slowly, but steadily,so
Just as the plant grows
material
of discarding worn-out
does this great work
"

"

and

the

substitution

stantly, day
this mighty
sub-conscious
the

work

The

new

material

go

on

con

of
conscious
not
are
night. We
it belongs to
that
work,
as
great
it is a part of
nature
part of Man's

and

"

of the

whole

of

Instinctive

of the

Mind.

body, and all its parts, depend

52

for

NOURISHMENT
and

health, strength

upon

this

renewal

were

vigour

of material.

renewal

53

If this

constant

stopped
replac

The
disintegrationand death would ensue.
material
is an
discarded
and
ing of the worn-out
organism, and, there
imperative necessity of our
fore,is the first thing to be considered when we think
of the Healthy Man.
The keynote of this subject of food in the Hatha
Yoga Philosophy is the Sanscrit word, the English
We
is "NOURISHMENT."
equivalent of which
an
print the word in capitalletters that it may make
We
wish our
students
impression upon your minds.
with the thought of
the thought of Food
io associate
Nourishment.
To

Yogi,

the

tickle

food

first,Nourishment

second,

it means,
and

NOURISHMENT,

first,last

thinks

without

people,the ideal Yogi is a

being,
half-starved, emaciated
for days
of food that he goes

of the Western

many

lean, lank, scrawny,

"

instead

to

always.

To

who

something

mean

Nourishment

third, NOURISHMENT.
and

not

palate, but

abnormal

the

does

little

so

eating
"

"

one

who

considers

food

to

be

too

"

Nothing
spiritualnature."
The
be further from the truth.
can
Yogis, at least
those who
are
Yoga, regard
well-grounded in Hatha
his body, and
his first duty towards
Nourishment
as
he is always careful to keep that
body properly
fresh
nourished, and to see that the supply of new,
and
material is always at least equal to the worn-out
material

discarded
It is
nor

for

matter.

quite true

is he

his

inclined

that
to

the

rich

Yogi is not a gross eater,

On the
and fancy dishes.

HATHA

54

contrary, he smiles
obtain

will

he

of Hatha

maxim

eats, but

man

old maxim,
health
We

the

him."

nourishes

from

the

method

is

"

the

more

ignorant of

is

the

it contains

that

of wisdom
which

volumes

minimum

iies in

of

amount
the

middle

in this

writers

upon

to express.

you, later on, the

maximum
amount

the

what

assimilates,that

he

world

taken

It is not

that

amount

subjectshave
will show

is

Yoga

There

and

extracting

who

in

the

of food.

meaning

without

contained

matter

dishes of his brother

elaborate
real

full nourishment

there

harmful

and

waste

the

follyof such things, and

nourishing meal, knowing that

at

plain and

his

to

goes

YOGA

Yogi
of

food.
of

the

method

of

nourishment
The

road,

Yogi
the

road
travelled,
are
opposite sides of which
schools,
differingWestern
respectively,
by the two
food-stuffers
and
starvationists,"
namely the
each of whom
loudly proclaim the merits of their
cult and decry the claims of the opposing sect.
own
be pardoned for smiling goodThe simple Yogi may
those who,
naturedly at the disputesraging between
preaching the necessityof sufficient nutrition, teach
the one
that
to obtain it,on
stuffing is necessary
hand ; and
of the opposing school, who,
at those
stuffing and over-eating,
recognizingthe follyof
have
no
remedy to offer but a semi-starvation,
accompanied with long continued fasts, which, of
of its followers down
has brought many
to
course,
death.
weakened
and even
bodies, impaired vitality,
To the Yogi, the evils of malnutrition, on the one
hand, and over-eating on the other, do not exist"
these questionshave been settled for him centuries
two

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

NOURISHMENT

55

have
Yogi fathers,whose very names
been almost forgottenby their followers of to-day.
for all, that
and
Remember,
please, once
now,
Hatha
Yoga does not advocate the plan of starving
oneself,but, on the contrary,knows and teaches that
human
no
body can be strong and healthy unless it is
and
by sufficient food eaten
properly nourished
and
assimilated.
nervous
Many delicate, weak
diseased
their impaired vitalityand
people owe
condition
to the fact that they do not obtain suffi
ago

by

the old

cient nourishment.

Remember,

also, that

Hatha

Yoga

rejects as

is obtained
theory that Nourishment
and views
from
stuffing,"gorging, or over-eating,
with wonder
and pity these attributes of the glutton,
and sees nothing in these practicesbut the manifesta
tion of the attributes of the unclean
swine, utterly
unworthy of the developed man.
should
To
the Yogi understanding Man
eat to

ridiculous

the

"

live

"

not

live to eat.

Yogi is an epicure,rather than a gourmand,

for while eating the plainestfood he has cultivated
and encouraged his natural and normal
taste so that
relish
his hunger imparts to these simple viands
a
sought after, but not obtained, by those who hunt
after rich and
expensive triumphs of the chef.
his main
While
as
object,
eating for Nourishment
he manages
his food yieldhim a pleasure
to make
the simple fare.
unknown
who
to his brother
scorns
In our
will take up the subjectof
next chapter we
Hunger and Appetite two entirelydifferent attri
butes of the physicalbody, although to most
persons
the two appear
almost the same
to mean
thing.
The

"

IX

CHAPTER

As

said

we

of

cheek

the

people

most

is

It

one

of the

tion

the

with

or

same,

time

some

to

in

person

the
of

to

man

scribing a

who

colour

We

born

was

to

can

heard"

that

that

they
it felt

56

recollec

experienced

describe

by

blind

sound
it

comparing

but

stone-deaf
born

man

age

unless

the

imagine
of

intelligent idea
"

of

genuine hunger

hearer

hearing

has
an

of

sensation,

similar

to

age

sensation

of his

normal

difficultyof conveying

of

describe

past.

he

something

the

forgotten just what

mind

in the

call up

can

to

it is hard

And

like.

Appetite,

extent

an

sensation

have

and

years,

many

were

hunger-instinct,

or

such

to

and

persons

taste,

the

experienced

not

of

yet

respective

attained

has

natural

And

the

Hunger

majority

by Appetite

perverted
for

the

their

had

of

the

difference.

explain

to

who

person
for

maturity,

have

difficult

like

is

meaning

lies the

wherein

see

symptoms,

or

average

have

us

if their

as

the

upon

fashion.

of

terms

abnormal

hue

rosy

is

Hunger

the

Appetite

woman

the

quite

sensations,
the

the

use

Let

identical.

at

of

face

rouged

entirely

body.

the
"

preceding

two

Appetite

"

child

healthy

the

are

human

like

is

Hunger

craving.

the

for food

demand

normal

Appetite

of

attributes

different

of

conclusion

and

Hunger

chapter,
the

the

at

APPETITE

VS.

HUNGER

"

;
;

or

or

of

the

sound
of

de

giving

HATHA

58

YOGA

or
satisfythis soda-water
whisky thirst. Why
Simply because it is a craving of an appetitewhich
a

an

abnormal

it is

that

appetite
been

created

"

the

of these

The

acquired
"

You

will notice

"

abnormal

is

contrary,

taste.

habit

asserting the mastery.

victims

the

the

is,on

perverted

"

has

appetite
and

thirst,but which

natural

not

thirsts

"

will

occasionallyexperience a real thirst, at which time

the tipple of the
alone will be sought, and
water
is
appetite not thought of. Just think a moment
"

this

not

against

with

so

the

sermon,

but

between

This

you

is not

fancy drink habit,

just an illustration

lecture directed

temperance

or

the

of

difference

or

acquired habit,
appetite. Appetite is an acquired habit of eating
drinking,and has but little to do with real hunger

or

thirst.

or

natural

instinct

and

an

acquires an appetite for tobacco in any of

its forms ; or for liquor,or for chewing-gum, or for
opium, morphine, cocaine, or similar drugs. And an
appetiteonce acquired becomes, if anything, stronger
A

man

than

that

have

been

natural

for food

demand

known

to

spent all of their money

Men

have

sold their babies'

and

even

because

die of starvation

had

stolen

drink, for

or

for drink

stockingsfor
in order

murdered

or

to

men

they

narcotics.

drink

"

have

gratifytheir

appetite for narcotics. And yet who would think of

callingthis terrible craving of appetite by the name
of Hunger ? And
yet we continue to speak of, and
think of, every craving for something to put into the
of these cravings
stomach
as
Hunger, while many
are
or

as

much

symptom

desire for alcohol

or

of

Appetite as

narcotics.

is the

craving

HUNGER
The

is

has

APPETITE

59

hunger until it is
spoiled by contact with man
(orwoman) who tempts
food.
and similar articles,miscalled
it with candies
The
child has a natural
hunger until it is
young
In the child, natural
spoiled in the same
way.
lower

animal

VS.
a

natural

less

replaced by acquired appe

tites,the degree depending largelyupon the amount
its parents possess
the greater the wealth
of wealth
the greater the acquirement of false appetite. And
real
it grows older, it loses all recollection of what
as
In fact, people speak of Hunger as
Hunger means.
hunger

more

or

"

thing, rather than as a natural instinct.

distressing
Sometimes
air
men
go out camping, and the open
exercise,and natural life givesthem again a taste of
real hunger, and they eat like school boys and
with
relish they have
known
not
for years.
a
They feel
because
and
in
eat
earnest,
hungry
they
have
from
mere
to, not
habit, as they do when
and
are
they are home
overloading their stomachs
continually.
We
recentlyread of a party of wealthy people who
were
shipwrecked while on a yachting pleasuretrip.
They were
compelled to live on the most meagre fare
for about
ten days. When
rescued
they looked the
picture of health
rosy, bright-eyed,and possessed
of the precious gift of a good, natural
Hunger.
Some
of the party had been dyspepticsfor years, but
the ten days' experience with food scarce
and at a
premium, had completely cured them of their dys
pepsia and other troubles.
They had obtained
sufficient to properly nourish
them, and had gotten
rid of the
waste
products of the system which
had
been
Whether
not
or
poisoning them.
they
a

"

"

"

YOGA

HATHA

6o
"

"

depended upon whether

stayed cured
exchanged Hunger for Appetite.
Natural
like natural
Thirst
Hunger

they again

"

expresses

"

throat.
of the mouth
and
through the nerves
of food
When
is hungry, the thought or mention
one
and
in the mouth,
throat
causes
a peculiar sensation
of those
salivaryglands. The nerves
parts manifest
a
peculiar sensation, the saliva begins to flow, and

itself

the

whole

The

work.
and

is not

that

desire to get to
a
region manifests
stomach
whatever,
gives no symptoms

of the

at
"

the

all in evidence
"

taste

of

of

is

of

region of the

the

etc., in
mentioned

symptoms

be

must

habit

drink

just
"

or

the

of

habit
the

that

The

symptoms

of

feelingis characteristic
appetite.

The

who

man

feels the

of tobacco

chew

such

last

the

notice

ever

you

all-gone

smoke,

forth

of abnormal

forms

craving

"

and

craving
both

Did

calls

These

stomach.

insisting that

is

continued.

feelings
all-goneness,"

all characteristic

are

which

Appetite habit,

those

"

faintness, emptiness, gnawing,

be

would

food

none

feels

One

times.

wholesome

good

There

pleasurable.

most

such

at

is

same

way.
A

such
he

often

man
"

get

his natural
not

used

mother

as

cannot

does

wonders

it ?

an

renders

impossibility.If
hunger, by

the

return

to him

the
man

cannot

because

abnormal
he

homely
were

get

Do

cook."

feel satisfied unless

tite,which

restored

to

Simply

Hunger by

he

why

has

why

replaced

appetite,and

he

gratifiesthat Appe
fare of the
to cultivate

he
to first principles,

the meals

know

you
he

dinner

of his vouth

"

past
a

an

natural

would

he would

have
find

HUNGER

just

cooks

many

be

would
You

boy

Hatha

with

to

manifest

of

food,

manner

and

half-starved

him.

He

crust

of

further

he

enjoyer
of

that

most

of

the

and
is

for
of

and
eats

far

all

he

sauces

obtains
it

in

will

which

from

being

properly

well-fed,

feast,

piquant

so

this

mouthful

He

you,

do

Hunger

every

it.

of

on,

anchorite,

nourished

he

to

just

bread,

dry

has

allows

enjoys

from

most

to

little

and

appetite,

this

Well,

not

pleasure

unknown

described

himself

the

to

nourishment

for

was,

all

what

you

are

through
even

"

mother

as

wondering

conquered

has

61

again.

Yoga,

Yogi

The

"

good

as

probably

are

APPETITE

VS.

possessed

has

"

Hunger.

be
a

CHAPTER

THE

THEORY

YOGI
PRANA

shrewdness

into

and

one,

(and

illustrated

in

also

of

the

holds
the

Prana,

into

minute

Each

the

by

food

the

by

The

the

mouth

contains

liberated

the

breaking-up

chemical

constituents

how

of the

energy,

action

food
of

Yogi theory
This

food.

of

of

and

man

Prana

which

is
of

of Prana

form

of the

particles
as

and
numerous

which
process
certain

is

tongue,
liberates

of

the

food
of

atoms

many

teeth

saliva, the presence

62

theory

maintenance

nerves

exposing

food

the

to

necessary

of mastication

act

separating

food

of the

such

that

and

or

and

in

out

time, and

man's

food-prana,
by

most

manages

most

form

for

tongue,
of

atom

she

in the

certain

bits, thus
the

to

the

brought

same

from

is contained

teeth.

this

of

be

several

of Prana

energy,

from

and

the

at

is

performed)

One

statement

necessary

and

absorbed

Prana

the

with

animals,

absolutely

mouth

things

be

to

how

see

duties

physical system.

there

lower

strength

will

duties

necessary

will

kind

pleasant

absorption
that

several

rendering

of this

We

start

us

combining

ways.

renders
the

FOOD

numberless

several

accomplish

Let

in

OF

FROM

likely

chapter.

of

PRACTICE

thereby

striking examples

offices

in

also

pleasant

she

AND

ABSORPTION

NATURE'S

this

as

possible.
of

electrons
electrons

are

of mastication,
subtle

chemical

of which

have

ABSORPTION

PRANA

63

and which
scientists,
suspectedby modern
not discernible by the tests of modern
are
chemistry,
investigators will scientificall
although future
been

not

their

prove

existence.

Once

liberated

from

the

of the
food, this food-prana flies to the nerves
and
teeth, passing through the
tongue, mouth

readily,and is rapidly conveyed to

of the nervous
numerous
storage-houses
system, from
whence
it is conveyed to all parts of the body, where
and
it is used to furnish energy
vitality to the
of the theory, the
cells. This is a bare statement
flesh and

bone

"

of which

details

"

will endeavour

we

to

fillin

we

as

proceed.
will

student

The

extract

to

necessary

heavilycharged with
of effort

waste

on

probably wonder
why
this food-prana, as the
Prana, and it may seem

the part of Nature

the Prana
in order to extract
energy
But here is the explanation. Just
is

is
so
electricity,

as

there

use

so

air is
like

much

the food.

from
all

electricity
but just
simply Prana

all Prana

several

are

to

is

it

as

"

of

forms

the

electric current,

manifesting widely different effects upon the human

forms of
or
body, so are there several manifestations
Prana, each of which performs certain work in the
physicalbody, and all of which are needed for the
different kinds

of work.

certain

offices ; that

derived

from

the food

go

into the minute

be

foreignto

rest content

The

main

contains

The

of the

Prana
water

of the air fulfils

others, and

that

still a third set of duties.

details of the

Yogi theory

of this work, and we

the purposes
with the general statements
here

subjectbefore us
food-prana,which

is the fact that

the human

To

would
must

given.

the food

body needs.

YOGA

HATHA

64
and

which

it

mastication

stated, i.e.,by

absorption

of the

of the

means

Now,

let

of the

consider

important offices
insalivating. In the
particleof food
every
two

and

the

the

to

the

have

of

habit

grown

up

tion is necessary

it

the

with

stomach
of

and

saliva
and

small

saliva, which

the

and

of

most

followed
is

that

be
it may
be mixed

digestive juices
necessary

the

flow

part of the

of food
work

of

the

promotes

certain

Mastica

also that it may

It

by

neglectedowing
of living which

food

Insalivation
and

any

mastication

the

up

the

digestion.
digestiveprocess,

process

be

to

been

intestines.
is

teeth.

and

civilization.

our

break

easilyswallowed,

more

and

swallowed,

was

has

around
to

by

plan in combining
in the act of masticating and
first place, nature
intended
to be thoroughly masticated

artificial habits

of

demands

the

system

mouth

tongue,

which

man

food, and

nervous

neglect in this respect is sure

imperfect digestion. Thorough
natural

above

manner

Nature's

before

insalivated

in the

of

by

prana

nerves
us

only

extract

can

is part of

is done

by

performed by the other

teach most
positively
digestivejuices. Physiologists
and proper insalivation of
that thorough mastication
of normal
the food are
digestion,and
pre-requisites
saliva

the

form

which

most

necessary

have
specialists
to

the

process

cannot

gone

be

part of
much

of mastication

the

process.

further
and

and

have

insalivation

Certain

given
much

of
have
the
general run
importance than
physiologists. One particularauthority,Mr. Horace
written
most
American
writer, has
Fletcher, an
forciblyupon this subject,and has given startling
proofsof the importance of this function and process
more

66

HATHA

itself, gives

us

YOGA

certain

satisfaction

swallowing, and which sensation

or
nearly all, the food-prana is
food.

will notice

You

if you

with

food, and

the

will allow

you

that, instead

it to

extracted
the

of

graduallymelt

non-

until

all,

from

the

Yogi plan
loth to

will be

you

the

continues

follow

eating (even partially)that

in

bolting it at

of

part
once,

in the mouth

away

this sensation

And
you realize that it is all gone.
is experienced from the plainestkinds

of food, which

do not

until

suddenly

well

as

of your
To

particulartaste.
English words coined for it, as
been
not
fullyrecognized by the

The

races.

sensations

best
at

ridiculous

what

impossible,for

no

has

ence

is almost

this sensation

describe

have

we

those

to

as

appeal particularlyto the taste,

foods which
are
specialfavourites

risk of

You

know
in

the

by other
presenting
is

Here
which

sensation

the

Western

it

do is to compare

can

of
being accused
comparison or illustration.

the

mean

we

we

its exist

of

one

highly
that
indescribable
feeling of
magnetic
person
the
vitality." Some
absorption of strength or
in their system that they
Prana
people have so much
and giving it out to
are
continually running over
like to be
others, the result being that other persons
and dislike to leave it,being almost
in their company,
feels

sometimes
"

when

presence

"

"

"

"

"

unable

to tear

Another

themselves

is the

being close

away.

sensation

to another

which

whom

one

is

an

kiss from

ism

"

that

the

loved

it thrills

one

obtains
In this

loves.

from
case

"

"

(thought
magnetism
is quite exhilarating.
is so filled with
magnet

interchange of
charged with Prana) which
there

instance.

This is one

"

one
one

from

head

to

toe.

This

PRANA

ABSORPTION

67

imperfectillustration of what we are trying

obtains
from
The
to describe.
pleasure that one
of
and normal
eating, is not alone a matter
proper
that
is largely derived
from
taste, but
peculiar
sensation
of the absorption of
or
magnetism
is very
akin to the examples
much
Prana, which
realizes the
above
mentioned,
although, until one

gives an

"

similar character

of the two

illustration

the

of energy,

manifestations

evoke

may

"

smile,

possibly

or

ridicule.
When

has

one

mistaken

crust

of whole-wheat
satisfaction

contained
which

within
have

we

practicein

to return

ing

of foods

of

will

Nature's
The

it is

remains

tary

the

teeth

satisfaction

most

in food

in direct
"

to

the
that

proportion

another

instance

food

and

"

feels like it

"

that

is, so

him

in the

mouth,

swallowed.

to sink

the

The

tongue

into it

as

the

gradually causes

allows

extracting the

he

slowly, masticating each

satisfaction.
In the
any
this sensation lasts so long as there

cases

any

slowly,and

nourish

most

fact to be remembered

his food

long as
yields

processes

dissolved

The

plans.

yield the

contained

eats

so

long as it
majority of

of

sensation

wisdom.

Yogi

mouthful

the

It takes a little
very
to get rid of the false appetite habit

its percentage of nourishment

to

nourishment

the

enjoy
keenly.

to Nature's

food-prana is

from

will

spoken

taste, and

normal

of taste

it, but

order

and

false

Appetite (so
Hunger) he will masticate a dry
bread
and not only obtain
a

for

often

certain

the

overcome

Nature's
food

Yogi
to

caress

involun

to be

moves

the

lovingly,knowing
food-prana from it, by means

slowly
his jaws

food, and
that

he is
of the

68

HATHA
of the

nerves

time

he

tongue and teeth, and

mouth,

being stimulated
replenishing his

YOGA

and

strengthened, and

reservoir

is conscious

that

of
he

energy.

that

that

At

the

he is
he

is

same

is

preparing his food, in

the proper
for the digestive processes
of the
way
stomach
and small intestines, and is giving his body
for the
good material needed
building up of the
physical body.
Those
follow the Yogi plan of eating will
who
obtain
far greater amount
of nourishment
from
a
their food than does the ordinary person, for every
is forced to yield up the maximum
nourish
ounce
ment,

while in the

half-masticated

case

of the

man

who

bolts his food

insalivated, much
insufficiently
the system in the
goes to waste, and is passed from
the
Under
shape of a decaying, fermenting mass.
Yogi plan nothing is passed from the system as waste
matter,
particle of
except the real waste
every
nourishment
being extracted from the food, and the
greater portion of the food-prana being absorbed
from

its atoms.

into small

and

The

mastication

breaks

up

the

food

particles,
allowing the fluids of the saliva
to interpenetrateit,the digestivejuicesof the saliva
the
other
work, and
performing their necessary
of
juices (mentioned above) acting upon the atoms
food in such a way
to liberate the food-prana, thus
as
system.
allowing it to be taken up by the nervous
The motion
imparted to the food by the action of the
jaws, tongue and cheeks in the act of mastication,
atoms
to the nerves
it to present new
causes
ready to
the food-prana. The Yogis hold the food in
extract
the mouth, masticating it slowly and thoroughly, and
by the involuntary
allowing it to be slowly swallowed

ABSORPTION

PRANA

alluded to, and

process above
full the enjoyment attendant

69

they experience to
upon

the extraction

the
of

by taking into
the mouth
some
particleof food (when you have
plenty of time for the experiment), and then slowly
masticatingit,allowing it to graduallymelt away in
will
You
the mouth, as you would
a lump of sugar.
be surprisedto find how
thoroughly this work of
involuntary swallowing is performed the food
gradually yields up its food-prana and then melts
Take
a crust
slowlyaway and reaches the stomach.
it thoroughly,
of bread, for example, and masticate
with the idea of seeing how
long it will last without
You
will find that it will never
being swallowed."
be
swallowed
in the usual way, but will gradually
have
we
just mentioned,
disappear in the manner
after being reduced
to a pasty, creamy
mass
by
of bread will have
degrees. And that littlemouthful
nourishment
a
as
yielded you about twice as much
piece of equal size,eaten in the ordinary way, and
about
three times the amount
of food-prana.
Another
example is had in the case of
interesting
Prana.

You

get

may

an

idea

of this

"

"

"

"

milk.

Milk

is

fluid, and,

"

of

course,

needs

no

the fact
Yet
breaking-up," as does solid food.
remains
(and is well established by careful experi
ments) that a quart of milk simply allowed to flow
the throat yieldsnot over
down
half the nourishment
or
quantity
food-prana that is derived from the same
of milk sipped slowly,and allowed
in -the
to remain
mouth
until it
melts away," the tongue
a moment
being moved
through it. The babe drawing the milk
from the nipple of either the breast or the bottle, of
the
does so by a sucking motion, which moves
course,
"

YOGA

HATHA

7o

produces a flow of fluid from

has
the food-prana and
liberates
the glands, which
also a chemical
digestiveeffect upon the milk itself,
notwithstanding the fact that true saliva is not
cheeks, and

tongue and

the

not

until

appear

themselves.

show

teeth

does

babe, and

in the young

secreted

experiment with them

Choose
an
selves along the lines just pointed out.
have
plenty of time, then,
opportunity when
you
masticating slowly, allow the food to gradually melt
advise

We

students

our

This

swallow.

making a deliberate
of the
melting-away

of

instead

away,

to

"

"

to

attempt
food

only

can

possiblewhen the food is masticated into a creamwith saliva, and the

like paste, thoroughly saturated
thereby converted into a semi-digestedstate,
particles
therefrom.
and having had the food-prana extracted
Try eating an apple in this way, and you will be sur
prisedat the feelingof having eaten a fair-sized meal,
of increased
and at the sensation
strength which has
be

to

come

you.
understand

We

the

thing for
and

and

we

sure

that

food

will

cause

result

in

method
that

the

ditional
"

all at

practicein
quite a change
such

relish in

eating

lovingly,"that is,to

"

and

the

readers

to

But

new

will

We

the

will

and
soon

everyday
also,

know,

delight
"

soon

feel

eating

one,

practice
in

we

of

over

come

occasional

will find

to do

method

this
to

our

once.

quite an improvement
of masticating the food.
student

in this way,

eat

all of

expect

of years

different

of business

man

little

that

know

not

habit

the

change

do

and

his time

Western

for the hurried

same,

we

to take

Yogi

quite

it is

fully that

learn

an

to

feel loth to let the mouthful

ad
eat

of

PRANA
food

pass

the

to

get
and

away.
who

man

far

ABSORPTION
A

vitality,for

more

an

is

opened

plan, and

up

he will

before,
eating than ever
better digestion,and
much

pleasurefrom

more

almost

will

he

degree of nourishment, and

food-prana.
It is possiblefor one
who
tunity to follow this plan
obtain

of taste

learns to follow this

will have, besides,

much

world

new

71

an

and

oppor

limit,

its extreme

of

amount

of

amount

the time

unbelievable

greater

increased

has
to

obtain

to

nourish

a
strength from
comparatively small
of food, as there will be practicallyno waste,
amount
of the waste
be proven
as
by an observation
may
the
which
Those
is passed from
matter
system.
and
suffering from malnutrition
impaired vitality
will find it profitable
to at least partiallyfollow this
plan.
The Yogis are known
small eaters, and yet they
as
understand
fullythe necessity and value of perfect
nutrition, and always keep the body well nourished
and
The
secret,
provided with building material.
as
practically
you will readilysee, is that they waste
of the nourishment
in the food, as they extract
none
all that it contains.
practically
They do not burden
their system with waste
material, which clogs up the
of energy in order that
a waste
machinery and causes
it may
be thrown
off. They obtain a maximum
of
nourishment
from a minimum
of food
a full supply
of food-prana from
small amount
of material.
a

ment

and

"

While
to the

you

may

extreme,

not

you

be able to follow this matter

may

work

up

great improvement

in your self by followingthe methods

above
given.
We merely give you the generalprinciples work
the
"

HATHA

72

rest

is

for

out

the

only

We

have

stated

absorbed
the

Prana

the

contained

that

doing.

able

to

do

is

that
much

in

this

of

more

"

of

of

of

the

food,

you

the

can

the
of

Prana

food-prana.
all

the

combining
and

Nourishment,"
than

that

process

absorbing

are

mouthful

the

only

not

also

you

book,

in

true

but

that
in

with

thought
be

air,

thought

times

that
"

anyway.

materially

This

yourself

anything,

several
aids

from

Hold

learn

Prana.

absorbing

for

experiment

"

to

way

attitude

mental

will

yourself

YOGA

without

you
so

HATHA

74
a

rational

more

it forced

adopt

diet, if he has been

non-meat

cooked
think

little

the

on

for

used

to

have
to

one

animal

it is

all his life.

dishes

than

equally difficult for one to

dietarylist,if he has been eating

life,and

uncooked

an

up

of

eating,rather
suddenly. It is hard

him

upon

flesh all his

take

method

YOGA

All

subject and

of you

ask

we

to

trust

is to
own

your

regarding the choice of food, giving yourself

instinct, if
as
possible. The
great a variety as
to select that which
trusted, will usually cause
you
would
for that
need
particular meal, and we
you
prefer to trust the instinct rather than to bind our
selves
to
fixed, unchangeable dietary. Eat
any
feel like, providing you
what
pretty much
you
masticate
it thoroughly and
slowly, and give your
We
will speak, in this
self a wide
of choice.
range
will
chapter, of a few things which the rational man
of general
avoid, but will do so merely in the way
of non-meat
advice.
In
the
matter
eating, we
to feel that
believe that mankind
will gradually grow

instinct

is not

meat

diet, but

its proper

we

believe

that

one

feeling,rather than to have it

beaten
of him, for if he
out
longs for the fleshbad as if he reallypar
as
pots of Egypt, it is about
Man
will cease
to desire meat,
ticipatedin the feast.
must

that

outgrow

"

as

he

but

grows,
of

restraint

good.

We

heterodox

the
are

If

our

relative

meat

many
"

students

our

are

advantages

that

time

habit

will

that

aware

by

help that factexperience.

until

of

our

comes,

any

do

not

him

this will be

interested

we

will stand

in the

forced
much

considered

readers, but

statements

of

"

the

cannot

test

question of

particularkinds

of

the

of foods, let

FOOD

ABOUT
read

them

read

let them
avoid

and
of

being

values

food

tive

tables,and
result

the

of

read

It

them.

of the

is

compara

articles

various

of the

our

upon
will gradually tend

to a
knowledge
be
dietary. But such changes must
thought and experience,rather than
say so of some
person riding a hobby.

such

rational

more

particularfad

by the
away
book
is before

interestingto

have

But
years.
sides of the question,

carried

whose

and

instructive

several

the

upon

writer

the

which

of the very good works

the subjectof recent
upon

some

written

been

75

the mere
upon
We
suggest that

our

students

consider

whether

or

meat
they
they are eating too much
; whether
fat and grease ; whether
are
living upon too much
whole-wheat
they are eating enough fruit ; whether
be a good addition
bread would
not
to their bill of
fare ; whether
they are not indulging in too much

not

"

pastry and

made

dishes."

If

asked

were

we

give them
be apt to

general rule regarding eating we

Eat a variety of foods ; avoid
say,

dishes

do

would

'

"

eat

not

much

too

rich

'

of the

beware

fat ;

to

meat
avoid,
frying-pan ; do not eat too much
;
pig meat and veal ; let your generalhabit
especially,
of eating tend toward
the simple, plain fare, rather

than

toward

pastry

; cut

the
out

elaborate

hot

cakes

from

dishes
your

slow
on
go
list ; masticate
;

thoroughly and slowly,according to the plan we have

given you ; don't be afraid of food, if you eat it
properly it will not hurt you, providing you do not
fear it."

We

day
in

think
a

the

it better

to

lightone, as there
morning, as the

make
is very

body

the

first meal

little waste
has

been

of the

to
at

repair

rest

all

YOGA

HATHA

76

possible, take

If

night.

before

little exercise

breakfast.
If you

return

once

habit

the natural

to

of proper

experience the sensation that comes

from
eating, the abnormal
appetites which
proper
been
have
acquired will fall from you, and natural
When
natural
hunger is with
hunger will return.
keen
in picking out
you, the instinct will be very

mastication, and

food

nutritious

for you,
will
which

and

feel inclined

will

you

give you just the nourish

Man's
need
at
ment
particular time.
any
you
been
instinct is a good guide, providing it has not
dishes so
spoiled by the indulgence in the absurd
false appetite.
in these days, which
create
common
that

toward

If you
"

to

"

out

cut

"

feel

out

sorts," do

of

meal, and

give

it has

get rid of what

be

not

stomach

the

hand.

on

afraid

to

chance

One

go

can

of days without
danger,
eating for a number
advise
do not
prolonged fasts. We
although we
feel,however, that in sickness it is wise to give the
that the recuperative energy
stomach
a rest, in order
the casting out of the waste
be directed toward
may
You
which
has been
matter
causing the trouble.
will notice that the animals
stop eating while they are
without

lie around

sick, and

they

return

from

lesson
We

do
"

cranks
mouthful
method

who
of
and

weigh,
food.

of

erroneous

fills the
ideas.

such

analyse

this
a

think

an

it

every

abnormal

mind
a

food

generates

course

Instinctive
We

"

become

and

consider

that

profit.

to

measure

We

believe

fear-thought and
sorts

students

wish

not

this

take

may

considerable

with

them

We

meals.

their

to

is restored, when

health

until

much

with

all

better

FOOD

ABOUT

plan

to

of

selection

the

the

about

more

food

the
will

do

well.

work

its
and

possible,

afraid

of
wishes

properly,
have

not

to

eat

occasion

instinct,

your

after

all.

to

of
for

Keep
live

properly,

make

food.
that

Do
the

be
natural

as

standard

of
is

be

the

not

man

breathe

and

will

you

of

analysis

chemical
not

nature

nature

to

cheerful,

properly,
a

is

that

man

should

neither

healthy.

be

to

mouthful

every

and

your

healthy

strong,

food,

his

be

plans

The

measurement.

who

her

let

close

as

of

masticating

knowing

Keep

no

thought

minds,

your
and

stated,

have

we

as

bother

to

the

with

eat

in

strength

and

nourishment

but

matter,

then

and

food,

one's

in

judgment

and

precautions

ordinary

use

77

afraid
man's

to

trust

guide,

CHAPTER

IRRIGATION

THE

ONE

of

the

of Health

to

necessary

is the

Water

that
normal

is

but

health,

artificial

that

return

to

has

the

being furnished
from

it, but

the

natural

This

is

particularly

cities, where

of

true

they find

from

faucets,

and

weaned

away

from

the

normal

persons

gradually

form

drinking), and,

they

"

do

we

not

only

why

reason

because
that

paths

they
she

has

have

of

they do

become

But

would
not

become

we

Such

drinking

(or

demands,
We

them.

drink

often
water

"

they continued

had

thirsty, and

get
hear

long turned

deaf
and

the

calls

Nature's

discouraged

78

water

Nature's

off

it.

large

fluids.

of

the

around

warm

of

should

"

they

so

the

habits

why

thirsty

get

Nature's

But

into

living in

use

conscious

not

are

people say,

hear

in

last

at

it gets

gradually

so

putting

knows,

older
falls

those

new

only hope

upon

people

unpalatable

drawn

not

and

etc.,

insists

it grows

older

slave

child

and

habit,

practices of the

erroneous

maintaining

His

little

as

fact

customs,

laws.

water,

the

much

so

be

not

to

of

become

The
of

Yoga

of Nature's

men

means

Nature's

use

with

of

habits,

Nature.

to

instinctively,

away

great

man

Hatha

It should

attention

the

forgotten

the

Water.

environments,

has

he

of

one

BODY

intelligentuse

"

call the

even

THE

principles of

gift to living things

great

is

OE

cardinal

Philosophy

to

XII

ear

to

cries

is

her
less

IRRIGATION

79

loudly ; besides, their ears have ceased to recognize

other
taken
the vibrations, being so much
up with
things. It is astonishingto find how people neglect
this important feature of life. Many drink scarcely
say that they do not think it is
any fluids,and even
far that we
This
has
so
good for them."
gone
who
health
teacher
called
of one
know
so
puts
is a
Thirst
the
forth
astounding theory that
of
counsels
Disease," and
people against the use
"

"

"

'

fluids at all,statingthat the

We

will not

their

look

be

folly must
at

the natural
Let

animals.

to

attempt

man

with

argue

to

apparent

of

life habits
go

back

is unnatural.

of them

use

to

such

teachings
"

who

anyone

Nature,

lower

the

and

man

and

will

will

he

him, in all forms of

water-drinking all around
the plant up to the highest mammal.
life,from
So much
importance does the Yogi attach to the
of drinking water, that he considers it one
use
proper
knows
that a
He
of health.
of the first principles
large percentage of sick people are sick because of
the body requires.
their lack of the fluids which
Just as the plant needs water, as well as the food
the soil and air, to bring it to healthy
derived from
of
require the proper amount
maturity, so does man
fluids to keep him in health, or to bring him again to

see

health

in

case

depriving
cruel

as

to

he has

plant of water
fail to provide

requisiteamount
giving the plant
common

himself

lost it.

sense

of the

consequences,

And

would
who

think

would

the

And

animal

yet,
that

be

with

the faithful horse

of water
and

Who

man,

which

of
so

the

while
his

they require,will deprive

life-givingfluid,and will suffer the
the
just as would
plant and horse

teaches

him

8o

HATHA

under

similar

YOGA

conditions.

plant and horse before you

question of drinking water.
Let
then

us

what

see

make

up

this

when

you

minds

example
consider

for in the

is used

water

our

Keep

whether

or

the

body,

not

we

of

and

have

been

lives in this respect.

livingnormal
In the first place, about
of our
cent,
70
per
of this
physical body is water ! A certain amount
water
is being used up by our
system, and leaves the
that is used
body constantly, and every ounce
up
be replaced by another
if the body is to
must
ounce
be kept in a normal
condition.
The
is continuously excreting water
system
through the pores of the skin, in the shape of sweat
and
is the
term
applied to
perspiration. Sweat
such
when
off so rapidly that
excretion
it is thrown
it gathers and collects in drops. Perspirationis the
the water
is continuously and
term
applied when
unconsciously evaporated from the skin. Perspira
the skin,
tion is continuously being evaporated from
that when
it is pre
and
experiments have shown
the

vented
ancient
from

animal

Rome

head

to

In

dies.

boy

of the

one

covered

was

foot, in order

to

festivals of

with

gold-leaf,

represent

one

of the

gods he died before the gold-leafcould be removed,

the perspirationbeing unable
to penetrate the var
"

nish

and

the

rupted and
properly, the
Sweat

and

leaf.
the
soul

body

sufficient

with
and

unable

inter

was

function

to

off its

perspirationare

"

function

being

threw

analysisto be loaded
the refuse
system
without

Nature's

the
filth

supply

of

fleshlytenement.
shown
by chemical
waste
products of the
of the body
which,
fluids in the system,
"

82

HATHA

dissipate the
evaporation, and

YOGA

excessive

heat

by their
thus
the bodily tem
keep down
degree. The perspirationand
perature to a normal
also (as we
have
sweat
stated) assist in carrying off
the waste
the skin being,
products of the system
in fact, a
the
to
supplementary organ
kidneys.
to

bodily

"

And

without

unable
The

to

the

water

perform

normal

of course,

would,

be

this function.

adult

pints

skin

about

excretes

of water

and

one

one-half

in

twenty-four hours, in the

and perspiration,but men
shape of sweat
working
in rolling-mills,
much
etc., excrete
greater quantities.
One
endure
much
can
a
greater degree of heat in a
dry-atmosphere than in a moist one, because in the
former
the perspirationis evaporated so rapidly that
the heat
is more
readily and rapidly dissipated.
Quite a quantity of water is exhaled through the
lungs. The urinary organs pass off a largequantity,
in performing their functions, about
three pints in
voided
twenty-four hours being the amount
by the
normal
And
all this has to be replenished,in
adult.
order to keep the physical machinery going right.
Water
is needed
of
by the system for a number
One of its purposes
(asabove stated)is to
purposes.
and
counteract
constantly
regulate the combustion
the chemical
bodies, arising from
going on in our
action of the oxygen
extracted
by the lungs from the
with the carbon
air, coming in contact
arisingfrom
the food.
This combustion
going on in millions of
cells produces the animal
The water
heat.
passing
through the system regulates this combustion, so
two

to

that

it does

Water

not

is also

become
used

too

by

the

intense.

body

as

common

IRRIGATION

83

It flows

through the arteries and veins, and

of
blood
elements
the
corpuscles and
conveys
nutrition to the various parts of the body, that they
which
be used in the building up process,
we
may
carrier.

Without

described.

have

fluids in the

system, the

On
the return
decrease.
quantity of blood must
tripof the blood through the veins, the fluids take up
the waste
matter
(much of which would be a rank
in the system), and
to
remain
poison if allowed
carries it to the excretory organism of the kidneys,
the poisonous
the pores of the skin, and lungs,where
dead

material

Without

and

waste

of the

fluids

sufficient

system is thrown

this

work

cannot

off.
be

intended.
And
(this a
accomplished as Nature
most
important matter) without sufficient water the
the ashes of the system"
waste
portionsof the food
to
be kept sufficientlymoist
cannot
easily pass
through the colon and out of the body, and Constipa
"

tion, with

all of its attendant

evils, results.

that nine-tenths
of
Yogis know
this
constipation arise from
that

know

nine-tenths

of

the

the

of chronic

cases

cause'
cases

The

"

they
of

also

chronic

be

speedily cured by the returning

natural
will
of drinking water.
We
to the
habit
wish
devote
but we
a specialchapter to this subject,
of the reader to its import
to direct the attention
often as possible.
as
ance,
Yes, a sufficient supply of water is needed to aid in

constipationmay

the proper stimulation

and circulation of the blood
of the waste
in the elimination
products of the system
"

"

and

the

in the normal

assimilation

of nourishment

by

system.

Persons

who

do

not

drink

sufficient fluids almost

YOGA

HATHA

84

invariablyare deficient in their supply of blood

they
often bloodless-lookingcreatures
are
pale, sallow,
Their
skin is
creatures.
bloodless-lookinganaemic
often dry and feverish, and they perspire but little.
and remind
one
They have an unhealthy appearance,
of dried fruit,needing a good soaking to make
them
look plump and
normal.
They are nearly always
sufferers from
constipation and constipationbrings
will show
with it a myriad of other disorders, as we
chapter. Their large intestines, or
you in another
unclean, and the system is continually
colon, are
stored
absorbing the products of the waste
away
of
there, and endeavouring to get rid of it by means
foul breath
perspiration,and un
; strong, sweaty
natural
urine.
This is not pleasant reading, but it
to use
is necessary
callingyour
plain words when
all this for the lack
attention
to these things. And
of a little water
just think of it. You who are so
particularto keep yourselves clean on the outside,
allow yourselvesto remain
filthywithin.
all over
Man's
its inner parts.
body needs water
is
It needs constant
and if that irrigation
irrigation,
denied the bodies suffer just as does the land, denied
its natural
Every cell,tissue and
supply of water.
is
needs water
in order to be healthy. Water
organ
"

"

"

"

universal

late and

solvent

distribute

the food, and

system.
and

get rid of

Water

must

the

blood

is needed

also

water

kidneys

to

the

said that

It is often

perform

the

system

the

would

"

blood

water

be

from

products of

waste
the

to assimi

obtained

nourishment

the

if this is so, what

without

the

to

enables

and

but

be

life,"

is the

called

dust

the

"

for

of enabling
purpose
their functions of carrying off
for the

85

IRRIGATION
the

be

to

manu

saliva, bile, pancreatic juice,gastric

into

factured

in order

It is needed

etc.

urea,

and all the other valuable juicesof the system,

juices,
which
without
digestionwould be impossible. Shut
off your
supply of fluids, and you decrease your
all of

supply

of

realize

that

these

Do

things.

necessary

you

?
these

If you doubt
theories of the

facts, thinking them

but

have

Yogis, you

to

be but

to

refer to

any

physiology,written by any
the subject. You
of the Western
authorities upon
have told you fullycorroborated
will find all that we
has said
A well-known
Western
there.
physiologist
good scientific

that

much

so

work

water

system, that it may

upon

exists in the tissues of

be asserted

And
organisms live in water."
there can
be no
life,or health.
You

have

been

that

shown

as

an

axiom

if there

is

normal

that

"

all

water,

no

the

kidneys secrete
three
about
pints of urine in twenty-four hours,
which
is passed off from
the system, carrying in
solution waste
products and poisonous chemical sub
which have been gathered up from the system
stances
by the kidneys. In addition to this,we have shown
that

you

the

skin

from

excretes

one

one-half

and

pints to two pints of water, in the shape of sweat and

In addition
to this
time.
perspiration,in the same
there is a moderate
quantity (average ten to fifteen
during
ounces) given off by the lungs in exhalation
the

same

time.

Besides

certain

through the

excretions

small

is passed from

amount

of tears, and

other

body.

how

Now,

from

the

passes

And

bowels.

the system in the

secretions
much

amount

water

and

excretions

is needed

to

off
a

shape
of the
renew

HATHA

86

is taken

Let

this waste

into

the

certain

when

only

us

thrown

best

five

pints of water
daily by the

taken

of food

authorities

in ordt-r to make
the

supplied to

until

system
state

of which

that

all

we

But

eaten.

are

agree

that

is the

amount

from

this

two

is

and

man

If that

it will withdraw

have

spoken,

be

to
woman,

is not

amount

fluids from
that

assumes

person

with

the

"

to

quarts

necessary

normal

the waste.

body

the

food, particularly

the

small

average,

up

of fluids

amount

portion of what has been

system in its cleansingfunctions.

the

The

certain

with

system

kinds

off from

see.

comparatively

YOGA

the

dried-up

"

consequence

the

are
physical functions
impaired, the
being
dried-up inside as well as on the
persons
the machinery of the body being deprived
surface
of its lubricatingand cleansing material.
Two
quarts a day ! Just think of that, you people
who
have been
less,
taking about one pint, or even
each
why you are afflicted
day ! Do you wonder
? No wonder
with all sorts of bodily ailments
you are
and gener
dyspeptic,constipated,bloodless,nervous
Your
bodies
filled with all
are
ally all out of sorts.
Nature
has not
which
sorts of poisonous substances
off through the
throw
been
able to eliminate
and
off her
shut
have
kidneys and skin, because
you
water
supply. No wonder your colons are filled with
is poisoning your
which
matter,
impacted waste
"

"

"

system, and
off in the

that
how

your
do

without

you

which

to

saliva

and

suppose

sufficient

has

because

regular way

with

water

Nature

which

been
you

flush her

unable
did not

sewers.

gastricjuices are
Nature

water

can

No

No

pass

give

your

her

wonder

deficient

manufacture
wonder

to

"

them

blood

IRRIGATION

blood

No

"

going

is

Nature

dition, with

that

wonder

your nerves
all this abnormal
going
she

best

the

She

draws

that

the

machinery

dare

not

draw

from

just as you
nearly exhausted

foolish

be

system in order

entirelystop, but she

she compromises. She
so
in the spring is
the water

when

do

you

"

and

much,

Nature

Poor
you

con

shall not

much"

too

the

of

out

on.

the

make

to
are

though

even

little water

does

of

can,

suppose

you

get the fluids from

to

does

work

do

where

quantity

in

is deficient

87

try

must

to

make

content

rest

things only half-way right.

afraid to drink
not
The
Yogis are
each day.
of water
amount
They are

little do

the

doing

with

sufficient

afraid

not

of

"

driedof these
thinning the blood," as are some
off the surplusquantity
throws
people. Nature
up
ifit be taken, very readilyand rapidly. They do not
unnatural
ice water
an
product of civili
crave
"

"

"

"

"

60
temperature is about
zation^) their favourite
they are thirsty and
degrees. They drink when
they have a normal thirst which does not have to be
that of the
does
restored
people.
dried-up
as
They drink frequently,but mark ye this : they do not
time.
at any one
drink largequantities
They do not
a
the
water
down,"
believing that such
pour
and unnatural, and
injurious.
practice is abnormal
They drink it in small quantities,though often
working they often keep a
during the day. When
vessel of water
near
them, and frequently sip there
"

"

"

"

"

from.
who

Those
for many
habit

of

neglected their natural instincts

almost
have
forgotten the natural
considerable
need
drinking, and

have

years
water

HATHA

88

practiceto regainit.
to

create

YOGA
little practicewill

for water,

demand

and

you

begin

soon

in time

will

regain the natural thirst. A good plan is to keep a

occasional
near
sip
glass of water
you, and take an
time
what
from
are
it, thinking at the same
you
giving my
taking it for. Say to yourself : "I am
body the fluids it requires to do its work properly,
and
it will respond by bringing normal
conditions
back
to me'
giving me
good health and strength,
and
man
a
(or
making me
strong, healthy, natural
"

woman)."

cupful of water the last thing

at night. This is taken
up by the
system and is used in cleansing the body during the
the
with
products being excreted
night, the waste
urine
in the morning.
They also drink a cupful
immediately after arisingin the morning, the theory
before
eating it
being that by taking the water
The

Yogis drink
before going to bed

cleanses
and

and

the stomach

which

waste

have

the sediment

washes

away

settled

during the

night.

usually drink a cupful about an hour before

mild
each
exercise,
meal, following it by some
believingthat this prepares the digestiveapparatus
for the meal, and
hunger. They
promotes natural
They

are

afraid

not

of

drinking a

(imaginethe horror of some

when
they read this),but
"

down

their

food

with

causes

one

and

food

with
not

water

to swallow

masticated

"

little water
of
are

"

our

not

Washing

to

"

wash

down

the

only dilutes the saliva, but

his food imperfectlyinsalivated

makes

it go
with

down

before

Nature

the
interferes
Yogi method
ready and
masticating the food (see chapter on same).
"

"

health-teachers

careful

water.

at meals

even

is
of

The

of

it

which

the

of

of

that

nizing
from

water,

how

at

it

and

vigour
"

used

will
In

tongue
absorb

tageous,
worth

and
the

and
all

has

water

to

acted

Water

forget

as

renewed
when

you

with

connection
fresh

energy

how

and

you,

with

work

easily

remember

"

your

man

let

it

remain

Prana,

particularly

are

and

the

first

this

plan

when

one

the

in
The

swallowing.

mouth

remembering.

recog

Yogi
quicker

method.

water,

before

in

give

other

sipping

not

Used

will

any

moment

Do

up."
it

to

supply

Nature,

rapidly

refresher

return

energy.

Breathing
than

and
to

you

"

the

normal

You

cool

of

cup

stimulant

enabled

feel

often

"

and

demand.

the

One

"

Prana

if

stimulant

the

reason

obtain

causes

it.

as

depleted

may

times

powerful

some

become

has

Prana

for

water

portion

particularly

system,
extracts

of

cupful

that

being

reason

the
and

it

quantities,

in

demands
need

the

with

parts

system

feels

considerable

in

Prana

contains

it

YOGA

HATHA

90

of

nerves

(and
will
is

mouth

quickest)
prove
tired.

the
to

advan
This

is

will

THIS
who

of the
such

be

prefer

are

of

physical

"

would
in

thing which

which

thing

that

say

and,

would

ignore

are

And

subjects, has

folly.

many

to,

that

of

many

ill health

and
who

read

such

we

harm)
old

tale,
in the

head
from

sight,

they

overtook

and

and

for

"

dodging
of the

folly

the

chapter,

we
"

the
the

result

The

brought

in

discuss

and

race

that

un-nice

or

but

entire

the

functions,

others.

this

some

"

the

his

respect

any

the

things

consider

to
or

stick

nothing

see

policy

been

diseases
To

can

upon

much

in

impure

anything

this

To

(and

until
such

have

we

conventional

from

hated

see

referred

functions

the

refuses

which

policy

would

relish

blot

ostrich

the

functions

omitted

use

all its parts

and

it.

no

hunters,

We

to

of

as

of

sense

not

ignored.

existence

their

unable

about

this

his

body,

human

have

see

policy

him.

captured

should
have

can

shutting

sand,

it

we

we

the

dreading

regard

should

we

following

who,

even

may

who

you

important

feel

lives, will

everyday

their

and

chapter,
book

of

part

of

physical

certain

that

thought

chance

if there

and

body,

im

"

certain

of

existence

you

the

of

Those

students.

our

the

of it

part

any

the

the

at
a

or

ignore

functions
shame

body,

of

those

to

notions

old

the

with

among

to

chapter

pleasant

still bound

are

purity
to

be

not

SYSTEM

THE

OF

ASHES

THE

of

unpleasant
are

about

what

suffering
by
we

this
say

YOGA

HATHA

92
will

come

as

revelation

new

others

"

who

are

already acquainted with that of which we speak, will

the
welcome
voicing of the truth in this book,
will be benefited by having their
knowing that many
We
called
it.
to
attention
giving you a
purpose
of the

off waste

such

That

sufferers from

the

and

nature,

greater

allowed

is

so

of the

"ignorance

this

aid in the

to

in thus

and

can

and

cause

is all contrary
that

easilyremoved

There

continue.

to

cast-

by the fact
modern
people are
degree of constipa

This

results.

cause

the

lesser

or

scarcely imagine why

can

the

"

needed, is evidenced

talk is

system

body.

its baneful

tion and

of the

ashes

three-quartersof

at least

that

the

about

plain talk

of

state

be but

removing this curse

restoringnormal conditions

we

answer
are

able

of the race,

of

work

one

affairs is

one

If

cure.

to

by bringing
the disgusted

peopleback to nature, we will not mind

who
glance at this
expression upon the faces of some
more
pleasant subject
chapter and turn to some
who
need this advice
these very people being the ones
"

the

of any

most

who

Those

of

have

our

read

readers.
the

chapter in

this book

upon

that we
left the
Digestive Organs, will remember
subject at the stage where the food was in the small
taken
and
by the
intestines, being absorbed
up
Our next point is to consider what becomes
system.
of the waste
products of the food after the system
the

has

taken

up

the material

Right
follow
other

here

all the

which

nourishment

it cannot

it will be

as

it

can

from

it"

that

those

who

use.

well to state

Yogi plan of eating their food, as given in

of this
chapters,will have a much less amount
the

ASHES
waste

matter

than

the

his

her

food

allows

or

partially prepared
The

person

average

eats

the waste

"

93

for

digestion

practice being comparatively

offensive

that

than

of the

In order to understand
look

The

assimilation.

and

who

of those

matter

only
he

least half of what

at

wastes

stomach

the

reach

to

who

woman

or

man

average

small

average

the

follow
and

Yogi

much

less

person.

subject,we must take a

body having to do with it.
Colon
(thelarge bowel)

our

organs of the
largeintestine of the
at the

"

"

The colon
body to be considered.
nearly five feet in length,passing up
right-hand side of the abdomen, then
the upper left-hand side,then passing

is the part of the

is

large canal

from

the

lower

passing over
down
again
makes

lower
is

so

will

twist
the

or

curve,

rectum

or

side,

it

where

smaller,
grows
exit of the waste

and

system.

empties into the colon by

of a small
trap-door arrangement, on the
; this trap-door
right-handside of the abdomen
small

intestine

arranged
not

entrance.

that it allows

allow

Appendix,
hand

in

of the

matter

means

left-hand

lower

the

to

of

sort

terminating
The

to

the

it to
seat

The

side of the

of

colon

pass

matter

to pass

back.

The

out, but

Vermiform

appendicitisis justbelow this

the rightrises straightup on

abdomen,

then

makes

curve

and

left-hand side ; then

to the upper
right over
descends
straightto the lower left-hand side, where
called
the
the
Sigmoid
peculiar twist or curve
is the rectum
Flexure
or
following which
occurs,
which
is the open
smaller canal leadingto the anus,
matter
the waste
ing in the body through which
passes out of the body.
passes

YOGA

HATHA

94
The

colon

is

should

pass

Nature

intends

and

freely

venient, and

so

and

find

not

system.

goes

attends

off and

to

it

he

as

so

attention

calling his

of

But

con

calls,until

he postpones nature's

gets tired

she

matter,

the

casting off.
does

civilized, he

more

last

of

sewerage

this necessary

long delay

grows

the

which

through

sewer

this sewage
to be removed
speedily,
in his natural state, like the animals, does

man

not

great big

to

at

the

of her other

some

helps along this abnormal

of affairs by neglecting to partake
state
unnatural
and riot only does not give the
of sufficient water,
colon sufficient fluids to properly moisten, soften and
the

loosen
but

he

in

body
desperation,

use"

must

so

run

of fluids that

short

through the
already given it

back

draws

of the water

some

for her work,

failingto get spring water

needs

failure of

result ! The
of this refuse

matter

stipation,which

to

man

the

from

is the

Imagine

water.

sewer

use

free

allow

colon

results

of which

is

the

passage
in

of innumerable

source

of ill health, the real nature

the system,

from

its way

on

lets his

of the colon

for its
she

matter

waste

even

nature,
walls

Man

duties.

numerous

con

cases

generallynot

of
suspected. Many people who have a movement
each day are
the bowels
reallyconstipated,although
walls of the colon are
it. The
they do not know
of
with
some
encrusted
matter,
impacted waste
has been there for many
which
days, a small opening
of the mass
in the middle
allowing what is absolutely
to pass
necessary
the
state in which

free of
A

impacted

colon

through.
colon

Constipation

is not

means

and
perfectly/clean

faecal matter.

filled,or

partiallyfilled,with

old

faecal

ASHES
is

matter

The

injected into
rapidly and carried to
ment

same

And

as

reach

way
before

faecal

to

absorb

the

whole

the

contents

the

nourish

Drugs injectedin

the blood.

the

of the

absorbed

be

will

colon

system.

that

practicedemonstrates

Medical

the

poison

has walls which

colon

colon.

of

source

95

parts of the system.

other

stated, the fluid portion of the

is absorbed

matter

system, the

the

by

waste
sewage

of the
because
being used in nature's work
shortage of purer fluids in the system. It is almost
in a
will remain
incredible how long old faecal matter
Cases are on record showing that
constipatedcolon.
of old
the masses
when
the colon is cleaned, among
water

matter

has

eaten

several

months

what

faecal

through

constipated colon
colon is impacted
solid

as

soft

abdomens

becomes

matter

which

and

the

clear and

pass from
solid state, and of a

faecal matter

is retained

drier it becomes,

and

it becomes

maggots,

their

in
the

waste

colon

pasty substance, and

clean, and the movements

intestine,is of

natural, it should
more

even

old waste

The
eggs.
is passed into the

faeces, which

are

and

worms,

is filled with

the small

if the bowels

of

This

foul that

their

that

extent

hard.

so

badly

the
persons
as
faeces, almost

an

and

swollen

breeding place
or

such

to

of

some

hardened

with

the

matter,

loosen

intestines,and

walls

In

sometimes

colon

small

the

is lined.

coal,

become

and

not

the little opening in the hardened

with

matter

they simply

as

etc.,

do

Cathartics

before.

stomach

is in the

it off

pass

from

cherry stones,

this old faecal matter,

remove

up

found

been

faecal

the

system in but

lightcolour.
the colon, the
darker

The

trifle

longer

harder

in colour.

and

When

sufficient fluids

are

taken, and

not

ignored until a more

forgotten,a drying up
When
the
up

YOGA

HATHA

g6

later the

and

then

little more

added, and

is

of chronic

constipation is mani
evils,such as dyspepsia,
fested,with all its attendant
in fact,
biliousness,liver troubles, kidney troubles
all diseases
of them
are
encouraged, and many
directlycaused by this filthycondition of the colon.
so

on,

until

are

hardening process ensues.

is had, only a portion of
balance
remaining to clog

movement

passes out, the

Next
colon.
day

calls

time, and

convenient

faeces
the

nature's

case

"

Half

of the

cases

of female

trouble

caused

are

or

aggravated by this condition.

The absorption by the blood of the faecal matter
in
the
in two
first,the
system, is occasioned
ways,
desire and
need
of the body for fluids ; second, a
off the waste
to throw
desperate effort of nature
matter
by the skin, the kidneys and the lungs.
Foul perspiration and
foul breath
often caused
are
by this effort of nature to get rid of what should have
Nature
passed from the colon.
recognizesthe great
of danger of allowing this foul mass
to stay in
source
the system, and
resorts
to the desperate plan of
so
risk of
at the
throwing it off in other ways, even
half-poisoning the blood and body in so doing.
The
of physical ailments
best proof of the number
and
disease caused
state of the
by this unnatural
colon, is the fact that when

people begin to
ently unconnected
the

fact that

from

recover

with

diseases

the

are

the

cause

many

caused

this state

of the colon, it is

likelyto

contract

ailments
In

cause.

and

fact that

removed

is once

appar
addition
to

encouraged by
one

contagious diseases,

is far
and

more

diseases

YOGA

HATHA

08
have

gone

trouble,

from

away

aid

must

we

lost conditions
clean

colon

for

kingdom

of

natives

family
journeys into
which
was

interior

was

the

reach

rivers

this

injectthe
it in

after

until

The

its

chiefs

occurrence,

active

about
that

it

repeat

rest

for

restored, when,

flyaway

ever.

the

the

tribes

noticing this

the birds,
upon
and finallysome

effect

its wonderful

and

and

river, it would

the

would

completely

was

sit around

priestsof

and

began to reason
one
suggested

as

bowel

the

rectum,

would

bird

vitalitywas

drinking freelyfrom

the

bowel, which

The

then

The

from

water

bill into

the

moments.

would

strong and

as

few

and

minutes

few

into

water

exhausted

weakness.

with

mouth

times, until the

several

emptied,

condition,

almost

an

then, inserting the

and

relieve

in

fly from

to

fillits bill and

would

would

from

return

wretched

the

"

would

river

in

of

birds

would

"

the

ago

either to their

condition, scarcely able

bird

centuries

certain

that

animal

the

to

berry which
eating some
constipating, or else having been where
This
to drinkwater
no
possibly both.

very

bird

noticed

the

due

was

there

will go

long-billedbird

"

We

have

thereafter

may

suggestion. Many

India

Ibis

she

with.

work

to

in

nature

that

so

contracting this
in restoring
somewhat

nature

matter,

might

be

tried

to

advantage

of their
by reason
departed
non-activity and sedentary habits, had
nature's
from
normal
con
plan and had become
a primitive
stipated. So they managed to construct
the
reeds,
implement resembling a syringe from
with a sort of blow-pipe attachment, and would
inject
upon

warm

some

river

of the

water

old

into

men

the

who,

bowels

of the

old

men

ASHES
this

sufferingfrom
wonderful
took

the old

"

again
to

resume

to

the

their

of

took

men

of

younger

out

of the

in, borne

men
young
unaided.

they

"

From

said

are

all

the

must
primitive injections
heroic character, for they speak
of water," and
by the time

handed

down,

been

of the
the

of

of

use

most

"

gallons

treatment

of the old tribesmen

the colon

concluded

home

walked

have

the

of

shoulders

accounts

these

and

occurrence

have

to

old

The

contest.

the

on

had

who

men

the

of

heard

tribes

tribe,much

of the

the

the veterans

began coming

were

lease of life,

new

heads

positionsas

other

on

results

wives, and began to

young
of the tribe, and
active work

the

amazement

considered
men

into

enter

The

complaint.

themselves

unto

99

was

have

must

thoroughly cleaned out, and in a condition

would
more
poisons.
give the system no
heroic
such
not
are
we
going to advocate

been

which
But

treatment

Yes, the abnormal

aid to nature
in the

and

for all is to follow

the

old

twentieth

water-

comfort.

as

warm

Injectthe
Then

syringe.
night

"

and

time

hold
then

is the

rubber
much
the

water

the

aid

All

that

the

the

hand

into

the water

of

the

in the

perfected

If you

is

is needed

better, but
Take

once

Ibis and

of the

syringe.

work.
as

get rid of it

example

century apparatus.

ordinary cheap
fountain
syringe, so
bulb syringewill do

minutes,

to

with

tribesmen

an

warm

the

temporary

of this foul accumulation

the best way

And

Hindu

calls for

condition

getting rid

in

colon.

tribesmen, remember.

not

are

we

"

have
a

cheap

pint of pretty
can

bowel
colon

with

bear
with

the

for

few

the system.
let it pass from
best for this practice. The

The
next

HATHA

TOO

take

night

quart

of

YOGA
and

water

warm

use

it the

skip a night, and the second night

after, try three pints ; then skip two nights,and the
third night after try two
quarts. You will gradually
in the
get used to retaining this quantity of water
will pretty well clean
colon, and the larger amount
the smaller
the old matter,
out
injectionswashing
the looser fragments, and generallydislodging
away
and
be
Do
not
mass.
breaking up the hardened
same

Then

way.

afraid of the two

and

more,

some

consider

we

quarts.

persons
this rather

will hold

colon

Your

much

gallon injections,but

use

Knead

much.

too

the

and practise
injection,
after you get through, in
the Yogi Complete Breath
order
stimulate
and
to
generallyequalize the
you
abdomen

before

and

after the

circulation.

aesthetic tastes
filth

rid of the
colon
often

brought
of

most

certainlyit
your

will not appeal to the

injections
people,but the question is to get

result of these

The

of

and

once

for all.

The

contents

of the

by these initial injectionsare

away
offensive and unpleasant nature, but

is much

system than

better

to

in it" it is

have

justas

this filth out

of

foul when

in you
in
of cases

expelled. We have known

which
great lumps of faecal matter, hard and green
corroded
as
passed from people, and the
copper,
such as to bring
the vessel was
stench arisingfrom
been
had
harm
most
a
convincing proof of what
No, this
wrought upon the system by its retention.
in order
is not pleasant reading, but it is necessary
to make
you realize the importance of this internal
in
will find that
during the week
cleaning. You
as

when

which

it is

you

are

cleansing

the

colon, you

will have

ASHES
little

natural

no

or

101

of the

movements

bowels.

Do

let this worry

by the water
you, for it is caused
have
that which
ordinarilywould
washing away

not

been

evacuated

after

the

in the

couple of days
will
is completed, you

stool.

cleansing process

In

begin to get down to natural and normal movements.

Now, righthere, we wish to call your attention to
not
the fact that we
are
advocating the continuous
of the

use

syringe
fail to

do

we

"

not

consider

it

natural

necessity,as we believe that

natural
habits
to
persistedin will cause
anyone
of the bowels, without
regain the normal movement
habit, and

the

of

use

as

in the

America

There
who

is,

"

does

advocate
We

Get
not

advocate

to

use

agree

see

no

once

of the

schools

the

cannot

back

We

recurrence

of

of the
with

nature," and

the

in order

syringe,say

several

are

daily duty.
nature

of the

use

preventativeof

tions.

motto

past accumulations.

clear away

however,

as

help. We
preliminary measure

outside

any

syringe only

its

see

old

harm,
month,
condi

teachers

syringe
them,

we

to

for

believe

in
as

our

that

daily use of the syringe.

plenty of pure, fresh water,
going to stool, and a little

call for the

The

Yogis believe that

and
a
regular habit of
to the bowels, will do all that is neces
talkingup
free from constipation.
sary to keep one
of syringe
After you are
through with the week
before that), start the normal
treatment
(and even
have explained in our
of drinking water, as we
use
chapter on that subject. Get the two quarts of
fluids inside of you each day, and you will find quite
an
improvement. Then start the habit of going to
"

"

the stool at the

same

time

each

day, whether

you

feel

HATHA

102

inclination

an

the

Then

of

graduallyestablish
fallinginto habits.

reallyneed

may

of it,for you

aware

will

is fond

nature

again, you
be

not

You

not.

or

and

habit,

YOGA

have

and

evacuation

an

deadened

nerve

your

by repeated refusals to heed them, and you will

have
to begin all over
again. Don't neglect this it
is simple but effective.
You
will find it advantageous to give yourself
auto-suggestions while sipping your cupful of water.
Say to yourself, I am drinking this water in order

calls

"

"

supply my

to

make

bowels

my

the fluids it needs.

with

system

It will

as
freelyand regularly,

move

nature

Carry the idea in your mind of what you

are
trying to accomplish, and you will be apt to get
your results quicker.

intended."

Now

for

unless

you

in

philosophy
talking

which

lines of the

the

and

say

to

Colon, I've given

you

you

fresh and

you

need

bowel.

the

to

up

clean

to do your

Give

you,

of it.
the

talk about

chapter.) This

another

"

and

to

back

philosophy

to do it now,

how

(alongthe
hand,

the

absurd

seem

may

understand

will tell you

(We
"

idea

an

in

consists

the

abdomen

colon) several gentleslapswith

it (yes,talk to it):
Here, you
made
a good cleaning out, and
I am
giving you all the fluids
"

"

work

properly
"

am

cultivating

regular habit in order to give you a chance to do

and now
you've got to do it." Slap the
your work
region of the colon several times, saying, And now
a

"

"

you've got
colon

to

do

will do it.

probably
"

you

it."
This

And

you

Like child's

seems

will understand

read the chapter

you
is merely a simple way

on

of

will find that

the

sense

play to

the
you,

of it when

It
Involuntary Control.
accomplishinga scientific

ASHES

fact

plain

"

into

play

suffered

from

calling

of

way

103

mighty

force.

if

friends,

Now,

has

who

and

tion.

have

you

not

and

furred

toms

arising

and

plan

fill
and
of

up

while

and
"

This
it

"

the

in

us

yourself,
strength

glass

your

join
it,"

healthy

clean,

natural,

will

you

is

with

begin

Nature's

is

to

own

to

it

in

health,

slowly,

down

bring
tonic."

me

to

health

be

closing,

cool

clear,

Here's

drink

and

now

sparkling,

Try

body.

life,

And

being.

"

water

the

enjoy

to

toast,
you

"

poisoning

been

has

symp

stopped

that

colon

clogged

of

family

the

of

rest

the

from

which

sewer

the

all

and

liver,

trouble

that

breath,

foul

that

tongue,

some

this

sallowness,

"

that

up

cheeks

rosy

that

banish

will

it

skin

beautiful

those

back

bring

will

It

valuable.

advice

above

the

find

will

you

"

"

constipa

water,
and

lots
to

say

and

CHAPTER

BREATHING

YOGI

LIFE

absolutely dependent

is
"

ing.

they

as

terminology,
breathe

To

life.

no

only

Not

of

forms

and

of breath

act

for

animal

the

are

and

theory

Occidental

the

without

agree

health,

life must

breathe

breath

animals

higher

life and

dependent

life is likewise

of

principles.

live, and

is to

breath

upon

Oriental

the

details

upon

may

fundamental

these

the

upon

is Life."

Breath

Differ

upon

XIV

but

lower

the

live, and

plant

air for continued

the

upon

dependent

even

to

is

there

existence.
The
for

infant
moment

earth

its life upon

gasp,

the

dying

breathing.
Breathing
of all of the
other

drinking

not

is

functions

depend

by
only

few

is Man

man

life is

over.

gives

From
of

continued

of

most

Man

shorter

breathing

breaths.

of

it.

lo !

last gasp

the

to

the

upon

eating

and

important

body, for, indeed,

of the

without

but

series

considered

be

may

and

old

long story

one

is but

without

measured
And

Life

The

it

life-giving

long wail,

infant

of the

it

man,

functions
time

some

be

breath

first faint

the

breathe,

to

its

it

it in

begun.

has

ceases

from

exhales

then

retains

long, deep breath,

extract

to

properties,and
faint

in

draws

all the
exist

may

time

without

his existence

may

minutes.

dependent
104

upon

Breath

for

106

HATHA

breathing.

YOGA

Oriental

The

that their Occidental

teachers

brothers

only

not

right,but

are

admit

say

that

physical benefit derived from

mental
of breathing, man's
habits
correct
power,
morals, and
happiness,self-control,
clear-sightedness,
his spiritualgrowth may
be increased
even
by an
in

addition

to

the

understanding of

the

"

Science

of

Breath."

Whole

Philosophy have been founded

this science, and this knowledge when
grasped
upon
and
by the Western
by them
put to the
races,
practicaluse which is their strong point, will work
The
wonders
them.
theory of the East,
among
wedded
to the
practice of the West, will produce
worthy offspring.
of
the
Science
will take
work
This
Yogi
up
includes not only all that is known
Breath," which
to the Western
physiologistsand hygienists,but the
It not only points
occult side of the subject as well.
the way
to
out
physical health along the lines of
what
Western
termed
scientists have
deep breath
phases of
ing," etc., but also goes into the less known
the subject.
The
Yogi practisesexercises by which he attains
to any
of his body, and is enabled
control
to send
schools

Oriental

of

"

"

organ
"

or

part

of

vital

part

scientific

organ.
brother

effect of correct
the

air contains

and

He

or

knows

more

than

the

about

breathing,but

he

oxygen

or

his Western

physiological

also knows
and

that

hydrogen

is accom
something more
mere
oxygenating of the blood.
prana," of which his
something about

nitrogen, and
plished than the
knows

all that

knows

force

invigorating

prana," thereby strengthening and

the

He

flow

increased

an

that

"

YOGI
Western

BREATHING

107

of
ignorant,and he is fullyaware
the nature and manner
of handling that great principle
of energy, and is fullyinformed
to its effect upon
as
the human
He
knows
that by
body and mind.
bring himself into
rhythmical breathing one
may
brother

is

harmonious

vibration

unfoldment

of his latent

by

controlled

in himself
with

and

with

breathing he

nature,
powers.
may

others, but

also

aid

and
He

knows

in

the
that

only cure disease

practicallydo away

not

fear and

and the baser emotions.

worry
In the consideration
of the question of respiration,

begin by considering the mechanical

arrangements whereby the respiratorymovements
of respiration
manifest
effected.
The mechanics
are
of the lungs,and
through (i)the elastic movements
of the
(2) the activities of the sides and bottom
thoracic
cavity in which the lungs are contained.
The thorax
is that portion of the trunk
between
the
neck and the abdomen,
the cavity of which
(known
the thoracic
as
cavity) is occupied mainly by the
It is bounded
lungs and heart.
by the spinalcolumn,
the ribs with their cartilages,
the breastbone, and
below
by the diaphragm. It is generally spoken of
the chest."
It has been
as
compared to a com
pletelyshut, conical box, the small end of which is
turned upward, the back of the box being formed
by
the spinal column, the front by the breastbone
and
the sides by the ribs.
The ribs are twenty-fourin number, twelve on each
from each side of the spinalcolumn.
side,and emerge
The
true
ribs,"
seven
as
pairs are known
upper
direct, while the
being fastened to the breastbone
lower five pairs are
called
false ribs
or
floating
must

we

"

"

"

"

"

io8

HATHA

YOGA

ribs," because

they are not so fastened, the upper

of them
two
being fastened by cartilageto the other
ribs, the remainder
having no cartilages,their for
ward
ends
being free.
The
ribs are
in respirationby two
moved
super
ficial muscular
the intercostal
as
layers, known
The
muscles.
diaphragm, the muscular
partition
before

alluded

abdominal
In

box

the chest

to, separates

from

the

cavity.

the

of inhalation

act

that

lungs so

muscles

is created

vacuum

in in accordance

the

with

the

well

and

expand
the

law

known

the

air rushes
of

physics.

in
Everything depends upon the muscles concerned
the process
of respiration,which
for con
we
may,
Without
venience, term the
respiratorymuscles."
the aid of these muscles
the lungs cannot
expand, and
"

upon

the

Science
control

of

and

use

proper

Breath

largely depends.

muscles

of these

of these muscles

control

The

the

proper

will result in the

abilityto
attain the maximum
degree of lung expansion, and
the greatest amount
of the life-giving
to secure
pro
pertiesof the air to the system.
The
Yogis classifyRespiration into four general
methods,

viz.

(1) High
(2) Mid
(3) Low
(4) Yogi
We

will

methods,

Breathing.
Breathing.
Breathing.
Complete Breathing.
give

and

fourth

method,

Breath

is

general

more

upon

largelybased.

idea

of

extended
which

-the

the

treatment

Yogi

first three
of

the

Science

of

BREATHING

YOGI

109

BREATHING

(i) HIGH

to the Western
breathing is known
world as Clavicular Breathing, or Collarbone Breath
ing. One breathing in this way elevates the ribs and
This

form

of

raises the collarbone

drawing

in the

shoulders,

and

and

abdomen

The

upper

part of

the

lungs,which

consequently but
the

of air enters

amount

diaphragm being raised, there

sion in that
the chest

direction.

any student
of effort is used

amount

can

be

is the

minimum

this,

to

no

expan

study of the anatomy

will convince

maximum

of

that in this way

to obtain
a mini

of benefit.

amount

mum

In addition

lungs.

up

is raised.

in turn
and

the chest

smallest, is used, and

time

same

pushing its contents

which

against the diaphragm,

at the

of
form
High Breathing is probably the worst
and requiresthe greatest
to man
breathing known

expenditure of
benefit.

It is

It is

energy
an

with

smallest

the

of

amount

energy- wasting, poor-returns plan.

the Western
races,
many
among

quite common
women
singers,clergy
being addicted to it,and even
better,
lawyers and others, who should know
men,
using it ignorantly.
Many diseases of the vocal organs and organs of
be directlytraced to this barbarous
respiration
may
of breathing, and
method
the straining of delicate
organs

caused

often

by this method,

voices heard
harsh, disagreeable
persons
to
the

who

on

breathe

in this way
practice of

results in the

all sides.
become

Many

addicted

mouth-breathing
disgusting
described
in a subsequent chapter.
If the student

"

has

any

doubts

about

what

has

"

been

YOGA

HATHA

no

said

regarding this form of breathing,let him try the

experiment of expelling all the air from his lungs,
then standing erect, with hands
at sides, let him
raise
the

shoulders

find

that

and

the

normal.

Then

dropping

the

receive

apt

an

to

words,

collarbone

amount

let him

shoulders

object lesson

remember

printed

or

air

inhaled

inhale
and

inhale.

He

will
below

is far

full breath,

collarbone, and

after

he

will

he will be

breathing which
much
longer than he
spoken.

(2) MID
method

of

and

in

would

any

BREATHING

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

This

of

BREATHING

(3) Low
This
the

two

Western

is far better
respiration
preceding forms, and of recent

form

of

writers

have

extolled

exploited it under the names

ing," Deep Breathing,"
etc., etc., and much
good
"

of
"

than

either of

years

its merits, and

"

abdominal

many
have

Breath

Diaphragmic Breathing,"
has been accomplished by

BREATHING

YOGI

in

public having been directed to

the subject,and many
having been induced to sub
above
methods
stitute it for the inferior and injurious
of breathing have
alluded
to.
Many
systems
Low
been built around
Breathing,and students have
(?)systems. But,
paid high pricesto learn the new
have said, much
we
as
good has resulted, and after
who
all the students
paid high prices to learn re
vamped old systems undoubtedly got their money's
induced
to discard the old methods
worth if they were
of High Breathing and Low
Breathing.
and
Western
authorities
write
Although many
of
the best known
form
as
speak of this method
breathing, the Yogis knew it to be but a part of a
system which they have used for centuries and which
be
It must
The Complete Breath."
they know as
be acquainted
must
admitted, however, that one
of Low
with the principles
Breathing before he can
the idea of Complete Breathing.
grasp
Let us again consider the diaphragm.
What
is it ?
We
have
that it is the great partitionmuscle,
seen
the attention

of the

"

"

"

which

separates the chest and

abdomen
a

and

surface

concave

to

diaphragm as viewed
like the sky as viewed
of

an

arched

When

its contents.

surface.

the

abdomen.

from

the

That

earth

Consequently

is, the

would
"

the

the

it presents

at rest

the abdomen

from

from

its contents

the

seem

interior

side of the

the chest organs

is like a pro
diaphragm toward
like a hill. When
the
surface
truding rounded
is
diaphragm is brought into use the hill formation
the abdomi
lowered and the diaphragm presses upon
"

nal

organs
In Low

and

forces out

Breathing,

the

the abdomen.

lungs

are

given

freer

play

HATHA

H2

than

in the

methods

YOGA

already mentioned,

and

conse

air is inhaled.
This fact has led the
quently more
writers to speak and write of
majority of Western
Low
Breath
Breathing (which they caD Abdominal
known
to science.
ing)as the highest and best method
But
the Oriental
of a better
Yogi has long known

method,

and

Western

few

some

writers

have

also

recognized this fact. The trouble with all methods

of breathing,other than
Yogi Complete Breathing,"
is that in none
of these methods
do the lungs become
filled with air
at the best only a portion of the lung
in Low
even
Breathing. High Breath
space is filled,
ing fills only the upper portion of the lungs. Mid
Breathing fillsonly the middle and a portion of the
Breathing fillsonly the lower and
upper parts. Low
"

"

middle

parts.

It is evident

that

any

method

that

be far preferableto
lung space must
which
those filling
only certain parts. Any method
be of the greatest
will fillthe entire lung space must
value
in the way
of allowing him to absorb
to man
and to store away
the greatest quantity of oxygen
The
of
the
Complete
greatest amount
prana.

fillsthe

Breath
of

entire

is known

to the

respirationknown

THE

YOGI

to

Yogis

to be

the best method

science.

COMPLETE

BREATH

Yogi Complete Breathing includes all the good

points of High Breathing, Mid Breathing and Low
Breathing, with the objectionablefeatures of each
eliminated.
It bringsinto play the entire respiratory
apparatus, every part of the lungs, every air-cell,
The
entire respiratory
respiratorymuscle.
every

HATHA

ii4

the

Complete

YOGA
all the

Breathing comprises

tageous features of the three

plus the

methods,

other

advan

reciprocaladvantages accruing from the combined

action of the high-chest,mid-chest, and diaphragmic
regions,and the normal
rhythm thus obtained.
The
fundamental
is the
Yogi Complete Breath
of Breath, and
the
breath of the entire Yogi Science
student
must
fully acquaint himself with it, and
it perfectly before
he can
master
hope to obtain
results from

given in this book.

half-learningit, but
until
This

it becomes

He

should

should

his

mentioned

of breath

forms

the other

go

natural

with

be content

not

in earnest

work

to

method

and

of

breathing.
patience,but with
ever
accomplished.

require work, time and

these
out
things nothing is
There
is no
royal road to the Science of Breath, and
the student
be prepared to practiseand study
must
in

will

earnest

if he

results obtained
of Breath
them

and

would
he

by

expects
a

complete mastery

great,

are

and

willinglygo

will tell his friends

amply repaid

receive

to

no

back
that

for all his work.

who

one

results.

of the Science

old

the

he

considers
say

attained

has

to

We

The

methods,
himself

these

things
necessity

the
fully understand
and
importance of mastering this fundamental
method
of Yogi Breathing, instead of passing it by
of the attractive looking variations
and trying some
Again, we say to you :
given later on in this book.
Start right,and rightresults will follow ; but neglect
entire
and
foundations
building will
your
your
now,

that

you

may

later.
sooner
or
topple over
teach
to
Perhaps the better way
you
develop the Yogi Complete Breath would be

how
to

to

give

YOGI

BREATHING

115

and
simple directions regarding the breath itself,
with general remarks
follow up the same
con
cerning it, and then later on giving exercises for
developing the chest, muscles and lungs which have
been allowed
in an undeveloped condition
to remain
of breathing. Right here we
by imperfect methods
you
then

wish

back

first

to

civilization
lized

"

breathe

both

clothing,etc., and

has

wish

to remind

reader

does

not

the

lost his
that

at

going

The

infant

of

living,

birthright. And

Complete

of

civi

but

methods

we

Breath

of
complete filling

the

One

of air,using the

amount

healthy

the

inhalation.

every

forced

Nature.

to

in this manner,

necessarilycall for

lungs

average

the

the

unnatural

adopted

is not

contrary is

return

and

savage

has

man

the

on

principles a

healthy adult

Breath

Complete

thing, but

abnormal

or

this

that

to say

inhale

may

the

Complete Breathing

distributing the air inhaled, be the

quantity large or small, to all parts of the lungs.
But
series of full Complete
should
inhale
one
a
Method

and

Breaths

several

offers,in order

times

day,

opportunity

whenever

keep the system in good order and

to

condition.
The

followingsimple exercise will give you

idea of what

the

Complete

Breath

is

clear

sit erect.
or
Breathing through the
(i) Stand
the lower part of
nostrils,inhale steadily,first filling
the lungs, which
is accomplished by bringing into
a
descending exerts
play the diaphragm, which
pushing
gentle pressure on the abdominal
organs,
forward
the

the

middle

front

walls

of the

part of the lungs, pushing

ribs, breastbone

and

chest.

Then

abdomen.

Then

out

fill

the lower

fill the

higher

HATHA

u6

YOGA

chest,
portion of the lungs, protruding the upper
thus
six or
liftingthe chest, including the upper
the
seven
pairs of ribs. In the final movement,
lower part of the abdomen
will be slightlydrawn
in,
which
movement
gives the lungs a support and also
helps to fillthe highest part of the lungs.
At
first reading it may
that
this breath
appear
consists
ever,

of

is not

the

This, how

movements.

inhalation

The

idea.

correct

is

con

the lowered
cavity from
the highest point of the chest in the
collarbone, being expanded with
a

entire

tinuous, the

diaphragm
region of

distinct

three

to

the

chest

jerky series of in
halations, and strive to attain a steady continuous
action.
the tendency
Practice
will soon
overcome
uniform

to

divide

able

seconds

inhalation

the

will result in
be

Avoid

movement.

uniform

complete

to

after

little

into

three

continuous
the

movements,
breath.

inhalation

in

You

and
will

couple

of

practice.

the breath
few seconds.
a
(2) Retain
(3) Exhale
quite slowly, holding the chest in a
firm position,and
in a little
drawing the abdomen
and
liftingit upward slowly as the air leaves the
the air is entirelyexhaled, relax the
lungs. When
chest
A
abdomen.
and
little practicewill render

this part

of

the

acquired will
automatically.
once

the movement
easy, and
afterwards
performed almost

exercise
be

of breathing all
by this method
parts of the respiratory apparatus is brought into
action, and all parts of the lungs, including the most
The
chest cavity is
air cells,are
exercised.
remote
It will be

expanded

seen

that

in all directions.

You

will also notice

that

BREATHING

YOGI

Breath

Complete

the
Mid
in

order

the

will

You

the

lightly

hands

feel

the

movements.

it

well

to

is

which

place

is

the

you

lobe

shoulders,

the

of

the

the

right

place

breeding

may

inhalation,

allowing

upper
the

placing

that

elevate

and

sometimes

of

will

you

mirror,
so

end

the

if

you

abdomen

slightly

small

the

to

large

collarbone

the

into

freely

pass

At

occasionally

raising

thus

help

the

over

one

breath.

before

breath

this

practise

quite

form

to

as

Low,

rapidly

other

manner

of

each

complete
it

find

such

in

given,

combination

succeeding

continuous,

uniform,

really

is

Breaths,

High

and

117

of

air

to

lung,
tuber

culosis.
the

At

or

once

the

trouble

less

little

practice
acquired

old

of

beginning

methods.

in

acquiring

will
it

practice,

make

you

the

you

never

and

have

Breath,

Complete

perfect,
will

may

when

willingly

you
return

more

but
have
to

XV

CHAPTER

EFFECT

SCARCELY

should

pages
him

who

such

the

troubles,

liabilityto

contract

of

such

the

offer

the

only

use

the

have

to

way

What

to

insuffi

to

tissue

tissue

impairment
from

attacks

remain

inviting field

an

and

inactive,

for

bacilli, which
havoc.

produce

soon

con

will resist the

and

germs,

good, healthy lung

tissue

is to

consequently
expand.

to

their

The
will have
man

nearly all narrow-chested.

?
mean
Simply that these
people
improper habits of breathing, and
are

this

addicted

chested

princi

lungs properly.
does

Breath

is due

allows

breathing

lungs

bronchial

as

to

open

all

with

The

inhaled.

system

weakened

Consumptives

were

an

healthy lung

Good,

well

as

any
other

and

away

Consumption

being

of the

part

invading

will make

do

will

Imperfect

germs.

portions

Breath

colds,"

the

vitality renders

siderable

and
"

of air

amount

disease

foregoing
pointed out to

vitality attributable

lowered

to

cient

And

the

Consumption

to

weaknesses.

similar

pally

advantages

Breath.

have

to

Complete

pulmonary
and

the

Complete

need

immune

woman

or

man

the

of

advantages.

practice of

The

said

carefully read

has

scarcely

BREATHING

be

can

practice of

the

student

the

yet

much

too

attending

CORRECT

OF

man
a

may

failed

chests
who

practises

full,broad

develop
118

develop

to

the

Complete

chest, and

the

chest

to

his

and

narrow-

normal

BREATHING

CORRECT

OF

EFFECT

119

proportionsif he will but adopt this mode of breath

ing. Such people must develop their chest cavities
be
often
their lives. Colds
if they value
may
prevented by practisinga little vigorous Complete
fee] that
are
being
you
Breathing whenever
you
chilled,breathe vigorously
unduly exposed. When
your
minutes, and you will feel a glow all over
a few
cured
be
colds
by Complete
can
body. Most
Breathing and partialfasting for a day.
its
The qualityof the blood depends largelyupon
the lungs, and if it is underproper oxygenationin
laden
poor in quality and
oxygenated it becomes
and the system suffers
with all sorts of impurities,
and often becomes
actually
from lack of nourishment
poisonedby the waste products remaining unelimthe entire body, every
As
in the blood.
inated
the blood
organ and every part, is dependent upon
for nourishment,
impure blood must have a serious
entire
remedy is
the
effect upon
system. The
plain practisethe Yogi Complete Breath.
"

other

and

stomach

The

organs

of nutrition

suffer

improper breathing. Not only are they

but as
of the lack of oxygen,
ill nourished
by reason
from

much

food

the

absorb

must

assimilated, it
assimilation
And

are

assimilation

whenever

receives

and

less

less

can

lack

the

withers

man

of proper

Even

the

and

is not

be

normal, the system

the

nourishment,

bodily vigour decreases, and energy

fails,
and

blood

the

from

digested and
how
is readily seen
digestionand
impaired by incorrect breathing.

oxygenated

become

oxygen
before it

and

declines.

appetite

diminishes,

All

from

the

breathing.

nervous

system suffers from

improper

breathing, inasmuch
the

YOGA

HATHA

120

nourished

improperly

the

by

inefficient

and

poor

and

centres,

nervQ

brain, the

the

as

themselves, when

nerves

of the

means

spinal cord,

blood, become

for

instruments

generating,

And
currents.
transmitting the nerve
if sufficient
they will become
improperly nourished
absorbed
is not
through the lungs. There
oxygen
is another
whereby the nerve
aspect of the case

storing and

themselves,

currents

the

phase of
chapters
of the

which

from
lessened
spring, becomes
breathing,but this belongs to another
of in other
is treated
subject which

of proper

direct

from

force

the

currents

nerve

want

rather

or

the
of

this

attention

your

for

instrument

to the

system

nervous

and

book,

is to
here
purpose
fact that the mechanism
our

inefficient

is rendered

conveying

force, as

nerve

lack

of proper

as

gentle massage

the

as

an

indirect

breathing.
In the practice of the Complete Breath, during
and
exerts
a
inhalation, the diaphragm contracts
and other
the liver,stomach
gentle pressure upon
with the rhythm of the
which
in connection
organs,
result of

lungs

acts

stimulates

of these

actions, and

their

aids

inhalation

Each

exercise, and

assists in causing

the

organs

of

nutrition

and

in

normal

and

normal

encourages

functioning.
to

organs

this

internal

circulation

elimination.

In

High or Mid Breathing the organs lose the benefit

accruing from this internal massage.
attention
to
world
is paying much
The
Western
which
is a good thing.
Physical Culture just now,
But in their enthusiasm
they must not forgetthat the
is not
muscles
exercise of the external
everything.
The internal organs also need exercise,and Nature's

CHAPTER

XVI

BREATHING

WE

give below
the

among

The

Yogis.

finish

also

Exercise, which
for

and

ages,

Western

and

of them

have

We

give

also

largely for

"

class of the

it

be

Take

these

brothers

and

which

many

breath,

vibrant

into

their

and

we

them

other
have

of the

Yogi.
better

if this book

Western

exercises,
student.

your

Eastern

BREATH
form

they feel
the

lungs.

breathing
followed
122

of

some

practice.

favourite

cleansing

by

on

accounts

three

gift from

CLEANSING

which

feel that

the

they practise when

of

Vitalizing

teachers

these

this

plan in

among

voices

We

to
as

them

have

ventilating and

this

improved

Breath,

than

more

YOGI

Yogis

with

down

it from

Yogis.

exercises

THE
The

"

invaluable

put

They

Nerve

been

never

melodious,

nothing

Yogis.

Physical Culture, although

Oriental

would

handed

Yogi Vocal

contained

of the

exercise

Yogi

Yogi

much

followed

the

borrowed

the

the

has

of

teachers

the

have

we

been

which

well-known

among

give

has

quite popular

is attributed

breathing

up

We

first is the

found

Cleansing Breath,
book.

of breath,

which

to

endurance

great lung

this

forms

three

Cleansing Breath,
usually

EXERCISES

of
the

this

necessity of

They

exercises

breathing
conclude
with

this

practice in this

EXERCISES

BREATHING

123

and
Cleansing Breathing ventilates
the cells and gives a
cleanses the lungs, stimulates
is
and
the
to
respiratory organs,
general tone
their
conducive
to
general healthy condition.
to
Besides
this effect, it is found
greatly refresh
the entire system.
Speakers, singers,etc., will find
this breath especially
restful,after having tired the
This

book.

respiratory organs.
(1) Inhale a complete breath.
(2) Retain the air a few seconds.
(3) Pucker up the lipsas if for a whistle (but do
little air
swell out the cheeks),then exhale
not
a
considerable
vigour.
through the opening, with
Then
retainingthe air,and then
stop for a moment,
exhale

little

air.

more

Repeat

until

the

air is

Remember
that considerable
completely exhaled.
vigour is to be used in exhaling the air through the
opening in the lips.
This breath
will be found
quite refreshing when
A trial will
is tired and generally used up."
one
"

convince

student

the

This

of its merits.

exercise

be
performed
practised until it can
naturally,and easily,as it is used to finish up a
number
of other exercises given in this book, and it
should
be thoroughly understood.

should

be

YOGI

THE
This
consider

is

an

it

NERVE

exercise

one

BREATH

VITALIZING

well known

to

the

of the strongest nerve

invigorantsknown

to

man.

stimulants

Its purpose

late the Nervous

and

System, develop nerve

vitality.This exercise brings

Yogis,

who
and

is to stimu

force,energy
a

stimulating

HATHA

124

in

bear

to

pressure

stimulate

turn

system, and
all

on

send

YOGA

important nerve
and
energize the
increased

an

entire

flow of

nervous

force to

nerve

parts of the body.

(1) Stand
(2) Inhale
(3) Extend
ting them be
sufficient

erect.

Complete Breath, and retain same.

the arms
straightin front of you, let
somewhat
limp and relaxed, with only

force

nerve

hold

to

them

out.

the
hands
back
(4) Slowly draw
shoulders, gradually contracting the

putting

force into them,

shoulders
a

which

centres,

the

tremulous

so

fists will be

motion

that
so

toward

the

muscles

and

when

they reach
tightlyclenched

the
that

is felt.

(5) Then, keeping the muscles

tense, push the
fists slowly out, and then draw
them
back
rapidly
(still
tense) several times.
(6) Exhale
vigorously through the mouth.
(7) Practise the Cleansing Breath.
The efficiency
of this exercise depends greatlyupon
the speed of the drawing back
of the fists,and the
tension

of the

lungs.

This

ciated.

muscles, and, of
exercise

It is without

Western

friends
THE

The
voice.
which

Yogis have
They are
are

wonderful

be

must

equal

course,

tried
"

as

upon

to

be

bracer,"

the

full

appre
as

our

put it.
YOGI
a

VOCAL

form

noted

strong,

smooth

of

BREATH

breathing

for their
and

to

develop

wonderful

clear, and

the

voices,
have

They have
trumpet-likecarrying power.
practisedthis particularform of breathing exercise
which
has resulted
in rendering their voices soft,

EXERCISES

BREATHING

125

flexible,
imparting to it that indescrib

beautiful and

able, peculiarfloatingquality,combined
exercise

The

power.

impart
Voice,
It is to

above-mentioned

the

student

the

to

given

will

in

great
time

the Yogi
or
qualities,
practisesit faithfully.

who

understood, of

be

below

with

course,

that

this form

of

only as an occasional exercise,

of breathing.
and not as a regular form
slowly,but
(1) Inhale a Complete Breath
very
time
steadily,through the nostrils, taking as much
breath

is to

be

used

possiblein the inhalation.

(2) Retain for a few seconds.
(3) Expel the air vigorouslyin one great breath,
through the wide opened mouth.
(4) Rest the lungs by the Cleansing Breath.
Without
going deeply into the Yogi theories of
sound-productionin speaking and singing,we wish
that the
to say that experience has taught them
of a voice depend not
timbre, quality and power
as

the vocal organs in the throat, but that

upon
much
the
facial muscles, etc., have
to do with

alone
the

large chests produce but a

with
tone, while others
comparatively small
poor
chests produce tones of amazing strength and quality.
Here
is an
interestingexperiment worth
trying :
and
Stand
before a glassand pucker up your mouth
and the
whistle, and note the shape of your mouth
general expressionof your face. Then sing or speak
Then
the difference.
as
you do naturally,and see
start to whistle again for a few seconds, and
then,
without changing the position
ofyour lipsor face,sing
Some

matter.

few

clear

notes

and

with

men

and

notice

beautiful

tone

what
is

vibrant, resonant,

produced.

126

HATHA

YOGA

The

of
favourite
followingare the seven
exercises
the Yogis for developing the lungs, muscles, liga
air cells,etc.
ments,
They are quite simple but
marvellously effective. Do not let the simplicity
of these exercises make
you lose interest,for they arc
the result of careful experiments and practiceon the
of numerous
part of the Yogis, and are the essence
intricate and complicated exercises, the non-essential
portions being eliminated and the essential features

retained.

(i) THE
This

is

RETAINED

BREATH

tends to
important exercise which
as
develop the respiratorymuscles
strengthen
well as the lungs, and
its frequent practicewill also
The
tend to expand the chest.
Yogis have found
that an
occasional
holding of the breath, after the
lungs have been filled with the Complete Breath, is
only to the respiratoryorgans
very beneficial,not
but

very
and

the

to

of

organs

blood

the

and

itself.

occasional

holding

air which

has

up

also know

all the

expelled it
system,
does

and

in

cleanses

and

blood,

bad

breath, which

the

and

to

lungs
so

that

an

purify the

from

former

the

retained
the

when

it the

the

The

blood.

gathers
breath

effete matter

is

of the

lungs just as a purgative

this
Yogis recommend
of the

disorders

also find that

often arises

recommend

tends

the breath

with

carries

found

fullyoxygenate

matter,

for various

We

breath

more

that

waste

and

lungs.

to

bowels.

the

exercise

of the

system,

nervous

have

They

remained

inhalations, and

They

nutrition, the

stomach,

liver

frequently relieves
from poorly ventilated

students

it

to pay

considerable

BREATHING
attention

EXERCISES

this exercise,

to

The

followingdirections

the

exercise

(1) Stand

as

will

127

great merits.

it has

give you

clear

Complete Breath.
(3) Retain the air as long as you can
(4) Exhale vigorouslythrough the
(5) Practise the Cleansing Breath.
a

comfortably.
mouth.

open

At first you will be able to retain the breath

short time, but a little practicewill also show

improvement.
to

note

Time

your

in the
in

no

exercise

is

lungs, but
case

Some

should

yourselfwith

CELL

great

if you

STIMULATION

designed to stimulate the air cells

not overdo
it, and
beginners must
it be indulged in too vigorously.
slightdizziness resultingfrom the

find a
may
first few trials,in which
little and

watch

only

progress.

(2) LUNG
This

of

erect.

(2) Inhale

wish

idea

discontinue

case

the

let them
exercise

walk
for

around

while.

(1) Stand erect, with hands at sides.

in very
(2) Breathe
slowly, and gradually.
(3) While inhaling,gently tap the chest with the
finger tips, constantly changing position.
the lungs are
filled,retain the breath
(4) When
and
pat the chest with the palms of the hands.
(5) Practise the Cleansing Breath.
This exercise is very bracing and stimulating to the
whole
body, and is a well-known
Yogi practice.
inactive by
Many of the air cells of the lungs become
of incomplete breathing, and
often become
reason
almost atrophied. One who has practisedimperfect
to
breathing for years will find it not so easy

128

HATHA

stimulate

by

once

do

all these ill-used air cells into

is

at

the

(3) RIB
We

activityall

Complete Breath, but this exercise will

toward
bringingabout the desired result,
worth
study and practice.

much

and

YOGA

have

explained

STRETCHING
that

the

ribs

by

fastened

are

of considerable
which
admit
cartilages,
expansion.
In proper breathing,
the ribs play an important part,
and it is well to occasionally
give them a little special
their elasticity.Stand
exercise in order to preserve
ing or sittingin unnatural
positions,to which many
of the Western
people are addicted, is apt to render
the ribs

more

cise will do

less stiff and

or

much

to

this

and
inelastic,

exer

same.

overcome

(1) Stand erect.

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

(3) Inhale a Complete Breath.

(4) Retain the air for a short time.
(5) Then gently squeeze the sides, at
time
slowly exhaling.
(6) Practise the CleansingBreath.
Use

moderation

in this exercise

and

the

do not

same

overdo

it.

(4) CHEST
The

ing over

chest is

quite apt

one's work.

EXPANSION
to be contracted

This

exercise

from

is very

bend

good

for

YOGA

HATHA

130

(6) MORNING

EXERCISE

military attitude, head up,

back, knees stiff,hands at sides.
eyes front, shoulders
(2) Raise body slowly on toes, inhalinga Complete
(1) Stand

erect

in

Breath, steadilyand

slowly.

(3) Retain the breath for a few seconds, maintain

position.
ing the same
(4) Slowly sink to the first position,at the same
time slowly exhaling the air through the nostrils.
Cleansing Breath.
(5) Practise
(6) Repeat several times, varying by using right
leg alone, then left leg alone.

(7) STIMULATING

CIRCULATION

erect.
(1) Stand
and retain.
(2) Inhale a Complete Breath
(3) Bend forward slightlyand grasp a stick or cane
steadily and firmly, and gradually exerting your
the grasp.
entire strength upon
(4) Relax the grasp, return to first position,and
slowly exhale.
(5) Repeat several times.
(6) Finish with the Cleansing Breath.
of
the use
be performed without
This exercise may
stick or
a
by grasping an imaginary cane,
cane,

using the
a

will to exert

favourite

Yogi plan

by driving the arterial

drawing back the venous
that

it may
haled
with

take
the

The

the pressure.

exercise

is

stimulating the circulation

blood
to the extremities, and
blood to the heart and lungs

of

up the oxygen
air. In cases

which
of

poor

has

been

in

circulation

BREATHING

is

there
increased
does

ing.
this

In

get
such

exercise,

Breathing

blood

enough

not

of

amount
not

EXERCISES

the

cases,

full

the

lungs

oxygen

inhaled,

benefit

of

particularly,

occasionally
Exercise.

in

131

with

the

to

and

absorb
the

the

is

well

regular

system
breath

improved
it

the

to

practise
Complete

CHAPTER

XVII

NOSTRIL-BREATHING

MOUTH

VS.
BREATHING

ONE

of the

first lessons

is to

learn

how

to

the

overcome

breathe

to

practice

nostrils, and

the

through

common

of Breath

Yogi Science

in the

mouth-breath

of

ing.
The

breathing mechanism

that

he

nasal

breathe

may

tubes, but
which

and

strength and

method

It should
that

the

not

through

among

civilized

disgusting

habit
breathe
and

! the

all

ignorance
matter

life

of

walks

and

mouths,

and

horrible

their

the

take

simple

their

follow

student

the

is to

this

people in

to

weakness.

to

breathing

through

children

the

diseases

caused

this

womanhood

up

with

constitutions,

and

way

break
The

mother

grow

and

down
of the

being evidently guided by

this

by

her

132

savage

is

man

common

permitted

Children

mouth-breathing.
in

civilized

which

to

undoubtedly

are

weakened

invalids.

state

people regarding
find

brings health

and

alas

to

example.

of

of

of

nostrils, but

We

allowing their

to

necessary

or

importance

one

disease

other

breathing

habitually

subject

be

the

astounding.

Many

the

mouth

the

of vital
as

constructed

so

through

follows,

he

is

man

matter

method

proper

breath

is

either

it is

him

of

to

impaired vitality
in

manhood

chronic

become
race

intuition.

and

does
She

better,
seems

NOSTRIL

BREATHING

133

instinctively
recognize that the
for the conveyal of
proper channels
to

and

she

trains

her

infant

to

nostrils

are

the

air to the

close its

lungs,
little lips and

She tipsits head forward

through the nose.
it is asleep,which
when
attitude closes the lipsand
makes
nostril breathingimperative. If our
civilized
mothers
to adopt the same
were
plan, it would work
a great good for the race.
Many contagious diseases are contracted
by the
disgusting habit of mouth-breathing, and many
breathe

cases

of cold and

utable

to

death

which

affections

also attrib

are

Many persons who, for

the sake of appearances,
closed
keep their mouth
during the day, persistin mouth-breathing at night
and
often contract
disease in this way.
Carefully
conducted
scientific experiments have
that
shown
soldiers and sailors who sleepwith their mouths
open
much
liable to contract
are
more
contagious diseases
than those who breathe properlythrough the nostrils.
An
instance
is related in which
small-pox became
in foreignparts, and every
epidemic on a man-of-war
marine

the

catarrhal

who

same

resulted
was

nostril-breather
The

organs

cause.

was

succumbing.
of respiration
have

the breath

of

sailor

some

mouth-breather,

tive apparatus, filter,

or
When

that

their

not

or

single

only protec

dust-catcher, in the nostrils.

is taken

through the mouth, there

is nothing from mouth
to lungs to strain the air, or
to catch the dust and other foreignmatter
in the air.
From
mouth
to lungs the dirt or impure substance
has a clear track, and the entire respiratorysystem
is unprotected. And,
such
incorrect
moreover,
breathing admits cold air to the organs, thereby

HATH

134

often

organs

from

mouth

at

feeling in the mouth

of
He is violatingone

who

man

and

with

laws, and

nature's

is

air

through
parched

the

in

dryness

of cold

breathes

awakens

night, always

respiratory

inhalation

the

The

the mouth.

through
the

results

the

of

Inflammation

them.

injuring

YOGA

throat.

sowing

the

affords

no

of disease.

seeds
Once

remember

more,

that

mouth

the

cold

protection to the respiratory organs, and

dust and
impurities and germs readilyenter
the

On

door.

show

passages

which

serve

nostrils

and

of

the

careful

design

nostrils

The

containing

the

nasal

the

evidence

channels,

tortuous

that

hand,

in this respect.

nature

hairs

other

by

air,

purpose

of

are

two

narrow,

bristly

numerous

filter

of

or

sieve

to

impurities,etc., which are expelled

Not only do the nostrils
is exhaled.
when
the breath
but they also perform
this important purpose,
serve
an
important function in warming the air inhaled.
The long narrow
winding nostrils are filled with warm
with the
which coming in contact
mucous
membrane,
do no
inhaled air warms
it,so that it can
damage to
of the throat, or to the lungs.
the delicate organs
No animal, excepting man,
sleeps with the mouth
breathes
or
through the mouth, and in fact it is
open
who
believed
that it is only civilized man
so
perverts

strain the air of its

nature's
almost

that

functions,

as

the savage

invariably breathe
this

unnatural

and

barbarian

correctly.

habit

among

It is

civilized

races

probable
men

has

methods
of living,
acquired through unnatural
warmth.
enervating luxuries and excessive
The
refining,filteringand straining apparatus of
been

the

nostrils renders

the

air fit to

reach

the

delicate

NOSTRIL

BREATHING

135

organs of the throat and the lungs,and the air is not

fit to so reach these organs until it has passed through
nature's refining
The impuritieswhich
are
process.

stopped and
brane

retained

the sieves and

by

mucous

mem

of the

out again by the

nostrils,are thrown
expelledbreath, in exhalation, and in case they have

accumulated

rapidly,or

have

managed to escape
through the sieves and have penetrated forbidden
regions, nature
protects us by producing a sneeze
which
violentlyejectsthe intruder.
The
it enters the lungs, is as different
air, when
too

from

the

outside

from

the

water

is distilled water

air, as
of the

cistern.

The

different

intricate

puri
fying organization of the nostrils, arresting and
holding the impure particlesin the air,is as import
in stopping cherry
ant as is the action of the mouth
and fish bones
stones
and
from
preventing them
Man
should
being carried on to the stomach.
no
breathe
than
he would
more
through his mouth
attempt to take food through his nose.
Another
feature of mouth-breathing is that the
nasal passages,
being thus comparatively unused,
consequentlyfail to keep themselves clean and clear,
and become
clogged up and unclean, and are apt to
local diseases.

contract
soon

become

filled with

nostrils become
One
is not

abandoned

weeds

and

roads

that

rubbish, unused

rilledwith

impuritiesand foul matter.

who
habituallybreathes through the nostrils
likelyto be troubled with clogged or stuffy

nostrils,but
more

Like

or

for the benefit

less

breathing,and

addicted
who

rational method,

wish

it may

to

of those
the

who

unnatural

acquirethe
perhaps be well
to

have

been

mouth-

natural
to add

and
a

few

HATHA

136

words
and

regarding
free

the

from

Oriental
the

up

ejected

the

the

method

freely,

thumb,

sniffing

times,

We

clear

urge
this

caution

subject

is

method

as

little

down

run

thence

of

it

the

but

be

may

Hindu

water,

Yogis
this

and

efficacious,

equally

is

closing

one

the

up

latter

first

the

and

much

against
unimportant.

through
the

student

and

the

the

other

of

window

with

finger

This

or

nostril.

open

nostril.

nostrils.

nostrils

of

the

open

nostril

on

changing

the

to

air

process

the

upon

him

to

practice,

plan

the

repeat

usually

clean

snuff

to

Some

considerable

good

breathe

several

nostrils

performed.

Another

Then

from

bowl

method

easily

more

it

mouth.

in

requires

mentioned

ing

the

face

is

allowing

throat,

through

immerse

method

nostrils

into

passage

their

keep

to

way

impurities.

favourite

water

YOGA

Repeat
method

will

obstructions.
the

breathing
dismissing

of

necessity
if

he

this

has

it

phase

acquir
and

not,
of

the

HATHA

138
which

serve

higher forms

for

vehicles

as

YOGA
of conscious

ness.

When

death

separate

and

scatter

The

force which

in.

sets

is

and

withdrawn,

way

and

the

body

the

incessant

writer

has

new

decay
together

cells

become

and

Death

of

prelude
give our

the

to

"

aspect

an

material

life,

of

is but

form

We

brief idea of the nature

and

up

atom

leading

of another."

will
work

little lives of the

life of these

the

this cell-life

is but

one

building

students

As

change.

constant

"

said

life of the

the

time, but

destruction

the

of

the

held

has

call

we

free to go their own

Some
combinations.
go into

they

for

ground

means

and

which

plants in the vicinity,and eventually

animal
in the body of an
; others
organism of the plant ; others remain

in the

remain

that

and

the cells

physical body,

of the

themselves

find

in

form

to

the

to

comes

body.
cells of the

The

Matter, which

water

"

or

of

As
minute

the

we

of the

the

from

the air

We

to manifest

them

food

eat

we

breathe

we

is obtained

will first take

action,
;

the

(3) Intelli
from

the

the material

up

cell-life.
have

said, every

cells.

body,

from

enables

the

mind-stuff," which
Mind.

Universal
side

from

and

drink

we

gence,

obtain

is obtained

which

and

have

force, which

vital

or

they

principles: (i)
food ; (2)Prana,

three

body

from

the enamel
mucous

livingbody

This is,of course,

the

hard

bone

of the tooth
membrane.

is

collection of

of every part of
to the softest tissue"
true

to the most

These

shapes, which are regulatedby

its particular office,or work.

delicate part

cells have
the

Each

different

requirements
cell is, to

of
all

LITTLE
intents

and

LIVES
an

purposes,

139

individual, separate and

less

independent, although subject to the

mind
commands
control of cell-group
;
; large group
mind
of the man,
to the central
the
and, finally,
controllingwork, or at least the greater part of it,
coming within the control of the Instinctive Mind.
These
cells are constantlyat work, performing all
the duties of the body, each having its own
particular
and doing it to the best of its ability.
work
to do
Some
of the cells belong to the
and are
reserves
sudden
waiting orders
kept under
ready for some
of
demand
of duty. Others
belong to the army
active workers
of the cell-community and manufac
or

more

"

"

"

ture

the

work
"

motion

"

secretions

and

remain

so

others

are

fluids needed

Some

of the system.

others

"

in the

of the cells

until needed, when

varied

stationary
they manifest

are

some
constantly on the move,
Of
being rovers.
making regular trips and some
these moving cells some
perform the work of carriers,
from
some
move
place to place doing odd jobs,and

others

"

do

work,

scavenger

and

still another

class

of the cellbelong to the police force, or army,

Cell-life in the body may
be compared
community.
to a large colony, operated on
a
co-operative plan,
each cell having its own
work
to do for the common
good, each working for all,and all working for the
welfare.

common

carry
brain

messages

and

from

The
from

cells of the
one

part of the

the brain to another

system

nervous

body

part of

the

to

the

body,

are
being living telegraph wires, as the nerves
with each
composed of minute cells in close contact
other, having small projectionswhich are in contact
with similar projectionsfrom other cells,
so that
they

HATHA

140

YOGA

practicallyholding hands and forming a chain,

the Prana.
?.longwhich
passes
t\e
Of
carriers, moving
workers,
policemen,
soldiers,etc., of the cell-community there are millions
millions in each human
body, it being estimated
upon
are

that

there

in

are

inch

cubic

one

of

blood

least

at

(seventy-fivethousand
million)of the
red-blood
cells alone, not to speak of the other cells.
The
community is a large one.
75,000,000,000

The

cells,which

red-blood

of the

body,

float in the

the

are

and

arteries

carriers

common

veins, taking up

lungs and carrying it to the

various
tissues of the body, giving life and
strength
to the
journey through the
parts. On the return
the waste
veins they carry with them
products of the
off by the lungs, etc.
system, which are then thrown
a

from

load of oxygen

Like

their
return

their

have

vessel

merchant

these

out-going trip and bring

trip. Other cells force

walls of
on

the

through the
the arteries and veins and through the tissues
errand of repair work, etc., upon which
they

been

their

way

sent.

Besides
several

cells carry a cargo on

a second
cargo on their

the

other

red-blood
kinds

of cells in the blood.

interesting of these are

soldiers of the cell-community.
most

protect the system

cells is to

carriers, there

cells,or

the
The

from

Among
policemen

are

the

and

of these

work

bacteria,

germs,

When
trouble
disease.
or
might cause
with
in contact
of these
an
one
policemen comes
then
it and
intruding germ, the policecell enmeshes
proceeds to devour it,if it be not too large if it be

etc., which

"

too

large for

cells to

his

him

to

get away

assistance,

when

with

he

the

summons

combined

other
force

LIVES

141

and carry it to some

enemy
be thrown
it may
out.

point
Boils,

LITTLE

gather around the

of the body where
pimples, etc., are

intruding enemy

some

or

throwing out of
by these policemen

of the

instances

enemies

of the system.
There

for the

work

is much

cells to do.

red-blood

to the parts of the body ; they

oxygen
nourishment
obtained from the food

They carry the

push along the

parts of the body where it is needed to build up

from the nourishment
and repair ; they extract
just
needed
to manufacture
the elements
gastric juice,
saliva, pancreatic juices,bile, milk, etc., etc., and
to the

combine

then

in the proper proportions for use.

and
thousand
one
things and are busy
them

They do a
continuously like
and
"

Oriental

The

anthill.

lot of ants

of

taught

the

in

have

teachers

littlelives,"but it has remained

the

dig into

to

subjectin

such

an

known

long

work

and

existence

around

and

of

these

for Western

science

to

bring to

as

way

lightthe details of their work.

Cells

being

are

of

moment

born

and

existence.

our

cells

are

dying

Cells reproduce

every
them

by enlargingand subdividing,the originalcell

forms two parts with a small
swellinguntil it finally

selves

connecting
and

there

The

new

"

are

two

the

then

the

independent

cell in turn

Cells enable
tinual

"

waist

connection

regeneration.

itself up, and

to carry on its work

Every

of

cells instead

divides

body

parts

part

of

the

so

one.

on.

of

con

human

change and tissues

body is undergoing a constant
Our
skin, bones,
are
being continuallyrenewed.
hair, muscles, etc., are
constantly being repaired
and

"

made

over."

It takes

about

four months

to

YOGA

HATHA

142

fingernails about four weeks to replace

out
skin.
our
Every part of our bodies is being worn
these
and
and
renewed
repaired constantly. And
the cells are the agency
littleworkmen
performing

replace our

"

"

"

are

all parts of

in

our

or

with
replacing them
throwing out of the system the
jurious particlesof matter.

tissues

and

In the
Mind

the

in

For

field.

claws,
the

Mind

etc.

and

fishes

are

able

Snails

are

lizards

able

are

to

lowest
very
unlimited
an

in

and

to

and
forms

parts of

Salamanders

tails, including

new

The

parts of the spinalcolumn.

of

practically

life have

animal

the

destroyed ;

been

tails.

grow

of

even

grow
have

its

narrow

feeders, legs,

new

regrow

to

to

members

grow

able

to

able

are

bones, muscle

and

Instinctive

the

seems

head, includingeyes, which

some

material

worn-out

and

crabs

instance,

spider family

worn-out

Instinctive

faculties, the

position

larger field, and as life

scale, developing the reasoning
and

fuller scope

ascends

the

new

allows

Nature

animals

lower

fixed

working in a
bodies, renewing

moving along

ever

little workers

of these

Millions

task.

this wonderful

of restoringlost parts and can

power
themselves
make
entirelyover, provided
practically
there

is left the

smallest

part of

have

higher form of animals

recuperative power and man
of them
owing to his mode
The

more

advanced

performed
and

anyone,

control

some

its control

that

lost much
lost

more

upon.
of this

than

any

of the
living. Some
of the Hatha
Yogis, however, have
results along these lines,
wonderful

with

of the

has

to build

them

of

obtain

patientpractice,may

Instinctive
he may

Mind

obtain

and

the

wonderful

such

cells under

recuperative

LITTLE
results in the

LIVES
of

direction

143

renewing diseased
the body.

parts

portions of
still possess a wonderful
But even
ordinary man
which
is constantly
degree of recuperative power,
being manifested, although the average man
pays no
attention to it. Let us take the healing of a wound
it is performed. It is
for example. Let us see how
and study. It is so
well worth
your consideration
that we
are
common
apt to overlook it,and yet so
and

weakened

wonderful

to

as

the

cause

student

to

realize

displayed and
intelligence

greatness of the

the

called

into force in the work.

Let
that

us

that

suppose

is, cut

or

torn

by

human
some

body
outside

is wounded
agency.

"

The

tissues,lymphatic and blood-vessels,glands,muscles,

the bone, are
and sometimes
severed,
even
nerves,
and
gapes

the

bleeds,
continuity interrupted. The wound
the
and
causes
nerves
pain. The
carry
to the brain, callingloudly for immediate

message
help,and

the

and

in the

there

Instinctive

Mind

sends

body, callingout

here
messages
sufficient force

of
repair workmen, who are hurried to the scene
the blood
danger. In the meantime
pouring from
the injured blood-vessels
washes
at least
or
away,
that have
tries to wash
the foreignsubstances
away,
entered
the organism, such
as
dirt, bacteria, etc.,
which
to remain.
would
act as poisons if allowed
The blood, coming in contact
with the outside air,
coagulates and forms a sticky sort of substance,
somewhat
resembling glue, and forms the beginning
of the coming crust or scab.
The millions of blood
cells whose
duty it is to do the repairwork arrive on
the scene
the
on
double-quick and at once begin
of

"

"

HATHA

144
to

again

the

connect

wonderful

YOGA

tissues, displaying the

most

intelligenceand

activity in their work.

The
cells of the tissues, nerves,
blood-vessels, on
both
sides of the wound,
begin to increase and mul
cells,
tiply, bringing into being millions of new
in
both
which, advancing from
sides,finallymeet
the centre
of the wound.
This forming of new
cells
bears all the appearance
of a disorderly,
purposeless
effort,but in

time

short

ing intelligenceand
influence
begins to
the

blood-vessels

on

the

connect

of what

is known

othert

wound.

New

of

their

nerve

ends, and, sending

the

broken

the

as

itself.

the

may

and
on

draw
each

of

centres

cells of

new

kind

of cells

forming

flow.

connective

cells form

wires, until

same

wound,

blood
"

The

the

with

kind

out

of the command

its subordinate

show

opposite side of
through which the

tubes

with

of

the hand

The

tissue

"

new

cells
unite

together

the

of the severed

filaments, gradually repair

at

last the

message

passes
"

"

inside
again without interruption. After all this
work
and
is completed
and
blood-vessel, nerve
tissue are
connective
fullyrepaired,the cells of the
skin start in to finish the task, and
new
epidermis
and
skin is formed
cells spring into existence
new
which
the wound,
has healed
over
by that time.
All
intelligence.
orderly, showing discipline and
The
healing of a wound
apparently so simplethe
face to face with
brings the careful observer
lets him
Intelligencewhich pervades all of Nature
is ever
Creation
in active operation. Nature
see
willingto draw aside the veil and allow us to peep a
little into the sacred chamber
beyond ; but we poor
heed not her invitation, but pass
ignorant creatures
"

"

Without

muscle,

etc.

to form

themselves

out

their

who

have

who

are

mission

themselves

sufferingfrom

which

in which

in

not

and

are

system
material

have

is only

there

by

"

one

way

of

means

unless

And

and

have

of the

work

cells must

food.

the

"

is

there

cells cannot
in the system these
prana
and lack
sufficient energy
to do their work

sufficient
manifest
of

nutrition

receive this material

they can

nourishment

the

bodies, and

to make

Persons

blood-cells

of

The

carry

down

run

imperfect

to have

which

exist.
"

to

amount

with

cells cannot

these

in fact, cannot

allowed

material

proper

bodies

nearly the normal

consequently unable
properly carried on.
with

YOGA

HATHA

146

manifested

vitality is

whole

the

throughout

system.

by

the absurd

notions

properly,and the cells

properly generalled. In such cases, when

its accustomed

perform
are

not

the

Intellect

once

repair its past

work

it

that

the

again

its

manages

Instinctive

previous adverse

Mind

in

to

recover

such

cases

has

so

it

often

its

duties

govern
is followed

its

been

so

that

poise and
that

own

equilibrium
Sometimes

influenced

of its owner,

seems

its

with
up
confidence

household.

confused

its normal

the

to

recovers

to

reassure

praise and

and

notions

outsiders, that it is
time

this

own

to

understands

allowed

Mind

Instinctive

idea, it seeks

true

begins

and

mistakes

thoroughly and will be

kingdom hereafter, and
of encouragement
words
until the

the

grasps

Mind

Instinctive

and

on

fails to

fears of the latter and

and

and

badgered

that it takes

of Man

the Intellect

brow-beaten

is so

Mind

Instinctive

the

Sometimes

or

by

those

it takes

of

long
And

control.
some

the

by

of

the

LIVES

LITTLE

subordinate
refuse
In
the

and

to

both

these

part

will
abnormal

to

work
is
and

generally

to

all

in

form

some

good
bring

conditions.

from

the

about

command

an

and

peace

order

Remember

body.

Intelligence

strong

of

commands

about
of

parts

and

headquarters.

determined

bring

of

rebelled

practically

dictation
the

cases

needed

are

proper
there

have

submit

again
of

will

that

and

cell-centres

147

in

organ

every

from

improvement

the

WiD
in

XIX

CHAPTER

CONTROL

THE

OF

INVOLUNTARY

THE

SYSTEM

the

IN

plained

to

millions

Prana
"

"

mind-stuff

with

which

is in close

cell in the
the

in turn
of

group

of

control

these

the

great

stinctive

Mind,

it

times

sends

ways

demoralizes

is also
that

For

sometimes

it take

lating

the

up

of

part

cell-mind

under

Instinctive

Mind.

is

with

of

one

it

and

retarded

in the

with

case

and

other

does

in

These

larger
forms

whole

work

this

will not

well,
some

and
Its

habits

In

the

of

its

cell

of

control

Intellect

the

and

direction

constipation,

148

other

other

Mind.

the

to

cell

the

every

duties

strange

work,

belongs

The

and

by

of

intelligence

some

Instinctive

foreign

sufficient

Intellect, which

the

fear-thoughts
the

with

intelligence

the

the

usually

by

sufficient

cell

the

until

on

so

with

group-mind.

physical body through

instance,

being busy

of

groups

interfered

unless

and

groups,

republic

great

each

are

sufficient

combined

in

of

made

intelligence of

the

cell-group resulting

groups

Each

ex

with

intelligence of

family,

or

group

is

of

degree

the

the

with

rapport

"

the

and

"

requires

its work.

family,

or

it
it

give

direct

its work

have

we

body

endowed

do

energy

to

to

cell-group

of

it the

give

to

each

it to

book

this

human

the

tiny cells,
enable

to

matter

that

you

of

of

chapter

preceding

other

work

insisting
of

regu

intelligence.
the

allow

Intellect
the

body

CONTROL

INVOLUNTARY
to

149

Mind, acting

to the calls of the Instinctive

respond

from the cells of the Colon

in response to a demand
for water
to the demands
does it pay attention
nor
is that the Instinctive Mind
and the consequence
unable

"

"

is

the proper orders, and both it and

and
demoralized
cell-groupsbecome

to execute

of the

certain

bad habits springingup

scarcelyknow what to do
Sometimes
habit.
and replacingthe natural
some
of the
thing akin to a rebellion springs up in some
interrup
resultingno doubt from some
cell-groups,
the
of their government,
tion in the natural course
of strange customs
introduction
causing a confusion.
"

At

times

it

that

seems

of the

some

smaller

groups
occasions
go

of the

largeron certain
and
on
a
strike," rebellingagainst unaccustomed
working overtime
improper work forced upon them
and

some

even

"

"

similar

"and

under

men

the

gator. These

rebellions,or

if matters

not

patched

are

in

know

up

how

they

lack

will do

even

to return

instead
as

and

strikes,seem

arranged, and
and

of
act

the observer

the cells seem

sullen manner,

circumstances

same

analogy is often startlingto

are

as

little cells often

These

nourishment.
would

such

causes,

to

when

proper

just
"

as

the

investi

spread
matters

to their work

doing the best they

little as possible,and just
of

they feel like it. A restoration of normal con

nutrition, proper
ditions, resultingfrom increased
return
attention
a
etc., will gradually bring about
be expedited
to normal
conditions, but matters
may
direct orders from the Will.
by giving the cell-groups
order and
It is astonishinghow
soon
disciplinemay
The
be restored
in this manner.
higher Yogis have

when

wonderful

control

over

the

involuntarysystem

and

HATH

150

YOGA

directlyupon

nearly every cell in their body.

And
of the so-called Yogis of the cities of
even
some
India"
those
little more
than
who
mountebanks,
exhibit their performances for so many
from
coppers
each wandering traveller"
able to give interesting
are
act

can

of this

exhibitions

control,

of the

some

exhibitions,

however,

of fine sensi
being disgusting to persons
bilities and painful to the real Yogis, who
to
mourn
science prostitutedin this way.
a noble
see
will is able to act directlyupon
The trained
these
cells and
by a simple process of direct con
groups
centration, but this plan requires much
training on
the part of the student.
There
other
are
plans
whereby the will is called into operation by the
student
repeating certain words in order to focus his
The
Will.
auto-suggestions and affirmations of the

Western
attention

world
and

act

in this way.

The

the

centre

Will

upon

words
of

focus

the

the

trouble

and

the striking
gradually order is restored among
cells,a supply of Prana also being projected to the
of the trouble, thus
seat
giving the cells additional
energy.

At

the

affected

same

time

the

circulation

to

the

region is increased, thereby giving the cells

nourishment
and building material.
more
of the simplest plans of reaching the seat of
One
trouble and giving a vigorous order to the cells is the
one
taught by the Hatha Yogis to their students, to
until they are
be used by them
able to use
the con
centrated
Will without
plan is simply
any aids. The
talk up
to
to the rebellious organ
or
part, giving it
of school boys or a
orders just as one
would
a group
Give the order posi
squad of recruits in the army.
tivelyand firmly,tellingthe organ justwhat you wish
"

"

CONTROL

INVOLUNTARY

151

sharplyseveral
perform,repeating the command
times. A tapping or mild slappingof the part, or the
the affected part, will act to
part of the body over
attract the attention of the cell-group
justas does the
the shoulder
him to stop,
on
cause
tapping of a man
it to

turn

and

around

Now, pleasedo

listen to

what
that

not

suppose
cells have

have

you
we

to

say.
tryingto tell

are

the
understand
and
that the
ears
you
be using.
words
of the particularlanguage you may
What
reallyhappens is that the sharply spoken
form

the mental

image expressed
by the words, and this meaning goes rightto the spot,
of the sympathetic nervous
the channels
over
system
operated by the Instinctive Mind, and is readily
understood
by the
by the cell-groups,and even
As
cells.
have
individual
we
already said, an
and the increased
additional supply of Prana
supply
of blood also go to the affected region,being directed
of the person
attention
there by the concentrated
The
of a healer
commands
sending the command.
be given in the same
may
way, the Instinctive Mind
and forward
of the patient taking up the command
This may
of the cell rebellion.
ing it to the scene
words

help you

seem

almost

there

are

Yogis

to

childish

good

consider

to

scientific
it the

many
reasons

of

students, but

our

behind

it, and

simplest plan whereby

the

mental

reach the cells. So do not discard

may
It has
it as worthless
until you have tried it awhile.
stood the test of centuries, and
nothing better has

commands

been

found

If you

to

wish

do the work.
to

try this plan upon

body, or the body of someone

functioningproperly, gently slap
your

some

portion of

else which
the

is not

part with

the

YOGA

HATHA

152
flat

of

palm
instance):
better

"

you

"

to do better

not

now

so

long

that

the

may

be

action

on

use

necessary

to you,

mand

saying to
Here, Liver, you must
too sluggishto suit me
are

from

get

"

as

they

organ

expect

words

exact

which

you

work,

to

get

"

come

may

sharp positivecom

its work.

in the

improved

"

work

your

These

convey
shall do

do

to work

words

any

sharply (for

it

hand,

stop this foolishness."

I say, and
are

the

same

heart's

The

but

way,

one

the
as
gentle manner,
proceed in a far more
higher
cell-groupof the heart is possessed of a much
of the
that
liver, for
degree of intelligencethan
be approached in a more
instance, and must
respect
heart
the
that you
ful manner.
Gently remind
but speak
expect it to do its work in a better manner,
must

to it

politelyand

do

not

attempt

to

"

"

bulldoze

it

cell-groupis the
of the groups
most
controllingany of the
intelligent
is the most
the liver group
stupid and less
organs
being of a decidedly mulish disposition,
intelligent,
the heart is like a thoroughbred horse, in
whereas
as

the

would

you

The

heart

If your

liver

liver.

"

telligentand

alert.

is rebellious

you

vigorously, remembering its mulish

stomach
is fairly intelligent,
propensities. The
The Colon is
the heart.
so
as
although not as much
quite obedient, although patient and long suffering.

must

One

go

for it

give

may

the

Colon

commands

to

its

evacuate

morning (naming the

to go to the
hour), and if you will trust it sufficiently
stool at that particularhour
keep your engagement,
contents

at

certain time

every

"

in fact

"

you

time

do

poor

Colon

as

will find that

you
has

wish
been

it to.

the

But

Colon

will in

remember

greatly abused

and

short

that
it may

the

take

HATHA

154

You
which

you

above
be

the

blood

gain

your

feet

increased

in

going

along

stimulating

portions

tired

things

the

but

of

entire

the

body.

may

you

to

commands

what

to

Here,

you,

get

want

you

to

But
There

all

this
is

no

In

If

this

road

line

say

pain

something

practice

and

patience,

accomplishment.

to

flow

to

of

to

course,

circulation,
relieve
is
if

end

no

have

you
know

not

or

its

able

may

better,"

to

be

there

do

this

want

"

do

you

may

you
I

the

fact,

you

directing

Prana,

along

try.

better

requires

royal

body

You

blood

equalize

do

give

will

the

the

same.

by

the

may

the

the

you

ordering

you

patience

the

control

following

headaches

quantities,

also

by

of

your

by

of

measure

body

downward

flow

cold

the

variations

relieve

to

your

thus

over

and

to

them

at

may

able

warm

of

surprised

method

will

"

be

will

YOGA

just

the

to
to

part,

leave
"

similar.
of

course.

CHAPTER

XX

PRANIC

THE

student

this

book,

side
"

of

ENERGY

will notice,
that

there

Hatha

is

designed for only

"

By

external

public- opp.

The

consists

subject

the

from

nourishment

the

of the

rays

benefit

ing

These
as

benefit

are

to

the

as

the

as

and

the

to

But

unfamiliar

around
Prana.

the
The
obtains

man

"

Prana

and

Western

the

subject
Prana
as

well

phase

of

latter,

pay

what

and

well

as
as

155

as

the

"

breath

air, etc.,

etc.

world

non-occultist

by putting

as

truth
into

them

side, quite familiar

no

generally, but

and

not

attention

of the
the

all

health

Western

the

world

who

esoteric

fresh

occultists

to

of

of the

recognize their

is another

those

This

both

the

obtaining

and

the

to

obtained

there

among

studies.

food

to

be

to

of

side

of proper

from

known

(Webster's

advantage

growth

Eastern

Orientals

the

known

well

to

the

"

mean

we

irrigating and

the

"

be derived

"

"

the

advantage

occultist, and

benefits

practice.

the

to

theories

well

well

prompting

of exercise"

the

"

in

sun

food

of water

eliminating properties

of

"

private

public

theory

mean

we

exoteric

or

exoteric

an
"

esoteric

exoteric

in

"

to

"

Dictionary).

and

esoteric

by

of

chapters

speciallyinitiated

the

(Webster's Dictionary), and

"

the

esoteric

an

Yoga.

reads

he

as

subject

Orientals

generally
to

occult

revolves
know

occultists, know
nourishment

cleansing

effect

as

that

from

his

from

the

HATHA

156
he drinks

water
as

Prana

well

as

Prana
and

Prana

properly distributed as well

development in physicalexercise

"

muscular

mere

well

as

YOGA

"

heat

as
as

from

the

from

oxygen

of the

rays

sun"

air he breathes

the

"

This

with
subjectof Prana is interwoven
the entire Hatha
be
Yoga Philosophy, and must
This being the
seriouslyconsidered by its students.
the
is
consider
What
must
we
case,
question,
so

on.

"

Prana

We

"

have

explained the
"

little book,

our

Science

The

and

nature

of Prana

uses

of Breath," and

in

also in

"

Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism,"

The
more
as
generally known
Yogi Lessons
(1904). And we dislike to fillthe pages of this book
with what
to be a repetitionof that which
seem
may
other
in this
has
books.
But
appeared in our
instance, and a few others, we must
reprintwhat we
have
already said, for many
people who read this
other publications,and
book may
not have
our
seen
our

"

omit

to

And,

then,

scriptionof
take

up

mention

any

work

Prana

much

on

space

in

Occultists

in

"

Prana

would

Hatha

Yoga

be

absurd.

would

give only the gistof

to

"

of

"

our

the

all ages

be

without
We

descriptionand
subject.
and

lands

have

unfair.
a

de

will not
will

try

always

taught, usuallysecretlyto a few followers,that there

to be found in the air,in water, in the food, in the
was
or
sunlight,everywhere a substance
principle from
which
all activity,energy, power
and vitalitywere
for
derived.
They differed in their term and names
this force, as well as in the details of their theories,
but

the

main

teachings

and

principleis to be
philosophies,and

found
has

in all occult
for

centuries

PRANIC

past

found

been

Oriental

of the

this vital

nate

known

ENERGY

157

the

teachings and practices

Yogis. We have preferred to desig
principleby the name
by which it is
among

the Hindu
teachers
and students
among
and chelas
and have
used
for this purpose
"

gurus
the Sanscrit

"

"

word

Prana,"

"

meaning

Absolute

Energy."
Occult

authorities

the Hindus

term

of energy
or
derived from
form

of

theories
the

"

Prana

manifestation
do

that
"

the

principlewhich
universal principle

is the

all energy
that principle,
or, rather, is

force, and

not

concern

ourselves

that

of
us

to

an

or

force

is

particular
principle. These

that

in the

of this work, and

subjectmatter

confine

teach

consideration
we

understanding

principleof energy exhibited in

which
from
distinguishesthem

of

will therefore
of prana

as

the

all

livingthings,
lifeless thing.
a
principleof life-

We

consider it as the active

may
Vital Force, if you please. It is found in all forms of
the
amoeba
from
to
the
most
life, from
man
"

elementary form

of

plant life to the highest form of

life. Prana
animal
is all pervading. It is found
in
all things having life and as the occult philosophy
that life is in all things" in every
teaches
atom
the apparent lifelessness of some
things being only a
lesser degree of manifestation, we
understand
may
their teachings that prana is everywhere, in every
be confounded
with
the
not
must
thing. Prana
Ego that bit of Divine Spiritin every soul, around
which
clusters matter
and energy.
Prana
is merely
form
of energy
used by the Ego in its material
a
manifestation.
When
the Ego leaves the body, the
being no longer under its control, responds
prana,
"

"

HATHA

158
to the

only

YOGA

of the individual

orders

of atoms,

forming the body,

integrates and is resolved to
each
it

form

to

returning
which

it

great universal
With

came.

the atoms

exists and
the

the

to

is the

or

forms, and

their

certain

great principleis

yet it is

one

nor

food

not

we

food.

in the

yet it

substances

which

is not

sunlight,but yet

"

It is the

energy

things acting merely

man

is able

to

sunlight and
organism. But

water,

no

intention

things merely

of

that

as

the

or

all these

light
the

things
"

carrier.

extract
it to

turn

do

we

It is in

water.

the heat

in

water

of the chemical

more

it is not

"

the nourish

as

make

combining

the

It is in the

It is in the
or

one

same

and

it is not

constituents.

yet it is not the

eat, and

of matter,

in all forms

of its chemical

drink, and

And

the

It is in the air, but

matter.

substances

rays.

planets,

Life.

accompanies
This

that

causes

way,

of the

revolution

in

highest to the lowest.

soul of Force and Energy in all
principlewhich, operating in a
of activity which
form
that

be called the

It may

manifested

whether

energy,

of life,from

all forms

and

have

from

store-house

by which we designate a uni

of all
principleis the essence

the
gravitation,electricity,

own

prana

Ego in control, cohesion

held together by the Will of

are

name

force

motion,

the

unused

the

which
principle,

versal

ing

enable

to

Ego.

Prana

air

body dis
originalelements,

the

combinations,

new

groups

the

as

its

or

it sufficient prana

with

takes

atom

and

atoms,

not

it from

the

good

account

misunderstand

claimingthat
it may

air,food,

be

Prana

used

by

in
us

his
we

is in these
man.

Far

PRANIC

ENERGY

159

the great
things fulfilling
law of Nature, and man's
abilityto extract a portion
force
The
incident.
it is merely an
of it and
use
would
exist though man
not.
were
is in all forms of matter, and
This great principle
from

Prana

it
"

yet it is
air

nor

not

is in these

of its chemical

one

plant life breathe

it not

contained
be

might
oxygen.
Prana

they

with

is in the

where, and

Animal

die

air.

It

oxygen,

even

is taken
and

atmospheric air,but

it penetrates where

the
and

yet if the air

the air,and

would

the

it is not

constituents.

it in with

filled with

along

system

It is in the air,but

matter.

though they
by the
up

yet is

not

the

it is also else

the air cannot

reach.

in the air playsan important part in sus

oxygen
taininganimal life,and the carbon plays a similar
The

distinct
plant life,but Prana has its own
of life,aside from
part to play in the manifestation
the physiological
functions.
We
are
constantlyinhalingthe air charged with
and
are
as
constantly extracting the latter
prana,
Prana
from the air and appropriatingit to our
uses.
is found
in its freest state in the atmospheric air,
which
fresh is fairlycharged with it, and we
when
draw it to us more
easilyfrom the air than from any
absorb
other source.
In ordinary breathingwe
and
extract
a normal
supply of prana, but by controlled
known
and regulated breathing (generally
as
Yogi
enabled
to
extract
a
are
breathing) we
greater
supply,which is stored, away in the brain and nerve

part with

centres, to be used
away

prana,

electricity.

just as
The

when
the

necessary.

We

may

storage batterystores

many

powers

attributed

store

away
to

160

YOGA

HATHA

advanced

occultists is due

largelyto theii knowledge

of this fact and their intelligent
of this stored-up
use
The
that by certain forms
of
Yogis know
energy.
breathing they establish certain relations with the
for
and
draw
the same
on
supply of prana
may
what
they require. Not only do they strengthen
all parts of their body in this way,
but
the brain
itself may

receive

attained.

powers

energy

latent faculties be

and

source,

increased

One

from

developed

who

has

the

and

same

psychic
the

mastered

of

science

storing away
prana, either consciouslyor
unconsciously,often radiates vitalityand strength,
which
is felt by those coming in contact
with him,
and such a person
impart this strength to others,
may
and
give them increased vitalityand health. What
is called
magnetic healing is performed in this
of
although many
practitionersare not aware
way,
"

the

"

of their power.
scientists have

source

Western

great principlewith

which

been
the

of this

dimly

aware

air

charged,

is

but

findingthat they could find no chemical trace of it,

it register on
of their instruments,
make
or
any
they have generallytreated the Oriental theory with
disdain.
They could not explain this principle,and
denied it. They seem,
so
however, to recognize that
of
the air in certain places possesses
a greater amount
directed by their
and sick people are
"something
physiciansto seek such places in hopes of regaining
"

lost health.
The
and
prana

appropriatedby the blood

of by the circulatorysystem. The
use
the air is appropriated by the nervous

oxygen
is made
in

system, and

in the air is

is used

in its work.

And

as

the

oxy-

162

HATHA

System

consists

contained

of that

within

the

the

This

part

which

nerves

branch

life known

Nervous

off from

the

presides over

system

of the

System
cranial
cavity and the spinal
and the spinal cord, together

canal, viz.,the brain

with

YOGA

functions

volition, sensation,

as

the

same.

of

animal

The

etc.

Sym

patheticSystem includes ah1 that part of the Nervous

System located principallyin the thoracic, abdomi
nal and
pelvic cavities, and which is distributed
the

to

internal

It

organs.

has

control

the

over

involuntaryprocesses, such as growth, nutrition, etc.

The
all the
to
Cerebro-Spinal System attends
It
seeing, hearing, tasting,smelling, feeling,etc.
sets things in motion
; it is used by the Ego to think
manifest

"to

with

which

world.

the

This

the

brain

the

spinal column
respectively.
brain

back

is

and

great

which

portion of

nerves

mass

central

the

as

to

cable

as

of

nerve

telephone
office,and
and

wires

tissue, and

the skull ; the Cerebellum,

fillsthe lower
the

skull ; and

Medulla

broadened

commencement

before

in front

which

likened

the outside

brain
or
parts, viz.,the Cerebrum
occupies the upper, front, middle and

brain," which

The

be

with

instrument

of three

consists
power,

communicates

Ego

system may

system, with

The

It is the

consciousness.

and

manifests

enlarged end

portion of

the

is the
Oblongata, which
of the spinalcord, lying

of the Cerebellum.

regulates the

tary muscles.

back

little

is the organ of that part of the mind

The
itself in intellectual action.

Cerebrum

Cerebellum

and

"

or

The
of

movements

of the

Oblongata is
the spinal cord, and from
Medulla

the

volun

upper
it and the

ENERGY

PRANIC
Cerebrum
reach
of

various

to

special sense,

abdominal
The

and

of

to

and

organs,

of

mass

to

some

"

or

organs

thoracic

respiration.
fillsthe spinal
It is

backbone."

tissue, branching off

nerve

and

of

the organs

column,

the

to

the

spinalmarrow,

or

which

Nerves

head,

Spinal Cord,

long

Cranial

the

parts of the

in the vertebral

canal
a

forth

branch

163

at

the

communicating with all

parts of the body. The Spinal Cord is like a large
like
are
telephone cable, and the emerging nerves
the private wires connecting therewith.
The
System consists of a
Sympathetic Nervous
of Ganglia on
double
the side of the spinal
chain
column, and scattered
ganglia in the head, neck,
several

vertebrae

to

nerves

of
(A ganglion is a mass
matter
nervous
cells.)These gang
includingnerve
with each other by filaments, and
lia are
connected
also connected
with the Cerebro-SpinalSystem
are
these ganglia
From
and sensory
nerves.
by motor
chest

abdomen.

and

fibres

numerous

branch

to

out

of the
organs
various
points, the
the

At
body, blood-vessels, etc.
meet
as
nerves
together and form, what are known
The
plexuses.
Sympathetic System practically
controls the involuntaryprocesses, such as circula
tion, respirationand digestion.
The

force transmitted
or
power
all parts of the body by means
known
the
In

to Western

Yogi

knows

character

current.

force

"

science
it to

and

circulate ;

heart
the

seen

cannot

lungs

cannot

is

the

breathe

of Prana.

this

without

beat

nerves,

the

resembles

that

to

force," although

manifestation

rapidity it

It will be

the

be

of the

"nerve

as

the brain

from

blood
;

the

electric
"

nerve

cannot

various

function

cannot

organs
the

body

brain

importance

Western

facts

are

of

be

considered,

the

Prana

Western

the

Nervous

science

reallya
and

System,

Nervous

playing

is

Plexus

this Solar

found

in
that

science

Western

economy.

gradually

known

been

turies,and
Solar

towards

to

"

is situated

Plexus

in

the

to

be

human

moving

writers have

Western

the

Plexus

seems

brain,

of

form

the

The

Brain."

Abdominal
in

termed

Epigastricregion,
"

either
on
pit of the stomach
just back of the
It is composed of white
of the spinalcolumn.
similar to that composing
brain matter,
gray
"

brains

of

of

recognition of this fact which

for cen
the Yogis of the East

recent

some

it is

principalparts

the

of

one

important part

most

that

of

nets

ganglia

their

with

as

parts of the body. Yogi science teaches

various

other

by

terms

considers

matted

certain

of

series

of a
merely one
sympathetic nerves

Solar

it

does

"

the

assumes

science.

Yogi teachings go further than

science, in one
important feature of
System. We allude to what Western
which
it
Solar
the
Plexus," and

has

be

must

accorded

that

greater than

more,

Prana

The

the

Nay,

of Breath

Science

the

even

it.

without

think

absorption

the

all, and

to

fact, the machinery of

in

stop without

these

of

importance

cannot

When

present.
evident

to

comes

the

even

an

YOGA

HATHA

164

It has

man.

control

of

the

side
and
the

main

more
plays a much
important part than is generallyrecognized. We
will not go into the Yogi theory regardingthe Solar
it as the
Plexus, further than to say that they know

internal

organs

great central

of

man,

store-house

and

of Prana.

Men

have

been

PRANIC

known

be

to

Solar

the

"

and

"

of

parts

largely

as

the

it

Western

function

as

science

of

more

radiates

even

the

Solar

text-books

the

will

and

fully

than

teachings.

depending
Sooner
the

recognize
will
it

now

all

to

energy

Prana.

and

Plexus,

this

on

brains
of

store-house

region.

and

upper

its

paralyze

bestowed

strength

place

important

this

well

is

over

recognize

temporarily
over

"

Solar

blow

severe

prize-fighters

blow

body,
it

upon

later

their

by

165

by

frequently

name

brain,"

far

and

Plexus,

opponents

The

killed

instantly

vulnerability
their

ENERGY

accord

or

real
to

occupies

it

in

CHAPTER

XXI

PRANIC

WE

told

have

Prana

how

ject.

given

little

before

But

chapters

of

from

air, food

obtained

the

for

more

the

to

us

fluids.

of

use

and
in

There
the

upon

say

have

leaving it, we

book,

this

instruction

detailed

you

eating, in

in

but

remains

be

have

breathing,

other

in

you

may

We

water.

EXERCISES

sub

it well

thought

give you a bit of the higher theory and practice

and
the acquirement
Hatha
Yoga, touching upon

to

of

"

called

Rhythmic

much

to

of

Hatha

the

greatest
There

is

atom

deprived

of

performed.

Matter

by

and

energy

not

they

innumerable
to

yet

forms,

and

Forms

are

single

the

universal

work

in

and
is

them

and

on

change

permanent

on,

in

the

in

the
born

are

change, and

turn

so

upon

varieties

and

to

from

is

numberless

and

begin

uni

the

wreck

and

which

give

infinite

world

of

great Reality is unchangeable.

yet

the

but

appearances

Reality

vibration.

would

forms

the

to

in nature.

the

even

created,

Nothing

keynote

atom

of

state

forms

They

forms,

tiniest

rest

countless

forms,

newer

succession.

the

are

been

being constantly played

permanent.

moment

is in

vibration
is

is the

which

the

vibration

result, and

varieties

but

From

incessant

has

what

to

practices.

in absolute

nothing

In

verse.

rise

Yoga

everything

sun,

allude

Breathing,"

is in vibration.

All

are

We

of Prana.

distribution

is eternal

"

and

166

they

come,

they

unchangeable.

go,

PRANIC
The

atoms

months

Change,

human

hence.

Vibration,

vibration.

constant

change.

constant

all vibration

In

the

167

body are in constant

vibration.
Unceasing changes are occurring. In a
few months
there is almost a complete change in the
matter
composing the body, and scarcelya single
atom
now
composing your body will be found in it a
few

of

EXERCISES

is to be

found

certain

rhythm.
swing of the

The
Rhythm pervades the universe.
planetsaround the sun ; the rise and fall of the sea ;
the beating of the heart ; the ebb and flow of the
tide ; all follow rhythmic laws.
The rays of the sun
reach
the

to

us

the

same

rain

of

Our
as

All

All

motion

Breath

is

manifestation

of the

rhythm.
bodies

is the

Much

us, in obedience
upon
growth is but an exhibition

law.

of this law.
law

descends

are

as

planet

of the

subject to rhythmic
around

in its revolution

esoteric

is based

in
By falling

much

upon

of

this known

sun.

Yogi Science of
principleof nature.
the body, the Yogi

the

rhythm of
of Prana, which
to absorb
a great amount
manages
he disposes of to bring about results desired by him.
We
will speak of this at greater length later on.
The
body which you occupy is like a small inlet
the
sea.
running in to the land from
Although
laws, it is really
apparently subjectonly to its own
subjectto the ebb and flow of the tides of the ocean.
The great sea
of life is swellingand receding,rising
and falling,
and we
are
responding to its vibrations
and rhythm. In
condition
normal
receive
a
we
the vibration
and rhythm of the great ocean
of life,
and respond to it, but at times the mouth
of the
with

the

side

the

laws

receive

the

You

impulse

manifests

harmony

and

repeatedly

crosses

break

bring

how

in

down

"

on

the

such

both

manifestations

note

rhythm,

is true

bridge,

step

us.
on

violin,if sounded

will start

motion

into

destroy a bridge. The

when
a
regiment of soldiers
order being always given to
an
occasion, lest the vibration

will in time

which

result

same

within

heard

have

vibrations

fail to
up with debris, and we
from
Mother
Ocean, and in-

choked

inlets seemed

"

YOGA

HATHA

i68

bridge

of the effect

These
regiment.
will
of rhythmic motion
effect on
the body of
and

of
the
idea
give you an
rhythmic breathing. The whole system catches the
with
the will,
and
becomes
in harmony
vibration
of the lungs, and
which
the rhythmic motion
causes
while in such complete harmony will respond readily
With
the
from
the
will.
orders
to
body thus
in increasingthe
attuned, the Yogi finds no difficulty
circulation in any part of the body by an order from

the

will, and

increased

in

current

strengthening and
In

the

same

way

the

same

way

he

force to any
stimulatingit.

of

nerve

the

can

part

direct
or

an

organ,

Yogi by rhythmic breathing

swing," as it were, and is able to absorb

of prana,
control
and
a
greatly increased amount
and
which
is then at the disposalof his will. He can
does use
it as a vehicle for sending forth thoughts to
all those whose
others and
for attracting to him
The
vibration.
keyed in the same
thoughts are
of
telepathy, thought transference,
phenomena
mental
etc., which
subjects
healing, mesmerism,
world at
are
creating such an interest in the Western
to the
have been known
the present time, but which
"

catches

the

HATHA

170
of

be made

exercises, to which

other

numerous

YOGA
reference

will

later.

(1)Sit erect,
the chest, neck

in

an

and

to hold
easy posture, being sure
head as nearly in a straightline as

back
and
possible,with shoulders slightlythrown
hands
restingeasilyon the lap. In this positionthe
weight of the body is largelysupported by the ribs,
The
and
the position may
be easily maintained.
Yogi has found that one cannot
get the best effect of
rhythmic breathing with the chest drawn in and the
abdomen
protruding.
(2) Inhale slowly a Complete Breath, counting
six pulse units.
(3)Retain, counting three pulse units.
(4) Exhale
slowly through the nostrils,counting

six

pulse units.
breaths.
(5) Count three pulse beats between
of times, but avoid fatiguing
(6)Repeat a number
yourselfat the start.
are
ready to close the exercise,
(7) When
you
practise the Cleansing Breath, which will rest you
and cleanse the lungs.
will be able to increase
After a little practiceyou
the
until

duration

of

the

about

fifteen

pulse

this increase, remember

between

and

tion and
Do

not

inhalations

breaths

units

that

and

exhalations,

the units for retention

is one-half

units for inhala

the

exhalation.
overdo

yourselfin

your

effort to increase

of the breath, but pay as much

rhythm,"
possibleto acquiring the

attention

the duration

"

as
more

important

Practise

In

consumed.

are

and

than

the

length

of

as

the

try until you get the measured

that

is

breath.

"swing"

PRANIC

EXERCISES

and

171

until you can

of the vibratorymotion

of the movement,

almost

"

feel

"

throughout your
It will require a little practice and
but your
pleasure at your improve
perseverance,
The Yogi is a
the task an easy one.
will make
ment
and
his great
most
patient and persevering man,
due largelyto the possessionof these
attainments
are
qualities.
the

rhythm
whole
body.

GENERATING

PRANA

Lying

flat

the floor

on

or

bed, completely relaxed,

Plexus
the Solar
restinglightlyover
(over the pit of the stomach, where the ribs begin to
separate),breathe rhythmically.After the rhythm
shall
will that each inhalation
is fully established
vital energy
in an increased supply of prana
draw
or
from
the Universal
supply, which will be taken up
Solar
in the
stored
by the nervous
system and
with

hands

At

Plexus.

vital energy
to every

each

distributed

and

; to

to nerve,

your

head

to

the

part

artery and

the prana
or
the body
all over

will that

shall be

organ

atom

exhalation

every muscle, cell and

the top of
vein ; from

soles of your

feet ;

invigorating,
nerve
; recharg

strengtheningand stimulatingevery
force and
centre ; sending energy,
ing every nerve
the system.
While
exercisingthe
strength all over
will,try to form a mental
picture of the inrushing
prana, coming in through the lungs and being taken
by the Solar Plexus, then with the exhal
up at once
ing effort,being sent to all parts of the system, down
It is not
down
to the toes.
to the finger tips and
effort.
the Will with an
to use
Simply
necessary
commanding that which you wish to produce and

YOGA

HATHA

172
then

mental

above

pates force needlessly. The

is

picture

only dissi

willing,which

forcible

than

is far better

the

with

command

Calm

necessary.

it is all that

picture of

mental

the

making

is most

exercise

greatly refreshes and strengthens the

nervous
system and produces a restful feelingall over
where
beneficial in cases
It is especially
the body.

helpful and

is tired

one

feels

or

lack of energy.

CHANGING

Lying down
and

in

feet, and

great

too

feelingin

in the

the

legsas

will and

case

imper
of cold

being sent
warming
from

relievingthe brain
feel

will often

You

the circulation

any

warm

downward.

moves

largely under the control of the

rhythmic breathing renders the task easier.
is

circulation

The

latter

pressure.

first

in the

cases,

blood

the

headache,

of

cases

in both

downward
the

to

be sufferingfrom
may
This is effective in cases

fect circulation.
or

direct the circulation

wish, which

part you
feet

rhythmically,

sittingerect, breathe

or

the exhalations

with

CIRCULATION

THE

RECHARGING

If you
and

that

feel that
you

your

need

to store

up

plan is to place the feet

by side, of course) and to lock
the best

hands

in any

This

closes the

escape

breathe

of

way

prana

that

through

the effect of the

few

were,

the

ebb,

low

supply quickly,
close together (side
the

fingersof both

and

comfortable.

prevents

extremities.

times, and

recharging.

new

the most

seems

circuit, as it

rhythmicallya

is at

vital energy

you

any

Then
will feel

EXERCISES

PRANIC

173

STIMULATION

BRAIN

Yogis have found the followingexercise most

useful in stimulating the action of the brain for the
of producing clear thinking and reasoning.
purpose
effect in clearingthe brain and
It has a wonderful
nervous
system, and those engaged in mental work
useful to them, both in the direction
will find it most
The

enabling them to do
of refreshingthe
means
of

arduous

an

rest

also

clearing it

as

after

posture, keeping the spinalcolumn

the eyes well to the front, lettingthe

on

the

rhythmically,but
nostrils,as

and

and

erect

and
straight,
hands

mind

work

labour.

mental

Sit in

better

in the

nostril close with

parts of the legs. Breathe

upper
instead of breathingthrough both

ordinary exercises,press the

the thumb, and inhale through

left
the

close
and
the thumb,
remove
right nostril. Then
exhale
then
the finger,and
the right nostril with
changing
through the left nostril. Then, without
inhale through the left nostril,and chang
the fingers,
inhale
exhale through the right. Then
ing fingers,
through right and exhale through left,and so on,
alternatingnostrils as above mentioned, closingthe
nostril with the thumb
unused
or
forefinger. This is
of the oldest forms of Yogi breathing,and is quite
one
important and valuable, and is well worthy of
acquirement. But it is quite amusing to the Yogis
to

know

often

that

held

out

to
as

the

Western

being the

world
"

whole

this method
secret

"

of

is

Yogi

Western
readers,
Breathing. To the minds of many
than
a
Yogi Breathing
suggests nothing more
picture of a Hindu, sittingerect, and alternating
'

"

YOGA

HATHA

i74
nostrils in the

of

act

We

nothing more."

trust

that

be

may

and

this

will

great possi

to the

methods

numerous

employed.

PSYCHIC

GRAND

YOGI

Only

this little work

world
open the eyes of the Western
bilities of Yogi Breathing, and the

whereby it

"

breathing.

BREATH

Yogis have a favourite form of psychicbreath

they practise occasionally,to which has
ing which
been
given a Sanscrit term of which the above is a
have
given it last, as it
general equivalent. We
requires practiceon the .part of the student in the
mental
imagery,
line of rhythmic breathing and
The

of the preceding
acquired by means
The
exercises.
general principlesof the Grand
Hindu
saying,
be summed
Breath
up in the old
may
breathe
through his
is the Yogi who
can
Blessed
he has

which

now

"

exercise

This

bones."

the student

prana,

and

bone,

muscle,

of the breath.

It is

he who

if he had

from
We

the

been

by

the prana

it with

and

every

and
the

part

rhythm

generalhouse-cleaning of
practisesit carefully will

given

new

of his head

crown

from

cell, tissue, organ

attuned

as

will emerge

nerve,

energizedand
system, and

will fillthe entire system with

the

feel

body, freshlycreated,
to the tips of his toes.

speak for itself.

at perfectease.
relaxed position,
rhythmically until the rhythm

will let the exercise

(1) Lie

in

(2) Breathe
perfectlyestablished.
(3)Then, inhaling and

is

exhaling, form the mental

the
up through
image of the breath being drawn
of the legs,and then forced out through them ;
bones

EXERCISES

PRANIC

the

of

top

column

spinal
inhaled
the

exercises

the

with

picture

as

the

skin,

life.
the

send

current

in

turn,

in

previous

Centres,

Vital

mental

of
and

prana

being

were

pore

it

the

along

breath

every

if

as

as

forehead.

To

the

(b)

To

the

back

(c)

To

the

base

To

(d)

the

of
of

Solar

head.

the

brain.

the
Plexus.

(e)

To

the

Sacral

Region

(/)

To

the

region

of

(g)

To

the

reproductive

Finish

sweeping

by

head

(5)

then

(a)

from

if

rhythmically)

the

using

stomach

downward

through

Seven

through

the

region

as

filled

then

through

and

then

being

the

to

prana

follows,

and

(breathing

Then

arms

reproductive

exhaled

body

the

then

upward
;

and

whole

(4)
of

the

travelling

were

of

skull

the

through

then

bones

the

through

then

175

Finish

to

feet,
with

the

the
several

Cleansing

(lower

part

of

the

spine).

navel.

region.
current

times.
Breath.

of

prana,

to

and

fro,

CHAPTER

SCIENCE

THE

THE

part of the

Hatha

Yogis have

how

relax

know

the

And

teaches

have

older

and

world

Western

little

is

relax

and

laxation

the

perfection

to

"

science.

But

as

we

people of the

the
from

accept

knows

Yogis

the

subject

Rest

have

usually

"

waste

no

some

very

principles of

of the

large percentage
due

are

to

re

ignorance

rest."
are

very

etc.

energy

different

On

science

the

active

most

first

people

laziness,"

mastered

the

they

of

"

relaxation

and

loafing,"

that

give

subject of the failure of

the

of the

troubles

of the

could

the

on

understand

to

he

"

nervous

but

Nature

part.

artificial
acquired many
Nature's
original habits to

physician

average

people

who

every

simple feat.

this

present time

interesting testimony

"

as

teaching along the lines of this subject.

The

the

the

well

may

rest

appear

teaching people

in

"

this

to

it may

ridiculous,

right

in

have

the

at

so

of

of the

many

study

glance

is

man

we

and

and

idea

important

very

perform

to

allowed

have

lapse. And

the

rest"

past-master

grown

habits

to

first

that

how

how

us

care

At

to

average

is

infant

how

"

forms

much

reader

should

one

RELAXATION

philosophy

subject.

average
to

Yoga

devoted

of the

the

to

OF

of Relaxation

Science

branch

XXII

the
of

things from

contrary,
relaxation

energetic kind

and
;

counts.

176

with

them

of

every

those
are

people,
motion

HATHA

178

YOGA

spoken so far only of the actual move

of the body, resultingfrom muscular
contrac
ments
of prana directed to
tion, proceeding from the current
the muscle.
There
form of the using up
is another
We

have

and

of prana

the

muscles, which
of

Those

us.

will

consequent

is not
of

recognize

our

our

so

and

wear

of most

live in the

who
when

meaning

the

upon

to the minds

familiar

students

tear

we

cities
the

compare

occasioned
of prana
of water
to the waste
the failure to turn off the faucet in the washbowl

by

waste

hour

after

are

doing

to

trickle

resultingtricklingaway of the
hour.
Well, this is just what
many
all the time
we
are
allowing our

water

in
away
and tear

consequent

the

of

Our

Our

upon

our

system, from

whole

of

constant

students

are
"

the

muscular

muscles, and, indeed,

wear

the

upon

down.

the brain

the axiom

familiar with

doubtless

Thought
psychology,
first impulse when
we

make

with

stream,

us

prana

"

and

form

takes
wish

to

movement

do

in
a

action."

thing

is to

to

the

necessary

accomplishment of the action proceeding from the

from
be restrained
making
thought. But we
may
the movement
thought, which shows us
by another
We
the desirabilityof repressingthe action.
may
be inflamed
with anger and may
experience a desire
The thought
to strike the person
causing the anger.
before
the first steps
mind
in our
is scarcely formed
before
the muscle
But
toward
strikingare taken.
to send
better judgment causes
us
our
fairlymoves
a
repressing impulse (ah1this in the fraction of a
second), and the opposite set of muscles holds back
the

action

ordering

of

and

the

first set.

double

The

countermanding,

is

action,

performed

so

RELAXATION

quickly

that

motion,

but

mind

the

179

cannot
the

nevertheless

any
had

grasp
muscle

of

sense

begun

to

quiver with the strikingimpulse by the time the

restrainingimpulse operated the opposing set of
and

muscles

back

held

the

movement.

carried to still further refine

principle,
of prana to the muscle,
current
a slight
ments, causes
contraction, to
and
a
consequent slight muscular
unrestrained
follow many
thoughts, with a constant
and tear upon
and a perpetualwear
of prana
waste
the nervous
Many people of
system and muscles.
This

same

in

constantly keep their nerves

muscles
tense
by unrestrained
mental
states.
Thoughts take
person
described

and

countermanding

to

sent

habits

contrary, the person

cultivated,a calm, controlled

thoughts

to mani

muscles

and

mind, will have

no

their
accompanying results.
impulses with
moves
along well poised and well in hand, and
with him.
not allow his thoughts to run
away
a

Master,

The

are

grows
the

and

of

into

nerves

of the
number

is

and

constant

entire

has

such
He

does
He

attempt of the excitable

in action, and their repressing

regular habit

"

becomes

of the person
strain, the result

muscles

constantlyunder

there

On

this

form

to take

the

slave.

custom

thoughts
often

not

just

immediately following.
has naturally,or
who

current

the

is

their

uncontrolled

and

the

mind

in action, and

form

temperament

currents

and

action

is constantlyallowing his

the

fest in

the

of

of

habit

excitable, irritable, emotional

an

drain

system.

of their muscles

upon

Such
in

chronic
so

"

afflicted

being that
the vitality,or prana,
people usually have a
tense

condition, which

HATHA

i8o

YOGA

though not necessarilystrong,

is being poured out to them, and
of prana
current
the nerves
are
constantly in use carrying the prana.
We
remember
hearing the story of the good old
who
was
woman
taking a ride on the railroad to a
the pleasure to her and so
So rare
was
nearby town.
that

means

anxious
could

constant,

she

was

to

get

to

into her seat, but,

settle herself back

not

that

destination

her

on

she

the

edge of the seat, with her body

miles of
sixteen
well bent forward, during the whole
the journey ; she was
mentally trying to help the
train along by giving it a mental
urge in the right
sat

contrary,

This

direction.

her

firmly upon

action

in

form
in

place
indulged

during

looking at

clench
bite

an

our

she

which

of

fists,or

our

in

one

muscles

have

should

the

object,and

number

contraction

muscular

trip. Many of
forward
anxiously,if we

strain

we

caused

relaxation

in

be

and

the

bad

tense

fixed so
lady's thoughts were
journey'send that the thought took
old

of

as

the

on

way or
all the

us

just
happen to
are

another

time.

we

We

lipstight,or
our
jaws together,or something
mental
line of expressing our

frown,

close

or

our

lips,or set
else along the same
And
All this is waste.
so
states in physicalaction.
devil's tattoo
the bad habits of beating the
are
of the chair, twirlingthe thumbs,
the table or arms
on
our

"

"

wiggling the fingers,tapping on the floor with our

whittling sticks, biting lead
toes, chewing gum,
pencils,and, last but not least, rocking nervously
All these things,and
a rocking chair.
to and fro on
many

others

waste.
pure
that
Now

too

we

numerous

to

understand

mention,

are

something

waste,

about

181

RELAXATION
muscular

let

contraction

of the

Science

In

relaxation

amount

subject

of Relaxation.
there

health, in order

small

to contract

muscle.)

at

are

nerves

is

to maintain

this is a very

less

up the

again take

of
current
no
practically
(There is always a small
being poured out.
to the different parts of the body^ in
sent

prana

rest, and

condition, but

normal

to that sent

compared

current

the muscles

In relaxation

the

conserved, instead

and

us

of

out

and

being stored up
being dissipatedin reck
is

prana

expenditures.
children,and
it,and, mark

Relaxation

be observed
in young
may
Some
adults have
the animals.

among

always noted for their

endurance, strength,vigour and vitality.The lazy
tramp is not an instance of relaxation ; there is a
you

this,snch individuals

great difference
The

former

is

less effort

relaxation

between

the latter is the result of

"

loaf."

better and

is done

the work

"

and

working efforts,

sensible rest between

being that

the result

are

mental

with
indis

and
the consequent
action
(or
position to work
inaction)resultingfrom such thought taking form.
the
and
The
understanding Relaxation
person
conserving of energy accomplishes the best work.
He uses
of effort to do the pound of work,
a pound
and does not waste, slopover, or allow his strength
to

The

trickle

away.
standing the law
times

the energy

mental

or

watch
and
how

the
see

needed

many

person
three to

to do his

physical. If you
people with whom

how

many

uses

average
up from

waste

exaggerated

not

under

twenty-five

work, be that work

doubt

you
motions

this
come

movements,

they

statement

in contact
make

and

etc., they

HATHA

182
manifest.

haven't

They

mentally, and

the

instruction

from

not

illustrations
associated
material

in order

mind

hand

receive

from

their

words

the

from

that

teachers,
of
and

nature

be
idea may
student, with some

of the

the

Yoga
living thing. The Hatha
teaching the lesson of Relaxation, often

object or

gurus, when
direct their student's
the

attention

cat-tribe, the

to the

panther

illustration

favourite

animals

or

leopard being

or

in lands

cat,

animals

these

where

found.

are

Did

In

the

crouched

cat

muscular

in

latter

contraction,

picture of
animal

dead.

But

to

till it
darts

waiting cat, although

tense

different

muscles,

entire absence

edge
action
waste

when

"

of

; of beaded

is not

motion

or

the moment

into fresh muscles

forward.

like

or

flash

"

The

live
very
laziness."

with

tension

of action
and

the

might be asleep

a
repose
And
note

quiveringmuscles ;
perspiration.The

strained

remains

! Then

moves

ready for

of the
repose
absolutelydevoid of movement

is

thing from

it

no

"

beautiful

but

repose,

all appearances
wait

motionless

Still and

lightningit

or

attitude

tense

recall how

you

gracefulattitude

easy,

no

do

case

vitalityin

intense

action.

instant

cat

an

resting? And
crouching before

in repose,

cat

watched

ever

you
mouse-hole

the

notice

ever

you

have

of

but

object lessons

the

in

in

or

students, who

or

given

are

Yogi gurus,

books,

teacher, many

the

well

physical prodigality.

is

the

classes of chelas,

have

themselves

result

the Orient, where

In

of

YOGA

un

"

very
the
"

of

on

nerves

machinery of

waiting.

There

is

no

all is in readiness, and

comes

tired

the prana
nerves

and

is hurled
the action

RELAXATION

electric

the

from

spark

the

like

thought

the

follows

183

machine.
Hatha

The

In

there

fact,

stamp

and

up

best

the

work

depended

fidgety
be

may

In

our

The

the

"

person

despair

let

be

the

not

and

as

the

calmness,

But

just

do

may

possesses

acquired

and

cultivated

and

before

who

relaxation

also

who

people
out

repose.

is

fume,

man

who

one

relax,

to

"

desirable

is

and

themselves

wear

arrives.

upon

ability

the

they

relax

to

and

quick

of

the

not

are

as

repose.

power

fret,

family

cat

and

ability

fidget,
down,

action

for

hour

the

use

great

no

the

who

"

"

be

unless

People

there.

to

vitality

grace,

can

action

effective

"

of

illustration

an

well

do

Yogis

repose
be

may

other

gifts."

next

structions

to

knowledge

of

chapter
those
the

we

will

wishing
Science

give
to

of

acquire

Relaxation.

simple

few
a

working

in

XXIII

CHAPTER

mind.

the

upon

One

is

form

take

THOUGHTS

true

as

the

influence

not

forget

positions,

that

react

Much

of muscular

states

taking

other

hand,

lessness,

form

of

in

are

scowl,

such
into
of

a
a

condition

spell of

forcing

One
harmful

you
of

that

smile

"

waste

of

And,

"

after
toward

muscular

prana

and

184

on

clenching

of the

the
the

assum

into

experiment
and

eyes

few

main

results

generally

which

is apt

emotion

get the mind

lips and

the

care

thing will plunge it

least

steps

of

to

all know

smiling

first

practices

resulting

the

while,

feel
the

to

apt

very

been

physical

of

habit

the

on

have

together the lips and

You

anger.

for

taining it
making

will be

we

the

of

fist.

the

clenching
cultivate

we

And,

the

angry

mental

by

states

by habits

we

our

caused

are

mental

our

fists, frowning, drawing

ing

in

practices and

physical action.

in

When

etc.

if

mental

truths

two

foolish

and

encouraged

hand,

other

these

contraction

many

manifest

to

remember

harmful

the

or

influence

and

mind

and

attitudes

its

or

must

we

question of relaxation.

the

habits

produced

the

upon

must

of

body,

of

much

heard

body, but

the

react

together.

stand

have

We

over

the

actions

truths

two

mind

and

action,

other.

the

of the

considering

in

These
as

We

states.

RELAXATION

FOR

RULES

minutes.

preventing

contraction,

wearing

in

out

with
of

the
its

the

HATHA

186
bluster

and

weak

are

energy,

which

harm.

He

lems
he

results in

and

waste

energy

of

developed

motion, and also

He

man.

Yogi

condition.

gradually emancipated

and

teaches

his students

of

that

but

regards Worry as
as
being unworthy
his

nature

own

He

to

worry.
from
its

himself

is the

Worry

surmounted,

himself

well to allow

and

The

foolish waste

knows

has

Anger

He

Worry.

powers

too

who

good and always works

earnest
thought when prob

in

to

those

no

and

from

it is

solved, obstacles

be

to

descends

never

that

know

to

believes

have

They leave that for

to be thought strong.
Worry from his mental

eradicated
learned

has

wish

and

also has
He

threats

YOGA

curse

freeing of oneself
first step in practical
the

Yoga.
controllingof the unworthy emotions of
the lower nature
reallyform a part of other branches
of the Yogi Philosophy, it has a direct bearing upon
While

the

it is a fact
as
question of Relaxation, inasmuch
that one
habitually free from Anger and Worry is
of
correspondingly free from the principalcauses
and nerve-waste.
contraction
involuntary muscular
The
man
possessed by Anger has muscles on the
chronic
strain from
involuntary impulses from the
is wrapped
The
in the folds of
who
brain.
man
strain and
Worry is constantly in a state of nervous
contraction.
So it will readily be seen
muscular
the

when

that

ing

emotions

the
which

cuts

one

he

himself

at the

same

this great

emotions

have
source

spoken.

If you

of waste,

causing it.

manage

these

weaken

frees himself

time

muscular

greater part of the

we

loose from

from

contraction, of

would
to

be

free from

get rid of the

RULES

RELAXATION

187

hand, the practiceof relaxing"

of the muscles, in
condition
of avoiding the tense
everyday life will react upon the mind, and will
And,

on

the other

"

enable
is

regain its

it to

rule that works

One

of the

normal

poise and

It

repose.

both

ways.
first lessons in physicalrelaxation

the

Yogis give to their pupils is given in the next

paragraph. Before beginning, however, we wish to
impress upon the mind of the student the keynote of
It consists of two
the Yogi practiceof Relaxation.
LET
GO."
If you master
the meaning of
words:
Hath

"

these

two

and

words

able

are

to

practice you have grasped the secret

theory and practice of Relaxation.
The
Yogi
following is a favourite
Relaxation

thoroughly as

Lie

flat

down

you

can,

on

lettinggo

Then, still relaxed, let your

body

from

the head

the

down

mind

to the

them

into

of the

Yogi

put

exercise

back.

Relax

in
as

of all the muscles.

wander

toes.

In

over

the

doing

this

you will find that here and there are certain muscles
If you do
let go of them.
stillin a tense condition
"

this

thoroughly (you will improve by practice)you

in the body fully
will end by having every muscle
Take
few deep
relaxed
and
the nerves
at rest.
a
You
breaths, lying quietlyand fullyrelaxed.
may
to one
over
side,
vary this exercise by gently rolling
and again relaxingcompletely. Then
roll over
to the
other side and relax completely. This is not as easy
it appears
at first reading,as you will realize from
as
few trials. But
do not be discouraged. Try it
a
knack."
While
the
again until you master
lying
relaxed carry in your mind
that you are lying on a
soft, downy couch and that your body and limbs
"

YOGA

HATHA

188

heavy as lead. Repeat the words several

times, slowly :
Heavy as lead, heavy as lead," at
the arms
and then withdrawing
the same
time lifting
from
the
the prana
them
by ceasing to contract
to drop of their own
muscles, and allowing them
weight to the sides. This is a hard thing for most
unable
to let
to do at first trial. They are
persons
their arms
weight, so firmlyhas the
drop of their own
contraction
fastened
habit of involuntary muscular
are

as

"

itself upon

After

them.

try the legs,one

arms

them

Let

of

drop

Rest

in the

strenuous

yoursell,as

Then

muscles.
the

same

well

as

their

perfectlyrelaxed.
be

at

weight

own

between

acquire

to

the

the

remain

and

do

is to

idea

control

allow

and

lie still and

Then

together.

trials and

exercise, as

the

mastered

time, then both

lift the head

way.
of the

have

you

form

the

rest

the

over

it to

not

drop

in

mental

couch, or floor, bearing the entire

image
laugh at this idea,
weight of the body. You may
believingthat when you lie down you always let the
couch bear all of your weight, but you are mistaken.
You
will find that, in spite of yourself,you
are
endeavouring to support a part of your weight by
of the muscles
trying to hold
tensing some
you are
Stop this and let the couch attend to
yourselfup.
"

for you.

this work
old

who

woman

tried

for your
the
to rest on

child

bed
"

upon
dents

"

sat

on

train

the

help

to

You

model.

are

as

the

edge
along.

foolish

Take

It allows

in it

the

"

the

sleeping
its entire weight
this, look at the

If you doubt
child has been sleepingand

impress

find it difficult to catch

the

and

of the car-seat

bed.

which

the

was

as

of its littlebody.

knack

of this

see

the

If you

complete

RULES

RELAXATION
relaxation

it may

of

being as

image
out

to

foot

to

with

wonders

"

restingexercise

you

to

limp all
limp, with

"

as

mental

the
cany
cloth
wet

"

lying loose and

A little practicewill

"

of stiffness.

trace

work
"

head

from

over

"

help
limp

189

soon

this
you, and you will arise from
and feelingable
refreshed
much

well.
do your work
also a number
There
are

exercises

other

of

in

taught and practised by the Hatha

the best of what
Yogis, the following being among
known
to the Yogis by the term
are
(freetranslation)
exercises :
Loosen-up
Relaxation

"

"

"

FEW

(1) Withdraw
muscles

relax

ward

all prana from the hand, lettingthe

will swing loosely
that the hand

forward

and

the

hand

other

EXERCISES

wrist, apparently lifeless. Shake

the

from

so

"

LOOSEN-UP

together.

the

from

wrist.

way.
little practicewill

Then
both

Then

same

it back

give you

the

try the
hands
correct

idea.

(2) This

more

difficult than

the

first exercise.

making the fingerslimp and relaxed

Try
swinging them looselyfrom the knuckles.

It consists
and

is

first one

in

hand

and

the other, then

then

both.

let
and
the arms
from
all prana
(3) Withdraw
them
hang limp and loose by the sides. Then swing
side to side, lettingthe arms
the body from
swing
of the
from
the motion
(likeempty coat-sleeves)
themselves.
body, making no effort of the arms
First
This
around

arm

one

exercise
in

and

may
various

then
be

the

then

both.

by twisting the body

swing
letting the arms

varied

ways,

other, and

HATHA

igo

will get the

You

loo?e.

YOGA
idea

if you

will think

of

loose coat-sleeves.

(4) Relax
the

elbow.

but

avoid

Shake
one

the

the upper-arm,
from
Impart a motion
contracting the muscles of the forearm.
around
forearm
limp and loose. First

then

arm,

(5) Let

forearm, lettingit swing loose from

the

the

both.

other, then

completely relaxed and swing

the ankle.
loose from
This will require some
little
the muscles
as
moving the foot are generally
practice,
less contracted
condition.
But
in a more
or
baby's
First
he is not using it.
foot is loose enough when
one

the foot be

foot, then

other.

the

(6) Relax the leg,withdrawing all prana from it

the knee.
and lettingit swing loose and limp from
Then
swing it and shake it. First one leg and then
the

other.

(7) Stand on
one
leg swing
having relaxed
then

cushion, stool

largebook and let

the thigh, after
loose and limp from
it completely. First one
leg and
a

or

the other.

straight above the head, and

(8) Raise the arms
from
them, let them
then, withdrawing all prana
weight to the sides.
dropx"f their own
(9) Lift the knee up in front as high as you can and
all prana from it and let it drop back of its
then draw
own
weight.
(10) Relax the head, lettingit drop forward, and
of the body.
then
by the motion
swing it about
Then, sittingback in a chair, relax it and let it drop
It will, of course,
backward.
drop in any direction
the

moment

get

the

you

withdraw

right idea,

think

the

of

prana

person

from

it.

To

fallingasleep,

RELAXATION

RULES

191

him, relaxes and

sleep overpowers
stops contractingthe muscles of the neck, allowing
the head to drop forward.
(u) Relax the muscles of the shoulders and chest,
allowingthe upper part of the chest to fall forward
loose and limp.
(12) Sit in a chair and relax the muscles of the
waist, which will allow the upper part of the body to
pitch forward like that of a child who falls asleepin
its chair and gradually falls out.
these exercises so far
(13) One who has mastered
may, if he sees fit,relax his whole body, commencing
with the neck, until he gets down
to the knees, when
he will drop gently to the floor "all in a heap."
This is a valuable
of one
acquirement, as in case
The practiceof this
slippingor fallingby accident.
entire body relaxation will do much
to protect them
child will
from injury. You
will notice that a young
relax in this way when
it falls,
and is scarcelyaffected
falls which
would
by severe
seriouslybruise adults,
break
their limbs.
The
or
even
same
phenomenon
who, the

may
who

moment

be

noticed

have

in the

lost control

of intoxicated

cases

of the muscles

and

persons
in an
are

When
complete state of relaxation.
they
fall they come
down
"all in a heap
and
suffer
comparatively little injury.
In practisingthese exercises repeat each of them
almost

"

several
These
and

and

times
exercises

may

then

of

cises,if you

the

to

next

one.

extended
indefinitely
ingenuityand power of

to the

student.

Make

will,using the above

Practising

the

be almost

varied, according

invention

on

pass

relaxation

exercises

your
as

own

exer

suggestions.
a
gives one

HATH

92

consciousness

mind

theories.

"

bound
of

It

; is

nerves

is

useful

antidote

an

conditions

certain

sets

exercise, and
direction

self-control

and

Strengthin repose is
when
thinking of

valuable.
in the

of

YOGA

is

Yogi Relaxation
quieting overwrought

in

for what

muscles
a

is

the idea to be carried

the

is known

resultingfrom

of

which

repose,

"

as

muscle-

employment
one's daily work
or
acquirement in the

in

valuable

the

allowing one to rest himself at will and

to thus
regain his vitalityin the shortest possible
The
Oriental
the science
time.
people understand
and
of relaxation
employ it in their daily life.
frighten
journeys which would
They will undertake
and after travellingmany
miles will
a Western
man,
make
which
a
resting place upon
they will throw
muscle
and with
themselves
down, relaxing every
drawing the prana from all the voluntary muscles,
to remain
limp and apparently
allowing themselves
lifeless from head to foot.
They indulge in a doze at
but if not they remain
the same
time, if practicable,
wide
the

of

with

awake,

bodily

this rest

muscles

refreshes

active

senses
as

above

them

as

and

alert, but

stated.

much,

or

One

with

hour
than

more,

of
a

They start on
night'ssleep does the average man.
life and
their journey again, refreshed and with new
and tribes
Nearly all the wandering races
energy.
have
to have
acquired this knowledge. It seems
Indian,
been intuitivelyacquired by the American
tribes of Africa, and, in fact,
the Arab, the savage
races

in all parts of the

world.

Civilized

man

has

he has ceased to
gift to lapse,because
be well
make
the long journeys on foot, but it would
for him to regain this lost knowledge and to use same
allowed

this

the student

variety open to
should
not
require to
Just let him give way

as

YOGA

HATH

i94
the

the

idea

mental

him.

given
of

good,

to do.

what

will tell him

Nature

restful stretch, and

great that he

so

illustrations

have
to

is

on
: Stand
generalsuggestion,however
the floor,with your legsspread apart and your arms
Then
extended
over
your head, also spread apart.
toes and stretch yourselfout
raise yourselfon
your
trying to reach the ceiling.
gradually,as if you were
A most
simple exercise, but wonderfully refreshing.
be effected
of stretching may
by
variation
A
shaking yourselfaround loose and limp, employ
The
parts of your body as you can.
ing as many
from his skin
Newfoundland
dog, shaking the water
a
the water, will give you
from
he emerges
when

Here

is

one

"

"

generalidea
All

into
them

of what

of these

with

out,

relaxing,if properly entered

will leave the one
practising

of renewed

sense

again

tion to

of

plans

carried

and

mean.

we

experiencesafter arisingfrom
in
subsequent good rub-down
MENTAL

Perhaps
ter.

mind
reacts

may

Of

as

Relaxation

in Mental

course,

EXERCISE

before

to

us

give an

conclude

we

physical relaxation

rests

it.

But

upon
reach

the

body

and

needs

of

bath.

the

for

well

and

the

same

RELAXATION

it will be

inclina

an

feelingas one
healthy sleep and

work, the

resume

and

energy

some

they required in
just what
this chapter.
Sit quietly in a relaxed

it.
who

the

and

this

reacts

chap
the

on

also

Relaxation

Mental
rests

exercise

this exercise

So
have

not

found

preceding pages
easy

of

positionand

RELAXATION
withdraw

the

mind

RULES
far

195

possiblefrom outside
objects and from thoughts which
require active
effort.
mental
Let your thought reach inward
and
dwell
real self. Think
the
of yourself as
upon
independent of the body and as able to leave it
without
;will
impairing the individuality.You
gradually experience a feelingof blissful rest and
and

calm

as

The

content.

as

attention

must

with

be

drawn

entirelyfrom the physicalbody and centred

entirelyupon the higher I," which is really you."
"

Think

of the vast
each

suns,
our

surrounded

the extent
then

around

with

earth, only in many

idea of the

and

worlds

"

cases

the millions

us,

its group
much

of

planetslike
larger. Get an
of

of space and of time ; consider

of Life in all its forms in all these worlds

immensity
realize

the

position of

insect

yourself a mere
rise upward in

your

upon

thought

the

speck

and

earth

of

and

of dirt.

Then

realize that, though

of the mighty whole, you are

atom
you be but an
still a bit of Life itself,
a particleof the Spirit
; that

immortal,

are

you

the

part

structure

in touch

of the

and

indestructible

Whole, a part which

get along without, a piece needed

necessary
cannot

eternal

with

of the

Whole.

the Whole
to fit into

Recognize yourselfas

all of Life ; feel the Life of the Whole

of Life
throbbing through you ; the whole ocean
And
and
awake
then
rocking you on its bosom.
return
to your
physical life and you will find that
calm and strong,
your body is refreshed, your mind
and you will feel an
inclination to do that piece of
work
which
been putting off for so long.
you have
You
have
profitedand been strengthened by your
tripinto the upper regionsof the mind.

HATH

g6

MOMENT'S

favourite

from

rest

Yogi

REST

plan

for

the

hour

of

task

the

YOGA

snatching
taking

"

fly,"
it

is

Stand

the

by

and

feet,

Take

feel

and

feet

the

like

sensation.

The

will

impart

must

be

and

rising
feeling

experienced

of
to

buoyancy

if

be

realized.

and

you

slowly

and

extending

eagle.
the

and

breath

Repeat

up

your

an

upon

out

heels

the

position.

first

the

expel
upon

of

falls

spread

arms

Then

back

sink
their

to

the

as

arms

from

out

the

let

balls
will
and

arms

like

you

of

of

balls

your

wings

weight

the

as

flying.

gradually
sink

breath

deep

your

ground,

the

raising
stand

they

by
the

from

upon

outstretched

the

like

slowly

time

same

until

loosely

weight

your
the

at

heels

your

sides

your

shoulders

of

raise

shoulders

and

erect

hanging

arms

throwing

gradually

the

on

expressed

recently

head

with

your

Then

"

rest

back,

sides.

friends

young

straight,

up

thrown

our

follows

as

"

of

one

as

moment's

the

freedom

the

arms

that

XXIV

CHAPTER

MAN

in

USE

in his

originalstate

with

normal

gave

him

his

raise

fuel, and
were

abundance

to

began

certain

live in

of his duties
set of

to

and

simple

others, and

of

practicallyno
nothing but hard physicalwork
lives.
both
livingunnatural
Physical labour without mental

"

man's

do

life
"

things which

one

and

labour

mental

normal

life calls for the

mental

and

sical exercise
Children

But

comfort.

began

as

delegate

to

to confine

of

himself

use

physical,and
life that

he

the

without

man

gets both

the

necessary

197

scope

who

sort

some

life.

The

and

exercise

of

the

"

natural,
powers,

is able to

mental

Nature

balance

of all of man's

is apt to be the healthiest

obtain

limited

activitydwarfs

physicalactivityalso dwarfs the man's

demands
the
maintaining of the
adoption of the happy medium.

regulate his

for exercise.

at the

one

do

of

present day many

physical work, while others

until
activities,

to

us

youth
living

or

his food, to prepare

it,to
his houses, to gather up

civilized he also

to be

child

conditions

crops, to build
to do the thousand

necessary

man

of

seek

originalstate of
varied
activityout

all the best

with

to be instructed

need

does

Man's

compelled to

was

did not

neither

"

tastes.
an

doors, and
He

OF

physical exercise

EXERCISE

PHYSICAL

THE

so

and

phy
happiest.
in

their

HATH

198
plays, and the
to indulge in
wise,
with

and

games

labour

the introduction

of recent

years,

of

that

shows

old

the

Yogis hold that the instinct

feelingthat exercise is needed,
that

instinct

kindred

golf and

has

which

success

The
the

if

games

instinct

natural

dead.

is not

man

of

it

causes

they are
sedentary lives

and

The

games.

attended

Men,

sports.

mental

and

spoics

instinct of the child

natural

their

varv

YOGA

toward

games"

is but

labour

the

same

congenial
occupations it is the call of nature toward activity
"varied
activity. The normal, healthy body is a
body that is equally well nourished in all of its parts,
unless it is used.
and no
part is properly nourished
causes

to

man

at

"

part that

of

amount

for every

muscle

work

play.

the

and

exercises

the

as

who

man

"

very

and

play.

and

the

case

of

way

of

of

They

mind
work

poor

or

exercise

much

his desk

with

modern

exercise

do

not

mean

no

is better

need
all

of exercise

day,

with

at his trade

the

usually

life.
of

"

Physical

for out-of-door

interest attached

to

work

them,

play as it is in the
But
still anything in the
than
nothing. But we
which
of PhysicalCulture

called into

games.

become

is apt to

plans

substitutes

protest against that form

we

out-of-door

more

have

is not

as

working

man

the

consider

Culture

is in

sits at

exception that the

has the advantage
We

muscles, and

and

muscle-bound,"

becomes

particular form of
trade
following one
only

man

of

set

one

normal

some

upon
a

time

man

work,

natural

By

for

provided

the

part of his body, in natural

and

attendant

work

bodily labour,
"

has

Nature

in

and

nourishment,

weakened.

less than

receives

is unused

EXERCISE

OF

USE

199

objectthe enlargement of certain muscles,

strong
the performance of the feats of the
and
The perfectsystem of
All this is unnatural.
men."
physicalculture is that one which tends to produce
uniform
development of the entire body the
a

has for its

"

"

of
the nourishment
employment of all the muscles
interest as
much
adds
as
part, and which
every
possibleto the exercise, and which keeps its pupils
"

air.
open
Yogis, in their

in the

out

The

their

everyday life,do

own

exercise in this way.

They also
through the woods (ifthey are near

get much

work, and

long walks
woods, and they usuallyare, for they prefermoun
from the plainsand
tainous country and keep away
the hills.
and over
large cities so far as is possible),
of mild
of forms
But
they also have a number
exercise with which
they vary their hours of study
novel
is nothing especially
There
arid meditation.
their exercise, and they bear a very
about
new
or
take

close

resemblance

to

calisthentic

in favour

movements

Delsarte

the

in the

exercises

and

West.

The

and important point of difference,however,

principal
lies in the fact that
with

bodily movements.

does

He

tion his mind.

and

by

the mind

use

takes

an

that

do

amount

him

an

increased

of

good as would
exercise, if performed in
as

much

indifferent, uninterested

into

play,

to call into opera

to the part brought into motion.

prana
obtains
a
multiplied benefit, and a few

exercise

interest in

interest in the exercises,

effort of the will sends

an

in connection

Just as the
brings the mind

the game,
the Yogi allow his exercise

work, and

the
so

the

they

way.

He

flow

of

thus

minutes'
ten

times

the

usual

YOGA

HATHA

200

"

This

part is

accept
thus

fact the

as

occasioned

to

the

the

by

part, and

the

moment

in this

increase

the

but

the

effect is

will.

Now,

brows, clench

desired

is to

be

can

done,

resistance,

attitude

supply

then

of prana
there.

circulation

certain extent,

attention

the

involuntarily,

is centred

part

on

greatly increased

it is not
the

fist,or

by

necessary

to

make

to

physical effort in order to operate the Will

In fact,the simplestway
to accomplish
way.
result is to

desired

the

send

the

body,

contract

violent

to

that

effort of the

the

mind

to

it

all sub-conscious
mental

does this to

mind

that

doubting

the

to the

is necessary

that

statement

with

away

command

The

of the

the mind

of

sending
easilyacquired. All

doing

simply

"

knack

expect that
confidently

what

"

confident
happen. This
expecta
acts
practicallyas a strong and positive
of the Will
command
put it into operationand the
thing is accomplished.
increased
For instance, if you
wish
to send
an
of prana
to the forearm, and to increase the
amount
that
circulation
to
part, thereby increasing the
then
and
the
nourishment,
arm,
simply double
gradually extend it, fastening the gaze or attention
the lower arm,
and holding the thought of the
upon
you
tion

will

wish

"

"

desired

result.

although
used

no

of the
to

the

forearm

the

feel that

has

used

have

you

body, making

knack,

so

that

simple exercise

you

been
violent

no

Try

apparatus.

get the attention

times, and

this several

Do

this

there, and
when

you

will do

go

this

will

greatly exercised,
motion, and

plan

muscular

some

you

on

several

motion

have

parts

in order

acquire
through any ordinary
almost
automatically.
you

will

soon

HATHA

202

before
will

you

make

up
"

practically

will
faithful

take

the

time

practice.

YOGA

mind

your

about
"

make

you
and

physically,

over

trouble

They

them.

to

put

them

if

you
into

CHAPTER

BEFORE

impress

to

You

it.

will

you

learn

it all

obtain

You

natural
erect

be

manner,

i.e.,with

drawn

abdomen

begun

in

on

the

level

touching
the

there

be

animation
or

and

swung
and
rather

developing

of the

forcing

back
;

return

times.

with

rapid movement,

Do

not

This

go

exercise

chest, muscles
203

to

of

until
the

from

if

they

will

briskly
The
and

sleep
is most

the

hands

hands

the

several

play.
the

back

of you,

front

palms

repeat

life.

sides.

the

in

out

little further

; head

expanded

straight, sideways,

without

(2)Swing

out

even

; chest

shoulder, with

other.

or

i,

should

in

each

easily

Position

work,

of the

work.

this

together

at

straight

arms

stand

arms

shoulders,
go

the

to

standing in

you

arms

EXERCISE

(i) Extend

and

this advice

from

by

back

little ;

mind

some

work,

heels

your

shoulders

take

to

POSITION

must

front

the

benefit

multiplied

exercise

; eyes

throw

By following

means.

STANDING
Each

like

to

without

manage

to

wish

we

exercise

must

exercise, and

must

of what

think

exercises,

that

you

upon

in your

interest

into

these

fails in its effect.

interest
an

about

telling you

again

EXERCISES

PHYSICAL

YOGI

SOME

XXV

over

to

arms

with
the

useful

shoulders,

YOGA

HATHA

204

In

swinging the hands

improvement if you will rise on
etc.

backward

sinkingon

sweep,
forward

it is

backward,

an

during the

your toes
your heels as

move

you

again. The repeated movements

be rhythmical, backward
and forward, like
should
the swinging of a quick pendulum.
the

arms

II

EXERCISE

(i) Extend

the

from

straight out
shoulder, sideways, with opened hands.
the arms
so
extended, swing the hands
arms

(not too wide),keeping the

possible,and not allowing the

arms

as

hands

front

of

Continue

circles.
twelve

to

This
and

retain

the

exercise

what

you

are

pass

in

making

the

until

say

circles

the

air until several

the

circles

chest

life into it, and

take

and
an

made.

are

shoulders,
interest

in

doing.
EXERCISE

(i) Extend

to

far

as

improves this exercise to

(accordingto the Yogi practice)

develops

Put

back.

while

in

around

It

full breath

breast

the

making

made.

are

inhale
and

line of

the

(2) With
back

circles

the

the

arms

III

straight in front

of

you,

letting the little fingers of each hand touch each

(2) Then, keeping
other, the palms being upward.
hands
the little fingers still touching, bring the
until the
straightup in a curved circular movement,
tipsof the fingersof both hands touch the top of the
of the fingers
of the forehead, the backs
head back
swinging out as the movement
until (when the fingerstouch the head, with
pointing to the rear)they point out straight

touching, the elbows

is made
thumbs

EXERCISES

PHYSICAL

head

and

moment,

back

(which

arms

backward

fingersrest

with

an

full

the top of the

on

elbows

the

shoulders

the

at

with

then

forces

sides

the

reach

the

(3) Let

sideways.

205

pressing
force

back)

the

until they
oblique motion
length, as in the standing

position.
IV

EXERCISE

(i) Extend
the

shoulders.

arms

extended
and

elbow

straightout, sideways, from

(2) Then, still keeping the upper-

the

arms

in

same

bring

the

until

bend
position,
forearm
upward
of

the

the

arms

at the

circular

with

extended

fingers
(3) Then,
lightlytouch the tops of the shoulders.
keeping the fingers in the last position,force the
elbows
out to the front until they touch, or nearly
movement,

the

tips

(A little practicewill enable you to touch them

together.)(4) Then, keeping the fingersstill lightly
touching the tops of the shoulders, swing the elbows
far back as you can
as
(A little practice
get them.

so.

will enable
at

the

front

you

to

much

get them

attempt.) (5) Swing

positionand then back to

several

first

further

back

the

elbows

the

rear

than
to

the

position,

times.
V

EXERCISE

(i) Place

the

hands

on

the

hips, thumbs
(2) Bend

to

the

the

body
forward, from the hips, as far as you can, keeping
the chest protrudingand the shoulders pressedback.
(3) Raise the body to the originalstanding position
In
(hands still at hips) and then bend backward.

rear,

and

elbows

these movements

pressedback.

the knees

should

not

be bent, and

206

HATHA

the

motions

and

you

should

YOGA

be

made

slowly and gently.

(4) Then
(hands still on hips) bend gently to the
right,keeping the heels firmly on the ground, knees
unbent, and avoid twisting the body. (5) Resume
originalposition,and then bend the body gently to
the left, observing the precautions given in last
This
exercise
is somewhat
movement.
fatiguing,
should

be

Proceed

start.

position on
body around
describing
the

move

not

in

the

circle,from
bend

or

the

other

without

from
with

do
soon

the
the

when

arms

and

extended

this at
be

neither

open

waist

able to
the

Rise, and

do

knees

it
nor

sink

to

but

and

you
remember
be

floor

unable

are

must

arms

the

bent.

to

will
that

(3)

repeat several times.

(i) Standing erect, with

yourself on the balls of the
of a springy motion.
sort
have

can,

you
"

EXERCISE

you

touch

if you

properly
the

touch

fully extended
course.
(2) Then,
the body forward

to

"

best

thumbs

over

are

fingertips
the

straightup

with

endeavour

first,do

up, the head

Do
not

course.

arms

remaining
the

of

palms to the front, of

bending the knees, bend

"

the

VI

erect, raise the

head, hands

ing each
upward

it at

knees.

EXERCISE

the

waist

the

largest circle,

(i) Standing

overdo

to

gradually. (6) With hands in same

hips, swing the upper
part of the

the

feet

careful

raised
the

upon

floor, then

your

VII
hands

on

feet several

Pause

as

above

raise

times, with

moment

toes, then

repeat,

hips,

let the

after

heels

suggested.

EXERCISES

PHYSICAL

Keep
This

the

knees

exercise is

calf of the

unbent,
will make

then

it is tried.

lower

the

body

pausing a moment
position. Repeat
at

into
and

several

first,
as it will make

the

in

it feel

together.
developing the
the first few

sore

undeveloped calf,
(2) With hands still
feet apart, and
two
a
squatting position,
then
resuming original

If you have
here is the exercise for you.
on
hips,place your feet about
times

heels

the

and

beneficial
specially

leg,and

207

an

"

"

times, but

not

thighs feel

too

often

little sore

at

well
beginning. This exercise will give one
be im
developed thighs. This last movement
may
proved upon by sinkingdown with the weight resting
the

upon

the ball of the foot, instead

EXERCISE

of upon

the heel.

VIII

(i) Stand erect, with hands on hips. (2) Keeping

the knee
straight,swing the right leg out about
fifteen inches (keepingthe toe turned a little out, and
until the
then swing back to the rear
the sole flat),
toe points straight to the ground, keeping the knee
all the time.
(3) Repeat the swinging backward
stiff
forward
several times.
and
(4) Then do the same
still on
hands
with
the left leg. (5) With
hips,
raise the right leg up, bending the knee, until the
upper-leg(thigh)stands straightout from the body
(ifyou can raise it stilla little higher,you may do so).
(6) Place your foot again on the ground, and go
with
the left leg. (7)
motion
through the same
Repeat several times, first one legand then the other,
moving slowly at first and graduallyincreasingyour
speed until you are executing a slow trot without
moving from the one spot.

YOGA

HATHA

208

EXERCISE

(i) Stand

IX

the

erect, with

in front of you, from the shoulders, and of

the palms must
level with the shoulders
"

folded

thumbs

fingersstraight out,

straight

extended

arms

on

course

be down,

under, and

the

side of hands

touching each other.

(2) Bend
from
the hips, stooping forward
the body forward
far as possible,and
time swing the
at the same
as
with a sweeping movement,
forward
arms
sending
and
them
down, backward
upward at the back, so

thumb

that

bending
back
do

the

when

and
not

body

forward

has

the

movement

body

over

the

bend

the

knees.

repeat

several

position and

"

EXERCISE

limit

the

reached
arms

are

keep the arms

(3) Resume

of

the

extended

stiff,and

standing

times.
X

straight,sideways,from the
hold them
there stiff and
rigid with
hands
(2) Close the hands forcibly,with a
open.
quick motion, pressing the fingers well into the
forcibly,and quickly,
palm. (3) Open the hands
as
widely as
spreading out the fingersand thumbs
(4) Close and
possible,forming a fan-shaped hand.
(i) Extend
shoulder, and

open

the

the

hands

arms

as

above

stated, several

times,

as

This
rapidly as possible. Put lifeinto the exercise.
of
is a splendid exercise for developing the muscles
for acquiring manual
the hand, and
dexterity.
EXERCISE

(i) Lie
above

XI

your stomach, extending your

upon
upward, and
your head and then bowed

arms

your

YOGA

HATHA

210

EXERCISE

This

TO

trouble

which

do

overdo

not

ABDOMEN
with

is caused

by

too

large

too

fat

much

be materially
may
indulgence in this exercise

The
gathering there.
reduced
by a reasonable
but always remember
and

LARGE

is for those troubled

exercise

abdomen,

REDUCE

abdomen

"

"

in all

moderation

matters,

be

or

in too

things,"
of

much

hurry. Here is the exercise : (i) Exhale the breath

(breatheout all the air in the lungs,without straining
in
yourselftoo much), and then draw the abdomen
up as far as you can,
its natural
let it resume
of times

and

moment.

then

take

hold

then

and

for

position. Repeat
a

breath

or

and

moment

two,

Repeat several times, moving

control one
much
is surprisinghow

number

and

rest

it in

and

gain
with a little practice.
muscles
these stubborn
over
This exercise will not
only reduce the fatty layers
but will also greatly strengthen
the abdomen,
over
abdomen
the
muscles.
a
stomach
the
(2) Give
good (but not rough) kneading and rubbing.
It

out.

This
natural
him

of

"

the

of
habit

EXERCISE

give one a gracefuland

standing and walking, and to cure
of
slouching," and shambling

exercise is intended
manner

"

SETTING-UP

may

to

"

to
faithfullypractisedit will cause
you
manifest
an
erect, gracefulcarriage. It enables you
to so cany
yourselfthat every organ has plenty of
is
and
elbow-room,"
part of the frame
every
properly poised and counter-poised. This, or a
similar plan, is followed
by the military authorities
of many
countries, in order to give their young
officers the proper
carriage,but its good effect in

along.

"

If

these

cases

PHYSICAL

EXERCISES

is somewhat

marred

practices which
to

those

drill.

exercise is

as

by

other

stiffness which

practise this

who

The

cause

211

exercise

follows

"

military

does not

come

apart from

the

follow it carefully:

(i) Stand erect, with heels together, toes slightly

pointed outward.
(2) Raise the arms
up by the
sides (with a circular movement)
until the hands
the head, thumbs
meet
over
touching each other.
(3) Keeping knees stiff ; the body rigid; the elbows
unbent
(and shoulders bent well back as the move
ment
is made) ; bring down
the hands, slowly,with a
sideway circular motion, until they reach the sides of
the legs the little finger and
the inner-edge (the
alone touching the
chopping-edge ") of the hand
leg,and the palms of the hands facingstraightto the
front.
The soldier gets the rightpositionby touch
of his
ing the little fingerof each hand to the seam
trousers.
(4) Repeat several times, slowly,remem
ber.
With
the hands
in the last position,having
been placed there by the motion
stated, it is very
"

difficult for

the

shoulders

to

warp

chest is projecteda little ; the head

forward.

The

is erect ; neck

is

straight; the back straightand hollowed a little (the

natural position); and the knees are
straight. In
short, you have a fine,erect carriage now
keep it.
It will help you to stand in this position,and then,
keeping the little fingeralong the trouser-legseam
the room.
A little practiceof
place, walk around
"

this kind

will work

surprised at
wrought upon
perseverance

having.

"

the

wonders

with

you, and
which

you

will be

have
improvement
you
yourself. But it takes practice,and
and
does
so
everything else worth

It

exercises.

"

make
take

and
into

it, and

the

work

"

(or

STRENGTH

when

Do

then

than

times

several
to

do

exercise

at

reached

have

through

go

rather

period

one

"

first,

at

(if possible)

much

too

or

things

Better

day

meal,

you

you
better

overdo

any

repetitions.

of

attempt

after

it until

increase

with

much

get

not

of

repetitions

gradually

exercises

the

Do

one.

of

thought
"

soon

doing

are

the

will

you

exercise

few

number

fair

and

before

with

and

DEVELOPMENT

not

immediately
start

AND

exercise,

you

results.

for.

mind

some

you

Carry

play)

indeed

faithfully,

Put

what

the

of

will

followed
Practise

always

remember

but

part

every

work.

the

in

interest

an

brings

physically.

over

you

of

system

unpretentious,

faithfully

if

and

play,

into

body

It

little

our

and

simple

is

effective.

wonderfully

of

all

about

is

this

Now

"

YOGA

HATHA

212

of

exercise.
The
do

as

above

little

much

for

"

"

courses

mail.
"

of
have

They

up-to-date."

effective.

Try

"

will

as

you

"

the

stood

They
them,

test
as

are

and

be

system

high

many

either

instruction

of

personal
and

time,

simple
strong.

will

"

Culture

Physical

as

priced
or

still

they

by
are

are

CHAPTER

XXVI

YOGI

THE

not be necessary

IT should

BATH

to devote

chapter of this
book
in
to the importance of bathing. But
even
of the
this, the twentieth, century a great mass
people understand
practically
nothing about this
to the
subject. In the large cities the easy access
bath-tub has, in a measure,
educated
the peopleup to
of water on the outer surface of
at least a partial
use
the body, but in the country, and
in many
even
homes
in the cities,
bathing is not given the placeit
should occupy in the dailylifeof the people. And so
think

we

the

subjectand explain to
much

so

it well to call the attention

In

store upon

the

frequent

of

state
use

of

clean

nature

the

them

of

why

our

readers

to

Yogis

set

need

the

the

body.
man

did

not

bath, for, his

body

being

uncovered, the rains beat upon

and
from

trees

brushed

him, and the bushes

againsthis skin, keeping it free

the

the skin
which
gathered-up waste matter
is continuously throwing off. And,
then, the
primitiveman, like the animals, always had streams
handy, and followed his natural instinct, which
impelledhim to take a plunge once in a while. But
the use
of clothinghas changed all this, and man
to-day, although his skin is still at work throwing

off waste

matter, is unable

the old way,

and

instead

to

get rid of

he allows it to
213

the

waste

pileup

on

in
his

consequently suffers physical discomfort

be very dirty indeed
disease.
A body may
and

skin

and

and

clean

still look

would

shock

be

determined.

the

greater the

said

of the

use

from

the

extremes

which

decent

far

The

bath

the

to

The
a

living,and
of

of

and

of the

modern

bath

is

nation

may

of
the

in

races

The

etc.

of the

many

In

the

bath,

fewer

the

people carried
extent, departure
running to such

ridiculous

use

men

ancient

methods

the

of the

use

of

civilization.

culture

perfumed baths,

made

ahead

the

races

greater the use

of culture, and

amount

natural
as

Romans

that

less culture.

the

and

pretence of culture
be

the

strong glass

all

practised by

been

measuring-rod by

baths,

through

at

peep

of you.

many

fact, it may

eye.

its surface

has

Bathing
making any

naked

the

to

garbage piles on

the

YOGA

HATHA

214

bath

ancient
this

Greeks

and

requisiteof
people were

respect.

The

in
the
Japanese people to-day lead the world
recognitionof the importance of the bath and in its
faithful
practice. The
poorest Japanese would
rather

One

go

may

his

without
go

into

day and
unpleasant odour.
a

warm

meal

crowd
fail to

Would

than

in

without

his bath.

on
Japanese city even
the slightest
notice
even
a

that

as

much

could

be

Europe ! With many

races
bathing was, and is to-day, a matter of religious
duty, the priests recognizing the importance of
bathing, and knowing that it could be best impressed
the masses
in this way, having incorporated it
upon
The
their religiousrites.
Yogis, while not
among
regarding it as a religiousrite, nevertheless practise
bathing just as if it were.
said

of

crowd

in America

or

YOGI

THE
Let

us

few of

us

merely

to

than

215

just why people should

the matter
reallyunderstand
see

upon

this to it,important

But

skin.

our
as

bathe.
and

Very

think

there

is

more

cleanliness is.

mere

it is

visible dirt which

get rid of the dust and

accumulated

has

BATH

Let

just why the skin needs to be cleansed.

We
have explainedto you, in another chapter, the
importance of a normal perspirationand how, if the
clogged or closed, the body
pores of the skin become
to get rid of its waste
is unable
products. And
? By the skin, breath
how
does it get rid of them
their
overwork
the kidneys. Many
and
persons
work
their own
do both
kidneys by making them
see

us

and

that of the skin

organ do
undone.
a

double
Each

sweat-tube,

surface

of the

as

work

well, for
rather

There

of

are

will make

to leave

than

pore is the end

which
extends

body.

nature

one

its work

little canal

called

into the
down
way
about 3,000 of these
of

skin.

They
are
continuallyexuding a moisture called perspira
moisture
is really a fluid
tion, or sweat, which
secreted from the blood and laden with the impurities
You will remember
of the system.
and waste matter
tissue
that the body is constantly tearing down
and replacingit with new
matter, and it must
get
rid of its waste
just as a family must get rid of its
waste
sweepings and garbage. And the skin is one
This
of the means
by which the waste is removed.

little canals

to

each

waste, if allowed

square

to remain

inch

our

in the system, acts

as

breeding-place and food for bacteria, germs, etc.,

and that is why nature
is so anxious
to get rid of it.
The skin also exudes
an
oilyfluid which is used to
keep the skin soft and flexible.

YOGA

HATHA

216
The

itself is

skin

constantly undergoing great

structure, just as is any other part of

changes in its
The
the body.
outer
skin, often called the scarfare
skin, is composed of cells,which
short-lived,and
are
constantly being sloughed off and replaced by
the
cells forcingtheir way
younger
up from beneath
old

These

ones.

matter
coating of waste
if they are not brushed
of them
quite a number
ing, but a considerable

bath
In

or

chapter

our

for the internal

of

would

die

occurrences

is

body
the

of

surface

thrive.

Are

you

would

have
your

other,

the

not
ever

you
own

germs

from

skin

is

soon

man

shown

as

by

And

past.

which

pores

this

the

unless

invitation

an

up

We

their

not

world

of

is

abode

stray

there

and

we

with

around
this

waste

just as

occasions

to

speaking

now"

much
worse

on

for

this invitation

are

that

thought
sometimes

irrigator
importance

then, again, this filth

to take

outside

the

up

And

the

and

etc.,
cells,oil,perspiration,

carry

system,
and

sealed,

extending

you

friends, the
obtained

the

bacteria

and

germs

clean.

course

an

as

how

in the

partiallyseal

kept

skin,

the cloth

by

of the

and

were

of worn-out

least

will at

of water

use

open,

and

get rid of them.

told you

pores

accumulation

off

rubbed

to

if his

experiments

Of

off.

quantity remain,

we

pores

of the

surface

washed

or

are

the

on

man,

the

keeping

off

is needed

wash

the

on

cells form

discarded

and

worn-out

your

of

that

know
you

"

but

from

matter

dirt

dirt

as

the

results ?

Everyone should wash off his body at least once a

that a bath-tub
is necessary
day. We do not mean
a
(although a tub is, of course,
great convenience),
who
have
is requisite. Those
but a good wash-off

HATHA

218
after

follow it with

arising,and
stated.

have

In

the

YOGA

very

cold

mild

exercise

weather

they

as

do

we

not

apply it with a cloth,

followed
reac
by the hand-rubbing. A wonderful
of cool water, appliedas
tion follows the application
manifests
the
have
stated, and
we
a
body soon
magnetic glow after the clothing is placed on one
The
result of these Yogi baths
after the bath.
if
practisedfor awhile is that the person will become
hardy," their flesh becoming strong,
vigorous and
firm and compact, and
cold
a
becoming almost
The person practising
unknown
it becomes
to them.
like a strong, hardy tree, able to face all kinds of
plunge

into

water,

but

"

"

"

and

weather

seasons.

readers
against
Right here, let us caution our
Don't
do
adopting a too cold bath at the start.
of impaired vitality.
are
this, particularlyif you
at first,and
at a pleasant temperature
Try water
little cooler, gradually.
then work
toward
down
a
strike a degree of temperature that is
You
will soon
do not
But
most
pleasing to you" stick to that.
punish yourselves. This morning cool wash-down
should
be a thing of pleasure to you, not a punish
When
have
ment
once
or
a
caught
you
penance.
think of giving
of it,you would
knack
the
never
it up.
It makes
you feel good all day long. You
cloth is applied to the
feel a little cool as the wet
or
so
by a
body, but this is followed in a moment
most
delightfulreaction and a feelingof warmth.
"

"

In

case

take

you

wash-down,

minute,
time

do

and

that

you

not

use
are

cool bath

stay

in the

in the

tub

tub, instead

of

than

one

more

hands
vigorouslythe
your
in the water.

whole

THE

BATH

YOGI

219

will not
take these morning washes, you
If you
occasional
need
warm
baths, although an
many
"

for it.
the

on

"

good, and you will feel better

Give yourselfa good rubbing down, and put
clothingover a dry skin (inthe case of a warm

soaking

will do you

bath).
Persons
that

foot

most

prove

walking,or standing,will find

at night just before
bath
retiringwill
to a good night's
restful,and conducive

doing

much

sleep.
don't

Now
read

it, but

much

better
will not

you

forgetthis chapter as soon as you have

try the plan it advocates, and see how
you will feel. After trying it for awhile,
think of givingit up.

THE
The

followingmay

the

to
way
wash-down.

give

get the best

It is very
will make
one

ing, and
the day.
It begins with
blood
all

over

the

the

body

cool

and

body,
or

invigoratingand
feel the

the

after the

in the best

wash-down

ideas
you some
the
results from

regarding
morning
strengthen

beneficial

little exercise

circulate

to

WASH-DOWN

MORNING

YOGI

Prana

which
to

be

effect all

distributed

night'srest, and

condition

in which

the

causes

renders

to take

the

bath.

PreliminaryExercise,

(i) Stand

erect

in

mili

back,
up, eyes front, shoulders
(2) Raise the body slowly on toes,

tary attitude, head

hands

at sides.

deep breath, steadily and slowly. (3)

for a few seconds, maintaining
Retain
the breath
the same
position. (4) Sink slowly to the first
time
position, at the same
exhaling the breath

inhaling a

HATHA

220

through

the

nostrils,slowly. (5) Practise Cleansing

Breath.

(6) Repeat
right leg alone, then
Then

the

YOGA

take

several

times, varying by using

left

the bath

leg alone.
wash-down,

or

preceding pages.

described

as

on

If you

prefer the wash-down,

fillthe basin with cool water
(not too cool, but just a
pleasant stimulatingtemperature which will bring on
the reaction) Take
towel and soak
a rough cloth or
it in the water, and then wring about
half the water
of it. Beginning with the chest and
out
shoulders,
then the back, then
the thighs
the abdomen,
then
and then
the lower
legs and feet, rub the body all
over
vigorously. Wring the water out of the towel
several times in going over
that
the body, in order
the entire body shall receive fresh cool water
upon
it. Pause
second
several times
a
or
so
during the
wash-down, and take a couple of long deep breaths.
.

Do

in too

be

not

calmly.

first few

At

shrink

you

to

and

will learn

of

the

the

tub

of

while

you

body

under

times

but
little,
to

the

with

the

Do
cool

too

rush, but

you

like it.

proper

do

the

the water

cool water

will
not

make

water,

cause

may

get used

soon

but

it

about

go

to

it,

mistake

the

rather

work

temperature,

rubbing,
for

then

moment,

and

kneel

in

plunge

the

whole

and

then

it

get out

once.

Following
one

of

temperature by degrees. If you prefer

with
to the
half fill the tub
wash-down,

water

at

commencing

down

much

should

several
hands
towel.

either

rub

the

the

wash-down

hands

or

the

tubbing,
the body

vigorously over
times.
There
is something in the human
which
be duplicated by a cloth or
cannot
Try it for yourself. Leave a little moisture

on

underclothes

at

and

once,

221

get into your

then

skin, and

of the

surface

the

BATH

YOGI

THE

surprisedat

will be

you

Instead
over
peculiarglow which will come
you.
of the water
making you feel chillyyou will experi
all parts of the
on
ence
a peculiar
feelingof warmth
body covered by the clothing,under which a little
the

left

has been

moisture

the skin.

on

tubbing, follow
followingexercise, after

wash-down
the

or

In

of either

case

the wash

or

with

bath

underclothing

the

has

been

put on :
ConcludingExercise,
arms
straightin front
shoulders, with

(i)Stand

of you,
fists clenched

erect

the

on

; stretch

level of the
each

touching

and

out

stand out
swing back the fists until the arms
straight,sideways,from the shoulders (orstilla little
if they will go there easilywithout
farther back
forcing) this stretches the upper part of the chest ;
other

"

repeat several

and

times

then

rest

moment.

(2)
straight

closingpositionof i, the arms

still
the shoulders
out, sideways, from
; the arms
level with
the
the
a
sides, on
extending from
shoulders, swing the fists around in circles,from the
and swing from the
then reverse,
front to the back
then vary it by rotatingthem
back
to the front
of a windmill
like the arms
; repeat
alternately,
Resume

the

"

"

several

times.

the head

over

then

without

floor with
to

do

the

this, do

(3) Stand
; hands

erect,

raise
thumbs

open, and
the knees

bending
try to
tipsof the fingers if you
"

the

best

you

can

the

hands

touching
touch
are

return

the

unable
to

position. (4) Raise yourselfon the balls of

several times, with sort
feet,or your toe-joints,
(5) Standing, place your
springy motion.

first
your
of a
feet

HATHA

222

about

feet

two

for

position,

several

times.

(7)

This

of

times.

Finish

five

easily

performed.

of

exercise,

the

each

and

work,
It

or

is

take

you

but

and
if

will

the

few

each

bath,

will

just

it

clock

perform

to

into

feel

you

master

like

moments

like

after

and

section

and

run

calling

make

simple

very

take

it

as

combination

practise

take

you

complicated

really

it

several

i,

Breath.

and

Then

position.

No.

are

invigorating,

very

woman,

is

which

Study
before

will

body,

entire

of

thoroughly.

part

it.

all

original

as

It

squatting

Cleansing

nearly

not

to

Repeat

the

reading.

exercises,

slowly

resume

(6)

with
is

first

at

sink

then

moment,

exercise

appears

then

apart,

Repeat

YOGA

the

play
a

new

the

man,

bath

or

wash-down.
The

wash-down

gives

morning,

day,
down

night's

of

while

the

slumber,

and

strength

wash-down

(including

the
and

part

upper

of

feet)
is

very

the

vitality

the
at

of

body

night,

body

refreshing.

the

one

the
the

through

from
rests

in

waist

for

the

CHAPTER

SOLAR

THE

OUR

students

with

the

that

ENERGY

is to

they

say,

sight,

even

equal in
larger than

times

planetary
for

its

the

Each

system.

of energy

of several

composed

several

for

still

planet, the

is
Our

of

the

of

some

to

many

particular

our

of

energy

is the

sun

to

greater
which

science, and

astronomers

of

one

is

suns,

tele

cases

centre

sense

all of which

"

planets known

other

Universe

planetary system,

our

being but

like the

sun,

in

sun

unknown

Earth,

stars

governing

sun

planetary system.

radiator

Our

to, and

size

suns,

in

powerful

most

of fixed

millions

are

through

the

by

astron
even

of the

portion

aided

familiar

that

aware

are

knowledge

any

when

there

scopes,
are

have

less

or

principles of

scientific

infinitesimallysmall
we

more

course,

fundamental

which

is

of

are,

That

omy.

XXVII

own

our

"

large family.

continually

throw

into space,
which
vitalizes
its
ing off energy
energy
life possible on
them.
surrounding planets and makes
Without
on

the

known
for

We

vitality

vital

"

that

course

is of

course

all

are

"

to

dependent

force.

This

which

the

up

to
a

223

vital

Yogis

everywhere,

keep

be

impossible

simple forms

most

constantly being used

energy

life would

sun,

the

even

"

us.

Prana

this

of the

rays

earth
to

is of

are

the

force

or
as

yet certain

absorb

and

perpetual

life

the

upon

know

of

energy
Prana.
centres

again

current

sun

send
as

it

HATHA

224

YOGA

is everything,but still dynamos

Electricity
like centres
to gather it up and
are
necessary

were.

and
send

it

in

out

of Prana

current

concentrated
is maintained

form.
between

constant

the

sun

and

its several

planets.
It is generally taken
for granted (and modern
of
science does not disputeit)that the sun
is a mass
seething fire a sort of fiery furnace, and that the
lightand heat which we receive are the emanations
But
from this great furnace.
the Yogi philosophers
that
have
always held differently.They teach
although the constitution of the sun, or rather the
conditions
prevailingthere, are so different from
mind
would
those
prevailing here that the human
have
much
difficultyin forming an
intelligent
of
mass
a
conception of them, stillit is not literally
in combustion, just as a blazing ball of burn
matter
"

ing

coal would

be

"

nor

is it

as

ball of molten

iron.

conceptions is accepted by the

Yogi teachers.
They hold, on the contrary, that the
is composed largely of certain substances
sun
very
known
substance
similar to the newly discovered
as
radium."
They do not say that the sun is com
centuries
posed of radium, but have held for many
of numerous
that
it is composed
substances, or
of matter, having propertiessimilar to those
forms
Neither

of

these

"

observed
tern

which

world

to

exist, in that
is

just now

its discoverers

substance

thinking so
have

termed

which
much
radium.

the Wes

about, and
We

are

attempting to describe or explain radium, but

certain
to possess
are
merely stating that it seems
qualitiesand propertieswhich the Yogis teach are
possessed in varying degrees by the several

not

HATHA

226
order

its rays

out

remember

Now,
the

keep

to

sun's rays

the

action

it,in fact.

from
away
that when
we

run

"

right here
not speaking
are

we

produced by

YOGA

of the

speak

of

Heat

is

coming

in

of heat.

sun's

rays

intense

outside of the
atmosphere
atmosphere (in the inter-planetaryregions)
resistance
cold prevails,because
there is no

offered

the

with

contact

earth's

advantage
You

the

Do

So when

of the

rays,

sunlight.
Do

You

do

of the

You

do

we

not

mid-summer

best

your

wish

not

afraid

so

which

the

in the

early morning,

either

direct

snn

and

like

let the

carpets.

or

time.

cellar into

windows

your

rays

of the

sun,

room,

and

the

into

your

all the

Open

reflected, beat

or

to

rugs

to be

from

away

sun

closed

rooms

shines.

never

the

of your

rooms

your

sit

to

mean

sun.

admit

must

be

not

keep

not

sun's

to take

tell you

we

stop this practiceof running

must

rooms.

"

sun's rays.

heat

in the

out

the earth's

atmosphere of health, strengthand

vitalitygradually pervading your home, replacing
and lack of
the old atmosphere of disease, weakness

you

will find

an

life.
Get

into

out

it freshen

stand, sit
up

that

let the

may

sun's

rays

this, you will

a

your
you

interference

is in

"

Get

the weather

whole
do

reach

of

clothing. If
scarcelybelieve

sun-bath, and

how

in the

If

body.
so,

take

few

up

lie down

or

shun

don't

Take

noon-time.

about

or

occasionally.

earlier,and

and

in awhile

once

indeed,

warm

sun-baths

situated

sun

side of the street, except when

the sunny
is very

the

body

you

have

how

strong

sun,

and

you

are

off your

your

much
you

minutes
let
so

clothing

without
never

virtue

the

tried
there

will feel after

ENERGY

SOLAR
it.

Do

dismiss

not

this

227

subjectwithout

thought.

littlewith

the sun's rays, and get some

of the benefit of the direct vibrations
on
your body.

Experiment

If you have
of the
specialweakness
any
will find that you will obtain
relief by

body, you
lettingthe

reach the affected part, or the surface

rays of the sun
off the body rightover
the affected part.

The

beneficial,and

most

are
by far the
rays of the sun
those who
rise earlyand get the

earlymorning

benefit
After

of these
the

fresh rays are

has risen about

sun

be

to

five

effects of the rays lessen,and then

the day nears
its close.
You
as
flower-beds

which

shine, thrive
the

much

receive

the

better

than

congratulated.
hours, the vital

graduallydecrease
will notice

early morning
those

who

afternoon

All lovers of
rays.
this,and realize that sunshine

stand

that

get only

flowers
is

as

under

necessary
good soil.

healthy plant life,as is water, air and

Study the plants a little get back to nature,
to

"

read

The
your lesson there.
derful tonics
why do you not
freely?

partake

"

In other
of
power
additional
And

etc.

parts of this book,

share

"

take

"

few

good

with

Prana

to

air

of them

spoken

won
more

of the

the

Prana

increase
Walk

or

vital force in

the benefit
out

in the

by the
morning

back

of the

your shoulders,
air which
is being

Let the sun

the sun's rays.
then, form the mental
image

from

And
you.
suggested by the words, while you repeat the
on

are

and

system an
the air,food, water,

from

head, throw
breaths

have

we

attract

of the

you may
attitude.

your

charged
shine

of Prana

lift up
a

to

this is true

the sun's rays

mental
proper
sun

mind

the

and

sun

sun

following

HATHA

228

similar)

(or

YOGA

"

mantram

beautiful

sunlight

feel

to

Practise
and

then

good

sun,

stands

you

unduly
hot

on

and

winter

hurt

will

have

you
not

and

for.

gradually

been

running

particularly

days,

the

summer,

to

get

yourself

love

early
the

Prana
from

body.

benefits."

opportunity,

an

to

the

sunlight

years
the

sun.

mid-summer

about

morning

what

these

from

away
to

realize
all

missing

been

of

entire

my

begin

have

me

system,

my

its

you

expose

Learn

you.

all

get

whenever

you

thing

while
Do

this

influx

invigorating

life,

it

making

is

the

through

all

feet,

my

from
It

teel

energy.

sunlight,

the

love

of

Nature's

in

drawing

vitality.

coursing

it

head

my
I

full

and

strong
"I

and

strength

bathed

am

am

"

health,

But,

noon.

will

rays
and

all

that

not

it

XXVIII

CHAPTER

FRESH

Now,

do not

very
pass it

pass

common

by

by this chapterbecause it treats

subject. If you feel inclined to

then

you
it is intended, and
Those

who

"

have

AIR

are

by

looked

of
so

for whom
the very person
needed.
whom
it is most
into

the

matter

and

have

necessityof
fresh air,will not pass this chapterby, even
though
they may know all that it contains
they are glad
to read the good news
again. And, if you don't like
the subject,and feel inclined to skip it, then you
surelyneed it. In other chapters of this book we
have spoken of the importance of breathing both
in its esoteric as well as its exoteric phase. This
chapter is not intended to take up the subject of
breathingagain,but will merely give a little preach
of fresh air and plenty of it
the necessity
ment
upon
needed
"a
preachment much
by the people of the
West, where
hermetically closed sleeping rooms
We
in vogue.
and
air-tighthouses are so much
have told you of the importance of correct breathing,
but the lesson will do you but little good unless you
have good fresh air to breathe.
This thing of people shutting themselves
up in
tightlyclosed rooms,
lackingproper ventilation,is
How
the most stupididea that one
conceive of.
can
learned

something

of the

benefit

and

"

"

229

people
the

do

can

facts

acquainting

the

action

the

than

more

take

us

it after

regarding

lungs, is
Let

YOGA

HATHA

230

themselves
functions

and

thinking

man

can

with

of the
answer.

brief look at this

plain,common-sense,

subject.
You

that

will remember
off the

throwing
breath

is

carrying
refuse

being
off the

as

waste

of

are

the

constantly
system

of the
scavenger
products, broken-down
a

all parts

from

matter

lungs

matter

waste

used

the

of

the

"

the

body,

system.

and

The

lungs is almost as foul as

off by the skin, the kidneys and even
the
that thrown
in fact, if the supply of water
bowels
given the
the lungs do
makes
system is not sufficient,nature
of the work
of the kidneys, in getting rid of
much
the foul, poisonous waste
products of the body.
if the bowels
not
And
are
carrying off the normal
off

thrown

matter

by

the

"

of

amount

waste

much

matter,

of

the

contents

of

through the system, seek

by the lungs and
ing an outlet, and is taken
up
breath.
off in the exhaled
thrown
Just think of it
shut yourself up in a tightlyclosed room,
"if you
are
pouring out into the atmosphere of that
you
room
over
eight gallonsan hour of carbonic acid gas,
In eight hours
and other foul and poisonous gases.
off sixty-fourgallons. If there are
two
throw
you
multiply the gallons by two.
sleepingin the room,
As the air becomes
contaminated, you breathe this
and
over
over
again into your
poisonous matter
with
system, the qualityof the air becoming worse

the

colon

each

exhaled

coming
stench

gradually works

into

breath.
your

room

pervading it,if

No

wonder

in the

you

that

anyone
notices the

morning
have
kept the windows

AIR

FRESH
lowered.

kind

of

Did
is to

feel cross,

house.

sleep at all ? It
chance
that
to repair the waste
a
using
during the day. You cease

think

ever

you

give nature

has been

justwhy

you

going on
her energies in work, and

up

repairand
all

build
the

right on

stupid,quarrel
after a night in this

"

generally grouchy
pest

you
"

and

some,

wonder

No

231

up

your

give her

system
And

morrow.

that

so

chance

will be

you

in order

to

do

to

this

right,she requiresat least normal conditions.

She expects to be supplied with air containing the
has
been
air that
proportion of oxygen
proper
exposed to the sunlight of the preceding day and
work

"

which

thereby

has

Instead

freshlycharged with Prana.

give her nothing but a limited

been

of this you
with
of air, half-poisoned

amount

refuse

the

of your

she gives you

nothing but a
body. No wonder
patch-work job sometimes.
that smells of that peculiar fetid odour
Any room
have
all noticed
in a poorly ventilated
that you
is

bedroom,

no

ventilated

been
The

air in

kept

pure as
catching cold.

the

method

patient to
how

matter

and

bedroom

as

modern

place

the

for you

to

sleep in until it has

fresh

kept supplied with

should
outside

Remember

be
air.
that

as

air.

nearly as possible
Don't
the

be

most

afraid

of

approved

treating consumption calls for

be kept in the fresh air, at night, no
of

cold it is.

Put

on

plenty of

bed

cover

the cold after you get a

you will not mind
! Fresh
air
back
little used
to nature
to it. Get

ing, and
does
And

not

mean

what

livingrooms,

sleeping in a draught, remember.

is also true
is true of sleeping rooms
in winter
Of course,
offices,etc.

of
one

YOGA

HATHA

232
allow

not

may

the house,

that

as

low, but

much

of the

would

bring

too

is

still there

outside
down

air to get into

the temperature

which
happy compromise
be
made
climates.
in cold
even
Open the
may
in awhile
and
windows
to
once
give the air a chance
In the evening, do not
circulate in and
out.
forget
that the lamps and
gaslights are using up a goodly
freshen
also
so
things up a little,
supply of oxygen
in awhile.
Read
once
ventilation,
up something on
too

"

and
not

to

care

little bit

Get

of what

upon

in

No

violate

nature's

it is

adapted

don't

be

"

good

of the

and

learn

am

out

so.

energy.

blowing
I

to

of it

upon

Nature's

impunity.

Do

not

am

me,

I may

"

Say

"

So

to your

fresh
this

air:
pure,

strong and

grow

breathing in health and

enjoying the sensation
and

child, and

enjoy the air, and

it.

be

it

use

requirements.

enjoying the
she gives me

that
am

to

you

love

to

"

nature's
cannot

and

and

in order

keep

air

effects.

nature

of Nature

air to use,

strength

your

indoors

stick
to

it

One

intended

Nature

"

child

well, and

Learn

to

walking

am

air.

afraid

self while

with

rules

giving

feel well.

do not

you

air

known

have

entirely foreign

is

fresh

health

life and

this, and

all know

wonder

of the

afraid

let the

and

day

It is full of

which

plans.

common

your

But, nevertheless, you

manner

think

matter,

said, and

do

if you

even

rest.

You

lives.

the

into

have

every

you.

properties.
all your

the

But

better.

deep

we

awhile

out

blow

that

go

will do

sense

will be

health

your

you

I feel its beneficial

I

enjoy

will be

her

gifts."

blessed.

HATHA

YOGA

it is

highly important that she b? given

this opportunity. We
will not attempt to lay down
sleeping,as different people have
any rules about
different needs, and this chapter is merely given as
a slight suggestion.
Generallyspeaking, however,
is the normal
of nature
demand
about eight hours
for sleep.
Always sleepin a well ventilated room, for reasons
Place
fresh air.
given in our
chapter on
upon
to keep you
comfort
yourselfenough bed-clothing
of
the mass
able, but do not bury yourself under
in so
heavy bed-clothingthat is common
many
of habit, and
families" this is largelya matter
you
much
less bed-clothing
will be surprised at how
you
have
than
been
can
using.
get along with
you
have
Never
that you
worn
sleep in any garments
during the day" this practice is neither healthy nor
pillows under
cleanly. Do not pile up too many
Relax
is enough.
head"
small
one
one
every
your
in the body, and take the tension
off of every
muscle
work

and

"

that

Train
after
you

learn

and

nerve,

"

to

loaf

"

in

bed,

"

lazy feeling when you get

yourself not to think of the
retire"

you
will

Watch

this

make

learn

child

sleep,and

bed, and

endeavour

possible.

Be

live

to

what
follow

to

under

cultivate

the

covers.

affairs of the

invariable

rule

day
and

healthy child.
it does after going to
its plan as nearly as

sleep like

soon

to

an

and

the

you go to bed, and endea

of childhood,
the sensations

child when

again
will sleep like the child" this one
and you
piece of
advice is worthy of being printed alone in a hand
have
book, for if followed we would
somely bound

vour

race

to

of

over

greatlyimproved people,

SLEEP

235

acquired an idea of the real nature of

and his place in the universe, he will be more
man,
likelyto drop into this childlike rest than will the
He
feels so perfectly at
man
or
woman.
average
If

has

one

home

in the universe, and

has

that

calm

confidence

overruling power, that he, like the

child, relaxes his body and takes the tension off his
mind, and graduallydrops off into a peacefulsleep.
We
will not
special directions
give here any
regarding the bringingon of sleepto people who have
suffered with sleeplessness.We
believe that if they
will follow the plans for rational and natural living
given in this book, they will sleepnaturally,without
be as well to give
But it may
any specialadvice.
of
two bits of advice along this line,for the use
or
one
those
the way."
on
Bathing the legs and feet in
cool water, just before retiring,
produces sleepiness.
Concentratingthe mind on the feet, has been a help
and

in the

trust

"

to many,

to the lower

it directs the circulation

as

of the

body,

and

do not

try to

go to

world

for

one

generally acts

relieves the

sleep this is the

who
really wishes

the

way.

thing in the
to sleep, for it
better plan, if

worst

"

other

But

brain.

part
above
all,

The

attitude
the mental
you think of it at all,is to assume
that you do not care
whether
not you sleepright
or
off
that you
are
are
enjoying
perfectlyrelaxed
"

"

"

loaf," and
are
good
perfectly satisfied with
things as they are.
Imagine yourselfa tired child,
restingin a half-drowsy way, not fully asleep nor
to act out this sugges
fullyawake, and endeavour
Do not bother
later in the night, and
tion.
about
whether
not you will sleep then
or
just live in that
loaf."
particularmoment, and enioy your

"

"

YOGA

HATHA

236

chapter on Relaxation
into the habit of relaxing at will, and
will get you
with sleeplessness
have
been troubled
will
those who
habits.
find that they may
acquire entirelynew
exercises

The

Now,

that

know

we

students

given in

to bed

to go

all that
live

as

Avoid,

we

as

the

students

our

in this

nature

We

this will interfere with

what

regard
of this
once

you

"

were

Sooner

get

or

as

and

life,
So

possible.

excitement

chance,

to

try

course,

retire

that

all

you have been taught to

ask that in the midst
we

pleasure,"but
so-called
pleasure
"

is to

respect

realize,of

as

in awhile.

early

that this

do

to

late hours

you can,
whenever

night, and
early and rise early.
at

wish

awaken

our

modern
just what
large cities,requiresof one.

ask

can

far

like the child,and

We

all of

expect

realize

we

closelyto
so

cannot

we

the farmer.

like the child, or

possible, but
particularlyin

the

"

you take
later the race

little rest

will return

late hour
of living,and
simple manners
regard the
dissipationwill be regarded as we now
to

use

more

of

narcotics, drunkenness,
all that

meantime,
can

for

we

can

say

But

etc.

is,

"

Do

the

in

the

best you

yourself."

If you are able to get a little time off in the middle

of the day, or other times, you will find that a halflittle
hour's relaxation, or even
a
snooze," will do
"

and

enabling you to
when
do better work
Many of our most
you arise.
have
and
business
successful
professionalmen
when
learned this secret, and many
a time
they are
they
reportedas being very busy for a half -hour
are
reallylyingon their couches, relaxing,breathing

wonders

toward

refreshingyou

"

"

deeply,and

giving nature

chance

to

recuperate.

SLEEP

By

alternating

able

do

to

without

little,
may

to

of

on

one's

work

as

Think

the

all

"

these

by

harder.

to

take

things
and

varying
and

relaxation

one

worked

had

he

world,

Western
"

helps
the

if

be

will

he

work,

over

strenuous

occasional

by

let.ting-go
hold

with

rest.

or

more

even

strenuosity

and

good

as

break

rest

"

be

"

twice

people

you

little

little

237

you
your

rest.

fresh

grip

CHAPTER

XXX

REGENERATION

IN

this

tion

chapter

to

subject of vital importance

the

which

Owing

opinion

upon

plainly

as

all

of

and

impurity

to

give the

is

the

matrimony

to

principle is

too

sacred

into

they compel

which

descends

Yogis

entered

excesses

join.

this

below

be

so

238

their

few

majority

partners
the

that

and

of the

should

wholly

as

the

by

abused,

the level

to

as

say

regard

believe

They
to

subject

will, however,

The

the

then, besides, this

itself, and

We

our

of the

relation

important

so

in which

of

subject of

the

to

the

mean.

we

important

applied

one

with

majority

what

the

by

managed

have

the

subject is

by

into

and

often

the

only
the

acquaintance

that

so

subject.

the

as

counteract

to

writers

fair

in detail.

unnatural
of men,

as

the

although

be

brave

up

scarcely the

on

write

to

practices indulged

very

that

volume

discussed

words

man

take

public

is

as

readily understand

as

sexes,

require
be

or

may

some

regeneration

of

work

writer

regeneration,

will not

We

of

impossible

impure,"

improper

will

readers

two

"

public

of

subject

use

upon

However,

public.

seriously

to

state

but

race,

really necessary,
the subject in question are
apt

as

the

it is

like,

would

one

ready

not

atten

your
the

to

present

subject

this

writings

object

the

to

considered

be

to

generally is

race

consider.

and

briefly direct

but

can

we

in

sex-

feel that

brute

in his

REGENERATION

239

exceptions the
have
relations only for the
sexual
animals
lower
sexual
of perpetuating their kind, and
purpose
such as man
drains and waste
indulges in
excesses,

sex

relations.

are

almost
As

he

there

two

or

to the

lower

animal.

in the scale of life,

however,

has advanced

functions
of sex, and
brought to light new
is an
interchange of certain higher principles

to the

reserved

for

the

and

occur

to the brutes

life

of human

and

man

wife tend

to

this is

"

of

woman

spirituality.Proper
and

husband

does not
forms

material

more

mentality
tween

which

the sexes,

between
or

one

entirelyunknown

man

has

but

With

developed

relations

be

elevate, strengthen,

degrading,weakening, and
the
when
is the case
as
defilingthe participants,
mere
said relation is based
sensuality. This
upon
marital inharmony
that there is so much
is the reason
and

ennoble, instead

and

discord

higher plane

when
of

of

one

of

thought,

partner is unable

to

the

and

follow.

partners
finds that

Thereafter

rises

his

or

to

her

their mutual

planes,and they fail to

that which
find in each
they might wish for.
wish to say upon this particular
This is all we
part of
number
of good
There
a
the subject here.
are
find
students
the subject,that our
books
may
upon
thought
by inquiring at the centres for advanced

relations

are

upon
other

different

literature in the different cities and

confine

ourselves

in

the

remainder

towns.

of

We
this

will
short

of the subject of the

chapter to the discussion
importance of preservingsexual strength and health
While leading a life in which the actual relations of
do not play an important part, the Yogis
the sexes
recognize and appreciate the importance of healthy
.

YOGA

HATHA

240

the
reproductive organism, and their effect upon
With
these organs
general health of the individual.
in a weakened
condition
the entire physical system
feels the

reflex action

suffers

and

sympathetically.

in this
(described elsewhere
Complete Breath
is nature's
own
book) produces a rhythm which
plan for keeping this important part of the system

The

in

normal

from

and,

condition,

the

first,it will

the

are
reproductive functions
strengthened and vitalized, thus, by sympathetic
reflex action, giving tone to the whole
By
system.
do not mean
this we
that the animal
passions will be
it. The
of
aroused
far from
Yogis are advocates
and chastity,
and purity in the marriage
continence
relation as well as out of it. They have learned to
control the animal
passions,and to hold them subject
of the higher principlesof the mind
to the control

be

that

noticed

"

will.

and

But

sexual

weakness, and
or

whose

woman

and

himself

control

of the

system

comes

results

from

condition
The

from

morbid

of the

not

sexual

mean

stronger will with

perversion of

Yogis

Yogi believes

The

this wonderful

lack
rather

which

of

than

that

part of the
health

normal

to

from

and

normal

reproductive system.
be
the sex-energy
may
for the development of the body

also know
used

conserved

and

and

of the

mind

herself.

or

does

Yogi teachingsare that the man

reproductive organism is normal

will have

healthy

much

the

control

pated

in unnatural

many
We

uninformed

give in

Yogi

exercises

that

individual, instead
excesses

as

of

is the

being

dissi

wont

of

so

people.
of the
following
pages one
for producing this result.

the

favourite
Whether

YOGA

HATHA

242

those

gives great vitality to

them

with

them

and

them

cause

into

turned

of

amount

is to

its purpose

as

energy,

is

force

vital

used

from
"

may

great

to

of its most

one

reproductive

into

of prana

manifestations

powerful

fills

transmuted

condensed

has

It

magnetic

as

and

channels

new

"

known
thus

energy

Nature

advantage.

be

to

energy

will radiate

great vital force, which

personalities. The
be

reproductive
practisingit.

the

of

transmutation

This

The

create.

greatest
into

concentrated

the

reproductive organism is the

most
powerful storage battery in animal life,and its
be drawn
force may
upward and used, as well as
expended in the ordinary functions of reproduction,
smallest

or

The

space.

in riotous

wasted

lust.

reproductive
It is coupled with
rhythmic
is simple.
energy
be
It may
is easily performed.
breathing and
practisedat any time, but is strongly recommended
strongly, at which
feels the instinct most
when
one
is manifesting, and
the
time
reproductive energy
for regenerativepurposes.
be easily transmuted
may
or
We
paragraph. The men
give it in the next
women
doing mental creative work, or bodily creative
The

work,
their

Yogi exercise

will

be

able

vocations,

up the energy
forth with the

stand, of

course,

fluids that

are

for

to

transmuting

by following
with

each

The

that it is not
up

the

and

pranic energy which animates

of the reproductive organism,

sending

and

it

student

will under

actual

reproductive

used, but
the
as

in

energy

exercise, drawing

the

inhalation

exhalation.

drawn

creative

this

use

it

the

latter"
were.

etheric
the

soul

REGENERATION

243
EXERCISE

REGENERATIVE
the

Keep

mind

fixed

idea

the

on

of

Energy, and
imaginings.

ordinary sexual thoughts or

do not
into the mind
If these thoughts come
discouraged,but regard them as manifestations
from

away

force

which

intend

you

sit erect, and

for the

use

mind

fix your

of

force

reserve

as

of

With

of the

mand
from

Will

Then

image

with
energy
make
inhalation
a

each
the

that

be drawn

energy

the

If the

stored

energy.
the mental

rhythmically, forming
drawing up the reproductive

inhalation.

and

each
com

upward

Solar

the

reproductive organism to
rhythm is fairlyestablished

of
the

to

vital

breathe

of

idea

upward
drawing the reproductive energy
and
Solar Plexus, where
it will be transmuted
away

passively,

the

upon

of

purpose

Lie

mind.

and

body

strengtheningyour
or

to

feel

the

Plexus.
mental

of the upward
is clear you will be conscious
of the energy, and
will feel its stimulating
passage
If you
increase
in mental
effect.
desire an
force,

image

draw
you may
Solar Plexus,

mental
balance

of

energy
being done

remaining
to

allow

as

instead

mental

of to

will pass

to

the

exercise, only such

needed

be

may

the
and

command

the transmission

of the

the

work

It is usual

brain

the

this last form

In

portions

to

by giving the
mental
image of

holding the
brain.

it up

into

in

the

the brain, the

up in the Solar Plexus.

forward
head to bend
easily

stored
the

naturallyduring the transmuting exercise.

This subject of Regeneration opens
up a wide field
for investigation,
research and study, and some
day

and

we

may

find

it advisable

to

issue

little manual

HATHA

244

few

who

from
to

vious

subject,

the

upon

are

the
find

ready
purest

something
imaginations

YOGA

for

circulation

private
it, and

for

motives,
which
and

seek

who

rather
will

than

appeal

inclinations.

the

among
the

knowledge

from

to

their

desire
lasci

CHAPTER

THE

THOSE

who

XXXI

MENTAL

have

ATTITUDE

familiarized
the

Yogi teachings regarding

its control
effect

of

of the

readily

that

see

much

cheerful

and
in

mony,

and

all

cheerful

control

dish
of

may

produce

mental

attitudes

of the

just how
physical action

mental

fact

the
of

affects

the

states,
all

anger

that

The

appetite.

will make

inhar-

good

mention

mouth

the

water,

unpleasant experience

some
nausea.
are

mirrored

in

our

that

as

mental

Instinc

state

takes

form

direct
under
in the

functioning.

Depressing thought
it of its proper

the

them
of

principleof mind has

physical body, it may readilybe

and

stood

in turn

reflect

functioning

with

the loss of the

recollection

Mind,

Bright,

surroundings promote a normal

depressing surroundings,
news,

bad

favourite

tive

health.

depressed

familiar

of

Our

person

body and produce physical

eventually disease.

cause

sight

normal

the

the
will

"

the

etc., will

or

of

fear, hate, jealousy, and

appetite, while

the

her

or

Mind

attitudes

mental

happy

are

and

and

his

shape of
body, while

upon

some

with

attitude

and

of

also

ana

"

the

Mind

Instinctive

mental

the

react

news

the
to do

physical
gloom, worry,

We

the

upon

with

Instinctive

physical body

Will

will have

selves

the

themselves

every

affects

the

circulation, which

part of the body, by depriving

nourishment.

245

Inharmonious

thought

HATHA

YOGA

appetite,and

the

246
the

destroys
the body
and

does

receive

not

blood

is that

consequence

the

nourishment,

proper

becomes

the
On
impoverished.
other
hand, cheerful, optimistic thought promotes
the
the
digestion, increases
appetite, helps the
circulation,and, in fact, acts as a general tonic upon
the

the

system.

Many
mind

the

the

upon

occultists, and

this idea of the effect of

that

suppose

persons

is but

body

the

interested

persons

idle

along

theory

the

of

line of

mental

has but to go to the

therapeutics,but one
records of scientific investigatorsto realize that this
theory is based upon well established facts. Experi
have been tried, many
ments
times, tending to prove
that the body is most
receptiveto the mental attitude
or
belief,and persons have been made sick,and others
cured
by simple auto-suggestion or the suggestion

others, which

of

in

effect

but

are

strong mental

attitudes.
The

saliva is rendered

poison

under

the influence

milk becomes
of anger ; mother's
poisonous to the
manifests
excessive anger or fear.
babe if the mother

gastricjuice ceases
becomes
depressed or
The

of this kind
Do

you

could

be

doubt

to

flow

fearful.

freelyif

the

thousand

person

instances

given.

the

fact

that

disease

be
may
listen
? Then

primarilycaused by negative thinking

to the testimony of a few authorities of

the Western

world.
"

Any

severe

succeeded
Sir

or

fever

in

Baker,

in

by

Samuel

Medico

anger

griefis almost
certain
the

ChirurgicalReview,"

"

certain

to be

parts of Africa.
British

and

"-

Foreign

MENTAL
"

Diabetes

from

ATTITUDE

sudden

mental

247
is

shock

pure type of a physicalmalady of mental

Sir B. W
Discourses"
Richardson, in

true,

origin."
"

"

"

In many

that

I have

cases,

has

cancer

its

seen

origin in

for

believing
prolonged anxiety."
reasons

"

"

Sir

Lectures."
George Paget, in
I have
been surprisedhow
often patients with
of the liver lay the cause
of this ill
primary cancer
health
to protracted grief or
anxiety. The cases
"

have

been

mere

coincidences."
"

of

The

far too

mental

uterine

or

anxiety."
"

Dr. Wilks
mental

conditions.

for

accounted

as

of cancer,

cases

cases

Dr.

of

especially
probably due to

are

cancer,

Dr. Snow, in

reports

be

Murchison.

"

majority of

vast

breast

to

numerous

"

The

Lancet"

jaundice resultingfrom

Churton, in the

"

British

Medical

Journal," reports a case of Jaundice arising

from
anxiety. Dr. Makenzie
reports several cases
of pernicious anaemia
shock.
caused
by mental
Hunter
of angina pectoris
reports an excitingcause
has
known
be
emotional
excite
to
long been
"

ment."
"

Eruptions

mental
and

strain.
from

mania

on

the

skin

In ah1 these, and

mental

"

"

follow

excessive

in cancer,

epilepsy,
there is a predis
causes,
how little the questionof

position.It is remarkable
physical disease from mental
studied."

will

influences

has

been

Richardson.

My experiments show that irascible,malevolent

and
depressing emotions
generate in the system
of which
are
injuriouscompounds, some
extremely
poisonous ; also that agreeable, happy emotions
generate chemical
compounds of nutritious value,

HATHA

248
which

stimulates

Elmer

Gates.
Hack

Dr.

the cells to manufacture

Tuke, in his well known

diseases,etc., written
interest

YOGA

long

manifested

was

before

in the

work

the

"-

energy.

"

Western

mental

on

"

Mind-cure

world, gives

of diseases

produced by fear, among

them
being insanity,idiocy, paralysis, jaundice,
premature greyness and baldness, decay of the teeth,
uterine
and
troubles, erysipelas,eczema
impetigo.
During times when
contagious diseases are pre
valent
in communities, it is a well attested
fact that
numerous

fear

cases

causes

but

deaths

many

light. This

sider
to

great number

causes

the

fact

attack

the

and

the

There
upon
dwell

cases,

in which

cases

the

and

also

attack

is

is

when
we
con
readily understood
that contagious diseases are
more
apt
manifesting impaired vitality,
person

the further

impair

in

of the

fact that

fear and

kindred

emotions

vitality.
been

have

this matter,

number
there

so

of
is

no

good

books

occasion

written
for

us

to

length upon this part of the general subject.

But
before leaving it, we
must
impress upon our
students
the truth of the oft repeated statement
as
Thought takes form in action," and that mental
conditions are reproduced in physicalmanifestations.
The
Yogi Philosophy, in its entirety,tends to
attitude
of calmness, peace,
produce a mental
its students,
strength and absolute fearlessness among
which, of course, is reflected in their physical con
at

"

dition.

To

fearlessness

such
comes

special effort
those who

have

as

is necessary
not

mental

persons

as

matter
to

of

calmness
course,

produce

it.

yet acquired this mental

and

and
But

no

to

calm,

CHAPTER

LED

BY

this book

WHILE

of the

care

XXXII

SPIRIT

THE

is intended

physical body, leaving the higher

Yogi Philosophy to be dealt with

writings, still the leading principle of

branches

the

of

is

teachings

bound

so

the

with

up

the

solely upon

treat

to

other

in

the

Yogi

branches

minor

of

by
subject, and is so largely taken into account
the Yogis in the simplest acts of their lives, that in
students,
justice to the teachings as well as to our
leave the subject without
at least saying
cannot
we
the

about

words

few

The

holds

that

from

ing,

still

and

Spirit is

in each

life,working

up

expression.

The

man

bodies

the

"

are

"

but

use

the

body

be
the

put

itself

on,

intent

perfect

of his

an

worn,

of

of

of mineral,

to

be

that

by
it is

lower

forms

of

higher

forms

of

of this

progressing

used

and

animal

lower

plant,

Spirit.

obscured

nature

for

to

the

so

in the

sheaths

material

for

the

best

higher principles. But, although

body

material

nothing

more

and

then

Spirit

to

instrument

lower

seeking

ever

unfold

and

manifestations

often

It is also

instruments

of the

the

and

of the

development

and

although

man,

doubtless

slowly growing

higher expressions

discernible.

scarcely

students

our

as

forms

sheaths

confining

life

is

man

lower

the

higher,
the

underlying principle.

Philosophy,

Yogi

know,

this

as

250

is but
than

temporary,

discarded,

provide

of clothes

suit

yet

and

possible.

It

it is

and
to

always

maintain

provides

as

the

BY

LED

THE

SPIRIT

251

best

body possible,and gives the impulses toward

not to be mentioned
rightliving,but if from causes
here, an imperfect body is provided for the soul, still
the higher principles
strive to adapt and accommo
date themselves

This instinct of
all of

life" is

works

through

Instinctive
reaches

it,and make

to

the best of it.

self-preservationthis
manifestation

the

Mind

urge behind
the Spirit. It

"

of

rudimentary forms
through many
stages

of the

most

up

until

it

the

of that mental
highest manifestations
principle. It also manifests through the Intellect,
in the direction of causing the man
his reason
to use
ing powers for the purpose of maintaining his phy
sical soundness
does not

keep

to be

conscious

duties

of the

and
to its

life.

But, alas ! the

work, for

own

of itself it
Instinctive

soon

as

get

as

boy

of

livingupon

the

Mind, and

far away
from
freed from the

body,

nature

as

it begins

as

meddle

begins to

and

with

the

overridingthe

instinct of the latter,it forces all sorts

modes

Intellect

of unnatural
to

seems

possible. It

try

to

is like

parental restraint,who goes as

far contrary to the parents'example and advice as
possible just to show that he is independent. But
the boy learns his folly,
and retraces his steps and
a

"

"

so

will the Intellect.

Man

is

beginning to

thing within him

body, and which

knows

than

For

unable

he

does.

see

that

attends
its

man

now,

own

with

that
to

there

the

business
all his

wants

much

is

some

of his
better

Intellect

is

duplicatethe feats of the Instinctive Mind

working through the body of the plant, animal or
himself.
And
he learns to trust this mental
prin
ciple,as a friend,and to let it work out its own
to

HATHA

252

fit to

impossible to

live

existence

and

But

nature's

instinct of

with

its work

does

as

it manages
of

considerable

much

self-preserva

is great, and

well

very

and

handicap,

which

abnormal

less

or

more

accommodation

get along

from

or
later,it is
principlessooner
wholly natural life,and physical

be

must

consequence.

has

man

first

to

to

in his evolution, but

adopt,

he will return

tion

of life which

In the present modes

duties.
seen

YOGA

than

better

one

and
insane
considering the absurd
living habits and practicesof civilized man.
that
It must
be forgotten,however,
not
man
as
advances
along the scale and the Spiritual Mind
begins to unfold, man
acquires a something akin to

would

expect

instinct

back

to

call it Intuition

we

"

We

nature.

dawning

can

consciousness,

the

leads

this

influence

the

see

in

and

"

marked

him

of this

movement

living and the simple life,

We
which
is growing so rapidly the last few years.
forms, con
are
beginning to laugh at the absurd

back

toward

natural

and

ventions

fashions

pull down
weight.

that

will

The
is

and

man

ficial life and

and

the

will find

bandages
ages.

long

ages

with
He
we

around

rid of them,
its

growing

SpiritualMind

dissatisfied with

the

arti

strong inclina

natural

principles
will grow
impa
restraint and artificial coverings and
himself during
which
has bound
man
after
will feel the homing instinct""

to

the

get

we

simpler and more

living,thinking and acting, and

tient under

the

become

customs,

tion to return
of

in whom

up

grown

civilization beneath

woman

unfolding,will

have

which, unless

civilization and

our

which

are

coming home."

And

the Intellect

LED
will

respond
its

allowed
work

based
that

SPIRIT

253

seeing the follies it has perpetrated,

to nature,
to "let go" and return
of having
work
all the better by reason

own

Instinctive

the

without

The

THE

and

will endeavour

doing

BY

Mind

to

attend

meddling.
theory and practice of

whole

to

Hatha

its

Yoga

the
to nature
upon this idea of return
contains
the Instinctive
of man
Mind
"

which

will maintain

under

health

normal

own

is

belief
that

conditions.

accordingly those who practiseits teachings

let go," and then to live as closelyto
learn first to
natural conditions
is possiblein this age of artifi
as
to
ciality.And this little book has been devoted
pointing out nature's ways and methods, in order
We
that we
have not taught a
return
to them.
may
new
doctrine, but have merely cried out to you to
which
from
with us to the good old way
we
come
have
strayed.
And

"

We

are

harder

not

for the

natural

unmindful

methods

ings impel

and

man

them

of
the

fact that

of the

of the West

woman

to

adopt

all their surround

living,when
other

it is much

way,

still each

may
in this

day for himself and the race,

direction,and it is surprisinghow the old artificial
habits will drop from a person
one
by one.
In this our
concludingchapter,we wish to impress
be led by the Spirit
upon you the fact that one
may
One
in the physical life as well as in the mental.
in the
trust the Spiritto guide him
implicitly
may
rightway in the matter of everyday livingas well as
in the more
complicated matters of life. If one will
trust in the Spirit,
he will find that his old appetites
tastes will
will drop away
from him
his abnormal

do

little each

but

"

"

HATHA

254

YOGA

disappear and he will

simpler living which
different thing to him.

find

"

One

should

not

will

attempt

joy and pleasure in

make

life

the

like

seem

his belief in the

to divorce

his physical life

for Spirit
Spirit leadings from
pervades everything, and manifests in the physical
(or rather through it)as well as in the highest mental
One
the Spiritand
drink
with
eat with
states.
may
"

it, as
"

well

think

as

with

It will not

it.

do

to

say,

and that is not," for all is spiritual

spiritual,
in the highest sense.
of his
the most
wishes to make
And
if one
finally,
as
physicallife to have as perfect an instrument
live
be for the expression of the Spirit- let him
may
his life all the way
through in that trust and confi
Let him
in the spiritualpart of his nature.
dence
realize that the Spiritwithin him is a spark from the
Flame
Divine
a
drop from the Ocean of Spirit a

This is

"

"

"

ray

from

the Central

Sun.

Let

realize that he is

him

being always growing, developing and

the great goal,
unfolding; always moving toward
in his present state,
of which
the exact nature
man,
vision.
with his imperfectmental
to grasp
is unable
and
The
upward. We are all
urge is always onward
a
part of that great Life which is manifesting itself
and shapes.
infinitude of infinitudes of forms
in an
an

We

eternal

are

faintest

all

idea

selves up
our

"

bodies

to

part of
of what
such

will

an

be

IT.

If

can

we

but

grasp

the

will open
our
that
influx of Life and vitality
this means,

we

practicallymade

perfectly. Let each

Perfect Body, and endeavour
into its physical form
grow
manifest

"

of

us

to

and

and

over

form

idea of

an

live that

so
we

can

will

do

we

will

this.

have

We

as

be

may

anxious
dear

that

flow

trying
LET

to

the

confidence

all

and

thing
and

allow
will

this
be

do

its

thing
own

and

life

flow

ourselves

through
us

let

us

"

for

work

let

non-resistance

It

us.

us

is

nature,

Let

us.

to

which
to

to

near

possible

as

return

with

"

chance.

as

energy

us

great

well

them

to

friction

Let

us.

whole

the

do

life

great

the

governing

conform
little

as

255

laws

the

may

through
and

students,

SPIRIT

you

you

that

of
to

freely,

tell

to

interposing

"

inflow

the

us

tried

body,

physical

THE

BY

LED

only
give

stop

just
asks
it