HATHA

OR

YOGA

THE

YOGI

PHILOSOPHY

OF

PHYSICAL

WELL-BEING

WITH

NUMEROUS

EXERCISES,

ETC.

By
Author of
"

YOGI
of

RAMACHARAKA
Breath,"
"

Science

"Yogi

Philosophy
Course,"
Etc.

and

Oriental

Occultism,"

Advanced

LONDON:

L.
1

N.
5

FOWLER
NEW BRIDGE

"

Co.

LTD.

STREET,

E.C.4

(C

N.

1-OVV

I I K

CO

III

8524

3093

PRINTED BY A. WHEATON

IN

(iREAI

BRITAIN KXKTF.k

"

CO..

TABLE
CHAP

OF

CONTENTS

I. II.

What The

is Hatha

Yoga

? for the

Yogis' Regard Body

Work of the

Physical
16

III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI.

The Our The The The

Divine Vital of the

Architect.
...

20

Friend, The

Force

24 30 42

Laboratory
Life Fluid

Body

Crematory

of the

System

46
52

Nourishment

Hunger
Prana About The The

vs.

Appetite
from

56
Food 62 73

Absorption
Food

XII.
XIII. XIV.

Irrigation of
Ashes of the

the

Body

78
91 104

System

Yogi
Effect

Breathing
of Correct

XV.
XVI. XVII.

Breathing

118
122

Breathing
Nostril
The

Exercises
vs.

Breathing
Lives

Mouth

Breathing

132 137

XVIII. XIX.
XX.

Little

of the

Body
. . .

Control Pranic Pranic Science Rules

of the

Involuntary System.

148
155 166

Energy
Exercises of for of Relaxation

XXI. XXII. XXIII. XXIV.

176 184
197

Relaxation

Use

Physical Exercise
3

TABLE

OF

CONTENTS

CHAP.

PAGE

XXV.

Yogi
The

Physical
Yogi
Solar Bath

Exercise

203

XXVI.

213

XXVII.

The

Energy

223

XXVIII.

Kn-sh

Air

229 Sweet Restorer-

XXIX.

Nature's

Sleep.
..

.233

XXX.

Regeneration
The Mental Attitude

238
2^5

XXXI.

XXXII.

Led

by

the

Spirit

250

PUBLISHERS'

NOTICE

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

"

by
up

the
the

same

author
"

-that

is to
"

should
the

take

exception of etc.)which has

the last moment take
to

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

covered

say, it with

been
we

in that that
"

book.
be

But
a
"

at

decided

it would

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 and in expecting that the present justified 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 to the subject of Yoga," omitting strictly such portions as belonged rather to the other branch of the Yogi Philosophy, i.e., Raja Yoga. We men tion these facts that the purchasers of this book, would
be
" " "

who
accuse one.

have
us

also of

read

our new

former book

book,

might
of
an

not

a filling

with

parts

old

We

advertised

this

book,

intending

to

give

only the supplemental parts, as above stated, and the portions of Science of Breath," which have been
"

added
pense,
"

thereto, have
and in the

been of

inserted
"

at

our

own or

ex

nature

good measure,"

the

baker's

dozen."

PUBLISHERS' It is

NOTICE
at
some

probable that,
"

future
same
"

time,

we

will
up

make the
"

arrangements

with

the

author
Science
same,

to take

portions of Raja Yoga and to amplify and enlarge upon foundation already built, just as
present book
contained If this
course

of Breath,"

adding
has
"

to the

he

done

in the

upon the

the

"

Hatha

in

little book

foundation Yoga first published by us.

"

is followed, the

present book,
series of
"

HATHA

YOGA,"

will be the

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
" "

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

first of
a

becoming
"

interested

in the

the

subject.
deals
alto

HATHA

YOGA,"

present book,

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

ever,

will be
may

splendid foundation
as a one

upon

which

the

student

build,
for

sound, strong, healthy body

his best has
so

is necessary the
text.

to do

work

author

of this book

well

study, as explained in the

a

and

We

have

asked
but

the

author

to to

write

preface to
not

this book,
the

this he

declines
for

do,
"

as

he feels that does like

book idea

should
of

speak

and itself,

he

the

it) intruding his per truth his readers, holding that sonality upon should be self-evident and needing no personaltouch (as he
expresses
"

to

make

it truth.
a

This

notice, therefore, will take

case.

the

place of

preface

in this

YOGI

PUBLICATION

SOCIETY.

TO HEALTHY THIS IS RESPECTFULLY

MAN

THE AND BOOK WOMAN

DEDICATED.
THINGS

THEY

HAVE

DONE

CERTAIN

(CONSCIOUSLY
THEMSELVES FROM

OR

SUB

CONSCIOUSLY)
FANCY TO

IN

ORDER

TO

BRING

IN

HEALTHY,

NORMAL

MATURITY,

AND

IF

YOU

(WHO
JUSTTHESE

MAY

NOT

BE

SO

HEALTHY

AND

NORMAL)
IS NO REASON

WILL

DO

SAME

THINGS,

THERE

WHY

YOU,

TOO,

SHOULD

NOT

BE

JUST

AS

ARE

THEY.

AND

THIS

LITTLE

BOOK

IS

OUR

ATTEMPT

TO

TELL

YOU

JUST

WHAT

THIS

HEALTHY

MAN

AND

WOMAN

DID

IN

ORDER

TO

BE

JUST

WHAT

THEY

ARE.

READ

IT,
SO

AND FAR

THEN AS YOU

GO

AND ARE

DO ABLE.

LIKEWISE

IF

YOU

DOUBT

THE

TRUTH

OF

OUR

STATEMENTS,

FIND

SOME

HEALTHY

MAN

OR

WOMAN,

AND

WATCH

HIM,

OR

HER,

CLOSELY,

AND

SEE

WHETHER

HE,

OR

SHE,

DOES

NOT

DO

THE

THINGS

WE

HAVE

POINTED

OUT

TO

YOU

TO

DO

IN

THIS

BOOK

AND

WHETHER

HE,

OR

SHE,

DOES

NOT

LEAVE

UNDONE

THE

THINGS

WE

HAVE

ASKED

VOU

TO

AVOID.

WE

ARE

WILLING

TO

SUB

MIT

OUR

TEACHINGS

TO

THIS

SEVERE

"

TEST

"

APPLY

IT.

"

CHAPTER

WHAT

IS

HATHA

YOGA

THE

science

of

Yoga
the

is best

divided known
;

into and

several

branches. divisions
Karma
are

Among Yoga

leading
;

(i) Hatha
;

Yoga

(2) Raja Yoga

This and
we

(3)
at

(4)
the

Gnani

Yoga.

book will

is de
not

voted

only
to

to

first named, the others

to
at

tempt
we

describe

this

time,

although
great

will have
of

something

say

upon

all of these

branches Hatha which

Yoga,
with its

in

future branch

writings.
of the

Yoga
deals
"

is that

Yogi Philosophy
"

the
"

physical body
its

its
and

care

"

its that
of

well-being
tends health. voices the
the
to

health

strength
and mode taken

"

all

keep
It

it i-i its natural

a

normal

state

teaches cry which world

:

natural

of
up

living by
to to

and of

has
"

been
us

many

Western

Let

get back
not

Nature," get back,

close

excepting
for
to

that

the

Yogi

does he
and

have

he

is

already there,
and her ways, the
the
as

for

has has

always clung
not

nature

been

dazzled externals
to

and which
that social

befooled has
such

by thing
he

mad
modern
nature
not

rush

towards
races

caused
a

civilized existed. reached these

forget
and
con

Fashions the

ambitions
"

have

Yogi's
and

sciousness them
he
as

smiles the lured close

at

things,
of

regards
games
"

he
not

does been

pretences
from
up
to
Q

childish
arms,

has

nature's the bosom

but
of his

con

tinues

to

cuddle

good

io

HATHA who and

;

YOGA him

mother warmth
nature

has

always given protection. Hatha

and
a

nourishment,

Yoga

is

first,
When

second, nature,
with
to

last, NATURE.
"

confronted

choice the

of methods,
touchstone
:

plans,theories,
Which
is the
seems

etc.,

apply
way

them
"

natural

and

always

choose

that which This when

to conform

the nearest for

our

to nature.

plan will
"

be

good
tion

one

students
to

to follow

their atten
;

is directed
;

the

many

theories

fads

"

methods
which the

plans
Western

and

ideas, along health

world is

lines, with
For
in in in

being

flooded.

stance,

if
of

danger
contact

they are asked to believe that they are magnetism," by coming losing their
"

with

the earth, and heels upon

"

are

advised

to

wear

rub

ber

soles and
"

their shoes, and

to

sleep in

beds

insulated

with

(mother Earth) from the magnetism them

let the

glass feet, to prevent nature sucking and drawing out of which she has just given them,
"

students this ?

ask
"

themselves

What
to

does

Nature what

say

about

Then,
them
see

in order

find out nature's and

nature

says,

let

whether

plans
wear

could

have

contemplated
soles, and
whether

the manufacture

ing
them

of rubber
see

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

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

in the
whether

world

have

done

these

they

feel debilitated

grassy sward, or whether of man is not to flinghimself the

"

upon natural

the

grassy

bank of

let them

see

whether
to
run

the bare

impulse

childhood
not

is not

foot ; whether
the

it does

refresh the feet to take

off

shoes

(rubber

soles and

all)and

walk

around

WHAT barefooted
conducive We wish merits
;

IS

HATHA rubber
"

YOGA
boots and
are

whether
"

to

magnetism
as
an

particularly and so on. vitality,

that
or a
we

give this merely

to

not illustration,

waste

of

servative teach that the

discussing the merits rubber soles,and glass bed feet as A little observation of magnetism.
time in that all of nature's of his
answers

de pre will him

man

show

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 to be dreaded as being anxious and likely 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
he gets much
"
"

them.

So, by all
do is
a

means,
"

apply
our

the

nature
"

test

to

all

theories of this kind

not

own

included discard what

and
"

if they the
"

square safe one.

with

nature,
knows

them

rule she

Nature

it is about

is your friend and not your enemy. There and most have been many written on the other branches of the but with the
a

valuable

works

Yogi Philosophy,
been dismissed

subject of

Hatha

Yoga

has

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 slightest conception 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
brief reference ible to anyone who will devote
to

it the

time

and

12

HATHA for its

YOGA

trouble

necessary

acquiring the
"

tricks

"

which

ability to they exhibit

accomplishment), thereby perform certain abnormal

to
amuse

and

entertain feats

(or disgust)Western
are

travellers.

Some

of their

quite wonderful, when regarded from the stand the be performers would point of curiosity,and dime worthy applicants for paying positions in the
" "

museums

of America,
some

indeed

their feats being very

some

similar
"

to

performed by
hear of these

of the

Western with

freaks."

We

people exhibiting

pride such tricks and the ability to reverse

bowels
ments

acquired habits as, for instance, action of the the peristaltic

the
to

and of the of of
a

intestines, and

swallowing
a

move

hibition
cesses

gullet,so complete
parts
the the

as

give body,
be

disgusting ex
normal that pro articles
so

reversal the may

of the

those into from

of colon

introduced
and
ment

carried
reverse

upwards
move a

ejected
of the

gullet, by

this
etc.

involuntary muscles,

This, from

but interesting, 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
who wash
assume

are

akin the

to

the

class

of fanatics

India
to

title

refuse who who

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

"Yogi," and religiousreasons

is withered until the

who
; ;
or or

they pierce
birds
build

their hands

who

sit

so

still that

WHAT
nests

IS
or

HATHA
who

YOGA

13

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

"

are

either
a

rank
are on

frauds,
a

or

self-deluded
a

fanatics, and
class of

as

class

par

with

certain

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
in American

European self-inflicted wounds,

and

"

"

temple
In

give of the underlying principles 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 practically nothing about the cure of diseases, except
have
to
"

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

for the

endeavoured

where back

we

indicate
a

what
state.

one

should Its

do in order

to

get

to
"

natural

Man

its main

to the

standard

to purpose of the normal

keynote is the Healthy help people to conform

man.

But

we

believe

14 that that which

HATHA

YOGA

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
to

those

which

have
of

grown

up

around

us

in

our

artificial habits This book

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.
" "

living. simple very

here.
organ

do tell you how to command to again function properly,and about has the
on

We

rebellious other

several

things
which these

control
a

over

an we

involuntary part
have
man

gone

strike, but
"

mentioned
a

thingsonly
"

in the line of
a

making
"

healthy
have

being
We

not

to

make

freak

of him. disease. We

have

not

said much
up
to

about

preferredto
and what Then

hold

Woman,
makes
we

your gaze the Healthy Man asking you to look well at them and see them healthy and keeps them healthy. attention
to what

call your

they do

and

how

WHAT

IS

HATHA

YOGA

15

they
if But done In you

do

it. would

Then be
"

we

tell them. about

must

you

to

go
is

and
all

do

likewise, try
may
to

like
"

That

we

do. be

that for other of the

all

is

everything
do tell the belief in the the
rest

that

you

"

you

yourself.
the

chapters, body, Yoga

Life
"

we

you

why

Yogis principle

take of

care

and

also that

underlying
in

the behind
to

Hatha all

the

"

Intelligence
Life

that work that

trust

great
that

Principle
that will with if
we

carry but
to

on

its

properly
great
us

belief and be well what

"

will

rely
in Read
to

on

principle,
all will

allow

it

work

and

through
on,

our

bodies.

and

you will
"

will

see

we

are

trying
we

say been

to

you

get

the
to

message you. In is

which

have the What

to

charged
with

to

deliver this

answer

to
'

question,
is
the

which
?
"

chapter
to

headed Read this little

Hatha

Yoga
and

we

say

you

book about

end,
it

you is
"

will
to

understand
out

some

what the fair

really

find

all and

it

is

put
will

into

practice
a

precepts
start
on

of the

this road

book,
to

you

get
you

good

that

knowledge

seek.

CHAPTER

II

THE

YOGIS'

REGARD
BODY

FOR

THE

PHYSICAL

To
the

the

casual

observer,

the
of

Yogi Philosophy presents

a

apparent
that when the
to

anomaly
the

teaching
the

which,

while

holding nothing
Man,
at

physical
to

body
devotes
of

is material

and

as

compared
same

higher principles
much
its
care

of

time

and

importance
direction of

the the

instruction careful and

students

in

the

attention,
of of
to

nourishment,
that

training, body. ings, physical regarding

exercise fact
one

improvement
branch

physical
teach
of the

In

whole

the

Yogi
care

Hatha

Yoga,
and
the

is devoted
goes

this

body,
of this

into of

considerable its

detail
in the

instruction

students and

principles
Some
seen

physical training
travellers
in the the

development.
who
upon

Western the and

care

Orient
bestow

have
their

which time

Yogis
attention
to

bodies,
to

the

and

which

they

devote the
of

the

task, have

jumped
is
a

the
an more

conclusion Oriental

that form

Yogi

Philosophy
Culture,
but
much
a

merely
little

Physical perhaps,
in it.

carefully studied, nothing

the
" "

system
for

having

spiritual
behind

"

So
not

seeing merely enough

to

outer

forms,
the

and

knowing
need

look

scenes."

We
real

scarcely
reason

to

explain
care

to

our

students

the need

for the

Yogis'

for the

body,

nor

16

REGARD
we

FOR the

THE

PHYSICAL

BODY

17

apologize for
care

publicationof
the instruction

this little book of

which in the

has for its end and

Yogi
of the

students

scientific

development

physical

body. Yogis believe, you know, that the real Man is I his body. not They know that the immortal of which each human being is conscious to a greater lesser degree, is not the body which it merely or that the body is occupies and uses. They know but as a suit of clothes which the Spirit puts on and off from the body for time to time. They know
The
"

"

what

it is,and

are

not

deceived while

into the belief that these

it is the real Man.

But that
the

knowing

things,

in body is the instrument which, and by which the Spiritmanifests and works. that the fleshlycovering is necessary They know for Man's manifestation and growth in this par ticular stage of his development. They know that the body is the Temple of the Spirit. And they, con and sequently, believe that the care development of the body is as worthy a task as is the development of some of the higher parts of Man, for with an unhealthy and imperfectlydeveloped physicalbody the mind the function cannot can properly, nor instrument be used to the best advantage by its master, the Spirit. It is true that the Yogi goes beyond this point, and insists that the body be brought under the be that the instrument perfectcontrol of the mind of turned to be responsiveto the touch so as finely

they

also know

"

the

hand
the

of the

master.

Yogi knows responsiveness on the

But

that

the

part of

highest degree the body may

of be

i8

HATHA

YOGA

obtained

only

when and

it, the body, is properly cared

for, nourished

developed.
a

The

highly trained

body must,
For and the these
care
same

first of all, be

strong healthy body.

reasons

to

the

Yogi pays such great attention physical side of his nature, and, for
the

the

reason,

Oriental

system

of

Physical
of Hatha

Culture

forms

part of the Yogi science

Yoga.
The his Western

body for body is He.

to

PhysicalCulture enthusiast develops his body's sake, often believing that the The Yogi develops the body knowing it
instrument for the
he may used
use

be but

an

of the

real

part

of

himself, and
to

solelythat
that it be

perfectthe
in the work
contents

instru of Soul

ment

the end The

growth.
with for
mere

Physical
mechanical

Culturist
movements

himself exercises

and

developing the muscles. into the task, and develops

every
organ, does he

The
not

Yogi throws Mind only the muscle but

cell,and
do of his

part

of his he

body

as

well.

Not
over

only
every

this, but

obtains

control

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 conscientiously follow us carefully will be amply 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
part
does the
master

violinist of the

Stradivarius

which

REGARD

FOR

THE

PHYSICAL

BODY

ig

responds
bow,
tool useful
or as

almost does

with the

intelligence
master

to

the

touch

of

his

artisan
to create

over

some

perfect
and

which

enables for the

him world.

beautiful

things

CHAPTER

III

THE

WORK

OF

THE

DIVINE

ARCHITECT

THE

Yogi Philosophy
a

teaches
machine with the

that

God

gives
to

to

each

individual
and also

physical
him

adapted
means

his needs,
it in it to

supplies
of

of

keeping
allows the

order, and
become

repairing
handiwork
its

it if his

negligence

inefficient.
as

The

Yogis recognize
of
as
a

human

body They

the

great

Intelligence.
machine,
indicates
the the the

regard

organism
operation
and
of
same a care.

working
which

conception
greatest

and

of

wisdom because
the

They
is

know

that and

body
know

IS that

great

Intelligence,
still the

they

Intelligence
and of

operating
individual
so

through
falls in

the

physical body,
the

that

as

with

working
and

the

Divine

Law,
also

will know

he
that and
to

continue

in health

strength.
to

They

when disease
suppose

Man

runs

contrary

that

law, inharmony
it is ridiculous the away

result. that human its

They
this

believe

that

great
to

Intelligence caused
then that every
ran

beautiful and
gence

body

exist, and

left it to still

fate, for they know

over

the

Intelli
of

presides
and
may

each

and

function
not

the

body,
"

be

safely trusted
manifestation Life
the

and
of

feared.
we

That
call
names,

intelligence, the
Nature
is
" "

which

or

The
on

Principle," and
alert
to

similar

constantly
knit
materials

repair damage,
; to

heal

wounds,

together broken
which
20

bones

throw
in the

off harmful

have

accumulated

THE

DIVINE in thousands

ARCHITECT
of ways
to

21

s3/stem
machine

and
in

keep

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
that has the
us

in

order
of
a

to

manifest

in

certain

ways

the
see

soul
what let

need
soul
see

fleshlyhabitation.
the way has of
a

Let

us

requiresin

body, and
it what
a

then

whether

Nature

given

it needs.

In the first place,the soul needs

highly organized

physicalinstrument
from which it may

thought, and a central station direct the workings of the body.

that

of

Nature
human

provides
brain, the

wonderful

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
ear,

the

nose,
we

the

organs

of is

taste

and

the

nerves

whereby
in reserve,

feel.
until

Nature

the need

keeping other senses is felt by the race. of them

between the brain
are

Then,
and the

means

of communication

different has
"

parts
"

of

the

body

needed.

Nature
wonderful wires its

wired

the

manner.

The
to

instructions
to

all

orders

cell

and

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

22

HATHA obedience. The

YOGA brain receives

immediate from
all

parts of the body, warning it

have
means

telegrams of danger ;
of

callingfor help ; making Then the body must

around in the world. inherited Besides
turn

complaints, etc.
the
"

It has outgrown
wants to

moving plant-like
on."

tendencies, and
this it wants
to to

move

reach
use.

out

after

them

its

own

Nature

things and has provided

which
to

limbs, and
work Then
the

muscles,
limbs.

and

tendrons,
framework
; to
as

with

the
to

body
; to

needs
it from

shape,
and

protect

shock it up,

keep it in give it strength

to
were.

firmness
it the

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

gives

prop frame

it

Nature

the

skeleton,

is well

worthy

communication

with
means

other

embodied

souls.

Nature

of communication

in the organs

supplies the of speech and

hearing. The body

materials

repair ;
needs
matter
a

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

needs

system

of

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
may be carried
to
" "

the

waste

matter.

The which vides

body
means

needs
up

material and

from

the

outside, with

to build

of

repairits parts. Nature pro eating the food ; of digestingit ; of

THE

DIVINE

ARCHITECT

23

extracting
into

the for

nutritious

elements

of

converting
;

it
ex

shape
the

absorption

by

the

system

of

creting
And,

waste

portions.
the

finally,
its

body
and

is

provided

with other

means

of with

reproducing
fleshly
It

kind,

providing

souls

tenements.

is well of
human

worth

the

time

of

anyone

to

study

some

thing
the

the

wonderful

mechanism One

and this

workings

of
most

body.
realization in
in
or

gets
of the he
"

from

study
of

convincing Intelligence

reality
sees

that

great
Life blind is the

nature

the that but

it

great
is that
not

Principle
chance,
work

operation

he
"

sees

haphazard
a

happening,
INTELLIGENCE.

it

of

mighty
learns that carry
to

Then know

he that will took and

trust

that

Intelligence,
him life
"

and

to

which him of

brought

into that the

physical
power of him

being
which
now,

through
him

charge
will open have

then,
of
to

has

charge

charge

him

always.
inflow
of the

As Life

we

ourselves
so

the be

great
we

Principle,
or

will
we

we

benefited. door upon

it

If

fear
must

it,

trust

it

not,

shut

the

and

necessarily

suffer.

CHAPTER

IV

OUR

FRIEND,

THE

VITAL

EORCE

MANY Disease Health.

state

people
as an

make

the
"

mistake

of
"

considering
opponent
of
the natural

entity
is and
one can

real

thing

an

This
of

incorrect. Disease
is

Health

is the

Man,
If

simply
the

absence
of Nature

of

Health.
he
cannot

comply
When

with
some

laws is

be

sick.

law certain

violated,

abnormal manifest
the
name

conditions

result, and
and
to

symptoms
we we

themselves,
of is
some

which That
of

symptoms
which

give
call
to

disease.
the result the

Disease
throw

simply
or

Nature's

attempt
condition,

off,
to
are

dislodge,
normal

abnormal

in

order We
an

resume so

action.
and
"

apt
We in
is
"

to

consider,
that
"

speak of, Disease

us runs
"
"

as

entity.
itself
"

"

say
an

it

attacks
"

that its
course

"

it
"

"

seats

organ

that

it
"

"

that mild" that

as
"

it

"

very it
"

malignant

that

it

"

is

quite
of it

that it
"

persistently resists
"

all treatment" WTe

yields readily
an

etc., etc.
of

speak
it

if it

were

entity possessed qualities. possession

We
"

character,
as

dis

position and thing which

for
our

vital takes

We
of
us

consider arid it
uses as

some

its power
we

destruction.
a

speak of
in the

would
roost
"

wolf
a

in in

sheepfold
the granary of the
or

weasel and go

chicken

rat

"

about above

fighting
mentioned.
it away.

it

as

we

would

one

animals
at

We

seek

to

kill it,

least

to

scare

24

THE
Nature

VITAL fickle
or

FORCE unreliable.

25

is not
the

Life manifests
to

itself within

body
pursues

in

pursuance

well

estab

slowly,risinguntil the it reaches its zenith, then gradually going down be for the body to decline until the time comes the off like an old, well-used thrown garment, when of further development. soul steps out on its mission
lished laws, and its way, Nature
his
never

intended

that

man

body until a ripe old age was that if Nature's laws Yogis know childhood, the death of a young or
from

part with attained, and the

should
are

observed

from

middle

aged

disease would is within

be

as

rare

as

isdeath

from

person accident
.

physicalbody, a certain vital for us, is constantly doing the best it can force which in which we notwithstanding the reckless way violate the cardinal of rightliving. Much principles
There
every

of that which
of

we

call disease
"

is but

defensive

action
a

this

vital force action

remedial
an

effect.
action

It is not
on

downward
of the
cause

but

upward
The

the

part
be
whole
to

livingorganism.
the

action

is abnormal, and
the

conditions

are

abnormal,
vital force

recuperative effort
ward the

of the

is exerted

restoration

of normal

conditions.
Vital
ever

principleof the preservation. This principle is

wherever female
are

The

first great

Force
in

is

selfand
are

evidence,
infant

life exists.

Under
"

its action

the male

attracted with

the
"

embryo
the

and
mother

provided
to

nourishment

is caused
"

heroically the pains of maternity the impelled to shelter and protect their parents are the most adverse circumstances offspring under Because all this means the instinct of raceWhy?
"

bear

preservation
,

26
But

HATHA the instinct of

"

YOGA individual will he lifeis

preservationof
that
a man

equally strong.
for
true strictly

All the

hath

give

his life," saith

of the

writer, and

while

it is not

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 but is found down the foundation Intellect, among
stones

of

being.
"

It is

an

instinct which
a

often

over

rules with

Intellect. him when

It makes
he had
"

man's

legs "run

away

firmlyresolved to stand in a to a dangerous position it causes shipwrecked man violate some of the principles of civilization, causing
him
to kill and eat

his comrade
of
men

and

drink

his blood
"

"

it has made Hole

"
"

wild beasts
under

in the terrible

Black

and

many

and
It is
"

it asserts life
"

its supremacy.

varying conditions working always for

health. make
us

more

life- for
"

health

more

And
"

it

often

makes
a

us

sick in order
in order

to to

healthier
some

brings on
matter
to

disease
our

get rid of
and

foul

which

carelessness

follyhas

allowed

intrude This

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 causes principle and In each outward. although the direction case,

THE is different,each
we are

VITAL
move

FORCE

27

wounded,

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,

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

repairs the damage. All physiciansknow, and their schools teach, that if a man is in good physicalcondition, his Vital Force
will
cause

him when

to

recover

from vital

almost

any
are

condition

excepting
When the

the

physical system
is much
more

organs has been

destroyed.
to
run

allowed

down, recovery

difficult, indeed, if,

Vital under Force

not

of the impossible, as the efficiency impaired and is compelled to work conditions. it

can

is

adverse

But

rest assured

that

it is doing the best

for you, always, under the existingconditions. do for you all that it aims to do, If Vital Force cannot but will it will not give up the attempt as hopeless, accommodate best in
of it.

itself to Give
"

circumstances

and
it will

make

the

it

free hand

and

keep you
and
un

perfecthealth
methods

restrict it and living,

by

irrational

natural

of

it will stilltry to

pull

you best

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 of accommodation principle through all forms of life. A seed dropped into the

28 crevice

HATHA

YOGA
it

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
a

of

rock, when

who

manages

to

live and

thrive has

in all climates, and accommodated

where it could
a

conditions, the Vital Force

to

itself
not

the

varying conditions, and,

the alive

splitthe rock, it sent out distorted shape, but still No organism can become
conditions
life under for

sprout in
and
while

somewhat

hardy.
the proper is but

diseased observed.

health

are

Health disease

normal

conditions, while
conditions. The
a

is life
which

under
caused

abnormal
a are man

conditions

to

grow
to

hood Given

necessary

healthy,vigorous man keep him in health and vigour.

to

right condition, the Vital Force will do its the Vital best work, but given imperfect conditions and but imperfectly, Force will be able to manifest
the
more or

less of what
a

we

call disease which

ensues.

We
a more

are or

living in
Force We
do

civilization mode

has

forced
us,
us as

less unnatural

of life upon
as

and

the

Vital

finds it hard
not eat

to do

well for

it would

like.

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
"

which within
can

we us

ought
"
"

to have
we

done, and
as

there is

no

Health
as we

or,

might add,
the
matter
reason

little health

help.
We have dwelt
upon

of the friendliness that have it is

not
a

of the

Vital Force, for the

matter

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

who
of the

made

Yogi Philosophy

THE

VITAL

FORCE

29

of

Hatha

Yoga,
in

and their

the

Yogis

take

it know

largely
that in
the

into

consideration
have

lives. and it
to

They
strong
flow

they
Vital

good
and

friend

ally

Force,
and

they
to

allow

freely
as

through
with Force and

them,
its

try

interfere

as

little that

possible
the

operations.
ever

They
to

know

Vital

is

awake

their

well-being
confidence of
to

and

health,
it.

they

repose

the
of

greatest
the
success

in Hatha allow

Much methods work and

clear

Yoga
the and
to

consists

of

best

calculated and without

Vital its that

to

Force methods end.

to

freely
exercises
the

hindrance,
devoted

are

largely
of Vital

To

track of
the

obstructions,
Force
is the the

and

give
way
on

the

chariot

right
of the

of

smooth,
Follow

clear his

road,

aim it will

Hatha well with

Yogi.
your

precepts

and

be

body.

CHAPTER

THE

LABORATORY

OF

THE

BODY

THIS

little book
but

is

not

intended
as

for

text-book of

upon

physiology,
seem

inasmuch
or no

the of the

majority
nature,
we

people
it

to
uses

have

little

idea

functions think
as

and well

of the
say of
a

various words
which

bodily
have

organs,

to

few

regarding
to

the do

very

important
the

organs tion the

the

body

with

diges
of the

and

assimilation
"

of

the the

food

which

nourishes work

body

which

perform
human
us

laboratory machinery
the teeth.
our

system.
The
to

first bit of the considered

us

of

digestion
has it

be

by

are

Nature and

provided
into and saliva which
fine

with

teeth

to

bite

food
a

grind by

bits, thus
to

rendering
be

it of

convenient
upon

size the after

consistency
and the it is reduced

easily liquid

acted of the

digestive juices
to
a

stomach,

form

that

its nourish absorbed

ing qualities may by

of the
an

be

easily assimilated
seems

and
a

body.
oft-told
act
as

This

to

be

merely
of what

repetition
readers their food

tale, but
if

how

many

our

really
teeth

they given
were

knew

for
?

purpose bolt and with fowl that your

a

had
as

been

them

They
them

their

just
act

if teeth if Nature aid

merely they

for show,

generally

as

had

provided
could
the

gizzard,
grind
up

by
and

the

of which into

like the food that

break

small

bits

they
teeth

had
were

bolted.

Remember,

friends,
30

LABORATORY

OF

THE

BODY

31

given
that

you for if Nature

she would
of

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

with

teeth.

We

will have
we

much

to

say

about

of the teeth as the proper use with close connection a very Hatha The Glands. four
are

go along, as it has vital principleof

a

Yoga,
next

as

you

will

see

after

while.

the Salivary are organs to be considered These glands are six in number, of which under the tongue and front of the
ears,

located cheeks Their

or

jaw,
one

and
on

two

in the side.

in the

each

best known
secrete
numerous

function

is to

manufacture, needed, flows

generate
out

saliva,which, when
ducts with the The food food

through
and
or

in different parts of the which is

mouth,
chewed small reach

mixes

being

masticated.

the saliva is able particles, all portions of it with effect.

to

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

increased

The
more

saliva moistens

allowing it important
one

be

easilyswallowed,
a

tion, however,
ones.

being

mere

incident

to

Its best

known

function is

(and
its

the

which

Western

science

teaches

most

important one)
the
the

is its chemical
matter

which offices,

convert

starchyfood
is another

first step in the

into sugar, thus performing process of digestion. You all know about
manner as
a

Here the

oft- told tale. how many

saliva, but
allows

which had

Nature

of you eat in a to put the saliva to work bolt and

gone

she few

designed ? You perfunctory chews

toward
to

your defeat
to
so

food

after

Nature's
much

plans,
and

which

she has she

trouble, and
beautiful

perform

which

has

built

such

32

HATHA

YOGA
But

delicate
back her makes We
"

machinery.
at
"

Nature

manages

to

"

get

you

for your
has
a

contempt

and

plans
you
must

Nature pay
not

good
mention often

memory

disregard of and always

tongue "that

your

debts.
the
to

forget to
who is
so

faithful friend

made

perform

the

of angry ignoble task of assistingin the utterance of gossip,lying,nagging, swearing, words, retailing 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
it

number

of mechanical

movements
to
move

which the
act

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
tance to

the

of

and asks

passes

admit

the

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.

You

have

you but methods

trust

them

and

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 their to bring out dence, trust and responsibility best points.
of

After then
into

the

food

has been

chewed

or

masticated down

and

saturated
the is

with

saliva it passes The

lower

the throat
the

stomach. called

part of

throat,

which

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

LABORATORY of

OF The

THE

BODY

33

swallowing." starchy portion of is begun by which

tinued but
as

"

of converting the process the food into sugar, or glucose, the saliva in the mouth, is con
passes

the food

into and when

down the

the

gullet,
once

nearly,or
one

entirelyceases,
which the

food

reaches when of
is
a

the stomach, studies

fact must

be considered

deliberate

habit

subject of the advantage of eating, as, if the food

and swallowed, it reaches the hastily chewed affected by the saliva and stomach only partially in an imperfect condition for Nature's subsequent work.

pear-shaped bag with a in some cases. capacity of about one quart or more The food enters the stomach from the gulleton the The the heart. left-hand side, just below upper
The stomach itself is
a

food

afterwards

leaves

the

stomach

on

the

lower

right-handand enters the small intestine by means is so wonderfully of a peculiarsort of valve, which
constructed stomach allow
the
to

that
pass

it allows

the

matter

from refuses

the
to

easilythrough it, but

back from
valve

anything
"

to work

the intestine into

as

stomach.
or
"

This
the
"

is known

the

"

Valve loric

Pyloric Orifice," the

"
"

word

Pyloric Py
"

being derived from the Greek word which this little valve and indeed means gatekeeper acts as a most always on the intelligent gatekeeper, watch, never asleep. The stomach is a great chemical laboratory in which the food undergoes chemical changes which allow it to be taken up by the system and changed into a nourishingmaterial into which is converted all over the body, courses rich, red blood which
"

H.Y.-B

34

HATHA
up,

YOGA

building
to

repairing, strengthening and

"

adding
with
a

all the
The
"

parts and
inside

organs. of the stomach

is covered which

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

stomach
minute

is filled
the

and

around

which with

is

very

into open fine network

thin

of

blood-vessels which
is

remarkably
or

walls,
that

from

manufactured,

secreted,

wonderful is
a

fluid, the gastricjuice. The

gastric juice

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 juice gallon of gastric factures or secretes about one
in in the process twenty-four hours, and uses same When the food reaches of digestion of the food. before mentioned, pour the little glands, the stomach sufficient supply of the gastricjuice, which out a

mixes Then which

end
to

up

with

the

mass

of

food

in

the

stomach.

the stomach
moves

the

up sort of a pulpy food round

sets

churning motion,
and

round, from

end, from

side to side,twistingand the and

turning it,

churning and
up into

kneading it, until

part of
the
mass

gastricjuice
is well mixed
some won

penetrates every
it. The work derful
like
a

Instinctive stomach

Mind

does

in the

movements

and

works

well oiled machine. if the stomach has been treated

to

And

properly

LABORATORY

OF chewed
to

THE

BODY

35

prepared,
the
as so

well

machine often

is able

food, properly insalivated, fine job. But if, out turn a

is of
a

happens,
bolted

the food
"

qualitynot
been but has is

fit half

for the

human
or
"

stomach
"

or

if it has
the
owner

chewed,
"

or

if

stomach
"

been

stuffed be

by

gluttonous
In such
a

there instead

going
the

to

trouble.

case,

of

normal stomach

of digestionbeing performed, the process and fermentation is unable to do its work the stomach becomes
the
mass
"

results,and pot
If
"

holder
"

of

fermenting, putrefying, rotting

it has been called under

yeast

such

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
mentioned. This habits in
a

putrefying ferment, arising from chronic of eating,often becomes

which
"

abnormal and results

condition

manifests

itself in the symptoms troubles. after the the the

of what It remains

is called in the then the

similar or dyspepsia," for a long time stomach when the

next

meal, and
stomach stomach
"

meal

reaches until

fermentation

continues

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 digestive apparatus 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,

3b
and the

HATHA result
is that the

YOGA whole

system

becomes

graduallypoisoned and
The which

churned orifice
and

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,
the

enters

small

intestine.
a

The

small

intestine is

tube-like

canal

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

ingeniously comparatively
twenty
to

thirtyfeet in length. Its inner walls are lined with and through the greater part of a velvety substance, its length this velvety lining is arranged in transverse shelf-like folds, which maintain winking a sort of
" "

motion,
intestinal and

swaying

backward

and

forward

in

the

fluids, retarding the

passage

of the

food

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

known

as

the

intestinal

"

villi,"the
on.

office of

which
As

will be
soon
as

explained a
the
a

little further
enters

food

mass

the

small intestine

it is met saturates The

with

it and
a

fluid called the bile, which peculiar with it. is thoroughly mixed up of the
liver and

bile is
for

secretion
in
a

is stored
as

up

ready
in

use

strong bag, known

the

gall
small

bladder.

About

two

quarts of
as

bile

per

day

is used

saturating the
Its

food

it passes

into

the

intestine.

purpose

is to

assist the

pancreatic

juice in preparingthe fatty parts of the food for absorption and also to aid in the prevention of of the food it as decomposition and putrefaction

LABORATORY

OF

THE

BODY

37

passes through the small intestine and the neutraliza tion of the gastricjuicewhich has already performed

pancreatic juice is secreted by the an elongated organ situated just behind pancreas, the stomach, and its purpose is to act upon the fatty of portions of the food and to render them possible 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 main are as villi," 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, chewing process tongue and cheeks assist 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
" "

its work.

The

"

"

"

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

38
and then into

HATHA

YOGA

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
intestines
mass

and

consists in the

conversion

of the

foodand food pours and

products capable of being absorbed assimilated. the Digestion begins when The the stomach. reaches gastric juice then with out copiously,and, becoming mixed up
into
into of the

churned
tive

food-mass,
releases
up and

it dissolves fat from

the its
some

connec

tissue

meat,
them

envelopes
of the the

by breaking
albuminous
of wheat

transforms
as

material, such
and
white
are

lean into of

meat,

gluten
in

of

eggs,

albuminose,
absorbed

which

form

they

capable

being

and

assimilated. stomach

The

transformation

occasioned

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
both which that have

which
been

has

entered

the
as

stomach well
in the
as

as

fluids fluids of of the

up have

drunken,
solid
taken

the

liberated

from

the

food up
to

the

digestion is rapidly
the
more

by
the

process absorbents

stomach solid
the

and

is carried the

blood, while
are

portions of
about
a

food-mass

churned
as we

by
the

muscular
In

action

of the

stomach,
the leave

stated.

half-hour
to

solid
the

portions of
stomach
in

food-mass

begin slowly

LABORATORY the form which the ened and is of

a

OF

THE

BODY

39

pasty substance, called chyme, grayish,

of
some

mixture

food, of transformed
starch, of broken
of albuminose.

of the sugar and salts of starch or glucose,of soft fat and connective

tissue,
the small

The

chyme, leavingthe stomach,

we

enters
comes

as intestine,

have

described, and
intestinal

in contact with These

not

with
the

pancreatic and bile, and intestinal

the
most

juicesand
ensues.

digestion
that

fluids dissolve been softened.

of the food Intestinal

has

already

digestion resolves the as (i)Peptone, chyme into three substances, known from the digestion of albuminous (2) particles ; 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,
carried while
into

the

blood

and

become

part of it,
the small the into

the

intestine

undigested food passes out of through a trap-door-likevalve

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 taken the digestive from resulting up process, are is effected by endosmosis. by the veins and lacteals,
The
mass

water

and the

the

fluids liberated
are digestion

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
by
stomach which heart
we

have

described.

This

blood

reaches

the it

after

passing through

the

liver, where

4o

HATHA
a

YOGA
we

undergoes
reach the the

process

which

will

subject of the remaining product

after and the up carried the
to

liver. of the and

speak of when The chyle, which

food-mass
in

we

is the

intestines taken passes and is

peptone
the lacteals

glucose
the

have up

been and

liver, is taken
into thoracic

through

duct,

further In how the

our

gradually conveyed to the blood, as will be in our described chapter on the Circulation. will explain chapter on the Circulation we
blood carries
to

the

the

nutriment

derived

from

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

digested food

all parts of the

the

bile,which
stated.

is carried

to

the up

small
a

intestine, as
called

have

It also stores

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 into glu transformed, in the intervals of digestion, substance
cose or
a

substance
secretes

similar the

to

grape

sugar.

The
it

pancreas pours into

pancreatic juices,which
intestine,
to

the

small

aid

in

intestinal

digestion,where

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.
it acts and
serves as
a

reservoir

for the

urine, which

consists

LABORATORY

OF

THE

BODY

41 of the

of

waste

fluids

carrying

with

it refuse

matter

system.
Before call the
the

leaving
attention enters

this of
the
our

part

of

the
to

subject
the

we

wish when

to

readers stomach
and

fact small
"

that

food

and

intestines
when the
a

improperly
teeth and
to

masticated

insalivated have
not
"

salivary
do

glands
work

been

given

chance interfered
are

their and and

properly
and the

digestion
organs
accom

is

with

impeded
are

digestive
to

overworked what

rendered them. It
own

unable is like in

plish
set

is asked
to

of do

asking
addition

one

of workmen work

their

work been
"

to

the

which

should
set

have of
men

previously
asking
of the

per rail
as

formed road well

by

another
to
"

it is duties fire
on
a

engineer
as

perform
to

the
the

fireman
on an

his and
run

own

keep

going

up of the
"

grade
road
stomach that

the
same

locomotive time.
must

dangerous

bit of

at

the
and

The

absorbents absorb
do
not

intestines business
"

something give
them

is their proper

and

if you
will the

the
and

materials
mass

they
in The

absorb stomach

the

fermenting
and pass it

putrefying
to

along
material and
ness,

the
to
no

blood.

blood

carries

this
the of

poor

all parts wonder

of the that

body, including
people complain
are

brain,
bilious self-

it is

headache,
in this

etc., way.

when

they

being

poisoned

CHAPTER

VI

THE

LIFE

FLUID

IN

our

last
we

chapter
is

we

gave

you

an

idea

of how

the

food
into up

eat

gradually
capable
which of

transformed

and

resolved
and taken
to

substances

being

absorbed
the

by

the

blood,
of the

carries
where the

nourishment in

all parts up,

system,
this
how

it is used

building

repairing
man.

and
In

renewing
of

several
we

parts of the

physical
brief carried The
up

chapter
this

will of

give
the

you

description
on.

work

blood

is

nutritive
the flows

portion
the

of the and

digested
becomes
to

food blood.

is taken The cell and

by

circulation

blood tissue tive

the

through body

arteries

every

of the

that

it may work.

perform
It then

its construc

and

recuperative

returns

through
cells
that the

arteries, carrying with

other
waste matter

it the

broken-down

and
waste

of from

the the

system, system
the
"

the

may other of the

the

be

expelled

by
blood

lungs
"

and work
from

organs

performing
This
the flow

casting-out
to

system.
which

of the

and

heart

is called

Circulation. this wonderful

the the Heart.

The

engine

drives

system
We

of

physical machinery
not

is,of
time

course,

will will

take

up

your you

describing
of

heart, but

instead

tell

something
the

the

work

performed
left off in

by

it. Let
us

begin

at

point
42

at

which

we

our

THE last

LIFE

FLUID

43

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

reaches

the

heart, which

sends

it out

on

its errand

of

nourishing the body.

The blood
starts
are
a on

its

journey through

the

which arteries, divisions canals

and

series of elastic canals,

having
turn

subdivisions, beginning with

feed
ones

the main
in

which

the

smaller

ones,

which

feed stillsmaller The

until the

are capillaries

reached.
measur

are capillaries one

ing about
diameter. resemblance

very small blood-vessels three-thousandth of an resemble

their

inch

in

They

very
name.

fine

hairs, which

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
of the blood exude

gives them

The

through

their walls and

are

taken

The not capillaries 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

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

presently)and

reached
use

and

the

tissues take

up the

the

nourishment little

and

it for

buildingpurposes,

wonderful

cells of the

body doing this work most intelligently. (We shall have something to say regarding the work

44 of these

HATHA

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,

cells,

d"-ad

broken-down cells,
It
starts

tissue

and

other

refuse

of the

system.

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 with the
"

veins

and

on

to
on

the
a

heart.
new

Before

it reaches

the

arteries

again,
to

trip, however,
the

something
of the lungs,

happens
in order burnt

to it. It goes

to

crematory
matter

have
cast

its waste

up

and

off.

In

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

impurities another chapter we will the lungs.

we

and

must

tell you

that

exists

another
This

fluid which
is the

circulates
the

through

system.
some

called blood

closely resembles
contains
have
some

in

which Lymph, composition. It

the

of the

of ingredients

blood

which and

exuded of the

from
waste

the

walls of the

blood-vessels

products of
and
re-enter

the

system, which,

after

being

cleansed

"made-over"
the

by
and

the
are

lymphatic system,
again used.
canals,
the
so

blood,

human

lymph circulates in thin vein-like be readily seen small that they cannot by injectedwith quick eye, until they are
The

silver.

These

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,
"

THE
while the other

LIFE

FLUID

45

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

parts of the
conditions one-tenth

body

must

be The

diseased about
about

will result.

impaired, and blood supplies

Of this amount

of man's

weight.
;

one-quarter is distributed
and veins about

in the

heart, lungs,

large arteries
liver ; about

one-quarter

in

one-quarter in the the muscles, the remain

among

ing quarter being

distributed

the

remaining
one-

brain utilizes about The and tissues. organs fifth of the entire quantity of blood.

Remember,
that

always, in thinking
is what you make eat it. You

about

the

blood,
you

the blood

it
can

by

the food

eat, and

the way you best kind of blood, and

proper

have

foods, and
you
to

plenty of it,by by eating such food

Or,
on

the very the selecting

as

Nature
you

intended
may have

do.

the

other

hand,

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
"

insufficient an blood, and poor of the abnormal foolish gratification

you

make

the let what

us

blood
pass is

"

that

is the matter

in

nutshell.

Now,
and
venous
see

on

to the
to

crematory of the lungs,

to that

going
with
at

happen
come

blue, impure
all parts of
matter.

blood, which

has

back

from

the Let

body,
us

laden
a

have

look

impurities and the crematory.

waste

CHAPTER

VI T

THE

CREMATORY

OF

THE

SYSTEM

THE the in

Organs
number,
one

of

Respiration leading
occupy each
to

consist
them.

of the
The

lungs
are

and
two

air passages
and
on

lungs

the

pleural chamber
the

of

the

thorax,

side
other

of

median

line, being

separated
blood-vessels

from

each
and the

by the

heart, the
Each
which

greater

larger air tubes.

at

lung
con

is free in all directions, except sists

the

root, and
and

chiefly
the

of

the

bronchi,
the

arteries
trachea

veins heart. tissues

a

con

necting lungs
very
are

lungs
spongy

with

The
are

and

porous,
are

and

their with the

the

elastic.
but

They

covered
sac,

delicately pleural
and
sac,

constructed
one

strong
wall

known^as
to

wall
to

of which
the which inner

closely adheres
of the the
each

lung,
which of
of

the

other
a

chest, and
surfaces
in the act

secretes the

fluid

allows

inner
other

walls

to

glide easily upon

The
Air

breathing.
nose,

Passages consist larynx,

tubes.
the

of the
or

interior

of the and

pharynx,
bronchial air with with

windpipe
When
we

trachea,
we

the in

breathe,

draw

the

through
the

nose,

in which

it is warmed which has

by

contact

mucous

membrane,
and after
it it

is

richly supplied
the
or

blood,
and

passed through
into the
numerous

pharynx windpipe,
called
the

larynx

passes

trachea

which

subdivides tubes

into

tubes

bronchial
into

(bronchia), which, in turn,

in minute subdivisions

subdivide

and

terminate

46

CREMATORY in all the small

OF

THE

SYSTEM

47 which the if

lungs
broken

contain

air spaces in the millions. A writer

lungs, of
has
out
area

stated
over

that
an
un

the air cells of the

lungs were surface, they would

spread
cover
an

of fourteen

thousand The

feet. square air is drawn into the

a

lungsby

the action

of the

diaphragm,
stretched
from the

great, strong, flat,sheet-like

the The

muscle,

across

chest, separatingthe chest-box

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
abdomen. rushes
into

the chest

vacuum

thus

created.

When

it

re

laxes, the Now,

the

expelled from
before

and the lungs contract the lungs. what happens to the considering look
a

and

air is

air in of the

lungs, let

us

little into the The

matter

circulation driven

of the

blood.

blood,

as

you

know, is

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
route, the veins, to the heart, from
to the

whence

it is drawn

lungs.
blood
starts
on

The and

rich, laden

with

journey,brightred and proper life-giving qualities

venous

its arterial

ties. It returns

by

the

route, poor, blue

the waste
a

and

dull,being laden system.

mountains This When
It goes
;

down
out

with like
as

matter

of the the

fresh
stream

stream

from

it returns

of

sewer

water.

foul stream

goes to the this auricle becomes

right auricle of the it contracts filled,

heart. and

4*
forces the stream

HATHA
of blood of the

YOGA

through

an

opening
sends

in the it
on

right ventncle
to

heart, which
to the

in turn

the

lungs, where
we

it is distributed air

hair-like blood-vessels
which have

by millions of cells of the lungs, of

let
us

spoken.
at this

Now,
point.
is
now

take

up

the

story
The
the

of the

lungs

foul stream

of blood

distributed

among

millions

of tiny air cells in the

lungs.

breath

of air is inhaled
contact

and

the

with

the

impure
to

in of the air comes oxygen blood through the thin walls of the

of the hair-like blood-vessels

are

thick
admit

enough
the
comes

hold
to

the

lungs,which walls blood, but thin enough

When
a

to

oxygen

penetrate them.
with
and the the

the of up

oxygen

in contact

blood,
blood

form

combustion oxygen
the
waste

takes

place,

takes

and

releases carbonic

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 from whence forced into the left ventricle, of life to forced out through the arteries on its mission

all parts of the

system.

It is estimated

that

in

singleday

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
of

of the air on oxygen considers the minute he is lost in

care

both

of their surfaces.

When

one

details of the process

and

alluded
at

to,

wonder

admiration

Nature's

infinite
It

and
seen

intelligence.
that

will be

unless

fresh

air in sufficient

CREMATORY

OF the

THE

SYSTEM

49

of lungs, the foul stream be purified, blood cannot and consequently venous of nourishment, but not only is the blood thus robbed the waste products which should have been destroyed to the circulation and poison the system, are returned and death ensues. Impure air acts in the same way, only in a lessened degree. It will also be seen that if in a sufficient quantity of air, does not breathe one of the blood cannot and the the work go on properly, and nourished result is that the body is insufficiently of imperfect health is ex disease ensues, state a or perienced. The blood of one who breathes improperly the rich is,of course, of a bluish, dark colour,lacking

quantitiesreaches

redness itself in

of pure
a

arterial

blood.

This

often

shows

complexion. Proper breathing,and a consequent good circulation, results in a clear, brightcomplexion. A little reflection will show the vital importance of Correct breathing.If the blood is not fullypurified by the regenerative process of the lungs,it returns to
poor the arteries in
an

abnormal

state,

insufficiently

purifiedand

of the impurities cleansed imperfectly it took up on its return which journey. These im to the purities if returned system will certainly manifest blood
in
some or

form
some some

of

disease,either in

form

of

disease

of functioning

from impaired resulting nourished or organ insufficiently disease

tissue. The

blood, when

lungs, not
parts with
takes which

properlyexposed to the air in the only has its impurities consumed, and
carbonic acid
gas,

its noxious

but

it also

up and absorbs a certain quantity of oxygen it carries to all parts of the body, where it is

50 needed
cesses

HATHA
in order that When Nature the

YOGA
may

perform
comes

her

pro

properly.
the and

oxygen
the

in contact

with blood organ, the

blood, it unites
is carried it
to

with every

which

worn-out

and invigorates cells and tissue by

to

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

new

materials

which

Nature

converts to the

her

use.

Arterial
about

blood, properly
of free

exposed
oxygen. Not
the

air,contains

25 per cent,

only
of

is every

part vitalized by

the oxygen,

but

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

act

certain

form
a

of

combustion.

It is therefore be taken

neces

sary that
the

proper lungs. This

poor

supply
accounts

of oxygen for the

through
weak

fact found

that

lungs and
To

grasp the remember must nourishment

digestionare so often of this full significance

that from
the the

together.
one

statement,

entire

body

receives
that

food

assimilated, and

imperfect
nourished upon
the

assimilation

body.
same

Even
source

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 and so in turn the body becomes their work properly, 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

be

reduced

to the proper

condition

eliminated

from

the system.

Lack

of sufficient

CREMATORY

OF

THE

SYSTEM

51 elimina is life." in the the

not

oxygen

means

imperfect

nutrition,

imperfect
"

tion,
The
waste

and

imperfect

health.

Verily,
from heat Good the and

breath

combustion

arising
generates
the

change

products
of take
warm

equalizes
are

temperature apt
of the In
to
"

body.
and

breathers
have

cold,"
blood in the
to act

they

generally
enables them

plenty
to

good

which
outer

resist

changes
addition

temperature.
above-mentioned

the of

important
exercise feature writers
to

processes,

the
organs

breathing
muscles,
the

gives
which

the

internal

and

is gener
on

ally

overlooked but which

or

by
the

Western

the

subject,
In of the

Yogis

fully appreciate.
only
and the of in
man
a

imperfect lung
of in cells
the

shallow
are

breathing,
into is

portion
a

brought capacity
to

play,
lost,

great

portion

lung

system
undernative

suffering

proportion
The lower

the

amount

oxygenation.
state,
breathe did the

animals,
and

their

naturally,
same.

primitive
manner

undoubt of that

edly

The
man

abnormal the
"

living
follows

adopted
upon

by

civilized
"

shadow
us

civilization of

has and

robbed the
race

of

our

natural suffered
to

habit

breathing,
Man's

has

greatly
is

thereby.
back
to

only

physical

salvation

"get

Nature."

CHAPTER

VIII

NOURISHMENT

THE

human

body

is

constantly undergoing change.

fluids from
are

Atoms

of bone, tissue, flesh,muscle, fat and

worn

constantly being
system, and
factured and
then in
sent
new

out
are

and

removed

the

atoms

the
to

wonderful
take the

constantly being manu laboratory of the body, and place of the worn-out
of
man

discarded
Let
us

material. consider
as a

the

physicalbody
"

and
to

its
the

mechanism,
life of the

plant

and, indeed, it is akin

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 fresh air, sun normal. Remember the requisitesWe 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
and

of

new

material

go

on

con

stantly, day this mighty

sub-conscious
the

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

work

of the

Instinctive

Mind.
for

The

whole

of the

body, and all its parts, depend

52

NOURISHMENT

53
upon

health, strength
renewal

and

vigour
If this

this
were

constant

of material.

renewal

The and death would ensue. disintegration 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 the the

stopped replac

Yogi,

food

does

not

mean

something
it means,

to

tickle

abnormal
;

palate, but
second,

instead

first,Nourishment third, NOURISHMENT.

and

NOURISHMENT,

and

Nourishment

first,last

always.
many of the Western

To

lean, lank, scrawny,

who thinks
so
"

little
one

people,the ideal Yogi is a being, half-starved, emaciated for days of food that he goes
who
"

without
"

eating
"

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 for

his

discarded
It is
nor

matter.

quite true
inclined

that
to

the

is he

rich

Yogi is not a gross eater, On the and fancy dishes.

54

HATHA
at

YOGA

contrary, he smiles
goes
he
to

his

plain and
there

follyof such things, and nourishing meal, knowing that

full nourishment without in the
more

the

will

obtain and

waste

harmful

matter

contained who
is

the

elaborate real
A
man

dishes of his brother of food. of Hatha

the

ignorant of
what

the

meaning
maxim

Yoga
is
a

is
that

"

It is not

eats, but
him." and

amount

he

that assimilates, of wisdom in this upon of

nourishes old maxim, health We

There

world
that

it contains

which

writers

subjectshave
will show
the

taken

volumes

to express.

extracting
from method
two

you, later on, the maximum amount

amount the

Yogi
of

method

nourishment The

the

minimum

of

food. of
the

Yogi
the

iies in

middle

road,

road travelled, are opposite sides of which Western schools, differing 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 the folly of stuffing and over-eating, recognizing 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 questions have been settled for him centuries
" "

"

"

"

"

"

NOURISHMENT
ago

55

have Yogi fathers,whose very names been almost forgotten by their followers of to-day. for all, that and Remember, please, once now, Hatha Yoga does not advocate the plan of starving but, on the contrary,knows and teaches that oneself, 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

by

the old

cient nourishment.

Remember,
ridiculous
"

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, but the manifesta and sees nothing in these practices tion of the attributes of the unclean swine, utterly unworthy of the developed man. should To the Yogi understanding Man eat to the live
"

not

live to eat.

rather than a gourmand, Yogi is an epicure, 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 different attri Hunger and Appetite two entirely butes of the physicalbody, although to most persons the two appear almost the same to mean thing. The
"

CHAPTER

IX

HUNGER

VS.

APPETITE

As

we

said

at

the and of

conclusion

of
are

the
two

preceding entirely Hunger

abnormal
upon is like And the the is

chapter,
different
the normal

Hunger
attributes
demand

Appetite
the human
"

body.
the hue

for food

Appetite
the
"

craving.
cheek
of

Hunger
the of
use us

is

like

rosy

healthy
the the
see

child

Appetite
of

rouged
most

face

woman

fashion.

yet
were

people
Let is

terms

as

if their lies the

meaning
difference.
the

identical. It

wherein
to

quite
or

difficult

explain Hunger
of has attained persons
or an

respective Appetite,
the age
to

sensations,
the average

symptoms,
person who

of

and

of age

maturity,
have had

for

the

majority
natural
to

of

that

their

taste, such sensation

hunger-instinct,
extent

perverted
have for
not

by Appetite experienced
years,
and it is hard in the
or a

that

they
it felt unless

the have
to

of

genuine hunger

many And
can

forgotten just what

describe
of his
a

like.
one

sensation
the

call up
same,

mind

hearer

recollec

tion
at
to

of the

similar
We

sensation,
can

experienced
a

some

time person

in

the of

past.
has
an

describe

sound it
the

the

normal
he

hearing
heard"

by
but

comparing imagine
of
;
;
or
or a
"

with

something
who

of conveying difficulty
to
a

intelligent idea
"

sound
of de

man

was

born
to
a
man

stone-deaf
born

scribing a

colour

blind

of

giving

56

HUNGER
an

VS.

APPETITE
an

57
to
one

descriptionof intelligent
the
one
sense

odour

born

without To

of smell. lias

emancipated himself from the sensations of Hunger the respective thrall of appetite, arid Appetite are quite different and readily dis
who

tinguished one from the other, and the mind of one a readily grasps the precisemeaning of civilized the But to term. ordinary of appetite the source means Hunger
" " " " "

such each
man

and
are

Appetite

'"

the

result of
must

hunger.

Both
this

words

misused.

We

illustrate

by

familiar

examples.
Let
us

take

Thirst, for instance.

of
a

All of

us

know

the
for

sensation
a

good,
can

natural

thirst, which

calls mouth that Now

draught
Nature

of cool water. be

It is felt in the satisfied

and which

throat, and

only

with

intended thirst is akin is this

for
to

it
"

cool

water.

this natural
How

natural

Hunger.
thirst from
the

different
which
one

natural

craving
"

acquires for sweetened, flavoured ice-cream soda, ginger ale, soda-water, pop," And how different from soft drinks," etc., etc.
"

the

thirst

(?)

which

one

feels for

beer, alcoholic

been acquired. etc., after the taste has once liquors, ? Do you begin to see what mean we We hear people say that they are so thirsty for others a glass of soda-water ; or say that they are thirsty for a drink of whisky. Now, if these people were really thirsty, or, in other words, if Nature was really calling for fluids, pure water first seek be just what would for, and they would would would be the water thing which pure
" " " "

best

gratifythe

thirst.

But,

no

water

will

not

58

HATHA

YOGA ? is

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

not
an

natural

thirst,but which

is,on

the

contrary,
The
"

abnormal has

appetite
"

a
"

perverted
the habit
You
"

taste.

appetite
and that it is the

been

created

acquired
will notice thirsts
"

asserting the mastery.

victims of these
abnormal

will

time experience a real thirst, at which occasionally the tipple of the alone will be sought, and water is appetite not thought of. Just think a moment
"

not

this

so

with

you

This

is not

a or

lecture directed
a

against
sermon,

the but
a

fancy drink habit, just an illustration

instinct and
an

temperance
difference

of

the

between
or or

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

or

thirst. A
man

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
than have had Men
that natural

demand
to

for food

or

drink, for
because
or

men

been

known

die of starvation for drink

they
have

spent all of their money

have and
sold their babies'
even

narcotics.
"

stockingsfor
in order
to

drink

stolen

murdered

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
or

of

Appetite as

is the

craving

desire for alcohol

narcotics.

HUNGER The lower animal has

VS.
a

APPETITE natural

59

hunger until it is spoiled by contact with man (orwoman) who tempts miscalled food. and similar articles, it with candies The child has a natural hunger until it is young In the child, natural spoiled in the same way. replaced by acquired appe the amount tites,the degree depending largely upon 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
"

is

less

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 read of a party of wealthy people who recently 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 and possessed picture of health rosy, bright-eyed, of the precious gift of a good, natural Hunger. Some of the party had been dyspeptics for 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
"

"

"

6o
" "

HATHA

YOGA

depended upon whether stayed cured exchanged Hunger for Appetite. Natural like natural Thirst Hunger
"

they again
expresses

"

itself

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 the work. and that
most

whole

of the

The
is not the
"

desire to get to a region manifests stomach whatever, gives no symptoms all in evidence
"

at

at

such

times. food of
"

One
would

feels
be

taste

of

good

wholesome is
none

pleasurable.
the

There

of

faintness, emptiness, gnawing,

feelings all-goneness,"
These of
last the

those

etc., in mentioned

region of the
symptoms
which
are

stomach.

all characteristic

Appetite habit,
must

is

insisting that
you
ever

the that ?

habit the

be

continued. calls
"

Did
forth
"

notice

drink

habit and

just

such

symptoms
The

The
of

craving
both

all-gone

feelingis characteristic appetite.

man

forms
a

of abnormal

who
same

is

craving
way. A
man

smoke,

or

chew

of tobacco

feels the

often
"

wonders used
it ?

why
to

he

cannot

get
you

dinner

such
he

as

mother

cook." because

Do he

know

why
he

cannot

get

Simply
an

has

replaced

his natural
does
not

Hunger by
renders
the the
man

abnormal
he

appetite,and
past
a

feel satisfied unless

that Appe gratifies fare of the

to cultivate
an

tite,which

homely
were

impossibility.If hunger, by
restored
a

natural
have find

return

he to first principles, of his vouth

"

would

to him

the meals

he would

HUNGER

VS.

APPETITE

61

many would
You

cooks

just
a

as

good

"

as

mother

"

was,

for

he

be

boy

again. wondering
are

are

probably
Yoga,
has

what
not

all

this

has

to

do
:

with The
to

Hatha

you

Well,
and allows

just

this

Yogi
manifest

conquered
through
him.
crust

appetite,
He of

Hunger
mouthful

enjoys dry

every and
eats

of

food,

even

to

the

bread,
it.
He

obtains it will in be
a a

nourishment
manner

and

pleasure
to most

from of and is

unknown little

you,
so

which

described half-starved nourished himself of

further

on,

far

from

being

anchorite,

he the

well-fed,
for
he has

properly possessed
"

enjoyer
that
most

of

feast,
of

piquant

all

sauces

Hunger.

CHAPTER

THE

YOGI PRANA

THEORY

AND

PRACTICE FROM FOOD

OF

ABSORPTION

NATURE'S into
one,

shrewdness and
also

in

combining
be

several necessary

duties duties is

in

rendering likely
ways.
to

pleasant
illustrated

(and
in

thereby
numberless
of this will

performed)
of the most
out

One
will

striking examples
this

kind
see

be
she

brought
manages

in
to

chapter.
also
of
us

We

how the
same

accomplish
she offices
Let of the

several renders

things

at

time, and
most

how

pleasant
the

several

necessary

the
start

physical system.
with
statement of the

Yogi theory
This of
man

absorption
that there

of Prana

from

food. food
of

theory
and is of is which

holds the

is contained
a

in the
form man's that

lower

animals,
necessary energy, the

certain

Prana

absolutely strength
absorbed mouth this into Prana Each and

for and

maintenance form

such
nerves

of Prana

from

food The

by
act

the

of the

tongue,
liberates

and

teeth.

of mastication the

Prana,
minute
to atom

by

separating
mouth

particles
as

of

the
atoms

food of

bits, thus
the

exposing
and

many
as

tongue,
of
or

teeth

possible.
of
are

food food

contains energy,

numerous

electrons electrons

food-prana,
liberated and the

which process certain

by

the

breaking-up
action of

of mastication, subtle chemical have

chemical of the

constituents

saliva, the presence

62

of which

PRANA
not

ABSORPTION

63

and which scientists, suspectedby modern not discernible by the tests of modern are chemistry, investigators will scientificall although future been prove their existence. Once liberated from the of the food, this food-prana flies to the nerves and teeth, passing through the tongue, mouth and is rapidly conveyed to readily, 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
" "

details

of which

we

will endeavour

to

fillin

as

we

proceed.
The student
to

will

necessary

extract

heavilycharged with
waste

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

it

is

air is like much

a

of effort

on

the part of Nature

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

from
as

the food.

is so electricity, there
are

all Prana forms

electricity but just simply Prana

"

all

several

of

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 certain derived
go

of work.

The

Prana
water

of the air fulfils

offices ; that from the food

of the

others, and

that To

still a third set of duties.

into the minute

details of the

Yogi theory

would
must

be

foreignto
main

rest content

of this work, and we the purposes with the general statements here is the fact that the human

given.

The

contains

subjectbefore us food-prana,which

the food

body needs.

64
and which it
can

HATHA
extract

YOGA

only by

in the
the
nervous

manner

above the

stated, i.e.,by

mastication prana

of
the

food, and system

and

absorption
means

of the
nerves us

by

of the let

of the

tongue,

mouth

teeth.

Now,
two

consider

important offices insalivating. In the particleof food every

and insalivated
before

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

Nature's

swallowed,
to

and

any

neglect in this respect is sure imperfect digestion. Thorough

natural
to

be

followed is

by
a

mastication

habit demands
grown

of

man

which

has

been

the

of

artificial habits
our

neglectedowing of living which

Mastica
be it may be mixed of the that

have

up

around
to

civilization.
the

tion is necessary
more

break
and the

up

food

swallowed, easily
the

also that it may

with

saliva
and

and

digestive juices
It

stomach
of

small

intestines. is
a

promotes
of food work

the

flow

saliva, which
of

most

necessary

part of the
is part of is done

process
the the

digestion. digestiveprocess,
which
cannot

Insalivation
and

certain be

by

performed by the other teach most positively juices. Physiologists digestive and proper insalivation of that thorough mastication and of normal the food are digestion, pre-requisites
saliva
form
a

most

necessary
gone

part of
much

the

process. and

Certain

have specialists
to
more

further
and

have

given
much

the

process

of mastication

insalivation

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

PRANA of the

ABSORPTION

65

body ; in fact,Mr. Fletcher advises a physical which of mastication form corresponds particular to the Yogi custom, although he advises very closely effect upon the digestion, it because of its wonderful the the Yogis practise whereas a similar system upon theory of the absorptionof food-prana. The truth is that both results are accomplished, it being a part of Nature's strategy that the grindingof the food into small bits ; the digestive process attending and the absorptionof food-prana, the insalivation, of time an are accomplished at the same economy
"

force most In
most

remarkable.
natural
state

the

of man, and
so

mastication
case

was

pleasantprocess,
animals, and
The animal the holds

it is in the of the munches

of the
race

lower

the children chews and the

human

to-day.
with and does

his food

and greatestrelish, in the mouth

child sucks, chews much

the food

longer than
lessons of from

begins to take its parents and acquiresthe custom food. Mr. Fletcher, in his books on
the adult, until it takes the

bolting its the subject,

affords the that it is taste which position The pleasureof this chewing and sucking process. Yogi theory is that while taste has much to do with it, stillthere is a something else,an indescribable sense of satisfaction obtained from holdingthe food in the it around with the tongue, masticating mouth, rolling it to dissolve slowlyand be swallowed it and allowing almost unconsciously. Fletcher holds that while of taste in the food, nourish there remains a particle
ment

is there to be extracted, and

correct. strictly

we

believe this to there is that it to manifest

be

But

we

hold
we

that

other

sensation

which, when

allow

H.Y.-C

66

HATHA
us a

YOGA satisfaction in
the until
non-

itself, gives

certain

swallowing, and which sensation or nearly all, the food-prana is

food.
You will notice if you that eating (even partially) with you until the you

continues

all,
the of

extracted
the

from

follow

Yogi plan
loth to

will be

part
once,

food, and
it to

that, instead

of

bolting it at

will allow

graduallymelt

away

in the mouth

suddenly

this sensation of food, which

as

And you realize that it is all gone. is experienced from the plainestkinds
to the taste, appeal particularly foods which are specialfavourites

do not
those

well

as

to

of your To
we ence races.

taste. particular

describe
no

this sensation

is almost

impossible,for
its exist Western

have has

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

best
at
we

The

can

do is to compare

it

sensations
a

the

ridiculous
we mean

of being accused comparison or illustration.

risk of

by other presenting
Here which
one

is

what

You when

know in

the the

sensation presence of

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,
sometimes
"

feels
"

"

"

"

"

unable Another

to tear

themselves sensation

away.

This is one
one

instance. from
case

is the

which
one
"

obtains
In this
"

being close
there is
an

to another

whom

loves.

interchange of charged with Prana) which

A

kiss from
"

the

loved

one
one

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

"

ism

that

it thrills

from

head

to

toe.

This

PRANA

ABSORPTION

67

gives an

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
" "

similar character the illustration

of the two
may evoke

manifestations
a

of energy,
or

smile,
false

possibly

ridicule. When often

crust
one

has for

overcome

mistaken

of whole-wheat satisfaction
within have

Appetite (so Hunger) he will masticate a dry bread and not only obtain a
of taste will from
the

the

certain contained which

we

nourishment sensation of

it, but

spoken

in practice and

order

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

enjoy keenly.

the

to return

to Nature's

plans.
most

The

most

nourish
to

ing

of foods

will

yield the
it is
a

satisfaction

the that

normal

taste, and

fact to be remembered in food in direct

"

food-prana is
to

contained

proportion
instance

its percentage of nourishment Nature's The wisdom.

eats

another

of

Yogi
so

his food
he
"

slowly, masticating each

feels like it
"

mouthful

long as it majority of
remains any

long as yields
cases

that

is, so

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

in the

him

food

mouth,
The
to

as

Nature's
food
moves

involun

tary

processes

gradually causes
swallowed.
the

the

to be

dissolved

and

Yogi
caress

slowly his jaws

he is
of the

and slowly, the teeth

allows

tongue

the

food, and
that

to sink

extracting the

knowing lovingly, food-prana from it, by means

into it

68
nerves

HATHA of the

YOGA
that he is he
same

mouth,
and

tongue and teeth, and

being stimulated replenishing his

time he

strengthened, and
of he

that
the

is

reservoir that

energy.
is

At

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
case

is conscious

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
and from

half-masticated

its atoms.

The

mastication

breaks

up

the

food

particles, allowing the fluids of the saliva to interpenetrate it,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

into small

PRANA

ABSORPTION

69
the of

alluded to, and process above full the enjoyment attendant Prana. You may

they experience to
upon

the extraction

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
get
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 yields down half the nourishment not over 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,
"

7o

HATHA

YOGA

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
tongue and cheeks, and
secreted
the We in the young show
our

babe, and

does

not

appear

until

teeth

themselves. students
to

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
away,

instead This

of
"

swallow.
be

making a deliberate of the melting-away

"

attempt
food
can

to

only

into a creamwhen the food is masticated possible with 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 of having eaten a fair-sized meal, prisedat the feeling of increased and at the sensation strength which has
come

to

We

you. understand
the

fully that
to take

it is

quite
eat

different

thing for
and
same,

Yogi
we

his time
man

and

in this way,
to do

for the hurried and the

a cause

Western
not

of business all of
once. our

the
to

do

expect

readers
But
we

change
sure

habit little

of years

all at this
to

feel

that

food
we

will
know in

practicein quite a change

such

method
over

of

eating
and
soon

come

one,

that

occasional

practice
in We the

will

result

method
that

quite an improvement of masticating the food.

student will find
a new

everyday
also,
an

know,
"

the

delight
soon

ad
eat

ditional
"

relish in

eating
"

and

will

learn

to

lovingly,"that is,to

feel loth to let the mouthful

of

PRANA
food
to

ABSORPTION
A
new

71 is

pass
man more

the far

away. who

world

of taste

opened

up

learns to follow this

plan, and

he will

get
and much

pleasurefrom
a

will have, besides,

more

before, eating than ever and better digestion, much

he
an

for vitality,

will

obtain

greater
of

degree of nourishment, and food-prana. It is possiblefor one who tunity to follow this plan
obtain
ment
an

increased

amount

has
to

the time
its extreme
amount

and

oppor
to

limit,
of nourish

almost

unbelievable

a strength from comparatively small of food, as there will be practically amount no waste, of the waste be proven as by an observation may the which Those is passed from matter system. and suffering from malnutrition impaired vitality follow this will find it profitable to at least partially 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 see, is that they waste you will readily 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

and

"

While
to the

you

may

not

be able to follow this matter may

work
a

up

extreme,

you

great improvement

in your self by followingthe methods above given. We merely give you the generalprinciples work the
"

72

HATHA

YOGA

rest

out

for

yourself
way
stated
to

"

experiment
learn

for

yourself
anyway.

that
"

is

the We

only
have

anything,
times in

several aids

this
in

book,
the

that

the of

mental

attitude Prana.
from the the

materially
is
but
true

process

absorbing
absorbed Hold
Prana that

This

not

only
of the

of

the

Prana

air,
that in

also

food-prana.
all the

thought

you mouthful of
"

are

absorbing
of

contained

food,

combining
and without
you
so

thought
be able
to

with
do

that much

Nourishment,"
than you
can

will

more

doing.

ABOUT

FOOD

WE
an

intend
open
we

to

leave

the
our

matter

of the

choice

of food person

question prefer
results
the
a

with

students. of
from

While,

ally,
the

certain
are

kinds

food, believing that

the
use

best

obtained
that it is

thereof,

we

recognize
habits of and his

fact lifetime
must

impossible
many his

to

change

the

(yes, of
be

generations)
own

in

day,
and

man

guided by
rather

experience
by dogmatic
a

growing knowledge,
of others. from
to

than

utterances

The

Yogis

prefer
reasons

non-

animal Oriental
The
more

diet, both
aversion advanced

hygienic
the
the

and of

the

eating
of

flesh

animals.

Yogi

students

prefer
a

diet
of

of fruit, nuts, unleavened when

olive

oil, etc., together with

made
from among from

form

bread

the those

entire

wheat. follow do
not
con

But

they dietary
to

travel rules

who

different hesitate

themselves
to

they
do
not

adapt
a

themselves
or

the

changed
knowing

ditions,
themselves

to

greater
a

less extent,
to

and

render
that

burden the

their of

hosts,

if

they

follow their
eat.

Yogi

plan
will
some

masticating good
most
care

their of

food what

slowly they things

above And

stomachs
In

take of may is the be

fact,

indigestible
eaten

in

the

modern

menu

safely

if the

mentioned
we

system
this We
our

adopted.
in the

write

chapter
have
no

spirit
to
must

of

the

travelling Yogi.
trary
rules

wish Man

force
grow

arbi
into

upon

students. 73

74
a more

HATHA

YOGA
of than for
to

rational
upon
non-meat

method him

it forced

eating,rather suddenly. It is hard

used it is

have
one

to

adopt
take

diet, if he has been

animal

flesh all his up

an

and life,

uncooked

equally difficult for one to if he has been eating dietarylist,

All
we

cooked think
a

dishes little

all his life.

on

ask
to

of you your

is to
own

the

subject and

trust

instinct

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
meat must

is not

its proper that

diet, but
"

we

believe

that

one

it rather than to have feeling, beaten of him, for if he out longs for the fleshbad as if he reallypar as pots of Egypt, it is about Man in the feast. will cease to desire meat, ticipated

outgrow

"

as

he

grows, of We

but the
are

until
meat
aware

that

time
will

comes, not

any

forced
much

restraint

habit
that of
our

do

him

good.

this will be

considered
we

heterodox

by
"

many
our

readers, but
will stand

cannot

help that factexperience.

If
our

statements

the

test

of

students

are

interested of

in the

question of

the

relative

advantages

particularkinds

of foods, let

ABOUT them
been

FOOD which

75 have

read

some

written read

of the very good works the subjectof recent upon

upon the

let them and

of

several

But years. sides of the question, fad particular them. It is

avoid
the

being
and values such

carried

writer

whose

by the away book is before

read various

instructive
tive

to interesting

of the

compara
our

food

of the

tables,and
more

rational result
of

the

the mere upon We suggest that

not

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

upon will gradually tend

articles

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
"

pastry and

made

dishes."

If

we

were

asked

to

give them be apt to

dishes
;

general rule regarding eating we Eat a variety of foods ; avoid say,

a
"

would
'

rich

'

do

not

eat

too

much

fat ;

beware

of the

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
; cut

the
out

elaborate cakes from

dishes your

pastry

hot

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

think
a

it better

to

make is very

the

first meal
to
at

of the

day
in

the

lightone, as there morning, as the

little waste
has been

repair
all

body

rest

76 night.
If you
If

HATHA

YOGA
a

possible, take
return to

little exercise

before

breakfast.
once

the natural

habit

of proper

mastication, and

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
nutritious toward food

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

for you, will which

and

you

will

feel inclined

If you
"

feel
"

"

out

of

sorts," do

not

be

afraid
a

to

cut

out

meal, and

give
on

the

stomach One

chance
can

to

get rid of what

it has

hand.

go

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

sick, and

lie around
to

until

health We

is restored, when may take this

they
lesson We

return

their
with

meals.

from do
"

them
not

considerable students
measure

profit.
become
"

wish

to

food every

cranks
mouthful method

who of and

weigh,
food.
believe

and this
a

analyse
an course

We

consider such

abnormal

that

generates
with all
much better

fear-thought and
sorts

fills the ideas.

Instinctive
We think it

mind
a

of

erroneous

ABOUT

FOOD

77

plan
the

to

use

ordinary
of the and have one's matter,

precautions
food,
but in and
eat

and
then

judgment
to

in

selection about

bother

no

more

with

the

thought masticating
that
to
nature

of

nourishment the will food do

strength
stated,
well. let The her

your and

minds,

as

we

knowing
as

its and

work

Keep

close

nature

as

possible,
measurement.

plans
strong,

be

your

standard is the

of
not

healthy
should

man

afraid who

of wishes

his
to

food,
be

and

neither

be

man

healthy.
live make Do is

Keep

cheerful,
and

breathe will of
trust

properly,
not

eat

properly,
to

properly,
a

you

have

occasion of for

chemical
not

analysis
afraid man's
to

every
to

mouthful

food. that

be natural

your
all.

instinct,

the

guide,

after

CHAPTER

XII

THE

IRRIGATION

OE

THE

BODY

ONE

of

the

cardinal of Health

principles of
is the
"

the

Hatha

Yoga
be fact

Philosophy
great

intelligentuse
Water.
of

of Nature's
not

gift to living things

to
even

It should
men

necessary that normal

to

call the of
man

attention

to

the

Water

is

one

the

great
has

means so

of

maintaining
much
a

health,

but

become

slave etc.,

artificial
he
to

environments,

habits,
laws. The

customs, His

that is

has
return

forgotten
to

Nature's

only hope
knows,
upon

Nature.
use

little and

child
insists

instinctively, being furnished

away
erroneous

the with

of

water,
as

it, but

it grows

older falls

it gets the
it.

from

the

natural

habit,
older
of

and

into

practices of the
is

people
the

around

This

particularly
from
away

true

those

living in
warm

large
water

cities, where
drawn weaned persons
not

they find
faucets,
from the

unpalatable
and
normal
new so

gradually
use

become
Such

of of

fluids.

gradually
last

form

habits
off

drinking
We

(or

drinking), and,
at
are
"

putting
conscious

Nature's
of them.
we

demands,
often
water
"

they
hear
we

not

people say,
do
not

But

why
?
"

should
But had

drink

get

thirsty

they continued thirsty, and

Nature's
a

in

Nature's
reason

paths why
have

they they do
so

would
not

get
hear

the is

only
that

calls
to

because she

they
has

long turned

deaf
and

ear

her less

become

discouraged

cries

78

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

use

of them with
to

is unnatural.

attempt
be

to

argue

such anyone

teachings
"

their

folly must
at

apparent
life habits
go

who the

will

look

the natural Let

man

of
to

man

and

lower
he

animals.
see

back

Nature,

and

will

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
health in
case
a

he has

lost it.
?

Who

would
who

think
be

of
so

depriving
cruel
as

to

plant of water fail to provide

of water and

And

would

the faithful horse

? And

with

the

requisiteamount giving the plant

common sense

yet,
that

man,

while his

the

animal

which

teaches

himself

of the

consequences,

they require,will deprive fluid,and will suffer the life-giving the just as would plant and horse
him

8o

HATHA

YOGA

under

similar

conditions.

Keep
when

this
you

example
consider

of the

plant and horse before you question of drinking water.

Let then been
us see

what
up
our

water

is used

for in the
or

body,
we

and

make

minds

whether

not

have

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 vented ancient
from
"

the

animal
a

dies.

In

one

of the with

festivals of

Rome
to

boy

was

covered
to

gold-leaf,
one

head

foot, in order

represent

of the

could be removed, gods he died before the gold-leaf the perspirationbeing unable to penetrate the var nish and the leaf. the soul Nature's function unable
was

inter

rupted and properly, the

Sweat and

body
threw

being
off its

to

function

perspirationare
with and the filth of

analysisto be loaded the refuse system

"

without

sufficient

supply

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

IRRIGATION would disease work and remain and in the death

81 and

body, poisoning it
as
a

consequence. off and

bringing The repair

of the
worn-out
new

body

is continuallygoing on,

the

tissue material

being carried
from
the

used-up replacedby
has

fresh,
absorbed
waste

blood, which
in the food.

it from be

the
out

nutrition
of the

This
is she the

must

cast

body,
of

and

Nature
"

quite particularthat
does
not

it shall be

gotten rid of

favour

the

storing up
matter
a

garbage

in

system.
in the

If this waste

is allowed

to remain

poison and breeds it serves conditions diseased a as breeding place and a feeding ground for germs, microbes, spores
system
it becomes
"

and do

bacteria, and
not

all the rest of that clean and

bother

the

family. healthy system

around
or

Germs
to any

great extent, but let them come water-haters, and it finds his and uncast-off refuse and filth,

one

of these full of

her

body

to they settle down to say along We will have something more business. to the subjectof Bathing. tlu'sline when come we Water plays a most important part in the every Yogi. He uses it internally day life of the Hatha it to keep healthy,and he and externally. He uses teaches its value to bring about healthy conditions, disease has impaired the natural where functioning of water the use We of the body. will touch upon We wish to impress in several parts of this book. the importance of the subject, students our upon it by as not to pass unimportant begging them of ten of our because it is so simple. Seven out THIS Do not pass it by. readers need this advice.
MEANS

YOU.

Both

perspirationand

sweat

are

necessary,

also,

82

HATHA
excessive

YOGA

dissipate the evaporation, and

to

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. bodily
"

heat

And unable The

to two

without
to

water

the

skin

would,
about

of course,

be

perform
adult

this function.
excretes
one

normal

and

one-half

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 perspiration is 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
that it does
not

pints

of water

in

become used

too

intense.

Water

is also

by

the

body

as

common

IRRIGATION carrier. It flows

83

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
have described. Without 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 and
waste of the

system is thrown
work
cannot

off. be

Without

sufficient

fluids

this

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 sufficiently moist cannot easily pass through the colon and out of the body, and Constipa
"

tion, with

all of its attendant

evils, results.
the
cases
"

The

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

of chronic

cause' cases

they
of

also

the

chronic

constipationmay

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

and

in the normal

assimilation

of nourishment

by

the

system.
who

Persons

do

not

drink

sufficient fluids almost

84

HATHA

YOGA

invariablyare deficient in their supply of blood they often bloodless-lookingcreatures are pale, sallow, anaemic Their skin is creatures. bloodless-looking often dry and feverish, and they perspire but little. and remind one They have an unhealthy appearance, of dried fruit, them needing a good soaking to make 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 and foul breath un perspiration, ; 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

solvent

and
the

enables

the

system

to assimi

late and

distribute
to

nourishment
the waste the the
"

obtained

from the

the food, and

get rid of
must

products of
blood
be is the

system.
and without Water the

It is often

said that

life,"
"

if this is so, what

water

water

called ?

for

the

blood
also

would for the

be

but

dust

is needed
to

kidneys

perform

of enabling purpose their functions of carrying off

IRRIGATION
the
urea, etc.

85
in order
to

It is needed

be

manu

factured

into

saliva, bile, pancreatic juice,gastric

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

supply
realize

of

all of

these

necessary

things.

Do

you

that

? these

If you doubt theories of the

facts, thinking them

have

to

be but any

Yogis, you
work upon

but

to

refer to

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

good scientific

that

so

much

water

exists in the tissues of be asserted

as
an

normal
"

system, that it may

axiom

that
no

all

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

if there

is

water,

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
you

the

that

the

skin

excretes

from

one

and

one-half

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

time.

Besides

certain the

amount

passes

off
a

through the
small
amount

excretions

from

bowels.

And

is passed from other how secretions much

the system in the

and

shape
of the
renew

of tears, and

excretions
to

body.

Now,

water

is needed

86

HATHA
? into

YOGA
A

this waste
is taken when

Let
the

us

see.

certain
the
are

amount

of fluids

system

with

food, particularly
But
this is

certain
a

kinds

of food small

eaten.

only
thrown

comparatively
off from the

portion of what has been system in its cleansingfunctions.

agree is the

The
five taken

best

authorities

that
amount

from

two

quarts
to woman,

to

pints of water daily by the

up the

necessary
man

be

average,

normal

and
amount

in ordt-r to make

the waste.

If that

is not the
"

supplied to
system
state

body
we

it will withdraw
assumes

fluids from
that
"

until

the

person have

dried-up

of which all the

spoken,
"

with

the

consequence

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
"
"

that

system, and
off in the
water

which

Nature

has

been you
sewers.

unable did not No

to

pass her

regular way
which saliva
to

because flush her

give

with your do you

wonder
"

that how

and

gastricjuices are
Nature
can

deficient

suppose

manufacture wonder
your

them

without

sufficient

water

No

blood

IRRIGATION is deficient
Nature is ?

87
where do you
to
are on.

in

quantity
"

suppose make
the
con

going

to

get the fluids from

that

blood

No

dition, with
does

your nerves all this abnormal going she

can,
even

wonder

out

of

Poor you
be

Nature

the draws
the
not

best
a

though
the

foolish

She
that dare

little water

from

system in order

machinery
draw
too

shall not

much"

does

just as you nearly exhausted

of

do
"

when you

entirelystop, but she she compromises. She so in the spring is the water
to rest

try

make

little do with

the

work

much,

and

must

content

doing

things only half-way right. afraid to drink not The Yogis are each day. of water amount They are
" "

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 but mark They drink frequently, ye this : they do not time. at any one drink large They do not quantities 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. Those for many habit

of

who

have

years
water

neglected their natural instincts almost have forgotten the natural considerable need drinking, and

88

HATHA
A

YOGA little practicewill and

you
soon

practiceto regainit.
to create
a

begin
in time

demand

for water,

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 Yogis drink before going to bed
The
a

cleanses
and

the stomach

and

washes
settled

away

the sediment

waste

which

have

during the

night.

usually drink a cupful about an hour before mild each exercise, meal, following it by some the digestiveapparatus that this prepares believing for the meal, and hunger. They promotes natural They
are

not

afraid

of

drinking a

little water of
are
"

even

at meals
"

(imaginethe horror of some but when they read this),

down
"

our

health-teachers
not

careful

to

"

wash the

their

food

with
not

water.

Washing

down

food
causes

with
one

water

to swallow
"

only dilutes the saliva, but insalivated his food imperfectly

it go with
down

and

masticated
"

makes

before

Nature

is
of

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

The

IRRIGATION

89
harmful

Yogis believe
when

that
at

only in
"

taken
"

meals
a

is water this way for the reason and meal

that
to

given
soften up

alone

they take
mass

little at each

the food weaken

in the stomach, and

little does not

the

strengthof
our as
a

the
are

etc. gastric-juices,

Many
hot We
we

of

readers
means use

familiar

with

the

use

of

water

of its approve think that if our

cleansing a foul stomach. in that way, when needed, but

of will follow carefully
the

students

as given in this book, they will Yogi plan of living, foul stomachs have no needing cleansing their As a prelimin will be good, healthy ones. stomachs
"

ary

toward

rational
to
use

eating, the sufferer may

hot
water in

find it The

advantageous

this way.

best way is to take about one pint,slowlysipping it, hour in the morning before breakfast, or about one before
in the other

meals.

It will excite

muscular

action

digestiveorgans, which will tend to pass from stored up there, which the the system the foul matter But has loosened up and diluted, as well. hot water expedient. Nature did not contemplate hot water as steady beverage, and water is all that she requires in at ordinary temperature health healthand that she requires to maintain health has been lost through disobedience but when to is a good thing with which to her laws, hot water habits. before resuming natural clean house
this is

only

temporary

"

"

We in

will have

more

to

say about

the

use

of water

Bathing, outward
"

etc., in application,

other

parts

of this book offices. In water,

this

chapter is devoted
the

to

its internal

addition
as

to

above

properties,offices and will add that given, we

uses

of

water

90

HATHA

YOGA

contains of the

Prana it

in

considerable with
it

quantities,
the

portion
if
often the
"

which

parts
demands

in
and of

system,
extracts

particularly
it.
stimulant normal

system
the need

One

feels

of
that

cupful
for
some

water

as

reason

being
Prana has

reason

the
and
"

supply
recog

of

become
it

depleted
obtain the of and
"

Nature,
and all has
"

nizing
from how

that water,
at

may

Prana
demand.

rapidly
You
water

easily

causes

remember
acted and renewed when with

times stimulant

cup

cool
refresher
to

as

powerful
it

to

you,

how

enabled and
"

you

to

return

your

work

with Water

vigour
feel

energy.

Do

not

forget
connection fresh

you

used it

up."
will other

Used

in

Yogi quicker

Breathing
than In
moment

give

man

energy

will

any

method. let it remain The first in the mouth

sipping
before and the

water,

swallowing.
are

nerves

of

the
to

tongue
absorb

mouth

the this when

(and
will is

quickest)
prove tired. advan This

Prana,

and

plan
one

tageous,
worth

particularly remembering.

is

THE

ASHES

OF

THE

SYSTEM

THIS who

will
are

not

be

pleasant
with
or

chapter
old

to

those

of
the

you
im

still bound of the

the

notions
"

of

purity
to

body,

any

part

of it

if there

chance

be

such
to

among

our

students. existence of

Those certain and feel

of

you

who

prefer
functions shame
are
a

ignore
of the

the

important
a

physical
that

body,
certain

sense

of

at

the

thought
their
may

physical
not

functions relish upon

"

part

of and

everyday
even
we

lives, will
it
as a

this the

chapter,
book
"

regard
should have
see no

blot

thing which
we

have

omitted To much
the

some
we

thing
would in

which
say

should
we can

ignored.
use

such

that the

(and
in

harm)
old

following dreading
and,

policy

of

the would hated

ostrich stick

tale,
in the

who, sand,
would

his

hunters,
the

his

head from

shutting
their

things they

sight,
and entire
that
we
"

ignore
him.

existence have

until such

overtook for the

captured
human
are

We and

respect
and

body,
unable
it. which
to

all its parts

functions,
"

see

anything
can see

impure nothing

or

un-nice
in the

about

And

we

but

folly
discuss
The

policy
functions

refuses

to
or

consider
any of others.

and

the

referred

to,

result

of

this

conventional
been

policy
that

dodging
of the

the
race

unpleasant
are

subjects, has
from diseases
To

many

suffering by
we

and
who

ill health read

brought
this

about

this
say

folly.

many

chapter,

what

92
will
come as
a

HATHA
new

YOGA revelation
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 plain talk
off waste That that

about
of the

the

ashes

of the

system

"

the

cast-

body.
needed, is evidenced
the lesser

such

talk is

at least

of three-quarters
a

sufferers from tion and nature,

can

greater
cause

or

by the fact modern people are degree of constipa

is all contrary that
to
one

its baneful and

results. is
so

This

the

easilyremoved
this
can

scarcely imagine why

to

state

of
one we

affairs is
answer are

allowed

continue. of the work

There
cause

be but
If

"ignorance
to

and

cure.

able

aid in the in thus

and

removing this curse restoringnormal conditions

of

of the race,

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
"

by bringing the disgusted

the

most

of any
who

of

our

readers.
the

Those the

have

read

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 has taken up all the

nourishment
use.

it

can

from

it"

the material

which

it cannot
as

Right
follow
other

here

it will be

well to state

that

those

who

Yogi plan of eating their food, as given in of this chapters,will have a much less amount
the

ASHES
waste

93
man or woman

matter his
or

than her

the

average
to

who

allows

food for

reach

the

stomach

only
he

partially prepared
The eats
"

digestion
at

and

assimilation.

average

person

wastes

least half of what

who

the waste

matter

of those

follow and person.

the much

Yogi
less

practice being comparatively

offensive than
that

small

of the
our

average

In order to understand
look

The

organs of the largeintestine of the

at the

take a must we subject, body having to do with it. Colon (thelarge bowel)
" "

is the part of the is

a

large canal
the

from

lower
to to

passing over down again

makes
sort

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 the
lower
or

left-hand
curve,
or

side,

where

it

of in

twist the

and

terminating
matter

rectum

smaller, grows exit of the waste

of the small

system.
intestine

The
means

lower is
so

empties into the colon by of a small trap-door arrangement, on the ; this trap-door right-handside of the abdomen arranged
not

that it allows it to
seat

matter

to pass

out, but

will

allow the

pass

back.

The

Vermiform

Appendix,
entrance.

of

The

colon

this is justbelow appendicitis the rightrises straightup on then makes

a

hand
passes

side of the

abdomen,

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.

94 The should
Nature

HATHA colon
pass is
a

YOGA
sewer

great big
the

through
of the

which

freely

sewerage

system.

intends

and
not

man

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

long delay
more so

casting off.
does
not

But it
so

as con

he

grows

civilized, he
of

find

venient, and
last

he postpones nature's

calls,until
to

at

she

gets tired
and
goes

calling his
attends
to

attention
some

the

matter,
numerous

off and

of her other

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
duties. Man loosen but he
the
even

waste

matter

on

its way
run

from short

the system, of fluids that

nature,
walls

in

body desperation,
some

lets his

so

draws

back

of the colon
use"

of the water

through the already given it

for her work,

for its she

to get spring water failing

must

needs

use

sewer
man

water. to

Imagine
a

the

result ! The of this refuse

failure of
matter

allow colon

free

passage in
con

from
source

the

results

which stipation,

is the

of innumerable
of which is

cases

of ill health, the real nature

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

through.
colon

Constipation

means

is not

and perfectly/clean

free of
A

impacted

faecal matter. with filled, partially old faecal

colon

filled,or

ASHES
matter

95
to

is

source

of

poison

the
the

whole
contents

system.
of the nourish absorbed

The

colon

has walls which

absorb

colon.
ment

Medical

demonstrates practice the colon will

that be

injected into rapidly and carried to

the And
same as

the blood. other

in Drugs injected

way before
matter

reach

the

parts of the system.

waste sewage

stated, the fluid portion of the

is absorbed

faecal
water

by

the

system, the

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 colon. constipated of old the masses when the colon is cleaned, among faecal
eaten
remove

matter

has

been

found before.
as

cherry stones,
Cathartics do

etc.,
not

several

months

this old faecal matter, is in the stomach and

they simply

loosen

up

what

small

intestines,and
of

pass

it off

through

the little opening in the hardened which is lined. with

to

faecal

matter

with

the
In

walls
some

badly

constipated colon colon is impacted

solid
as

hardened such and

so
an

the persons as faeces, almost that their

soft

coal,

extent

abdomens
matter

become becomes

swollen sometimes of

hard.

This

old waste

foul that and

even

it becomes

the and

breeding place
the
colon
or

worms,

maggots,
waste

is filled with

matter, from

faeces, which
clear and

The eggs. is passed into the their

a

colon

the small
are

is of intestine,

if the bowels

pasty substance, and clean, and the movements

the

natural, it should
more

pass from solid state, and of a is retained and in the

system in but
The

trifle

faecal matter

lightcolour. the colon, the

darker

longer
and When

harder

drier it becomes,

in colour.

g6
sufficient fluids
are

HATHA
not

YOGA

taken, and
convenient

nature's

calls

are

ignored until a more a drying up forgotten,

When the up
so

time, and

then

and

later the faeces

movement

the
on,

passes out, the Next colon. day

a

hardening process ensues. is had, only a portion of balance remaining to clog

a

little more

is

added, and

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 of the colon. caused condition directly by this filthy
case
"

until

of chronic

Half

of the

cases

of female

trouble

are

caused

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
the
cause

is once
ailments In

removed

people begin to ently unconnected

the

recover

from
the

many
cause.

with
are

appar addition to

fact that

diseases

caused
a

and

encouraged by
one

this state

of the colon, it is
contract

fact that

is far and

more

likelyto

contagious diseases,

diseases

ASHES like

97

of a neglected typhoid fever, etc., by reason colon furnishinga fine breedingplace for the germs who keeps his colon In fact a man of these diseases. but very little is believed to run clean and healthy, risk of diseases of this kind. Just imagine what
must

be

the
us
"

result when is it any

we

inside of

wonder

around carry a sewer that diseases which are

occasioned like

by filthyconditions outside thrive on little inside of the body ? Use condition a

friends. that
we

reason,

Now

have

said

enough

to call your

atten

troubles (we could tion to the seat of many dreds of pages with still stronger remarks

fillhun
on

this ask: it

subject)you
"

are

perhaps
that

in

condition

to

Well, I believe
I do
to

all this is true, and

that

explainsmuch
must

that has been

troublingme,

but what
to

get rid of
"

that

foul condition, and

health in this respect ? regain and keep normal is : First get rid of the abnormal Well, our answer sweet accumulation, and then keep yourself filthy and clean and healthy,by following nature's laws. We will endeavour
to

show

you

how

to do

both

of

these

things."
colon is but

rilled with impacted slightly the fluids faeces,one may get rid of it by increasing and and by by encouraging regular movements, the intelligence of the cells of the stomach treating half of the (as hereinafter described). But, as over people who are mentally asking us this question, If the have colons
more

or

less rilled with

of
an

old, hardened,
green

impacted
which
we

faecal matter, been there

a

almost

colour,

has

for months, radical

must
H.Y.-D

give them

more

perhaps longer, remedy. As they

08
have gone
we

HATHA away
must
so

YOGA
nature

from aid

trouble,
clean

nature she

contracting this in restoring somewhat

in

lost conditions colon

to
a

that with.

may
We

thereafter
will go
to

have

work

the

animal
ago of the the

kingdom
natives Ibis

for
of
"

suggestion. Many
noticed
that
"

centuries birds

India
a

certain would
wretched

family journeys into

which
was was

long-billedbird
the interior in
a

return

from

condition,

due

very
was

there
bird

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

would

reach

the

rivers
to

in

an

almost

exhausted
The

condition, scarcely able

bird river would relieve this

fly from
with

weakness.
water

would and

fillits bill and

mouth

from

the

then, inserting the

water

bill into

the

rectum, would

injectthe
it in
a

into

the

bowel, which
bird
was

few

moments.

The
bowel

would

repeat
for
a

several and

times, until the

would until then its

completely
rest

emptied,
few
after
as

sit around

and

minutes

vitalitywas
the
ever.

restored, when,

drinking freelyfrom
active
as

river, it would
the tribes

flyaway

strong and
The

chiefs

and

priestsof
its wonderful about
the

noticing this

occurrence,

and

effect

began to reason one suggested

upon
some

matter,
be

the birds, upon and finally some

to

that

it

might
men

tried

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

of the

old

who,

warm

river

water

into

the

bowels

of the

old

men

ASHES

99 The
a new

sufferingfrom
wonderful
took unto
enter
"

this

complaint.
men

results

were

the old

took

on

lease of life,

themselves into their the

again
to
to
resume

wives, and began to young of the tribe, and active work

heads
of the
men

positionsas
of

tribe,much
who had

the

amazement

the
out

younger
of the of

considered
men

the veterans
other tribes

contest.
occurrence

The

old and

of

heard
on

the

began coming
men young unaided.
"

in, borne

the
to

shoulders walked handed been

use

of

the

they

are

said
the

have

home

From

all

accounts

down,
of
a

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

these

have of the
the

most

of

"

gallons
was

treatment must

concluded
been

the colon

of the old tribesmen

have

which
But

thoroughly cleaned out, and in a condition would more poisons. give the system no heroic such not are we going to advocate
"

treatment

we

are

not

tribesmen, remember.
calls for
a

Yes, the abnormal

aid to nature
in the in

condition

temporary
once

getting rid
the

of this foul accumulation

to

colon.

And

the best way

get rid of it
of the aid that of

and the

for all is to follow old Hindu tribesmen

example
with the All

Ibis and

perfected
is
a

twentieth
an

century apparatus.
rubber
much the the

is needed
have
a

ordinary cheap fountain syringe, so bulb syringewill do

warm

syringe.
Take
hand

If you

better, but
a

cheap
with the few The
next

work.
as

pint of pretty
can

water-

"

as

warm

the

bear with for

a

comfort.

Injectthe
Then
and

water

into

the

bowel colon

syringe.
minutes,

hold then

the water

in the

night

time

is the

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

TOO

HATHA
take way.
a

YOGA
warm

night
same

quart

of

water

and

use

it the

skip a night, and the second night and the after, try three pints ; then skip two nights, 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 washing injections the looser fragments, and generally dislodging away and be Do not mass. breaking up the hardened
Then

afraid of the two

more,
we

quarts.

Your
use

colon

will hold

much

and consider

some

persons this rather and

but gallon injections,

too

much.

Knead

the

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

result of these of
once

aesthetic tastes rid of the colon

often

will not appeal to the injections people,but the question is to get and for all.
The contents

filth

of the

brought
of
a

most

are by these initial injections away offensive and unpleasant nature, but

certainlyit
your
as

is much

better

to

have

this filth out foul when

of

system than
it is

in it" it is

justas

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
when

in you in of cases

which

you

are

cleansing

the

colon, you

will have

ASHES little
not
or
no

101

natural

movements

of the

bowels.

Do

let this worry by the water you, for it is caused have that which ordinarilywould washing away been after evacuated the in the stool.

cleansing process

couple of days will is completed, you

a

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
use

of the

syringe
"

we

do

not

consider

it

natural

believe that as we necessity, natural habits to persistedin will cause anyone of the bowels, without regain the normal movement

habit, and

fail to

see

its

the

use

of

any
as a

outside

syringe only
clear away

help. We preliminary measure

We of the
a

advocate in order
see

the
to

past accumulations.
in the
use

no
a

harm,
month,
condi in
as
our

however,
as a

syringe, say
schools
use

once

preventativeof
There who
are

recurrence

of the of

old

tions. America

several
the

teachers

advocate We
cannot

of the with

syringe
them,
for believe

daily duty.
motto nature

agree

is,

"

Get
not

back

to

nature," and

we

that

does

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
" "

daily use of the syringe. plenty of pure, fresh water, going to stool, and a little

the stool at the

same

time

each

day, whether

you

feel

102

HATHA inclination
or

YOGA You
is fond will

an

not.

the

habit,
be

and

nature

of

graduallyestablish into habits. falling

an

Then
not

again, you
aware

may

reallyneed
have

evacuation
your

and
nerve

of it,for you

deadened

calls

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
"

"

to

supply my
my

system
move

with

the fluids it needs.

It will
nature

make

bowels

and regularly, as freely

intended."

Carry the idea in your mind of what you are trying to accomplish, and you will be apt to get your results quicker.
Now unless
for
an

idea

which

may the

seem

absurd back

to

you,

you

understand
how another
to

philosophy
and

of it. the in

(We
"

will tell you in

"

to do it now,

talk about consists

philosophy
talking
hand,
up

chapter.) This
bowel. Give the

the

abdomen

(alongthe
the

lines of the
and say
to

Colon, I've given

you you
a

you
"

fresh and need

clean

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

to do your

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
"

"

you've got
colon

to

do

it." This

And
seems

you

will find that

the you,

will do it.
"

Like child's the

sense

play to

probably

you

will understand
on

of it when

read the chapter you is merely a simple way

of

It Involuntary Control. scientific a accomplishing

ASHES

103

fact
"

plain

way

of

calling

into

play

mighty

force.

Now,
tion.
"

friends,
and who

if has

you
not

have

suffered will back banish foul

from

constipa
the above cheeks

?
"

you

find those that that

advice and that

valuable.

It skin
"

will it that

bring
will

rosy

beautiful
furred

sallowness,
trouble of

tongue,
and from has
will all

breath,
of
the colon
"

some

liver,

the the been

rest

family
that the

symp

toms

arising
sewer

clogged

stopped
Try
to

up this

which and

poisoning
to

body.
and
in

plan

you

begin being.

enjoy
And

life,
now

be

natural,
fill and of up

clean,
your
us

healthy glass
with

closing,
water, and lots
to

sparkling,
"

clear,
to

cool

join
it,"
and

in

the

toast,
you
water

Here's it
to

health,

while
"

drink is

down

slowly,
me

say

yourself,
strength
"

This it is

bring
tonic."

health

and

Nature's

own

CHAPTER

XIV

YOGI

BREATHING

LIFE

is
"

absolutely dependent
Breath
as

upon

the

act

of breath

ing.

is Life."

Differ

they
the

may

upon

details and
the

of

theory

and
agree

terminology,
upon
To
no

Oriental

Occidental

these

fundamental
is to

principles.
without breath
there

breathe
Not

live, and
are

is

life.

only
for

the

higher
health,
breathe
upon

animals
but
to
even

dependent
the

upon

breath
of

life and

lower

forms

animal

life must

live, and

plant

life is likewise existence. The

for
a

dependent
draws
to

the

air for continued

infant
moment

in

long, deep breath,

from it in
a

retains

it

extract

it

its

life-giving
and lo !
a

properties,and
its life upon

then

exhales
has

long wail,
old
man
over.

earth
ceases

begun.
and of the

The

gives
From

faint
the the

gasp,

to

breathe,

life is
to

first faint

breath
it

infant

the of

last gasp continued

of

dying Breathing

man,

is

one

long story
series
of the
most

breathing.
of all of the other
some

Life may

is but be

breaths.

considered of the

important
all the exist without may

functions

body, for, indeed,

it.
a

functions
time
;

depend
without

upon
;

Man

may

without
but

eating
few

shorter

time

drinking
be

breathing
minutes.

his existence

measured And
not

by only

is Man

dependent
104

upon

Breath

for

YOGI

BREATHING
correct

105 habits

but he is largely life, dependent upon of

and freedom from breathing for continued vitality An of our disease. intelligentcontrol breathing will lengthen our days upon earth by giving us power of resistance,and, on increased vitalityand powers the other hand, unintelligent and careless breathing

will tend

to

shorten

our

days, by decreasing our

to disease.

and laying us vitality

open
state

Man
in

in his normal

had

no

need

of instruction

breathing. Like the lower animal and the child, he breathed in naturally and properly, as nature him tended civilization has changed him to do, but in this and im other respects. He has contracted and methods attitudes of walking, standing, proper and sitting, which have robbed him of his birthright of natural and correct breathing. He has paid a high price for civilization. The to-day, savage, breathes naturally, unless he has been contaminated by the habits of civilized man.
The

percentage

of

civilized

men

who

breathe

is quite small, and the result is shown in correctly contracted chests, and stooping shoulders, and the terrible increase in diseases of the respiratory organs, the including that dread monster, Consumption, white stated authorities have scourge." Eminent that one re generation of correct breathers would
"

generate
be looked the from
the

the

race,
as

and
a

disease

would

be

so

rare

as

to at

upon

curiosity. Whether
of the

looked

standpoint
between and

Oriental

or

Occidental,
health

connection

correct

breathing and

is

readilyseen
The

Occidental

health

depends

explained. teachings show that the physical correct materially upon very

106

HATHA The Oriental

YOGA teachers
are

breathing.
in addition

not

only

admit that

that their Occidental

to

brothers

but right,

say

physical benefit derived from mental of breathing, man's habits correct power, morals, and happiness,self-control, clear-sightedness, his spiritual be increased even by an growth may
the

understanding of
schools
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 but the and hygienists, to the Western physiologists 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
Oriental
" "

organ
"

or

part
or

an

increased

flow

of

vital

force

or

prana," thereby strengthening and

part
organ. brother He knows knows about
he

invigorating
his Western

the

all that
the

scientific

physiological
that

effect of correct the and

air contains

breathing,but
more

also knows and

than

oxygen

hydrogen

nitrogen, and plished than the

He knows

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

YOGI Western brother is

BREATHING

107

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

nature,
powers. may
not

and He

aid knows

in

the
that

of his latent

by

controlled and

breathing he
others, but

in himself with

also

only cure disease do away practically

|
we

and the baser emotions. worry In the consideration of the question of respiration,
must

fear and

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 column, lungs and heart. by the spinal 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 column. from each side of the spinal 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
" "
"

"

"

io8

HATHA

YOGA

they are not so fastened, the upper of them two to the other being fastened by cartilage their for ribs, the remainder having no cartilages, 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

ribs," because

alluded

to, separates

the chest

box

from

the

abdominal
In

cavity.
act

the

of inhalation
a vacuum

the

muscles and

expand
the of

the

lungs so

that

is created
the well

air rushes

in in accordance

with

known

law

physics.

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

upon

the

proper

use

and

control

of these muscles The

the

Science
control

of

Breath

largely depends.

proper

to ability 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 classify Respiration into four general

of these

muscles

will result in the

methods,

viz.

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

We will

Breathing. Breathing. Breathing. Complete Breathing.

give
a a

general
which

idea

of

the

first three of Science the of

methods,
fourth Breath
is

and

more

extended -the

treatment

method,

upon

Yogi

based. largely

YOGI

BREATHING

109

(i) HIGH
This form

BREATHING

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

of

raises the collarbone

and

shoulders,
and which

at the

same

time
up

drawing
The

in the

abdomen

pushing its contents

in turn and is raised.

against the diaphragm,

upper

part of

the chest

lungs,which
a

is the

smallest, is used, and

amount

consequently but
the

minimum
to

of air enters

lungs.
A

In addition
can

this,
of
a

the

diaphragm being raised, there

direction. will convince
amount
amount

be

no

expan

sion in that the chest maximum

mum

study of the anatomy

any student of effort is used

that in this way to obtain a mini

of benefit.

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

expenditure of
benefit.
It is

energy
an

with

the

smallest

amount

of

It is

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

energy- wasting, poor-returns plan. the Western races, many among

by this method,
breathe

often
on

results in the

voices heard harsh, disagreeable persons to the who in this way practice of
"

all sides. become

Many
"

addicted

mouth-breathing disgusting described in a subsequent chapter.

If the student
has any

doubts

about

what

has

been

no

HATHA

YOGA

said

regarding this form of breathing,let him try the experiment of expelling all the air from his lungs, then standing erect, with hands at sides, let him raise
the shoulders and
amount

collarbone of air

and

inhale.

He

will below
after

find

that

the Then

inhaled
a

is far

normal.

let him

inhale and in

full breath, he

dropping
receive
an

the

shoulders

collarbone, and

will

object lesson
or

apt

to

remember

words,

printed

breathing which much longer than he spoken.

BREATHING

he will be

would

any

(2) MID
This

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 to call your attention to notice, and that principally its shortcomings.

method

of

(3) Low
This the
two

BREATHING
than

form

is far better respiration preceding forms, and of recent of

writers have

either of many
have

years

Western

extolled
of
"

its merits, and

"

exploited it under the names ing," Deep Breathing," etc., etc., and much good
"

abdominal

Breath

Diaphragmic Breathing," has been accomplished by

YOGI the attention of the

BREATHING

in

public having been directed to and many the subject, 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
" " "

which abdomen
a

separates the chest and

and its contents.
to

its contents
at rest

from

the

When abdomen.

it presents

concave

surface

the from

That
would
"

is, the
seem

diaphragm as viewed like the sky as viewed

of
an

the abdomen the earth

from

the

interior

arched

surface.

Consequently

the

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
the

the abdomen.

Breathing,

lungs

are

given

freer

play

H2

HATHA in the methods

YOGA and
conse

than

already mentioned,

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

some

few

Western

writers

have

also

recognized this fact. The trouble with all methods of breathing,other than Yogi Complete Breathing," is that in none of these methods do the lungs become filled with air at the best only a portion of the lung 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 fillsthe

parts.
entire

It is evident

that

any

method

that

be far preferable to 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.

Breath of

is known

to the to

Yogis

to be

the best method

respirationknown

science.

THE

YOGI

COMPLETE

BREATH

Yogi Complete Breathing includes all the good points of High Breathing, Mid Breathing and Low features of each Breathing, with the objectionable eliminated. It bringsinto play the entire respiratory apparatus, every part of the lungs, every air-cell, The entire respiratory respiratorymuscle. every

YOGI

BREATHING this method of

113

organism responds to
the

breathing, and
from
the

maximum

amount

of benefit is derived

minimum is increased every

work

expenditure

The chest cavity of energy. limits in all directions and to its normal

part of the machinery performs its natural

and functions. of the most

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

One

again,in

this method, the

to

perfect control and is able properly,and in such manner mum degree of service. In the rib action, above
are

diaphragm is under perform its functions to yieldthe maxi as

to, the lower
which draws ribs them

alluded

controlled

by

the

diaphragm

downward, while other muscles hold them in slightly force them out place and the intercostal muscles ward, which
combined action increases the mid-chest In addition to this muscu cavity to its maximum. lar action, the upper ribs are also lifted and forced outward by the intercostal muscles, which increases the capacity of the upper chest to its fullest extent. If you have studied the special features of the four of breathing,you will at once that given methods see

ii4

HATHA

YOGA
all the advan

the

Complete

Breathing comprises
other

tageous features of the three

methods,

plus the

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 the other

forms He

of breath
not to

mentioned be content
work of

and with

given in this book. it, but half-learning

until This it becomes his

should
go

should
natural

in earnest

method

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
earnest

will

breathing. patience,but with ever accomplished.

if he

expects
a

to

receive

results.

The

results obtained
of Breath them
are

by

complete mastery
and
no one

of the Science

great,

who
to

has old

attained

would
he

willinglygo

back
that

the

methods,
himself

and

will tell his friends

he We

considers
say

amply repaid
now,

for all his work. may

these

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

things necessity

how
to

to

give

YOGI you then

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
wish
or

to say

that

this

Complete
on
"

Breath

is not

a a

forced

abnormal
to

thing, but
savage

the
return

contrary is
to

going
The of

back

first

principles a
and breathe

Nature. infant but of

healthy adult
civilization lized
man

the

healthy
methods

both has

in this manner,

civi

adopted
has
the

unnatural lost his that

living,
we

clothing,etc., and
wish does
the
to remind not

birthright. And
the

reader

Complete
may

Breath

necessarilycall for
at

the

of complete filling One inhale

the

lungs

every

inhalation.

average

amount

of air,using 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 times
to
a

day,

whenever

opportunity

offers,in order
condition. The

keep the system in good order and

a

followingsimple exercise will give you

the

clear

idea of what

Complete

Breath

is

sit erect. or Breathing through the (i) Stand the lower part of inhale steadily, first filling nostrils, 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

front

walls

of the

abdomen.
out

Then

fill

middle

part of the lungs, pushing

and chest. Then

the lower

ribs, breastbone

fill the

higher

u6

HATHA

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 drawn will be slightly 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

three the

distinct

movements. The

This, how
is
con

is not

correct

idea.

inhalation

tinuous, the

entire

diaphragm region of
uniform

to

the

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

chest

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

Avoid

to

divide

the
a

inhalation uniform

into

three

movements, breath. in
a

and
will of

will result in be

continuous the

You

able

to

complete
a

inhalation

couple

seconds

after

little

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 it upward lifting slowly as the air leaves the the air is entirelyexhaled, relax the lungs. When chest A abdomen. and little practicewill render

this part
once

of

the

exercise be

acquired will automatically.

It will be
seen

the movement easy, and afterwards performed almost

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, exercised. remote are that

expanded

in all directions.

You

will also notice

that

YOGI

BREATHING

117

the Mid in

Complete
and
the

Breath

is

really

combination each other

to

of

Low,

High
order

Breaths,

succeeding
in such
a
manner

rapidly
form
one

given,

as

uniform,
You

continuous,
will
this

complete
it

breath.

find

quite
before
the

help
a

to

you

if

you

will

practise
the feel it is
hands

breath

large
so

mirror,
that the the

placing
you may

lightly
movements.
to

over

abdomen the end of

the well

At

inhalation,
shoulders,
the

occasionally
the

slightly
and

elevate

thus

raising freely place

collarbone the small

allowing
lobe of the

air

to

pass which culosis.

At less

into
is

upper
the

right
of

lung,
tuber

sometimes

breeding

place

the

beginning
in

of

practice,
the

you

may

have

more

or

trouble

acquiring
make
will

Complete
and when

Breath,
you
return

but have
to

little

practice
acquired

will
it

perfect,
never

once

you

willingly

the

old

methods.

CHAPTER

XV

EFFECT

OF

CORRECT

BREATHING

SCARCELY

too

much

can

be

said

of

the

advantages
And
the

attending
yet
him the

the

practice of
who has

the

Complete
to

Breath.

student should

carefully read
have

pages

scarcely
the

need

foregoing pointed out to

will make and

such

advantages. Complete
to

The
man or

practice of
woman

Breath

any other all

immune

Consumption
will
as

pulmonary liabilityto
and

troubles,
contract
"

and

do

away well
as

with

colds,"

bronchial

similar
to

weaknesses.

Consumption
inhaled.
open

is due
to
an

princi
insuffi

pally
cient of

lowered

vitality attributable being

the The
to

amount

of air

impairment
attacks from
a con

vitality renders
germs.

system

disease

Imperfect
of the
offer
an

breathing
to

allows

siderable such

part

lungs

remain
for

inactive,

and

portions
the

inviting field
tissue
soon

bacilli, which
havoc.
and is to

invading
Good,
the
use

weakened

produce
germs,

healthy lung
way
to

tissue

will resist the

only
the

have

good, healthy lung

tissue

lungs properly.
does this
to

Consumptives
What
were

addicted

nearly all narrow-chested. ? mean Simply that these people improper habits of breathing, and
are

consequently expand.
Breath chested
The

their
man a

chests
who

failed

to

develop
the the to

and

practises
his

Complete
narrow-

will have
man

full,broad

chest, and
chest

may

develop
118

normal

EFFECT

OF

CORRECT

BREATHING

119

of breath if he will but adopt this mode proportions ing. Such people must develop their chest cavities be often their lives. Colds if they value may little vigorous Complete a prevented by practising 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 fasting for a day. Breathing and partial 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.
"

The much

stomach from

and

other

organs

of nutrition

suffer

improper breathing. Not only are they but as of the lack of oxygen, ill nourished by reason
the

food

must

absorb

become

oxygenated
are

assimilated, it
assimilation
And whenever less

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

can

oxygen before it

from be

the

blood

and

assimilation and less

is not

normal, the system

the

receives

nourishment,
and declines.

appetite
from the

bodily vigour decreases, and energy fails,

and lack the
man

diminishes,

withers

All

of proper
the

breathing. system suffers from

Even

nervous

improper

120

HATHA
as

YOGA
the the

breathing, inasmuch
the
nervQ

brain, the
nerves

spinal cord,

centres,

and

themselves, when
of the

improperly
poor
and

nourished
inefficient

by

means

blood, become

instruments

for

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

currents

themselves,
currents

or

rather

the

force

from

which

the
want

nerve

of proper the of

phase of chapters
direct

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

this

book,

and

your
nervous

attention

to the

is to here purpose fact that the mechanism

our

of the

system
for

is rendered
nerve

inefficient
the

as

an

instrument

conveying
of proper

force, as

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
a

lack

lungs

acts

as

gentle massage
actions, and
inhalation

of these
encourages aids
a

organs

and

stimulates

their

normal internal

functioning.
exercise, and
to

Each

in

this

assists in causing of nutrition

normal

circulation In

the

organs

and

elimination.

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

EFFECT

OF

CORRECT

BREATHING

121

plan

for

this

exercise

is

proper

breathing.
instrument the and and for

The this

diaphragm
internal

is Nature's
exercise.

principal
motion

Its

vibrates

important
massages

organs and

of kneads

nutrition them into

a

and
at

elimination,
inhalation and
tone

each

exhalation,
it

forcing
and
organ

blood

them,

then
to

squeezing
the is
organs.
not

out,

imparting
or

general
the and internal action

Any
exercised

part

of

body
refuses

which
to

gradually
and lack

atrophies
of
the

function afforded diseased motion the

"

properly, by
the

exercise leads
to

diaphragmatic
The

organs.
to

Complete
as

Breath well It

gives
as

the

proper

the and

diaphragm,
upper From without chest. the

exercising
"

middle in
its

is indeed of the

complete

action.

standpoint
to

Western Oriental of

physiology
philosophies Breathing
and it. Its

alone,
and is of child very
con

reference this

science,
vital who

Yogi

system
to

Complete
man,
woman

importance
wishes
to

every health

acquire

and from

keep

simplicity sidering
health
"

keeps
it,
while

thousands

seriously
in

they

spend

fortunes and their which the door

seeking

through
Health

complicated
knocks the
stone at

expensive
and

systems."
not.

they

answer

Verily
real

the

builders

reject

is the

cornerstone

of

Temple

of Health.

CHAPTER

XVI

BREATHING

EXERCISES

WE
among

give below
the

three

forms

of breath,

quite popular Yogi

of the much

Yogis.
to

The

first is the

well-known

Cleansing Breath,
great lung
endurance up

which
found

is attributed among the

Yogis.
with this

They
this

usually
this book.

finish

breathing
we

exercise

Cleansing Breath,
We

and also

have the

followed

plan in
them
on some

give
been
has

Yogi
been

Nerve

Vitalizing
among

Exercise, which
for ages,

has which
of

handed
never

down

and

improved
teachers which
of

by

Western
of them We

teachers
have
"

Physical Culture, although

"

borrowed

it from

Yogi.
better

also

give
the

the

Yogi Vocal Yogis.

more

Breath,

accounts

largely for
class of the contained it Take brothers would these

melodious,

vibrant We

voices feel that

of the

Oriental

if this book

nothing
be

than
to
as
a

these
the

three

exercises,
student. Eastern

invaluable

Western your

exercises

gift from practice.

and

put

them

into

THE The which

YOGI have

CLEANSING favourite

BREATH form
the

Yogis

of

breathing
conclude with this

they practise when cleansing

other have of their
we

they feel
the

necessity of

ventilating and
many

lungs.
this

They

breathing
followed
122

exercises

breath,

and

practice in this

BREATHING book. This

EXERCISES

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. etc., will find Speakers, singers, this breath especially restful,after having tired the

respiratory organs. (1) Inhale a complete breath. (2) Retain the air a few seconds. (3) Pucker up the 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
a

little

more

air.

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 should

the be

student

of its merits.

This

exercise

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

THE This consider is

an

YOGI

NERVE

VITALIZING
to

BREATH
the

exercise

well known

Yogis,

who and

it

one

of the strongest nerve

to
man.

stimulants

invigorantsknown
late the Nervous and

Its purpose

is to stimu

System, develop nerve This exercise brings vitality.

force,energy
a

stimulating

124
pressure
to

HATHA bear
on

YOGA centres, entire

nerve

in

turn

stimulate send
an

important nerve and energize the

increased flow of

which

nervous

system, and
all

force to

parts of the body.

erect.
a

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

sufficient
nerve

Complete Breath, and retain same. the arms straightin front of you, let somewhat limp and relaxed, with only
force
to

hold

them

out.

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

toward

the

muscles

and the
that

putting
shoulders
a

force into them,

the

so

that
so

fists will be
is felt.

they reach tightlyclenched

when

tremulous

motion

(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

muscles, and, of
exercise
must

course,

upon
to

the

full

lungs.
ciated. Western

This

be
as

tried
"

be

appre
as

It is without friends THE

equal

bracer,"

our

put it.
YOGI
a

VOCAL
of

BREATH
to

The voice. which

Yogis have They are

are

form

breathing
and

develop
have

the

noted smooth

for their

wonderful

voices,
a

strong,

clear, and

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

wonderful

BREATHING beautiful and

EXERCISES

125

flexible, imparting to it that indescrib

with will in

combined floatingquality, able, peculiar

power. The the
to

great
time

exercise

given
who

below

impart
Voice,
It is to breath

above-mentioned
the

student

the Yogi or qualities, practisesit faithfully.

course,

be is to

understood, of
be used

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 through the nostrils, taking as much steadily,
in the inhalation. possible (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 wish in speaking and singing, we sound-production that the to say that experience has taught them of a voice depend not timbre, quality and power
as

alone
the

the vocal organs in the throat, but that upon much the facial muscles, etc., have to do with Some
men

large chests produce but a with tone, while others comparatively small poor chests produce tones of amazing strength and quality. Here is an interesting trying : experiment worth and Stand before a glassand pucker up your mouth and the whistle, and note the shape of your mouth Then of your face. general expression 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
matter.

with

few

notes

and

notice
tone

what is

vibrant, resonant,

clear

and

beautiful

produced.

126 The

HATHA

YOGA

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
a

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 not only to the respiratoryorgans very beneficial, very and
but and
to

the

organs

of

nutrition, the

nervous

system,
that
an

the

blood

itself.
of the

They
breath in

have

found
to

occasional air which

holding
has
to

tends

purify the
former
blood. the

remained
more

the

lungs
so

from

inhalations, and

fullyoxygenate
and when the

They
up

also know
waste

that

the breath

retained

gathers
breath
is of the

all the

matter,
with the

expelled it
system,
does exercise and bad
and the

carries

it the

effete matter

cleanses bowels.

The

lungs just as a purgative this Yogis recommend

of the

for various
and

disorders

stomach,

liver

blood,
We

also find that often arises

breath, which

frequently relieves from poorly ventilated

it
to pay

lungs.

recommend

students

considerable

BREATHING attention
The
to

EXERCISES
as

127

this exercise, will

it has
a

great merits.
clear idea of

followingdirections
exercise
:

give you

the

(1) Stand
(2) Inhale

erect.
a

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

comfortably.
open mouth.

At first you will be able to retain the breath short time, but a little practice will also show

only
a

great
if you

improvement.
wish
to note

Time

with yourself

watch

your

progress. CELL STIMULATION

(2) LUNG
This in the in
no

exercise

is

lungs, but
case

should

find a may first few trials, in which little and discontinue

Some

designed to stimulate the air cells not overdo it, and beginners must it be indulged in too vigorously. slightdizziness resultingfrom the
case

let them exercise

walk for
a

around while.

the

(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 retain the breath filled, (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 practised imperfect to breathing for years will find it not so easy

128 stimulate
once

HATHA

YOGA
all activity
at

all these ill-used air cells into the

by
much

do
and

is

Complete Breath, but this exercise will toward bringingabout the desired result, worth study and practice.

(3) RIB
We have

STRETCHING
that
the

explained

ribs

are

fastened

by

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 Stand their elasticity. exercise in order to preserve in unnatural to which ing or sitting positions, many of the Western people are addicted, is apt to render the ribs
more
or

less stiff and

to
overcome

and inelastic,
same.

this

exer

cise will do

much

(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 it. moderation
in this exercise

the

same

and

do not

overdo

(4) CHEST
The chest is

EXPANSION
to be contracted

quite apt

from

bend for

ing over

one's work.

This

exercise

is very

good

BREATHING the purpose ing chest of

EXERCISES conditions and

129

natural restoring expansion.

erect.
a

gain

(1) Stand (2) Inhale (3) Retain (4) Extend

clenched

Complete
both
arms

Breath.

the air. forward

a

and

bring the

two

fists togetheron

level with

the shoulder.

swing back the fists vigorously until the stand out straight arms sideways from the shoulders. (6) Then bring back to Position 4, and swing to Position 5. Repeat several times. (7) Exhale vigorously through the opened mouth. (8) Practise the Cleansing Breath. (5) Then
Use moderation and do not overdo this exercise.

(5) WALKING (1) Walk

shoulders with head

EXERCISE

back, and
a

in, slightly up, chin drawn with measured tread.

Complete Breath, counting (mentally) count to each step,making the I" 2" 3" 4" 5. 6, 7, 8, one inhalation extend the eight counts. over (3) Exhale slowly,through the nostrils,counting
(2) Inhale
as

before

"

i, 2, 3,

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

"

one

count

to

step.

(4) Rest between breaths, continuingwalking and counting, i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, one count to the step. (5) Repeat until you begin to feel tired. Then rest for a while, and at pleasure. Repeat resume several times a day. Some Yogis vary this exercise by retaining the breath during a i, 2, 3, 4, count, and then exhale in Practise whichever an count. eight-step plan seems most agreeable to you.
H.Y.-E

130

HATHA

YOGA

(6) MORNING (1) Stand

erect

EXERCISE

military attitude, head up, hands at sides. back, knees stiff, eyes front, shoulders (2) Raise body slowly on toes, inhalinga Complete
in
a

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 and grasp a stick or cane (3) Bend forward slightly steadily and firmly, and gradually exerting your the grasp. entire strength upon and (4) Relax the grasp, return to first position, 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

the pressure. of

The

exercise

is

favourite

Yogi plan

by driving the arterial drawing back the venous

that it may haled with take the

stimulating the circulation blood to the extremities, and blood to the heart and lungs
which of poor has been in circulation

up the oxygen air. In cases

BREATHING

EXERCISES

131

there increased does

is

not

enough
amount

blood of

in

the

lungs
and

to

absorb the

the

oxygen benefit

inhaled,
of the it the

system
breath

not

get
such

the

full

improved
is well
to

ing.
this

In

cases,

particularly,
with

practise Complete

exercise,

occasionally
Exercise.

regular

Breathing

CHAPTER

XVII

NOSTRIL-BREATHING BREATHING

VS.

MOUTH

ONE is to
to

of the learn

first lessons

in the

Yogi Science
the
of

of Breath

how
the

to

breathe

through practice
of

nostrils, and

overcome

common

mouth-breath

ing.
The that nasal him and

breathing mechanism
he may breathe it is
a

man

is

so

constructed mouth
or

either
matter

through
of vital
as one

the

tubes, but
which method

importance
weakness.
the

to

he
the

follows,
other

brings health
student take
the

strength and
It should
not

disease
to

and
to

be

necessary of

state

that breath
among

the

proper

method the

breathing
alas

is to
! the

through
civilized

nostrils, but

ignorance
matter

people regarding
We find

this
all

simple
walks

is

astounding.

people in
follow

of

life and and

habitually disgusting

breathing
children

through
to

their their

mouths,
horrible

allowing their

example.
the

Many subject
habit breathe and of

of
are

diseases

to

which caused

civilized

man

is

undoubtedly
this

by

this

common

mouth-breathing.
in
way

Children
up

permitted
manhood

to

grow

with and and savage

impaired vitality
in and chronic does She become
race

weakened

constitutions,
break down of the
her

womanhood invalids. The

mother

better,
seems

being evidently guided by

intuition.

132

NOSTRIL
to

BREATHING nostrils
are

133 the

instinctively recognize that the for the conveyal of proper channels

and she trains her infant
to

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
to

catarrhal
cause.

affections

are

also attrib

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
same

utable

the

death marine

which who

resulted
was
a

was

that

of

some

sailor
a

or

mouth-breather,
their

not

single

nostril-breather The organs

succumbing. of respiration have

is taken

only protec

tive apparatus, filter, or When the breath

dust-catcher, in the nostrils.

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

134

HATH
them.

YOGA
of

injuring
organs

Inflammation
from The the
man

the

respiratory
of cold air

often

results

inhalation
who

through
the mouth

the mouth.
at

breathes with in
a

night, always
and
a

awakens

through parched
throat. the

feeling in the mouth of He is violating one

seeds Once of disease.
more,

dryness
laws, and
the

the is

nature's

sowing
affords cold

remember

that

mouth

no

protection to the respiratory organs, and dust and impurities and germs readilyenter
door. passages
nature tortuous

air,
that nasal of

by
and

On

the show

other

hand,
of The

the the

nostrils careful
are

evidence

design
narrow,

in this respect.

nostrils

two

channels,
serve

containing
purpose of

numerous a

bristly
or

hairs

which

the

filter

sieve

to

strain the air of its

are etc., which expelled impurities, 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

nature's
almost

functions,
unnatural

as

the savage

and

barbarian
It is

races

invariably breathe
this habit

correctly.
among

probable
men

that
been

civilized

has

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

retained

by

the sieves and

mucous

mem

out again by the nostrils,are thrown expelledbreath, in exhalation, and in case they 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

accumulated

or rapidly,

have

from from

the the

outside
water

air, as
of the

is distilled water The

different

puri fying organization of the nostrils, arresting and in the air,is as import holding the impure particles 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
contract

cistern.

intricate

local diseases. filled with rilledwith

Like weeds

abandoned and

roads

that

soon

become

rubbish, unused

nostrils become One is not

and foul matter. impurities who habituallybreathes through the nostrils likelyto be troubled with clogged or stuffy for the benefit addicted who wish
to to

but nostrils,
more or

of those the

who

have

been

less

unnatural

mouthand
a

breathing,and

rational method,

it may

acquirethe perhaps be well

natural
to add

few

136

HATHA

YOGA

words and A
water

regarding
free from

the

way

to

keep

their

nostrils

clean

impurities.
Oriental
method

favourite
the into

is
it
to

to

snuff down
it

little
the

up

nostrils the

allowing
from

run

passage

throat,
the in

thence Some

may

be

ejected
immerse method

through
the face

mouth. bowl
of

Hindu
but and this the

Yogis
latter

water,

requires
method

considerable is

practice,
efficacious,

first
much

mentioned

equally

and

more

easily
Another

performed. good plan closing

up the is
to

open

the

window

and

breathe

freely, sniffing
repeat
times,
clear the

one

nostril

with
the

the

finger
nostril.

or

thumb,
Then
several

air

through
the other

open

process

on

nostril.

Repeat
method will

changing
the

nostrils.
of

This

usually
We

nostrils
the of

obstructions.
the if

urge this

upon method him

student

necessity
he has it

of

acquir
and of the

ing
caution

breathing dismissing

not,

against unimportant.

this

phase

subject

as

CHAPTER

XVIII

THE

LITTLE

LIVES

OF

THE

BODY

HATHA up
"

YOGA

teaches cell

that

the

physical body
within it
a

is built

of cells,each life
"

containing
its

miniature
"

which

controls of

action. of the of

These
a

lives

"

are

really bits

mind intelligent which These

to

certain
to

degree
do their of

of

development, properly.
subordinate of
man,

enable bits the

cells

work
course,

intelligence
of the orders

are,

control

central

mind

and

readily obey
or
a

given from
These for the

headquarters, consciously
cell their

unconsciously.
selective blood which the action

intelligenciesmanifest
particular work.
from The the that

perfect adaption
of nourishment needed process

cells, extracting

required, and
an

u^ciing
of

is not

is
of

instance

this

intelligence. The
the

digestion, assimilation, etc., shows

the The

intelligenceof
groups. the of
mean

cells, either

separately
wounds,
are

or

in collectively, rush of the and

healing

of

the
most to

cells to hundreds

points where
other
to

they
student Each

needed,
the

examples Yogi
atom.

known

investigators, all
of
to

the

examples
atom
own

the the

"

Life

"

within

each

is

Yogi
end,

living
These the it in

thing, leading
atoms

its into
a

independent
for
some

life.

combine manifest
a

groups

and

groups remains turn,

group

group-intelligence, so long as these again combining groups

bodies of 137
a

and

forming

more

complex

nature,

138
which
ness. serve as

HATHA vehicles
for

YOGA

higher forms

of conscious

When

death and

comes

to

the

physical body,
which
we

the cells

separate
sets

scatter

and

that has

call

in.

The

force which and

form

held

the

cells

decay together

is

withdrawn,
and
to

they
new

way
the find

free to go their own Some combinations. go into become

body

of the

themselves in the

remain in
means

and eventually plants in the vicinity, animal in the body of an ; others organism of the plant ; others remain for
a

the

ground
incessant
has

time, but
constant

the

life of the As
a

atom

and
"

change.
is but
an

leading
of

writer and

said

Death of
one

aspect
form

life,
a

the

destruction
to

material

is but

prelude give our

of

the

building
a

up

of another."

We and

will
work

students
"

brief idea of the nature life of these

this cell-life

the

little lives of the

body.
The cells of the

body
obtain

have
from them

three the

Matter, which
or

they

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

vital

force, which
drink
"

enables
from

to manifest

action,
;

and
water

which
we or

is obtained and

the
we

food

we

eat

the

the air

breathe

(3) Intelli
from the

gence,

mind-stuff," which
Mind. We

is obtained
up

Universal side As
minute of
we

will first take

the material

cell-life. have
cells. from

said, every
the

living body
true

is

collection of

This is,of course, hard

bone

the from

body,
mucous

of every part of to the softest tissue" delicate part different of all

the enamel

of the tooth membrane.

to the most

of the

These

cells have
the

shapes, which are regulatedby its particular office,or work.

requirements
cell is, to

Each

LITTLE intents
more
or

LIVES
an

139

and less

purposes,

individual, separate and

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
"

"

"

"

"

ture

the

secretions

and

fluids needed of the cells

in the
are

varied

work
"

of the system. remain others

so are

Some

others
"

until needed, when

stationary they manifest

motion

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

scavenger

work,

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
common

welfare.
messages

The
from
one

cells of the

nervous

system
to

carry brain

part of the

body
the

the

and

from

the brain to another

part of

body,

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

140
are

HATHA

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
that there
are

in

one

cubic

inch

of

blood

at

least

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

red-blood

which cells,

are

the

common

carriers

body,

float in the from

arteries

and

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
load of oxygen
the Like their
return
a

merchant

vessel

these

out-going trip and bring trip. Other cells force

cells carry a cargo on a second cargo on their

their way

walls of
on

their

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

have

been

Besides several
most

the

red-blood kinds

cells,or

carriers, there
the The

are

other

of cells in the blood.

interesting of these are soldiers of the cell-community.

cells is to

Among policemen
work

the

and

of these

protect the system

from

germs,

bacteria,

etc., which

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
"

too

large for
his

him

to

get away
when

with

he

summons

other force

cells to

assistance,

the

combined

LITTLE

LIVES

141

gather around the of the body where pimples, etc., are

some

and carry it to some enemy be thrown it may out. instances

or

point Boils,

of the

intruding enemy
is much work

enemies

throwing out of by these policemen

cells to do.

of the system. There for the red-blood

They carry the push along the

to the

to the parts of the body ; they oxygen nourishment obtained from the food

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, bile, milk, etc., etc., and saliva, pancreatic juices,
then combine

They do a continuously like

anthill. and
"

in the proper proportions for use. and thousand one things and are busy them
a

lot of ants teachers

in

and

around

an

The

Oriental
of the

have and

long
of

known these

taught dig into

existence

work

littlelives,"but it has remained the

for Western
a

science

to

subjectin
born

such

way

as

to

bring to
every them

lightthe details of their work.

Cells
moment
are

being
our

and

cells

are

dying

of

existence.

Cells reproduce

selves

cell the original by enlargingand subdividing, forms two parts with a small swellinguntil it finally

connecting
and The there
new

"

waist
two

"

then

the

connection of
so

parts
one. on.

are

independent
divides

cells instead

cell in turn the

Cells enable tinual

body

itself up, and to carry on its work

of

con

regeneration.

Every

part

of

the

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

142

HATHA

YOGA

replace our

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
"

"

"

this wonderful
are ever

task.

Millions
or

of these

little workers
fixed

moving along
our

in

all parts of and

working in a bodies, renewing

new

position
worn-out

the

tissues

with replacing them throwing out of the system the of matter. jurious particles In the Mind
a

material and

and
in

worn-out

lower

animals

Nature and
a

allows

the

Instinctive

fuller scope in
the

ascends

larger field, and as life scale, developing the reasoning

Mind
seems

faculties, the
field.
For

Instinctive

to

narrow

its of
the

instance,
are

crabs
to

and
grow
to

members
new

spider family
claws,
the
some

able
are

feeders, legs,
even

etc.

Snails

able

grow have

parts of

head, includingeyes, which

fishes lizards
are
are

been

destroyed ;
Salamanders

able able and

to to

regrow grow

tails.
new

and

tails, including
The

bones, muscle
lowest very unlimited an

parts of the spinalcolumn.

of animal life have

forms

practically

of restoringlost parts and can power themselves make entirelyover, provided practically
there The is left the

smallest

part of
has

them

to build

higher form of animals recuperative power and man of them owing to his mode
more

have

lost much lost

more

upon. of this
any

than

advanced
some

performed
and anyone,

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

with

patientpractice, may
Mind and the obtain

obtain

such

control

of the
that

Instinctive
he may

cells under

its control

wonderful

recuperative

LITTLE results in the and weakened direction of

LIVES

143

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
wonderful
as

renewing diseased the body.

parts

to

cause

the

student

to

realize

the

greatness of the
Let that
us

displayed and intelligence

that
a

called

into force in the work. suppose

or

human
some

body
outside

is wounded agency.

"

is, cut

torn

by

The

muscles, tissues, glands, lymphatic and blood-vessels, the bone, are and sometimes severed, even nerves,
and gapes the

message help,and and of

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

there

in the

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 substances tries to wash the foreign 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
" "

144
to

HATHA

YOGA

again

connect

the

tissues, displaying the

most

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
a

wonderful

and intelligence

short

time
of show

the hand

of the command
centres
new

and ing intelligence influence begins to the

on

its subordinate

of

itself.
with the

The
same

cells of

blood-vessels
the

connect

the

kind

of cells
new

tubes
of what with wound.

opposite side of through which the

is known
of
as

wound,
may

forming
The
"

blood
"

flow.

cells unite the

the

connective and
on

tissue

othert

their

kind

draw
each

together

New

nerve

cells form
out

of the severed

ends, and, sending

the

filaments, gradually repair

at

broken

wires, until

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 which Intelligence 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
" "

LITTLE

LIVES
our

145 force
on

by unheeding and things and hurtful

So much is suppliedfrom house of
"

waste

mind

silly

pursuits.
of the cell. Mind is
"

for the work

The

cell-mind

the Universal ""and of the

the great store

mind-stuff the mind

directed
turn

by

kept in touch and in which are cell-centres,

until the the both central is But cell-mind of two

controlled Mind

by higher centres,
is reached. itself without

Instinctive
not

able to express
"

other

It needs the fresh and principles matter prana. material suppliedby the well-digested food, in order of expression. It also for itself a medium to make needs a supply of prana, vital force, in order to or of Life and have action. The triune principle move
"

mind,
to

matter

and Mind

force needs

"

in the order As

man.

is necessary in the cell as force or energy (prana)in action

"

manifest

itself in

below. in small so as things, In our previous chapters we have spoken of the digestionand of the importance of givingthe blood a food, in goodly supply of nourishing,well-digested of re order that it might properly perform its work pairingand buildingup the parts of the body. In this chapter we have shown you how the cells use the in order to do the building how material they use in great
"

through above, so

matter.

the

material

to

build

they build cells,which

themselves

themselves
are

up themselves, and then in the body. Remember,

as

how

the

used

building bricks,
obtained
were

surround the food, take up carried

with

the material

from
; then
are

making themselves a supply of prana or pushed to where

themselves, and

bodies, as it
or

vital energy built up

and

then

they are needed,

are

where
new

they build

into

tissue,bone,

146
muscle,
to form out etc.

HATHA

YOGA
proper

Without

material

with

which
carry

themselves mission allowed

;

bodies

these

cells cannot exist.

"

their have
are

in fact, cannot themselves

to

Persons
"

who who

run

down

and
not
are

from suffering

imperfect
of
the

nutrition

have and

nearly the normal consequently unable properly carried on.

with which
to make

amount to have

blood-cells
work of the have

system
material
one

The

cells must
there

bodies, and
the

is only
"

way

in which

they can
in

receive this material food. And

by

means

of
is

nourishment sufficient manifest

of

unless

there

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

vitality is
Sometimes
the

throughout
Mind is so

the

whole

system.
Instinctive the Intellect and

badgered

and
on

brow-beaten the absurd

by

of Man

that it takes

notions

fears of the latter and work

fails to

perform
are

its accustomed

not

and the cells properly, properly generalled. In such cases, when

once

the

Intellect

grasps

the

true

idea, it seeks
to
reassure

to

repair its past

Instinctive

mistakes
that

and it

begins
to

the duties
own

Mind

understands govern is followed

its

thoroughly and will be kingdom hereafter, and of encouragement words

until the and the Instinctive
manages

allowed this and

its

praise and
its household.

with up confidence

Mind its
own

recovers

equilibrium
Sometimes

again

Instinctive

Mind

has

been

so

influenced
or

by
those
a

the of

previous adverse
time in
to
recover cases

notions
so

of its owner, that

by

outsiders, that it is
such it

confused

it takes control.
some

long
And
the

its normal often

poise and
seems

that

of

LITTLE

LIVES

147

subordinate refuse In
the
to

cell-centres

have
to

practically
from

rebelled

and

again
of
these

submit

dictation the determined about of the

headquarters.
commands and Remember in order of

both will

cases

are

needed work is
in

to

bring
parts
of

peace

and
that

proper there

all form

body.

some

Intelligence
command

every the

organ WiD in

and will

part

and

good bring

strong
about

from

generally

an

improvement

abnormal

conditions.

CHAPTER

XIX

THE

CONTROL

OF

THE

INVOLUNTARY

SYSTEM

IN

the

preceding
to

chapter
that the each do

of

this

book

we

have is
made

ex

plained
millions
matter

you

human
endowed

body

of

of
to

tiny cells,
enable
it the
"

with
"

sufficient sufficient sufficient

it to energy

its work
it

with
"

Prana
"

to

give

requires
Each

with

mind-stuff which

to

give

it

the

degree

of
cell

intelligence belongs
the
to

with
a

to
or

direct

its work.
and

cell-group

family,
with
or

the

intelligence of
every
combined
a

cell

is in close

rapport
group

the

intelligence of
the in

other

cell in the
of the

family,
each

intelligence
These
other

cell-group resulting
in turn
of
are a on

group-mind.
of
some

groups group

part

larger
forms and
of In
a

groups, of

and

so

until under Mind. of

the
the

whole

great
control

republic
of
the

cell-mind

direction
control of work the

Instinctive
is
one

The duties its

these

great

groups and

the

stinctive unless times ways

is also that

Mind,

it

usually
the

does

well,
some

interfered sends it

with

by

Intellect, which
and in this and Its

fear-thoughts
the retarded

other

demoralizes sometimes
up

Instinctive

Mind. Intellect habits cell

work

by
and

the

insisting
of
regu

it take

foreign

strange
the

lating
For

the

physical body through

in the
case

intelligence.
the

instance,

of

constipation,
will not

Intellect
the

being busy

with

other

work, 148

allow

body

INVOLUNTARY
to

CONTROL

149

respond

to the calls of the Instinctive

Mind, acting
"

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 certain
to execute

"

is

of the

the proper orders, and both it and and become demoralized cell-groups
"

bad habits springingup scarcelyknow what to do Sometimes habit. and replacingthe natural some of the thing akin to a rebellion springs up in some from some doubt no interrup resulting cell-groups, the of their government, tion in the natural course of strange customs introduction causing a confusion. At
and

times
even

it
some

seems

that
of the

some

of the

smaller

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

groups occasions go

"and

similar

causes,

such

as

lack

of
act

proper

nourishment.
would
men

These under

little cells often the

same

just
"

as

circumstances and
to

the

to analogy is often startling

the observer

investi

gator. These
if matters
are are

rebellions,or
not up

strikes,seem
even

spread
matters

arranged, and
and instead
as

when

patched
a

the cells seem

to return

to their work

in

sullen manner, how

know when

they

will do

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 discipline may The be restored in this manner. higher Yogis have
a

wonderful

control

over

the

system involuntary

and

150
can

HATH
act

YOGA

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
exhibitions
of this

directly upon

control,

some

of the

exhibitions,

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 directly The trained these upon 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

however,

Western attention
and

world and

act

in this way. upon

The
centre

words
of

focus

the

Will

the

the

trouble

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

the

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. the organ justwhat you wish tivelyand firmly, telling
" "

INVOLUNTARY it to

CONTROL

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
turn

around

and
not

listen to

what that
we

you
are

have

Now, pleasedo

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

suppose cells have

say. tryingto tell

to

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 and understood even by the by the cell-groups, 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

to

form

the mental

seem

almost
are

childish

to

many
reasons

of

our

students, but it, and

the mental

there

good

scientific it the

behind

Yogis

consider

simplest plan whereby

commands

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 been found
to

do the work.
to

If you
your

wish

try this plan upon

some

portion of
is not the

body, or the body of someone functioningproperly, gently slap

else which the

part with

152 flat

HATHA of
"

YOGA
it

palm instance):
better
"

you

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

now on
"

the

hand,

sharply (for
your
I

do
"

work
you

expect
to

to do better I say, and

are

from

get

to work

"

get

work,
words
come

stop this foolishness."

;
use

These

exact

not

necessary
so

any

words
a

which

may

to you,

long
the be

as

they

mand action
must

that may

organ

convey shall do

sharp positivecom
The way, heart's but
one
same

its work.

improved

in the

the as gentle manner, proceed in a far more higher cell-groupof the heart is possessed of a much of the than that liver, for degree of intelligence 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,
to it
as

politelyand
would
the

do

not

attempt
The heart

to

"

bulldoze

"

it

cell-groupis the of the groups most controlling intelligent any of the 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
you
liver.
"

and telligent
must

alert.

If your

liver

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.
go

for it

One

may

give
at
a

the

Colon

commands
every

to

evacuate

its

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

certain time

"

in fact
time poor

"

you
as

will find that you

has

the

Colon

will in

short
the

do

wish been

it to.

But

remember and

that it may

Colon

greatly abused

take

INVOLUNTARY
a

CONTROL

153

Irregular regain its confidence. habits normal menstruation be regulated, and may by marking the proper acquired,in a few months date on the calendar and then each day giving oneself a gentletreatment along the lines above mentioned,
little time
to

that the function the cell-groupscontrolling telling it is now so many days before the expected time and that you wish them to get ready and do their work, that when the time arrives everything will be so normal. As the time, call the group's near you attention that the time is growing shorter and that it must attend Do to its business. not give the but as if you really commands in a trifling manner and they them them and you must meant mean of irregu will be obeyed. We have seen cases many
" "

in from one in this way to three months. This may ridiculous to you, sound have but all we can say is to try it for yourself.We not to be employed space to point out the method for each complaint, but you will readilysee justwhat lar menstruation
organ
or we

relieved

what

controls the seat of the trouble from group have said in other chapters,and then give it If you
do
not

its orders.

know

what

organ

is

causing

the trouble, you at least know the region of the dis turbance direct your commands that and to may

part of the body. It is not necessary

the
to
name

of the

organ
to
as

"

for you to know just direct your commands

"

the spot and is not

book

say intended

it
a

Here, You,
upon
out

etc." the
the
cure

This of
to

treatise
to

disease, its object being

health

point

road

by preventingdisease, but restoring normal functioningto been misbehaving may help you

these little hints at which organs somewhat.

have

154

HATHA

YOGA

You which above will

the

will

be

surprised gain
and
over

at

the

measure

of

control
the

you method be blood able

may

your

body
of headaches

by
the

following
same.

variations

You

to

relieve

your

by
will blood be

directing
able flow
to to

to

flow feet

downward

you the
the

warm

your
in

cold increased also

by

ordering

to

them

quantities,
;

Prana,
the

of

course,

going
thus

along

you the

may entire

equalize body
In
;

circulation,
may is if relieve end have

stimulating

you there line

not

tired
of the

portions
things
the

of

the

body.
do

fact,
this do

no

you

may to
to

along
If you
may

you know

but what
"

patience

try.

just
part,
"

commands

give
"

you I
want

say this

to
to

the

Here,
want

you,
you

get
to

better do

pain

leave similar.

I But

better,"

or

something patience,
of

all

this is

requires

practice
road
to

and

course.

There

no

royal

its

accomplishment.

CHAPTER

XX

PRANIC

ENERGY

THE this side

"

student

will notice, that there is

as an

he

reads

the and
"

chapters
an we

of

book,
of

esoteric
"

exoteric
mean
"

Hatha

Yoga.
the

By

esoteric

designed for only

external

speciallyinitiated
by
to
or
"

;
"

private
we

(Webster's Dictionary), and

"

exoteric
"

mean

public- opp.
"

esoteric

(Webster's
side
of the of

Dictionary).

The in

exoteric the

public
of the the
the

subject

consists

theory
food
" "

obtaining

nourishment

from

the

irrigating and advantage

and

eliminating properties
rays of the
sun

of water

of the
"

in

prompting
the

growth
from
to to

health

the

benefit

of exercise"

advantage
known
;

of proper fresh the

breath
etc.

ing

"

the

benefit

to
are

be derived
well

air, etc.,

These
as

theories
as

Western non-occultist

world
as

well
as

to

the

Eastern

the

well
and

the

occultist, and
to

both

recognize their

truth into

the

benefits But

be

obtained is another
to

by putting

them

practice.
to

there and

side, quite familiar

the

Orientals
to

occultists world pay

no

generally, but
not

unfamiliar
known

the

Western who

and

generally
to

among This the The obtains

"

those esoteric

attention

occult

studies. around Prana.

man

phase
what
all
as

of the the

subject

revolves know
as

subject
Prana
as

of

Orientals

latter,
as

and

occultists, know
nourishment effect from from

that his the

well
as a

food

Prana

well

cleansing

155

156
water
as

HATHA

YOGA

he drinks muscular
as as

"

mere

properly distributed as well development in physicalexercise

"

Prana

Prana Prana and

so

well well

as as

heat oxygen

from from

the
the

rays

of the

sun"

air he breathes

"

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,
on.
"

This

Prana We
our our

"

have

explained the
"

nature

and

uses

of Prana

in

little book,
"

The

Science

of Breath," and

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 of that which to be a repetition 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, book may and not have our seen
" "

to

omit

any
a

mention
work
on

of

"

Prana

"

would

be

unfair.
a

And,
take
to

then,
much

Hatha be

Yoga
absurd.

without We

de

scriptionof
up

Prana
space

would in
our

will not
will

give only the gistof

Occultists in

the

descriptionand subject.
and lands have

try

all ages

always

that there to a few followers, taught, usuallysecretly to be found in the air, in water, in the food, in the was or sunlight,everywhere a substance principle from which all activity, and vitality were energy, power for derived. They differed in their term and names this force, as well as in the details of their theories,

but

the

main and

teachings

principleis to be philosophies,and

found has

in all occult for centuries

PRANIC

ENERGY
the

157

past
nate

been

found

of the

Oriental

this vital

teachings and practices Yogis. We have preferred to desig principle by the name by which it is
among
"

known

gurus the Sanscrit

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

word

"

Prana,"
teach that
"

meaning
the

"

Absolute

Energy."
Occult the Hindus of energy or derived from form of authorities
term
"

Prana

is the

which principle universal principle

or a

all energy that principle, or, rather, is

force, and

that

force

is

manifestation do
not
concern

of
us

that

particular principle. These

consideration
we

theories the

in the

of

subjectmatter
ourselves
to

of this work, and

an

will therefore of prana

as

confine

understanding
all

the

principleof energy exhibited in which them from distinguishes

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
"

livingthings, lifeless thing. a principleof life-

elementary form

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 in every soul, around Ego that bit of Divine Spirit 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,
" "

of

158 only
to the

HATHA
orders

YOGA

of the individual
and

atoms,
as

or

groups

forming the body, integrates and is resolved to

each it
to atom

of atoms,

its

body dis originalelements,

to

the

takes
new

with

it sufficient prana the

enable
prana

form
to

combinations,
great universal
With
are

unused

returning
which
it

the

store-house

from

came.

the

exists and the

the atoms

Ego in control, cohesion held together by the Will of

Ego.
is the
name

Prana versal

which principle, force

or

by which we designate a uni of all principleis the essence

whether

motion,
and

energy,

manifested of the

in

the electricity, gravitation, all forms

revolution the

planets,

of life, from

It may
their

be called the

forms, and
way,

that

certain

causes

highest to the lowest. soul of Force and Energy in all which, operating in a principle of activity which form that
in all forms

accompanies
This

Life. of matter,
it is not

great principleis
not

and the

yet it is
air food
nor
we

matter.

It is in the air, but constituents.

same as

one

of its chemical

It is in the
the nourish
water
we

eat, and

yet it is not the

in the
is not

ing

substances

food.
one
or

It is in the
more

drink, and
substances the

yet it
which

of the chemical
water.
or

combining
it is not
"
"

make

It is in

sunlight,but yet
It is the

the heat all these

the
"

light
the

rays. And

energy
as a

in

things
the

things acting merely

man

carrier.
it from

is able

to

extract it to
not

air,food,
in
us

water,
own

sunlight and organism. But

no

turn

good

account

his
we

do

misunderstand Prana

have

intention

of

claimingthat
it may be

is in these
man.

things merely

that

used

by

Far

PRANIC from
it
"

ENERGY

159

the great things fulfilling law of Nature, and man's to extract a portion ability 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 Prana is in these

yet it is
air
nor

not

matter.

It is in the air,but constituents. the air,and die It

even

it is not Animal

the and

one

of its chemical it in with

plant life breathe

contained it not

yet if the air

they
the

would air.

might
system
oxygen. Prana

be

filled with with

is taken and

though they by the up

not

along

oxygen,

yet is

the

is in the

atmospheric air,but

it is also else reach.

where, and
The

it penetrates where

the air cannot

in the air playsan important part in sus oxygen and the carbon plays a similar taininganimal life, distinct has its own but Prana plant life, aside from of life, 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 appropriating it to our uses. is found in its freest state in the atmospheric air, which fresh is fairly when charged with it, and we from the air than from any draw it to us more easily absorb other source. In ordinary breathing and we 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,

when the

necessary.

We

may

store

just as
The

storage batterystores
powers attributed

away
to

electricity.

many

160

HATHA

YOGA

to theii knowledge largely 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

advanced

occultists is due

itself may
source,

receive

increased

energy

from

the

same

and

latent faculties be One who

developed
has

and

psychic
the

powers

attained. of

mastered

science

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

the

source

Western

of their power. scientists have which

been
the

dimly
air

aware

of this
but

with great principle

is

charged,

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 and disdain. They could not explain this principle, 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 oxygen is made in

appropriatedby the blood of by the circulatory use system. The the air is appropriated by the nervous
in the air is is used
in its work.

system, and

And

as

the

oxy-

PRANIC

ENERGY

161

genated blood is carried to all parts of the system, is the prana carried so buildingup and replenishing, to all parts of the nervous system, adding strength and vitality. If we think of prana as being the will of what call "vitality," active principle we we
be able
to

form it

much in

clearer
our

idea

of what
as

an

important part
oxygen in the
so

plays

lives.

Just
wants up

is the of the

blood

used

up

by

the taken

system,
nervous

the

supply
is

system,

of prana exhausted

by

our

by the thinking,
constant

willing,acting, etc., and is necessary. replenishing

act, every
effort of the

in consequence

Every thought,
will, every
motion

every of a call To
over

of what we muscle, uses up a certain amount nerve force, which is really a form of prana.
move
a

muscle and

the brain

sends

out

an

impulse
so

the nerves,

the muscle

contracts, and
it is remembered

much
that
comes

acquiredby man to him from the air inhaled, the importance of breathingis readilyunderstood.
It will be noticed that the Western theories

is expended. When prana the greater portionof prana

proper

scientific

regarding the breath confine themselves and its to the effects of the absorptionof oxygen, use through the circulatory system, while the Yogi theory also takes into consideration the absorption of Prana, and its manifestation through the channels of the Nervous System. Before proceeding further, it may be as well to take a hasty glance at the Nervous System. The Nervous is divided into two System of man the Cerebro-SpinalSystem and great systems, viz., the The Sympathetic System. Cerebro-Spinal
H.Y.-F

162

HATHA
consists of that the

YOGA

System
contained

within

canal, viz.,the brain

with

System cranial cavity and the spinal and the spinal cord, together
part
branch the
off from the
same.

of the

Nervous

the

nerves

which

This

system

presides over
as

functions
etc.

of The

animal

life known

volition, sensation,

Sym

patheticSystem includes ah1 that part of the Nervous in the thoracic, abdomi System located principally nal and pelvic cavities, and which is distributed
to

the

internal

organs.

It

has

control

over

the

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

manifest which This

the

consciousness.

It is the with
to

instrument the outside

a

with world.

Ego
the

communicates

system may
brain and

be
as

likened
the

system, with
the

central
as

telephone office,and
and wires

spinal column respectively.

The consists
power,

nerves

cable

brain

is

great

mass

of

nerve

tissue, and

of three which

brain or parts, viz.,the Cerebrum occupies the upper, front, middle and the skull ; the Cerebellum, and back
"

back

portion of
the

or

little the

brain," which
skull ; and broadened before The which and

fillsthe lower Medulla

portion of

commencement

is the Oblongata, which of the spinalcord, lying

in front

of the Cerebellum.

Cerebrum manifests

is the organ of that part of the mind The itself in intellectual action.
movements

Cerebellum

regulates the
The of Medulla

of the
the

volun

tary muscles.

enlarged end

Oblongata is the spinal cord, and from

upper it and the

PRANIC Cerebrum reach

of
to

ENERGY the Cranial Nerves

to

163
which
organs

branch various

forth

parts of the
and and
or

head,
of

the

special sense,
organs, The

to
to

some

the

thoracic of

and

abdominal

the organs
"

Spinal Cord,
mass

spinalmarrow,
column,
or

respiration. fillsthe spinal

It is
at

canal
a

in the vertebral of
nerve

backbone."

long

tissue, branching off

nerves

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

of (A ganglion is a mass These matter nervous cells.) includingnerve gang 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 and abdomen.
numerous

fibres

branch

out

to

At body, blood-vessels, etc. meet as nerves together and form, what are known The plexuses. Sympathetic System practically controls the involuntary processes, such as circula and digestion. tion, respiration force transmitted or power all parts of the body by means known the
In
to Western

of the organs various points, the the

The

from

the brain
nerves,

to

of the

is

science it to be

as a

"nerve

force," although
of Prana. the this blood
;

Yogi

knows and

manifestation resembles without

;

character

rapidity it
seen

electric
"

current.

It will be

that beat

nerve

force

"

the

heart
the

cannot cannot

the

cannot

circulate ;

lungs

breathe

the

various

164
organs the
even

HATHA
cannot
comes

YOGA
;

function to
a

in

fact, the machinery of

it.

body
the

stop without
think facts
are

Nay,

more,

brain
When of

cannot

without

Prana

be the be

present.

these the

considered,
Prana
must
assumes

importance
evident
an

absorption
the

of

to

all, and
even

Science

of Breath
that

importance
The

greater than

accorded

it

by

Western

science. does the

Western Nervous
terms
as

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

science

considers
nets

of a merely one sympathetic nerves various

series
with

of

certain
their

matted

of in
that

ganglia

found

parts of the body. Yogi science teaches

Plexus

this Solar
the

is

reallya
and

most

important part
a

of

Nervous
one

System,
of
the

that

it is

form in
to

of

brain,
human

playing
economy.

principalparts
science
a

the be

Western towards
known
some

seems

moving

gradually
has been

to

recognition of this fact which for cen the Yogis of the East
Western
"

turies,and
the

recent

writers have Brain."

termed
The

Solar

Plexus

the

Abdominal in the

Solar

Plexus

is situated
"

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
other brains

side and the

of

man.

It has
man,

control

of

the

main

internal

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

organs

of

and

great central

store-house

of Prana.

Men

have

been

PRANIC

ENERGY

165

known the Solar

to

be

instantly
and

killed

by

severe

blow

over

Plexus,
and

prize-fighters

recognize

its

vulnerability
their The
"

frequently by
a

temporarily
over

paralyze

opponents
"

blow
"

this

region.
on

name

Solar radiates

is

well

bestowed and brains of Prana.

this
to

brain,"
of

as

it

strength
the

energy

all

parts

the

body,
it
as
a

even

upper

depending
Sooner the
to
or

largely
later function far their

upon Western of

store-house will

science the Solar

fully
and than

recognize
will it accord

real it

Plexus,

more

important
and

place

now

occupies

in

text-books

teachings.

CHAPTER

XXI

PRANIC

EXERCISES

WE how
water.

have

told
may

you be

in

other

chapters
from
the

of

this

book,
and
in

Prana
We

obtained you the

air, food
instruction

have
in

given

detailed
use

breathing,
remains but But

eating, in
more

of

fluids.
upon the

There sub

little

for

us

to

say

ject.
to

before

leaving it, we

have

thought

it well

of

give you a bit of the higher theory and practice and the acquirement Hatha Yoga, touching upon
of Prana.
We allude
to

distribution
called
to
"

what is the

has

been

Rhythmic
of the

Breathing," Yoga
From the is in
rest

which

keynote
to

much All

Hatha

practices.
tiniest
a

is in vibration.
sun,

atom

the

greatest
There
atom
verse.

everything
in absolute of

state

of

vibration.
A

is

nothing

in nature.

single
uni is

deprived
In

vibration vibration
is

would the

wreck universal

the
work

incessant Matter

performed. by
energy

being constantly played

forms
the

upon

and

countless

and
forms
to

numberless and varieties the born

varieties
are

result, and permanent.

yet

even

not

They
created,
which
and is and in
so

begin
from
turn
on

change
are

moment

they
to

are

them

innumerable
rise
newer

forms, forms,

change, and
and in
on,

give
of

in

infinite

succession.

Nothing
yet
but the

permanent

the

world

forms,
Forms
but the

and
are

great Reality is unchangeable.

"

appearances is eternal

they

come,

they

go,

Reality

and

unchangeable.

166

PRANIC The
atoms

EXERCISES human

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 months hence.

of

the

Vibration,
is to be found

constant

vibration.

Change,
In

constant

change.
a

all vibration

certain

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
to
us

rhythm. swing of the

the

rain

descends
All

the

same

law. All

us, in obedience upon growth is but an exhibition

of this law. law of

motion

is

manifestation

of the

rhythm.
bodies
are as

Our
as

much

subject to rhythmic
around the of the

laws
sun.

is the

planet

in its revolution side

Much Breath

of the is based

esoteric
upon

this known

in By falling

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

Yogi Science of of nature. principle the body, the Yogi

i68 inlets seemed receive

the

HATHA choked

YOGA

impulse
heard and which in how

fail to up with debris, and we from Mother Ocean, and inus.

harmony
You

manifests

within
a

have

note

on

violin,if sounded
into
motion

repeatedly
vibrations
same

rhythm,

will start

will in time

result
a

is true
the

crosses
"

bridge,
"

break

step
down

on

such

destroy a bridge. The when a regiment of soldiers order being always given to an occasion, lest the vibration
These regiment. will of rhythmic motion effect on the body of and

bring

both

bridge

manifestations

of the effect

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

in

the

same

way

he

can

direct
or

an

increased

current

of

strengthening and
In
"

force to any stimulatingit.

nerve

part

organ,

the

same

way

the

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

PRANIC

EXERCISES

169

and be greatly increased Yogis for centuries, can augmented if the person sending forth the thoughts after rhythmic breathing. Rhythmic will do so breathingwill increase the value of mental healing, hundred magnetic healing, etc., several per
cent.

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

one,

two,

three, four

one,

two,

three, four," will

time his
a

convey The

the idea. his

Yogi bases corresponding with

heart beat beat unit varies of for each that

rhythmic
beat

the

of

upon heart.

unit The

in different person

persons, but is the proper

the heart

rhythmic
in his

standard

particular individual

heart rhythmic breathing. Ascertain your normal beat, by placing your fingersover your pulse,and then
count
"

i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ; i, 2, 3, 4, 5,

6," etc.,

rhythm becomes firmly fixed in your mind. A little practicewill fix the rhythm, so that you will be able to easilyreproduce it. The beginner usually six pulse units,but he will be able inhales in about to greatlyincrease this by practice. The Yogi rule for rhythmic breathing is that the
until the units
same,

of inhalation while the be

and

exhalation for retention

the

should and

be

the

units

between of

breaths

should
and

one-half

number

of those

inhalation The should

exhalation.

following exercise in Rhythmic Breathing be thoroughly mastered, as it forms the basis

170 of
numerous

HATHA
other

YOGA reference will

exercises, to which

be made

later.
in
an

(1)Sit erect,
the chest, neck

and

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

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 practice you
the until duration about of the inhalations units
are

and

exhalations,
In

fifteen

pulse

consumed.

this increase, remember and between breaths

that

the units for retention

the

is one-half

units for inhala

tion and Do
not

exhalation. overdo

yourselfin

your
"

effort to increase attention

as

the duration
as more

of the breath, but pay as much rhythm," possibleto acquiring the

that

is

important
and

than

the

length

of

the

breath.

Practise

try until you get the measured

"swing"

PRANIC of the movement, the and

EXERCISES almost
"

171 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 largely attainments to the possessionof these are qualities. rhythm whole body.
PRANA GENERATING
or

until you can of the vibratorymotion

Lying
with

flat

on

the floor

bed, completely relaxed,

Plexus the Solar restinglightlyover (over the pit of the stomach, where the ribs begin to breathe separate), 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 hands Plexus. At each exhalation will that the prana or the body all over

vital energy
to every atom
;

shall be and

distributed
; to

organ
to nerve,
to

part

artery and

every muscle, cell and the top of vein ; from feet ;

your

head

the

soles of your

and stimulating strengthening every 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 being sent to all parts of the system, down ing effort, 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

invigorating, nerve ; recharg

172 then

HATHA

YOGA

making

the

mental command forcible

picture of
with
the

it is all that mental

is

necessary.

Calm
than

picture
is most

is far better

which willing, above

only dissi

pates force needlessly. The

exercise

greatly refreshes and strengthens the all over nervous system and produces a restful feeling where beneficial in cases It is especially the body.

helpful and

one

is tired

or

feels

lack of energy.

CHANGING

THE

CIRCULATION

Lying down
and with

or

erect, breathe sitting

rhythmically,
to

the exhalations

direct the circulation

any

part you
feet
or

wish, which
in
of

fect circulation.
cases

from be suffering may This is effective in cases

imper
of cold

headache,
cases,

the

blood
first
case

downward
the
too

in both in the

in the

being sent warming

from
warm a

feet, and

latter
You

relievingthe brain
will often
moves

great

pressure.

feel

in feeling

the

legsas
is

the circulation

downward.

The

circulation

will and

largely under the control of the rhythmic breathing renders the task easier.
RECHARGING

If you and
that

feel that you need

your

vital energy
up
a

is at

low

ebb,

to store

new

plan is to place the feet by side, of course) and to lock

the best

supply quickly, close together (side

the

fingersof both
comfortable.

hands This
escape

in any

way

that

seems

the most
were,

closes the of prana

circuit, as it

and

prevents
you

any

through
few

the

extremities.

Then will feel

breathe

a rhythmically

times, and

the effect of the

recharging.

PRANIC

EXERCISES

173

BRAIN The

STIMULATION

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

enabling them to do of refreshingthe means

of arduous Sit in mental
an

better mind

work and

and

also

as

clearing it

after

labour.

erect

and straight, hands

rest
on

posture, keeping the spinalcolumn the eyes well to the front, lettingthe
the

but rhythmically,

parts of the legs. Breathe upper instead of breathingthrough both

nostrils,as

in the

nostril close with

ordinary exercises,press the the thumb, and inhale through

left the

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

know

that
out

to
as

the

Western
"

world whole

this method
secret
"

is

often

held

being the
"

of

Yogi

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

i74 nostrils in the

HATHA
act

YOGA

of

breathing.
that

"

Only

this

and will

nothing more."

We

trust

this little work

to the
numerous

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

great possi
methods

whereby it

may

be

employed.

YOGI The

GRAND

PSYCHIC

BREATH

Yogis have a favourite form of psychicbreath has which to they practise occasionally, 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
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 which
he has
now
"

bones." prana,

This

exercise

will fillthe entire system with

will emerge

and

the student
nerve,

from

it with and
the

every

bone,

muscle,

cell, tissue, organ

part
the

energizedand
of the breath.

attuned
It is
a

by

the prana

and

rhythm
feel

system, and
as

he who been

generalhouse-cleaning of it carefully will practises

a new

if he had the

given

from
We

crown

of his head

body, freshlycreated, to the tips of his toes.

will let the exercise

(1) Lie

in

(2) Breathe established. perfectly (3)Then, inhaling and

speak for itself. ease. at perfect relaxed position, rhythmically until the rhythm

is

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

PRANIC

EXERCISES

175

then

through
top
of

the the the

bones skull

of then

the

arms

then the then

through
stomach if
;

the then

through region
downward if the breath

through

reproductive upward
and

as

it

were

travelling
column and
;

along
were

the

spinal
inhaled the

and

then

as

being
the life.

exhaled

through
filled with

every prana

pore and send

of

skin,

whole

body

being

(4)
of

Then
to

(breathing
the the Seven

rhythmically)
Vital

the in in

current

prana

Centres,

turn,

as

follows,
exercises

using
:

mental

picture

as

previous

(a) (b)

To To To To To To To

the the the the the the the

forehead. back base Solar Sacral of of the the Plexus. head. brain.

(c)
(d)

(e)

Region
of the

(lower
navel.

part

of

the

spine).

(/)
(g)
Finish from

region

reproductive sweeping
the several

region.
current

by
to

of

prana,

to

and

fro,

head

feet,
with

times. Breath.

(5)

Finish

Cleansing

CHAPTER

XXII

THE

SCIENCE

OF

RELAXATION

THE

Science

of Relaxation
Hatha

forms

very
and

important
many
of the
to

part of the

Yoga

philosophy
care

Yogis have
branch
to

devoted

much At

and

study
it may

this

of the
average
to

subject.
reader
"

first the

glance
of

appear

the

that
to

idea is

teaching people
as

how
one

relax

how

rest"
to

ridiculous,
this in
to

every

should
the
us

know

how
man

perform right
"

simple feat.
Nature
"

And

average
how
a

is

part.
But

teaches
infant have habits

to

relax

and
in

rest

perfection

the
we

is
grown and

past-master
older have
so we

the

science.

as

have

allowed
at

artificial acquired many Nature's original habits to the from

lapse. And
Western

the

present time
well

people of the
the

world

may

accept
could

Yogis

little
The

teaching along the lines of this subject.

average

physician
on

give

some

very

interesting testimony
the

the

subject of the failure of

first

people
"

to

understand
knows that
a

the

principles of
due
to

re

laxation
nervous

he

large percentage
are

of the

troubles

of the
"

people

ignorance

of the

subject
and
"

of

rest."
are

Rest
"

relaxation

very On

different the of

things from
those
are

loafing,"
have the

laziness,"
active
no

etc.

contrary,
relaxation
of

who

mastered
most

the and

science

usually
but counts.

energetic kind
;

people,
motion

they

waste

energy

with

them

every

176

RELAXATION Let
to
see us

177 relaxation
to

consider

the it

question of

and
com

try
con

just what prehend it let

traction. order
that

means.

In order its

better
"

us
we

first consider wish

to

opposite
a

When
we

contract

muscle, in
we

may

perform

some

action,
an

send

an

impulse from the brain to the muscle, of Prana being conveyed to it, and
tracts.

extra

supply
con

the muscle
motor draw

The
the

Prana muscle
to

travels and

over

the it to

nerves,

reaches

causes
a

its ends

pull upon the limb or bringingit into action. part which we wish to move, desire If we wish to dip our pen into the inkwell, our brain sending a current manifests into action by our in our of Prana to certain muscles right arm, hand the muscles, contracting in turn, and and fingers, carry our pen to the inkwell, dip it in, and bring it together and
thus
exert

back

to

body,
act

paper. conscious or conscious

our

And

so

with

every

act

of the

unconscious. faculties send

a

In

the

conscious
to

the

message the desired Instinctive

to

the

Instinctive

Mind, which
the current

immediately obeys
of Prana
to

the order

by sending
In the does work
But
a

part.
Mind whole

unconscious wait

movement

the

not

for orders, but the

attends

the

itself,both

ordering and

or every action, conscious certain amount of Prana, and if the amount excess

executing. unconscious, uses up

so

the

used

is in

of the amount
of

which

the system has been

one

in the habit weakened

a

and

storingthe generally
"

result is that used

becomes

muscle particular

is somewhat work

up." The fatigueof and results different,

called upon of Prana amount it.

from
to

the unaccustomed

it has been

perform, because
has been

of the unusual

which

directed

toward

contracting

178
We have

HATHA

YOGA

spoken so far only of the actual move of the body, resulting from muscular contrac ments of prana directed to tion, proceeding from the current the muscle. There form of the using up is another
of prana

and

the

consequent
so
our

wear

and

tear

upon

the

muscles, which
of
us.

is not of
our

familiar

to the minds

of most

Those

students

who when

live in the
we

cities
the

will
waste

recognize

meaning

compare

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

by
and after

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

hour
us are

of

doing
trickle
wear

prana

to

in away and tear whole Our of Our

constant

stream,

with

consequent
upon

upon

our

muscles, and, indeed,

the brain doubtless down. familiar with
takes wish
to

the

system, from
students
are
"

the axiom in action." is to the

Thought psychology, first impulse when we

the muscular

form do
a

thing
to

make

movement

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 action. of repressing the desirability 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 moves fairly a repressing impulse (ah1this in the fraction of a second), and the opposite set of muscles holds back
the action
of

the

first set.

The is

double

action,
so

ordering

and

countermanding,

performed

RELAXATION

179 grasp muscle any had

sense

quickly
motion,

that but

the

mind

cannot the

of
to

nevertheless

begun

quiver with the strikingimpulse by the time the restrainingimpulse operated the opposing set of
muscles This and
same

held

back

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.
an

excitable, irritable, emotional

in

habit action and

of and

mind their

constantly keep their nerves muscles tense by unrestrained mental states. Thoughts take
person described fest in
a

uncontrolled in action, and habits

form and

of

the

temperament
sent to

just
the On has

is constantly allowing his

currents

thoughts
muscles

to mani

the

the

and

countermanding
the

current

contrary, the person cultivated,a calm, controlled

immediately following. has naturally, who or

mind, will have
no

such
He

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

does
He

Master,

not

slave. this

The

custom
to take

of

thoughts
often and
are

form
a

attempt of the excitable in action, and their repressing

"

grows
the
nerves

into

regular habit
muscles
a

becomes

chronic
so

"

and

constantlyunder
is
a

of the person strain, the result

upon

afflicted

there

constant

drain

of the number

entire

system.

Such in
a

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

tense

of their muscles

condition, which

i8o
means

HATHA
that
a

YOGA

though not necessarily strong, 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.
constant, anxious could
not
was

she

to

get

to

her

destination

that
on

she

settle herself back

sat
on

into her seat, but,

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
contrary,
the direction. This
her

firmly upon
form
in in

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

action
of the

muscular
she

contraction should
us are

place indulged
as

relaxation
the

which

have

in
we

during
strain
an

bad

trip. Many of forward anxiously,if we

in
one our

just happen to
we

be

looking at
a our

object,and
of

tense

number

muscles
or

way or all the

our

another

time.

We

clench bite
our

or fists,

frown,

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

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

close
"

tapping on the floor with our wiggling the fingers, 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
too
numerous

to

mention,

are

waste,

waste. pure that Now

we

understand

something

about

RELAXATION
muscular
of the

181

contraction

let

us

again take

up the

subject

Science relaxation

of Relaxation. there is

In
prana
amount

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

health, in order
this is a very
to contract
nerves are
a

normal

condition, but
to that sent
out

small

current

compared
prana is

muscle.)
rest, and

In relaxation

the muscles

and

at

the of

and less

conserved, instead

being stored up being dissipatedin reck

and children, it,and, mark

expenditures.
be observed in young may Some adults have the animals.
are

Relaxation among you

always noted for their The endurance, strength,vigour and vitality. lazy tramp is not an instance of relaxation ; there is a
this,snch individuals great difference
The former is
a

between

relaxation

and

"

loaf."

sensible rest between

the work

working efforts,
better and
a

the result less effort

"

being that

is done

with indis

the latter is the result of

mental

and the consequent action (or position to work resultingfrom such thought taking form. inaction) 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 away. standing the law times mental watch and how
see

to

trickle

The
uses

average up from

person three to

not

under

twenty-five
statement

the energy
or

needed

to do his

work, be that work

this
come

the

physical. If you people with whom

many
waste

doubt

how

you motions

in contact make and

they

many

exaggerated

movements,

etc., they

182 manifest.

HATHA

YOGA themselves is
well

They

haven't result

in

hand

mentally, and
In have

the

physical prodigality.
or

the Orient, where classes of chelas,

not
or

the

Yogi gurus,
but

teachers,
their
of and

students, who
from from
the

receive the

instruction
the

from

books,

words

teacher, many
are

object lessons
in order

nature

illustrations associated material

given
the mind

that

in

of the

be idea may student, with some

object or

gurus, when direct their student's of the

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

cat,

or

animals
a

cat-tribe, the
illustration

panther
in lands

leopard being
these

favourite
are

where

animals

found. Did
you
ever
ever

notice watched In the

in

cat
a

in repose,
cat
case

have

you mouse-hole
cat

resting? And crouching before

do
you

latter
an no

recall how
"

the

crouched

easy,
tense

gracefulattitude
attitude
repose,
;
a

no

muscular

contraction,
intense

beautiful

picture of
instant animal dead. of
;

vitalityin
Still and

but

ready for
the
or

action.
to

motionless it

remains

all appearances wait till it darts

moves

might be asleep
! Then The like
a

But

flash

lightningit
tense

waiting cat, although

or

of the repose absolutelydevoid of movement

a
"

forward.

muscles,
of

is

different

thing from

live very laziness."

a repose And note

"

very the
"

entire absence

edge
action
waste

"

; of beaded

quiveringmuscles ; perspiration.The
with
;

of

nerves

on

machinery of
There

is not

strained
or

waiting.

is

no

motion
the moment

tension of action and

un

all is in readiness, and

comes

when

the prana
nerves

is hurled
the action

into fresh muscles

tired

and

RELAXATION

183
electric

follows machine. The

the

thought

like

the

spark

from

the

Hatha

Yogis
of
there
can

do

well

to

use

the and

cat

family

as

an

illustration In

grace, be
no

vitality
great

repose. of
to

fact,

power

quick
is

and

effective
there.
"

action

unless who and

the

ability
fret,
not

relax

also
and

People
"

fidget,
down,
are

and the

fume,

stamp
the hour best for

up

people
out

who before

do the be

work action

they

wear

themselves The who

arrives. is the

man

who

may

depended
the
"

upon
to

one

possesses But relaxation let and

calmness,
not

ability

relax,

repose.
;

the

fidgety
be

"

person cultivated
"

despair
and

repose be other

may

acquired

just

as

may

desirable In

gifts."
chapter
those the
we

our

next to

will
to

give

few
a

simple
working

in

structions

wishing
Science of

acquire

knowledge

of

Relaxation.

CHAPTER

XXIII

RULES

FOR

RELAXATION

THOUGHTS
upon

take

form These

in

action,
two

and

actions stand heard

react

the is
as

mind.
true
as

truths We the
or

together.
much
we

One the
not

the

other. mind
over

have

of
must

influence

of the

body, but
its influence
two

forget
We

that

the

body,
the
mind

attitudes

and

positions,
states.

react

upon

and these

mental
in

must

remember

truths

considering
Much habits
states other

the

question of relaxation.
harmful and

of

the

foolish
are

practices and

of muscular

contraction
in

caused

by
And,
have

mental
on

taking
hand,
or

form

physical action.
our

the been
care

many

of

mental

states

produced
lessness,
to

encouraged
When
in
our we

by habits
are

of
the

physical
emotion

etc.

angry
the

is apt
on

manifest

clenching
cultivate the

fist. of

And,

the
the

other

hand,

if

we

habit

clenching
assum

fists, frowning, drawing

together the lips and

very the

ing
such into of

scowl,
a
a

we

will be that

apt
least

to

get the mind

into

condition

thing will plunge it

of the
eyes

spell of
a

anger.

You
to

all know

experiment
and main
in

forcing

smile
a
"

the

lips and
which
"

taining it making
One harmful you
of

for

while,

generally
after
a

results minutes.

feel
the

smiling
steps
of

few

first

toward

preventing
with of
out

the
its

practices
waste

muscular and

contraction,

resulting

of

prana

wearing

the

184

RELAXATION
nerves,

RULES mental attitude of calm

185
and work

is to cultivate This may

you

repose.

be done, but will be well

it will be hard
your

at first ; but

repaid for
repose may

trouble

in the end. about

course,

Mental the

poise and
of

by

eradication

underlies really familiar with the idea but as we are perhaps more of Worry and Anger as being elementary mental The them. will so treat Yogi trains states, we himself from youth to eradicate or inhibit both of Fear these

brought Worry and Anger. Of both Worry and Anger,

be

emotions, and
his

the

result is that

after he

has

full powers he is absolutely serene of power and and calm and presents the appearance impression that is strength. He creates the same

developed

conveyed by
festations feels that in

the

mountain,

the

sea,

or

other

mani

of restrained here is indeed The

natural

force.

in his presence great strength and power considers

One

perfectrepose. worthy emotion,

man,

Yogi

Anger
animals

an

un

in the lower of

and

in

savage
man.

but

out totally

He

considers

it

sort

place in the developed of temporary insanity

and

who loses his self-control suffi pitiesthe man He knows that nothing ciently to fly into a rage. of is accomplished by it,and that it is a useless waste injuryto the brain and nervous energy and a positive in one's system, besides being a weakening element moral and spiritual nature growth. This does not without that the Yogi is a timid creature mean any
"

backbone." existence felt to

On

the

contrary, he does
his calmness of indication
ever

not

know

the

of Fear, and be
the

is instinc
not

tively

strength,
the
men

weakness.

Have

you

noticed

that

of from

the greatest strengthare

almost

free invariably

186 bluster
are

HATHA and threats wish ?

YOGA those The who

weak

and

also has He
has

eradicated learned which He

to

They leave that for to be thought strong. Worry from his mental
know

Yogi
of

condition.

that
no

it is

foolish waste

energy, harm. lems he

results in in

believes
to

good and always works earnest thought when prob

surmounted,
but He

have

be

solved, obstacles
to

never

descends
energy

Worry.
He

waste

and

motion, and also

man.

regards Worry as as being unworthy

his
to
own

of and
has

developed
powers
too

knows

nature

well to allow

himself himself the

gradually emancipated
teaches his students and
that

worry. from its

He
curse

and from

Anger
the

Worry

is the

freeing of oneself first step in practical

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

when emotions

one

cuts he

himself
same

loose from
time

these

weaken
from

ing
the

at the

frees himself

greater part of the

we

muscular
If you manage

contraction, of
be free from

which

have
source

spoken.

would
to

this great

of waste,

get rid of the

emotions

causing it.

RELAXATION

RULES

187

of relaxing" hand, the practice of the muscles, in condition of avoiding the tense everyday life will react upon the mind, and will

And,

on

the other

"

enable
is
a

it to

regain its

normal

poise and

repose.

It

rule that works of the

a

One Hath

ways. first lessons in physicalrelaxation

both

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:
"

these

two

words

and

are

able

to

put

them

into

practice you have grasped the secret theory and practice of Relaxation. The Yogi following is a favourite
Relaxation
:

of the

Yogi
in
as

exercise Relax

Lie you

down
can,

flat

on

the

back.

thoroughly as
body
from

lettinggo
mind
to the

of all the muscles. wander

In
over

Then, still relaxed, let your

the head
down

the this

toes.

doing

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
"

188
are as

HATHA

YOGA

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
"

itself upon
arms

them.

After
at
a

you

have

mastered

the

try the legs,one

them

time, then both

own

together.
remain do
not

Let

drop

of

their Rest

weight
the

and

relaxed. perfectly
be strenuous

between

trials and idea

in the well
as

exercise, as
to

is to
over

rest

yoursell,as
muscles.
the
same

acquire

the

control it to

the in

Then way. of the

lift the head Then

and

allow form

drop

lie still and

the

mental

couch, or floor, bearing the entire image laugh at this idea, weight of the body. You may that when believing you always let the you lie down couch bear all of your weight, but you are mistaken. You will find that, in spite of yourself, are you 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.
"

this work old

woman

for you.
who
sat

You
on

are

as

foolish

as

was

the and

the

tried child

to

help

the

train

edge along.

of the car-seat Take the

for your the to rest on bed

"

model. bed.
a

It allows

upon dents

which
"

If you doubt and child has been sleeping

sleeping its entire weight this, look at the

see

the

in it
"

the

impress
the

of its littlebody.

If you

find it difficult to catch

knack

of this

complete

RELAXATION
relaxation it may

RULES you
"

189
mental

image
over

of

being as
head
to

"

help limp
"

to
a

as

the cany cloth wet

"

from
a

foot

out

trace

of stiffness. with
"

lying loose and will A little practice

limp all limp, with

soon

work
"

wonders

restingexercise

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

to

well. do your work also a number There are

of

other

exercises

in

taught and practised by the Hatha the best of what Yogis, the following being among known translation) to the Yogis by the term are (free exercises : Loosen-up
Relaxation
"

"

FEW

"

LOOSEN-UP

"

EXERCISES

(1) Withdraw
muscles from ward other the and hand A relax
so

the all prana from the hand, letting will swing loosely that the hand

wrist, apparently lifeless. Shake

forward the from
same

it back

the

wrist. Then

Then both the

try the
hands
correct

together.
idea.

way. will little practice

give you
the

(2) This
It consists and

is in

more

difficult than

first exercise.

making the fingerslimp and relaxed Try swinging them looselyfrom the knuckles.
hand and then the other, then both.

first one

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
one
arm

and

then be

the

other, and

then

both.

exercise in

may various

varied

ways,

by twisting the body swing letting the arms

igo loo?e. You

HATHA will get the

YOGA idea if you will think

of

loose coat-sleeves.

(4) Relax
the but

the

forearm, lettingit swing loose from

elbow. avoid the

arm,

Shake
one

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

then

the

other, then

both.

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
the foot be
one

(5) Let

foot, then

the

other.

(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

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

cushion, stool

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. it drop forward, and (10) Relax the head, letting of the body. then by the motion swing it about back in a chair, relax it and let it drop Then, sitting It will, of course, backward. drop in any direction
the
moment the

you

withdraw think of

the
a

prana

from

it.

To

get

right idea,

person

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 relax his whole body, commencing may, if he sees fit, 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 practice of this or falling by accident. slipping 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 bruise adults, by severe seriously break their limbs. The or even same phenomenon who, the
moment

may who

be have

noticed

in the

cases

of intoxicated and

lost control

of the muscles

persons in an are

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

several These and

times exercises

and may

then

pass

on

to

the

next

one.

be almost
to the

varied, according
of
the

extended indefinitely ingenuityand power of

Make

invention

student.

your
as

own

exer

cises,if you

will,using the above

relaxation exercises

Practising

suggestions. a gives one

92 of

HATH

YOGA and
repose,

consciousness valuable. in the mind

self-control

which

is

Strengthin repose is when thinking of

It

the idea to be carried the

theories.
nerves

is

useful

in

Yogi Relaxation quieting overwrought

is known
the
"

; is
"

an

antidote

for what

as

muscle-

bound
of

conditions
sets

resultingfrom
muscles
a

certain

of

in

exercise, and
direction
of

is

valuable

employment one's daily work or acquirement in 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 travelling miles will a Western man, many 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

awake,

with muscles

senses
as

active above
as

and

alert, but
One
more,

with of
a

bodily

stated.

hour than

this rest

refreshes

them

much,

or

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 intuitively acquired by the American tribes of Africa, and, in fact, the Arab, the savage
races

in all parts of the this

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

RELAXATION
to

RULES

193

relieve the

strenuous

the

old

of the fatigue and nerve-exhaustion which has taken the place of business life, with all its hardships. wandering life, STRETCHING

Stretching employed by the

seem

"

"

is

another At

method first

of

resting

Yogis.
of
as

to be to

the

reverse

sight this will relaxation,but it is really

it withdraws have been the tension

akin
from

it, inasmuch
muscles sends

the

which

habitually

through them to all parts of the system, equalizingpranic conditions Nature to the benefit of all the parts of the body. impelsus to yawn and stretch when we are fatigued.
contracted, and
the prana Let
us

take
at
as

lesson from
as

her book.

Let

us

learn to
not to

stretch
so

will

well

you may before practisesomewhat easy from it. up the Relaxation Take which

involuntarily.This is imagine and you will have

as

you

get the

full benefit

exercises

in the order

in

they are given in this chapter, but instead of relaxing each part in turn simply stretch them. Begin with the feet,and then work up to the legs,
and
sorts

then

up

to

the

arms

and

head.

Stretch

in all

of ways,

feet,arms, twisting your legs,

around way of the stretch. in
a

hands,

head the

and

body

full benefit

you feel like to get Don't be afraid of

yawning, either ; that is simply one form of stretch. In stretching of course, tense and contract you will, in the subse muscles, but the rest and relief comes Carry in your mind the quent relaxation of them. let-go idea,rather than that of muscular exertion. We cannot attempt to give exercises in stretching,
"

"

H.Y.-G

i94
as

HATH

YOGA is
so

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

the student have

to

great that he

illustrations mental
idea

given
of
a

him.

the

good,
to do.

restful stretch, and Here

is
one

Nature

will tell him

what

however on : Stand generalsuggestion, the floor,with your legsspread apart and your arms Then extended over your head, also spread apart. out toes and stretch yourself raise yourself on 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 around loose and limp, employ shaking yourself 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
"

"

generalidea
All

of what

we

mean.

of these and with

plans

of

into
them

carried
a sense

out,

relaxing,if properly entered will leave the one practising

energy
same

of renewed

and

an

inclina

tion to

again

resume

work, the
a

after arisingfrom experiences in subsequent good rub-down

MENTAL RELAXATION
as

feelingas one healthy sleep and

bath.

the

EXERCISE

Perhaps
in Mental
ter.

it will be

well

for
we

us

to

give an
reacts

exercise

Relaxation
course,

before

conclude

this
on

chap
the also

Of and

physical relaxation
it.
But

mind
reacts

rests the the

Mental
rests
some

Relaxation
So
have

may

upon reach

body
needs

and of

it. who

this exercise
not

found of

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

the

preceding pages
easy

and

positionand

RELAXATION withdraw the mind

as

RULES far
as

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
calm drawn and
content.

The

attention

must

be

with

from the physicalbody and centred entirely I," which is really you." entirely upon the higher
"

"

Think
suns,
our

of the vast each

worlds

around

us,

the millions
of

of

surrounded

with
cases

earth, only in many

its group much

planetslike larger. Get an

idea of the the extent and then

immensity
realize
the

of space and of time ; consider of Life in all its forms in all these worlds

position of
upon
a

the

earth of dirt.

and

of

yourself a mere rise upward in

insect your

speck

Then

thought

and

realize that, though

of the mighty whole, you are atom you be but an still a bit of Life itself, of the Spirit a particle ; that you
are

immortal, part
of the

eternal

and

indestructible

necessary
cannot

Whole, a part which get along without, a piece needed

of the Whole. with

the Whole
to fit into

the

structure

Recognize yourselfas

in touch

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.

g6

HATH

YOGA

MOMENT'S

REST

A
rest

favourite from
the

Yogi
task of of

plan
the

for

snatching
"

moment's
"

hour friends

taking

rest

on

the

fly,"
it
"

as

one

our

young
:

recently

expressed

is

as

follows

Stand
thrown

up

straight,
your raise your

with

head

erect

and

shoulders

back,
Then

arms

hanging
heels

loosely
from

by
the

your

sides.

slowly weight

ground,
balls of

gradually
the

throwing
and sides
like
at

your the until

same

upon

the

feet,
your

time

raising
stand
out

your
from

arms

up

by

they
outstretched
the

your

shoulders
Take of feel the

the

wings
falls
out

of

an

eagle.
the

deep
feet

breath and

as

weight spread
the

upon

balls will and

as

the Then

arms

and

you

like

flying.
sink
their

expel
upon

breath and if

slowly
let

gradually
sink
to

back
first

the

heels

the like the

arms

position.
rising
and
of
to

Repeat extending
and

you

the

sensation. will
must

The

of

arms

impart
be

feeling

buoyancy
be

freedom

that

experienced

realized.

CHAPTER

XXIV

THE

USE

OF

PHYSICAL

EXERCISE

MAN

in his

state original
"

did not

need
a

to be instructed

in

physical exercise
normal him
an

neither Man's of

does

child

or

with
gave

tastes.

abundance

state of original varied activityout

youth living
of

doors, and
He
was

with

all the best seek

conditions

for exercise.

compelled to
his

raise

fuel, and
were man

crops, to build to do the thousand

to

his food, to prepare it,to his houses, to gather up and

one

things which
But
as

necessary

live in

simple

comfort.

began
one us

to be

civilized he also
to

began

to

delegate
himself

certain
to

of his duties
set of

others, and
at the

to confine

until activities,

of
do
"

no practically nothing but hard physicalwork lives. both livingunnatural Physical labour without mental

do

present day many physical work, while others

of
a

limited

scope

dwarfs activity
some

man's

life
"

and

mental

labour

without

sort

of

also dwarfs the man's physicalactivity demands the maintaining of the adoption of the happy medium. normal mental life calls for the and and physical, life that he
use

life.

Nature
"

balance The

the

natural,
powers,
so

of all of man's
man

the

who

is able to and

regulate his
sical exercise Children

gets both
necessary

mental and

is apt to be the healthiest obtain the

phy happiest.
in their

exercise

197

198 plays, and the to indulge in

wise,
with
varv

HATH natural games

YOGA
causes

instinct of the child

and

it

sports.
labour The
of and

Men,

their

mental games.

they are sedentary lives

which kindred has
games

if

spoics

and

success

attended
of recent of
man

the introduction years, shows

golf and
the old

that

natural

instinct

is not

dead. toward
is but
at

The
the

Yogis hold that the instinct feelingthat exercise is needed,

that
"

games" the
same

instinct

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
man

to

labour

part that
of

is unused

receives
and

less than in
man

the

normal

amount

nourishment,
Nature has and

time with

becomes
exercise

weakened. for every

work the and work

provided

muscle

part of his body, in natural

natural upon

play.
for

By
a

work,
some

we

do

not

mean

attendant

bodily labour,
exercises
"

man

particular form of trade following one only

is apt to need
all

one

set

of

muscles, and
is in
as

become

muscle-bound,"
the
man

and

much

of exercise with the

as

who

sits at
man

his desk

day,

exception that the has the advantage

We Culture and and
case

working
more

at his trade

usually Physical
work
to

of

out-of-door

life.
of
"

consider
"

the poor

modern

plans

very

substitutes
no

for out-of-door

play.
the of of work

They
or

have

interest attached

them,

mind

is not

called into

games. is better

way

exercise

protest against that form

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

USE has for its

OF

EXERCISE

199

objectthe enlargement of certain muscles, strong the performance of the feats of the and The perfect All this is unnatural. system of men." physicalculture is that one which tends to produce uniform development of the entire body the a
"
"

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

out

in the

The

air. open Yogis, in their

everyday life,do

their

own

work, and
take

get much

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
close

exercise in this way. They also they are near through the woods (if

resemblance
movements

to

the

calisthentic in the

exercises West.

and The

Delsarte

in favour

and important point of difference,however, principal lies in the fact that with
the
so

they

use

the mind

in connection interest in into

the

bodily movements.

work, and
does

the game, the Yogi allow his exercise He takes

an

Just as the brings the mind

play,

to call into opera

tion his mind. and

interest in the exercises,

an

by

an

effort of the will sends

increased
He

flow

of

to the part brought into motion. prana obtains a multiplied benefit, and a few

thus

minutes'
ten

exercise that

do

him of

amount

good as would exercise, if performed in

as

much

times usual

the

indifferent, uninterested

way.

200

HATHA This
"

YOGA the mind that

to the

part is

sending easilyacquired. All

a

knack

"

of

desired
is to

is necessary
it
can

accept
thus

as

fact the
away

statement

that

be

done,
then

doing

with

all sub-conscious mental

resistance,
;

occasioned

by

the

doubting
mind
to

attitude
a

simply
to

command

the
to

send
the

supply

of prana there.

the

part, and
that but

increase
a

circulation

The
the

mind
moment

does this to the the

certain extent,

involuntarily,
on a

attention effect is

is centred

part

of the
the

body,
the

greatly increased
necessary
to

by
to
a

effort of the

will.

Now,

it is not the

contract

brows, clench

fist,or

make

violent
in this the

physical effort in order to operate the Will In fact,the simplestway to accomplish way.
result is to will

desired wish

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
"
"

desired

result. the
you

Do

this several

times, and

you

will

feel that

forearm have used

has
no

been violent

greatly exercised,
motion, and
on

although
used of the
to
no

have

apparatus.

Try
some

this

plan
you

several

parts

body, making
so

muscular

motion will
soon

in order

get the attention

there, and
when you go

the

knack,

that

simple exercise

you

will do

this

acquire through any ordinary almost automatically.

USE In

OF

EXERCISE

201

short, when
what

you

exercise, realize what

doing and
the result. and avoid

you are Put life and

doing it for,and
manner

are you you will get

interest into your

exercise,
of

the

mechanical listless,
so
"

going

physical culture fun into it, and enjoy it. Put some exercises. and body obtain In this way both mind a benefit, exercise with will leave your and a splendid you glow and thrill such as you have not experienced for through
the motions,
common
"

in

many
In

a our

day.
next

which

if

chapter we give a will give you followed

to

few

simple exercises,
movements

all the

necessary every and

exercise

your

entire

body, bringing
organ,

part into play, strengthening every

you
as
as

and

making
movement

not
an an

erect

only well developed, but straight Indian, and as supple and quick of
athlete.
some

These the

exercises

are

taken

in

part from

of
use,

Oriental

movements,
a

adapted
of motions

for Western which have

combined favour

with with and

number the

found of

phy
the

sical trainers These Oriental

as

of the

armies

Europe
have

America.

army

physical
their

directors have and

studied such

movements,

and

adopted
have

of them in very
are or

suited

purpose,

succeeded

forming a series of movements simple and easilyperformed capable of accomplishing as

many physicalculture
not
woman as

which, while
in
a

few

minutes,
for
a man

much

elaborate which
are

courses

and

systems of
Do

sold at

high prices.

and brevity of this system cause simplicity it. It is just the thing you have you to undervalue features been looking for, with all the unnecessary trimmed off." Try the exercises for a while, let the
"

202

HATHA

YOGA

before will
will faithful

you

make
"

up

your
you and

mind
over

about
"

them.

They
if you
into

practically
take the

make

physically,
to

time

trouble

put

them

practice.

CHAPTER

XXV

SOME

YOGI

PHYSICAL

EXERCISES

BEFORE

telling you
to

about
upon

these you You

that

exercises,
exercise
manage throw the
some

we

wish

again
interest
an

impress
in your You
must

without
to

fails in its effect.

must to

take mind

interest it.

exercise, and
learn
means.

into

to

like

work,

and

to

think you

of what will

it all

By following
benefit
from

this advice
this

obtain

multiplied
STANDING

work.

POSITION

Each natural
erect

exercise
manner, ; eyes

must

be

begun
your

by

you

standing in
; head

with i.e.,
;

heels

together
the

front

shoulders
a

back
arms

; chest at

expanded
sides.

abdomen

drawn

in

little ;

EXERCISE

I
out

(i) Extend
on

the of the

arms

straight

in

front of the hands

of you, hands
until the

the

level

shoulder, with

palms
back the

touching
the
arms

each

other.
out
a

(2)Swing

stand
or even

straight, sideways,
little further back
; return

from

shoulders,
go

if

they

will
to

there

easily
i,

without

forcing
several

briskly
The and
over
arms

Position should animation

be

and

repeat
with
life.
a

times.

swung and rather

rapid movement,
not

with the

Do

go

to

sleep
is most

work,
in

or

play.
the

This

exercise of

useful

developing

chest, muscles
203

the

shoulders,

204
etc.

HATHA In

YOGA

swinging the hands improvement if you will rise on

backward the
arms

backward,

it is

an

again. The repeated movements be rhythmical, backward and forward, like should the swinging of a quick pendulum.
EXERCISE
II from

sweep, forward

sinkingon

your toes your heels as

during the
you
move

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

(i) Extend

the

the

(2) With
around back
to
as

in far in the say

circles
as

(not too wide),keeping the possible,and not allowing the

of
the

arms

hands while

pass

front

line of

the

breast
the

making
until

circles. twelve inhale and This and what

to
a

Continue
are

making
It

circles

made.

full breath

improves this exercise to to the Yogi practice) (according

air until several
the

retain

the

circles
and
an

are

made.

exercise back. you

are

develops
doing.

chest take

shoulders,
interest
in

Put

life into it, and

EXERCISE

III of you,

(i) Extend

the

arms

straight in front

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, of both hands touch the top of the tipsof the fingers of the fingers of the forehead, the backs head back touching, the elbows
is made thumbs

swinging out as the movement touch the head, with until (when the fingers pointing to the rear)they point out straight

PHYSICAL

EXERCISES

205
on

sideways.
head back
arms a

(3) Let
forces

the

fingersrest
with the

the top of the elbows

moment,

and

then
the
an

pressing
force the

(which
backward
the

shoulders

back)

with
at

reach

sides

full

until they oblique motion length, as in the standing

position.
EXERCISE
IV

(i) Extend
the
arms

the

shoulders.
extended and in

straightout, sideways, from (2) Then, still keeping the upperarms same

elbow

bring
until

the

bend position, forearm upward

the with

arms
a

at the

circular

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

tips

of

the

extended

so.

will enable you to touch them (A little practice 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. will enable you
to

get them

much

further the the

back
to

than the

at

the

front

attempt.) (5) Swing positionand then back to

first times. EXERCISE V

elbows
rear

position,

several

(i) Place
rear,

the

hands

on

the

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

pressedback.

hips, thumbs (2) Bend

to

the

the

these movements

the knees

should

not

be bent, and

206 the

HATHA motions should be

YOGA 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 then and bend the body gently to originalposition, the left, observing the precautions given in last This exercise is somewhat movement. fatiguing,
and
you

should Proceed
the in the
or

be

careful

not

to

overdo

it at

the

start.

position on body around describing

move

gradually. (6) With hands in same hips, swing the upper part of the
a

circle,from
bend
the

the of

waist
course.

largest circle,

up, the head Do not

the

feet

knees.
VI
arms

EXERCISE

(i) Standing
the

erect, raise the

straightup
thumbs
are

over

head, hands
other

remaining
when the

open
arms

with

touch

ing each upward

"

without

palms to the front, of bending the knees, bend

waist extended
do first,

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

touch
are

from
with

the
the

and

endeavour
"

to

the

floor
to

fingertips
the best

if you
can,

unable

do
soon

this at be

you
"

able to
the

do

it
nor

properly
the
arms

but
must

you remember
be

and

will
that

neither

knees

bent.

(3)

Rise, and

repeat several times.

EXERCISE VII hands
on

(i) Standing erect, with yourself on the balls of the of a springy motion. sort
you

hips,

raise

feet several

times, with
after

Pause

moment

have
to

raised the

upon

your

toes, then
as

let the

heels

sink

floor, then

repeat,

above

suggested.

PHYSICAL

EXERCISES and
the

207 heels in

Keep
This

the

knees

unbent,
will make

exercise is

beneficial specially

together. developing the

the first few

calf of the
times

leg,and

it feel
an

sore

If you have here is the exercise for you. on hips,place your feet about it is tried. then lower the

body

into and

pausing a moment position. Repeat

at

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

several the

times, but

not
a

too

often
at

first, as it will make

thighs feel

little sore

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 VIII of upon the heel.

(i) Stand erect, with hands on hips. (2) Keeping the knee straight,swing the right leg out about the toe turned a little out, and fifteen inches (keeping 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 stands straightout from the body upper-leg(thigh) do so). (if you may you can raise it stilla little higher, (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.

208

HATHA

YOGA

EXERCISE

IX
arms

(i) Stand

erect, with

the

extended

straight
on a

in front of you, from the shoulders, and of the palms must level with the shoulders
"

course

be down, the

straight out, fingers

thumb side of hands

thumbs

folded

under, and

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

body
the the

has

reached
the
"

the
arms

limit
are

of

the

bending
back
do

forward
over

movement

extended and stiff,

and
not

body

bend

knees.
several

keep the arms (3) Resume

times. X

standing

position and

repeat

EXERCISE

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

open

the

hands

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
XI
arms

(i) Lie
above

your stomach, extending your upon upward, and your head and then bowed

your

PHYSICAL

EXERCISES

209

legs stretched out full length and raised backward and upward. The be carried correct positionmay in the mind or a saucer by imagining a watch-crystal resting on the table on its middle, with both ends and turning upward. (2) Lower and raise the arms turn over on legs, several times. (3) Then your at full length, with back, and lie extended arms extended the head, with straight out, upward over back of lingers touching the ground. (4) Then raise up both legsfrom the waist until they stand straight of a ship, your upperup in the air, like the mast body and arms remaining in the last positionnamed. Lower the legs and raise them several times. (5) Resume position 3, lying flat upon the back at full extended length with arms straight out upward, the head, with backs of fingerstouching the over ground. (6) Then gradually raise body to sitting position,with arms straight out in front projecting of the shoulders. Then gradually to the go back lying-down position, and repeat the rising and the on lowering several times. (7) Then turn over face and stomach the following again, and assume from head to foot, position: Keeping the body rigid raise your body until its weight rests upon your palms (the arms being stretched out straightin front of you) at one end, and upon your toes at the other Then end. the at arms elbow, gradually bend allowingyour chest to sink to the floor ; then raise up your chest and upper-body by straighteningout the entire the weight falling upon arms, your with the toes as a arms, pivot this last is a difficult motion, and should be overdone not at
"

first.

210

HATHA
EXERCISE
TO

YOGA
LARGE ABDOMEN with
a

REDUCE

This

exercise which

is for those troubled trouble is caused

too

large
fat

abdomen,

by

too

much

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

not

abdomen

be materially may indulgence in this exercise

"

"

moderation
or

in all in too

things,"
of
a

overdo

matters,

be

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 and of times
moment.
out.

then

hold

for

moment
a

and number
rest
a

position. Repeat
a

and

then

take

breath

or

two,

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
may A
"

Repeat several times, moving control one how much is surprising

it in

and

SETTING-UP
to

"

EXERCISE

This natural him of

exercise is intended
manner

of habit

the If

and give one a graceful standing and walking, and to cure of slouching," and shambling
"

to faithfully practisedit will cause you manifest an erect, graceful carriage. 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.

"

PHYSICAL these
cases

EXERCISES
marred

211

is somewhat
cause a

by

other

military
come

practices which
to

stiffness which exercise

"

does not

those

who

practise this
as

apart from

the

drill.

The

exercise is

follows

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 to the leg,and the palms of the hands facingstraight front. The soldier gets the rightpositionby touch of his ing the little fingerof each hand to the seam trousers. remem (4) Repeat several times, slowly, 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

forward.

The is

chest is projected head a little ; the

is erect ; neck

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

this kind

will work the

wonders

with

surprised at wrought upon

perseverance
"

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

you, and which

you

will be

having.

212

HATHA

YOGA

Now exercises.

this
It

is is

about

all

of and

our

little

system

of but

simple
It if

unpretentious,
every

wonderfully body
"

effective.

brings

part
will

of

the

into

play,
you
over

and
"

faithfully

followed Practise Put

you the

indeed

make take

physically.
in the

faithfully,
some

and
into

an

interest

work. what

mind

it, and
work

remember

always
for.

are

doing
of you better

the
"

(or

play)
AND

Carry

thought
"

STRENGTH you
Do

DEVELOPMENT
and exercise
one.

with

when

exercise,
not

you
soon

will

get
after

much
a

results.

meal,

or

immediately
start

before
a

Do of

not

overdo exercise you

Better have

things
at

"

with
then

few

repetitions
increase

any

first,

and
a

gradually
number of several
to

it until

reached

fair

repetitions.
times do
too
a

go

through
rather of

the than

exercises

day

(if possible)
at
one

attempt

much

period

exercise. The
do
"

above much
"

little for of
have

"

Physical
as

Culture many

"

system

will

as

you

will

high

priced
or

courses

instruction
"

either
the
are

personal
time,
as

by
are

mail.
"

They

stood

test
as

of

and

still

up-to-date."
Try

They
them,

simple
strong.

they

are

effective.

and

be

CHAPTER

XXVI

THE

YOGI

BATH

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
a we

IT should

not be necessary

to devote

think

it well to call the attention them

of

our

readers

to set

the
so

subjectand explain to
much
store upon state
use a

why
did

the

Yogis
need

clean

body.
man

In

the

of of

nature

not

the

frequent
and from
trees

the

bath, for, his

body

being

uncovered, the rains beat upon

brushed the

him, and the bushes againsthis skin, keeping it free

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
and instead

to

get rid of

the

waste
on

in his

the old way,

he allows it to 213

pileup

214 skin and and

HATHA

YOGA

consequently suffers physical discomfort be very dirty indeed disease. A body may and
clean
to

still look

the

naked

eye.

A
a

peep

at

the

garbage piles on
would shock
many has

its surface
of you.

through
all

strong glass
races

Bathing making any

fact, it may
be the

been

practised by
and
use

of

men

pretence of culture
be said that the which The
amount

civilization. of the of
a

In is may
a

bath

measuring-rod by
determined.

the

culture

nation of the

greater the
the

greater the use of culture, and

The
a

bath,
the

the

fewer

baths,
the from
extremes
use

less culture. bath

to

ancient

of the
the
as

ridiculous
and
etc.

natural

methods

people carried extent, departure running to such

The
a

perfumed baths,
the
use

Greeks

and

Romans
decent

made

of the of the
races

bath

and living, of

many

ancient
this

requisiteof people were

The

far

ahead

modern

in

respect.

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 go without go into
a

his

meal in

than
a

without

his bath.

One
a warm

may

crowd fail to

day and unpleasant odour.

said

on Japanese city even the slightest notice even

Would

that
or

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 religious rites. Yogis, while not among rite, nevertheless practise regarding it as a religious bathing just as if it were.
of
a

crowd

in America

THE
Let
us us
see

YOGI

BATH bathe. and think

215

few of

just why people should understand the matter really

get rid of the dust and
upon
our as

Very
it is

merely
has

to

visible dirt which But there is

more

accumulated

skin.
mere

than
us

this to it,important

cleanliness is.

Let

just why the skin needs to be cleansed. We have explainedto you, in another chapter, the and how, if the importance of a normal perspiration 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

and

that of the skin double Each

as

well, for
rather

nature

will make

one

organ do undone.
a

work

than of
a

to leave

its work

sweat-tube,
of the
to

pore is the end which extends

little canal

called

surface

body.
each

There square

are

into the down way about 3,000 of these of

our

little canals

They called perspira are exuding a moisture continually 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.
inch

skin.

waste, if allowed

to remain

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.

216 The skin

HATHA itself is

YOGA

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
ones.

constantly undergoing great structure, just as is any other part of

These

worn-out
on

and the
or

discarded surface

cells form
of the

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

skin,
course

off
are

washed

off. off

Of

rubbed

by

the cloth and the

quantity remain,
to
use

bath In

or our

wash

is needed
on

get rid of them.

of water
as an

chapter
the

the
we

for the internal of

man,

told you
open,
were

of the

irrigator importance
a man

keeping
die

pores pores

and

how

soon as

would

if his
and

sealed,
in the

shown
And

by
this

experiments
accumulation

occurrences

past.
pores

of worn-out

etc., cells, oil,perspiration,

up

will at

least

partiallyseal
clean.
the

the

unless

the
on

body
the
germs

is

kept

And
skin

then, again, this filth

is
an

surface
and

of

invitation their abode

for there
to

stray
and your dirt

bacteria
you germs the

to take

up

thrive.

Are

extending
?

this invitation
not
now"

friends, the
obtained you have your from

We

are

speaking
we

of

outside

world

know you
"

that
but

would
you
own

not
ever

carry
which

that of

around
this
waste

with

thought
sometimes

matter

from
as

system,
and

is

just as

much
worse

dirt

the

other,

occasions

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

THE
not
a

YOGI

BATH

217

get justas good results by taking and a basin and passing the wet towel over a towel the entire body, rinsingthe towel after the first rub, time. the body the second and then going over
bath-tub
can

The in the

most

desirable

time

for

wash-off

or

bath

is

earlymorning, immediately after arising. The bathe evening bath is also a good thing. Never immediately before, or immediately after, a meal. Give the body a good rubbing with a rough cloth
which will act to loosen stimulate when the the
up

the dead

skin, and
Never Exercise

which take
a

will also cold bath

circulation. is cold.

yourself before taking a little until you a warm up some, cold bath. In taking a plunge bath, always wet the then wet head before gettingthe body under water the chest, and then plunge in. A favourite Yogi practiceafter taking a cold bath, with the is to rub the body vigorously or a cool one, hands, instead of using a towel, and then getting with the body still covered into dry clothes with feel cold, as Instead of this making one moisture. some might imagine, it produces just the opposite is experiencedimme for a feeling of warmth effect, diatelyafter the clothingis on, which is increased by a gentle exercise, which the Yogis always take This exercise is not immediately after the bath. feels as one soon as violent, and is discontinued the body. himself in a gentle glow all over The favourite Yogi bath, or wash-off, is in cool (not cold] water. vigorously all They wash themselves by a handover, with the hands, or a cloth, followed the Yogi deep breathing rubbing, practising during the wash and the rubbing. They take this immediately

body

"

218 after have and arising, stated. into

In

HATHA

YOGA
a

follow it with very water, cold but

mild

exercise

as

we

weather

they

do

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
"
" "

the

weather

and

seasons.

readers against Right here, let us caution our Don't do adopting a too cold bath at the start. of impaired vitality. if you are this, particularly 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 reaction and most a feelingof warmth. delightful
"

"

In

case

you and

take do
use are

cool bath

in the

tub, instead
more

of
one

wash-down,

not

stay

in the

tub

than

minute,
time

that

you

hands vigorouslythe your in the water.

whole

THE

YOGI

BATH

219

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

soaking
the

for it.
on

good, and you will feel better and put Give yourself a good rubbing down, over a dry skin (inthe case of a warm clothing
will do you

"

bath).
Persons that prove Now read much you
a

doing

foot
most

will find walking,or standing, will at night just before bath retiring to a good night's and conducive restful, much

sleep.
don't

it, but
better will not THE

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.
YOGI MORNING WASH-DOWN

The the

following may

give

to way wash-down.

get the best

ideas you some the results from

ing, and the day. It begins with

blood all the cool
over

It is very will make one

and invigorating feel the

regarding morning strengthen

effect all

beneficial

little exercise and the Prana

which
to

causes

the

to

circulate the

be

distributed renders the

body,
or

after the

rest, and night's

in which

body

in the best

condition

to take

wash-down

bath.

PreliminaryExercise,
tary attitude, head
hands
at sides.

(i) Stand

erect

in

mili

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

inhaling a

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

220

HATHA
the

YOGA

through
Breath.

nostrils, slowly. (5) Practise Cleansing

several left
or

(6) Repeat right leg alone, then

Then take the bath

times, varying by using

described

leg alone. wash-down,

as

on

the

prefer the wash-down, fill the 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.
.

preceding pages.

If you

Do

not

be
At

in too

much

of

rush, but
cool water
soon

go

about
cause

it

calmly.
you and
to

first few
a

times

the

may

shrink

but little,
to

you Do cool

will
not

get used
the but rather

to

it,

will learn

like it.
too

make

mistake
work

of

commencing
the tub

with

water,

down
the
water

temperature by degrees. If you prefer with to the half fill the tub wash-down,
the do

of
you

proper
the

temperature,
then for moment,

and

kneel
the

in

it

while

rubbing,
a

plunge
and

whole

body
at

under

the water

then

get out

once.

Following
one

either the

the

wash-down

or

the

should

several hands towel.

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

rub

hands

tubbing, the body

THE
on

YOGI

BATH then will be

221

the

surface
at

of the
once,

skin, and
and you

get into your

underclothes the

surprisedat

Instead over glow which will come peculiar you. of the water making you feel chilly you will experi all parts of the of warmth on ence a peculiar feeling body covered by the clothing,under which a little moisture wash-down the been has been
or

left

on

the skin.

In

case or

of either bath with has

tubbing, follow followingexercise, after

the wash the

underclothing
erect
on

put on : ConcludingExercise, arms straightin front

shoulders, with
other
;

(i)Stand

; stretch

out

of you, fists clenched

the

level of the each

and

touching

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

repeat several
Resume the

times

and

then

rest

moment.

closingpositionof i, the arms still the shoulders out, sideways, from ; the arms level with the the a sides, on extending from from the shoulders, swing the fists around in circles, 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,
" "

(2) straight

several
over

times.

(3) Stand
; hands

erect,

raise thumbs

the

hands
;

the head without the

then

floor with
to

bending try to tipsof the fingers if you

"

open, and the knees

touching
touch
are

the

unable
to

do

this, do

the

best

you

can

return

first your of a feet

position. (4) Raise yourselfon the balls of several times, with sort feet,or your toe-joints, (5) Standing, place your springy motion.

222

HATHA

YOGA

about

two

feet for

apart,
moment,
times.

then then

sink

slowly

to

squatting position.
i,

position,

resume

original
No.

Repeat
times. This appears of five

several

(6)
the

Repeat Cleansing
as

several

(7)

Finish is

with
not

Breath. it

exercise
at

nearly
It which and take Then is

complicated
a

as

first

reading.
all
of

really
are

combination

exercises,

very

simple
each

and

easily
of each the

performed.
exercise, part
and
It

Study
before
you

practise
the
it

section
master

bath,
run

and like
to

thoroughly.
will
take but

will

clock

work,
it. entire
or

few

moments

perform

is

very and if

invigorating,
will you
make

calling
you feel

into like
a

play
new

the

body,

man,

woman,

take

it

just

after

the

bath

or

wash-down. The wash-down of the

upper and of
the at

part

of

the

body
through
the

in

the the

morning,

gives
a

strength

vitality

day,
down

while

wash-down
the and

body

from
rests

waist

(including
slumber,

feet)
is

night,

one

for

the

night's

very

refreshing.

CHAPTER

XXVII

THE

SOLAR

ENERGY

OUR with
omy. that

students the

are,

of

course,

more

or

less

familiar
astron
even

fundamental is to say,

scientific

principles of
aware

That

they

are

that

in of of tele

infinitesimallysmall
we even

portion by
the

of the

Universe the
sense

which

have when
are

any

knowledge
aided

through
most

sight,
scopes,
are

powerful
"

there

millions size the

of fixed

stars
some

all of which
cases

suns,

times

equal in larger than

system.

to, and
sun

in

many

governing
sun

our

particular
of
energy

planetary
for its radiator is

Each

is Our

centre

planetary system.
of energy for
our

sun

is the

greater
which

planetary system,
to to

composed
still

of several unknown

planets known
astronomers
one

science, and
"

several

our

own

planet, the
Our
sun,

Earth,
like the

being but
other
suns,

of

large family.
throw

is

continually

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

the

rays
"

of the
the
are

sun,

life would

be

impossible
of the
or as

the

earth
to
us.

even

most all

simple forms
upon force
know

life
sun

known for

We vital that
course

dependent
This vital

vitality
"

force. which

energy Prana.
centres

is of Prana
are

course

the

Yogis
absorb

is of

everywhere,
to
a

yet certain
and

constantly being used

energy
"

again

send
as

this

to

keep

up

perpetual

current

it

223

224
were.

HATHA

YOGA

and send

but is everything, still dynamos Electricity like centres to gather it up and are necessary

it

out

in

concentrated is maintained

form. between

A the

constant
sun

current

of Prana

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 have always held differently. They teach that 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 of

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 similar to those of matter, having properties forms
Neither these
"

observed
tern

to

exist, in that is

substance

which much radium.

the Wes

world

just now

thinking so
have termed

about, and
We
are

which
not

its discoverers

attempting to describe or explain radium, but certain to possess are merely stating that it seems which the Yogis teach are and properties qualities possessed in varying degrees by the several

SOLAR substances

ENERGY
"

225
It is very

forming

the

sun-matter."

of the other sun-substances probable that some may this planet resembling radium on yet be found and yet having points of difference.
"

This sun-substance
state

is not
as we

in

molten

state,

or

in

generally use the word. of But it is constantly drawing to itself a current the planets, passing it through some from Prana and sending a return wonderful process of Nature students know, the to the planets. As our current
of combustion air is the
source principal

from

which

we

extract
sun.

Prana, but the air itselfreceives

have which told how
we

it from

the

We

the food and the

sun.

we use
"

eat is filled with

Prana,

extract

but
sun

the

plants receive
is a

their Prana house

from

The

is the great store

of Prana

for this solar system, and

mighty
to

constantlysending forth its vibrations the limits of its system, vitalizing everywhere making possible life physical life,we mean,
dynamo
"

and of

course.

attempt to the wonderful facts regarding the sun's describe to the best Yogi teachers, work, which are known arid we the subject merely that our touch upon for what it is,and realize students will know the sun what it means The objectof to all living creatures. this chapter is to bring to your minds the fact that
to

This

book

is not

the

placein

which

the and

sun's

rays which life,

are we we

filled with
are are us. sun

vibrations

but which lives,

degree possibleto
seem
cover

afraid

of the

themselves

all

using every not using to the most likely and civilized people Modern they darken their rooms, with over heavy clothes in
"

of energy of our moment

H.Y.-H

226 order
to

HATHA

YOGA
run

keep

out

its rays

"

Now,
the

remember
we

sun's rays

right here not speaking are

action of the

from away that when we

in fact. it,

speak
Heat

of is in

of heat.
rays
"

produced by
contact

the

sun's

coming

earth's intense
offered

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

the earth's

the

sun's rays.
of the heat sun's

So when
rays,
we

we

tell you
not
sun. mean

to take to

advantage
out

do

sit

in the
You
must

of the

mid-summer

stop this practiceof running

You
be
so

away
to
or

from

the
rooms.

sunlight.
Do
not not

must

admit

the

sun

your

afraid
rooms

of your

rugs

carpets.
time.

Do You
which

keep
not

your

best your

closed
to be

all the
a

do

wish
snn

rooms

like

cellar into

the

never

shines.
and

Open
into

your

windows
sun,

in the either
you

early morning,
direct
or an

let the

rays the

of the
room,

reflected, beat

and

atmosphere of health, strengthand vitalitygradually pervading your home, replacing and lack of the old atmosphere of disease, weakness
will find

life.
Get
out

into

the

sun

once

in awhile

"

don't

shun

the sunny is very

side of the street, except when

warm

the weather

indeed, stand, sit

up your you sun's

or

about Get up

noon-time.
a

Take
minutes

sun-baths

occasionally.
or

few
sun,

earlier,and
it freshen

lie down

in the

and
are

let
so

whole do
so,

body.
take

If

you

situated and

that

may
rays

off your

clothing
the

let the

reach

your
you how

body
have

without
never

interference

of

this, you will

is in
a

clothing. If scarcelybelieve
how

tried
there

much you

virtue

sun-bath, and

strong

will feel after

SOLAR it. Do
not

ENERGY

227
a

dismiss
a

this

subjectwithout

thought.

the sun's rays, and get some of the benefit of the direct vibrations on your body.

Experiment

littlewith

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

body, you the letting

reach the affected part, or the surface rays of the sun off the body rightover the affected part.

The
most

earlymorning
and beneficial, of these the
sun

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

benefit After

fresh rays are has risen about

to

be

five

congratulated. hours, the vital

that
sun

effects of the rays lessen, and then the day nears its close. You as flower-beds which much receive better the than

graduallydecrease
will notice

early morning
those who flowers is
as

shine, thrive
the stand
to

get only
under necessary good soil. and
won more

afternoon

All lovers of rays. this,and realize that sunshine

is water, air and as healthy plant life, Study the plants a little get back to nature,
"

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

read

sun

and

air

are

partake
we

of them

In other of power additional

etc.

parts of this book,

the share mind
to

have
to

spoken
the

of the

attract

of Prana

from

system an the air,food, water,

or

And

this is true
"

of the

Prana

vital force in

the sun's rays mental proper

sun
"

you may attitude.

increase Walk

the benefit
out

in the

by the morning

lift up
a

your

head, throw
breaths from

back

take

few with

good
Prana

of the

your shoulders, air which is being

charged
shine
on

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

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

following

228

HATHA

YOGA

(or

similar)

mantram

"

am

bathed from It is influx

in

Nature's it

beautiful

sunlight
"

am

drawing

life,
me

health, strong
"I and

strength
full it of

and

vitality.
I

making
of Prana

energy.
all

teel

the

feel head
love

coursing
my

through

my

system,
my entire

from

my I

to

feet,
and
whenever

invigorating
get
all its

body.

the

sunlight,
this

benefits."

Practise and then

you

get

an

opportunity,
realize
all these what
a

you you
have

will

gradually
have been

begin missing
away
to

to

good
while Do

thing
you
not

years the
sun.

been

running

from
the

unduly
on

expose

yourself
particularly
the

mid-summer

sun,

hot and

days,
summer,

about

noon.

But,
will all
that not

winter

early
the

morning

rays and

hurt stands

you.
for.

Learn

to

love

sunlight

it

CHAPTER

XXVIII

FRESH

AIR

Now,
a

do not
common

pass then

very pass it Those learned

by this chapterbecause it treats subject. If you feel inclined to

are

of
so

you it is intended, and

"

by

by

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

who

have

looked

and

have

of necessity 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 much houses so are air-tight 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 closed rooms, tightly lackingproper ventilation,is idea that one How the most stupid conceive of. can

something

of the

benefit

and

"

"

229

230

HATHA
can

YOGA

people
the

do

it after the

acquainting
action and

themselves functions

with

facts

regarding
more a

of the
answer.

lungs, is
Let
us

than

the

thinking

man

can

take

plain,common-sense,
that the

brief look at this

subject.
You will remember off the
waste

lungs
of

are

constantly
system
"

throwing
breath
is

matter
as a

the

the

being
off the

used
waste

carrying
refuse
matter

of the scavenger products, broken-down of

body,
and

matter

from
off

all parts

the

system.

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
thrown

by

the

"

amount

of

waste

matter,

much

of

the

contents

of

the

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 closed room, shut yourself up in a tightly "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
colon

gradually works

each

exhaled into

breath.
your
room

No

wonder

that

coming
stench

in the

pervading it,if

you

morning have kept the windows

anyone notices the

FRESH lowered.
some,

AIR feel cross,

"

231

No

wonder
"

you

and of
a

generally grouchy
pest
ever

stupid,quarrel after a night in this

kind Did is to

house.

you

think

give nature

has been up all work

going on her energies in work, and

build the up
your
morrow.

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

justwhy

you

give her
so

chance
you
to

to

repairand
right on

system
And

that

will be do this

in order

conditions. she requires at least normal right, 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
"

which Instead
amount

has

thereby

been

of this you with of air, half-poisoned

freshlycharged with Prana. give her nothing but a limited

the

refuse

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

bedroom,
been The air in
as

is

no

place
and

for you

to

sleep in until it has

fresh
air.
as

ventilated
a

kept supplied with

should outside
be air. that Don't the
most

bedroom
the

nearly as possible
be

kept

pure as catching cold. method

afraid

of

Remember
of

approved

modern the

patient to
how

treating consumption calls for be kept in the fresh air, at night, no

Put
on

matter

cold it is.

plenty of

bed

cover

ing, and
does And

the cold after you get a you will not mind ! Fresh air back little used to nature to it. Get
not
mean

what

livingrooms,

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

of
one

232 may
not

HATHA
allow
as

YOGA
of the

too

much

outside down

air to get into

the house,
too

that

would is

bring
a

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
"

low, but

still there

and
not

your
care

health
to

will be that
we

better. into

But
the

even

if you

do
a

go

deep
have

matter,
your

think
common

little bit
sense

of what the

said, and

will do
out

rest.

Get blow

awhile you. You

every

day

and

let the

fresh

air

upon

It is full of
all know

life and

health have

giving
it indoors nature's
cannot
not
use

properties.
all your in
a

this, and

known

lives.

But, nevertheless, you

which is
you rules

stick
to

manner

entirely foreign
do not with
feel well.

plans.
violate afraid it is don't

No

wonder

One Do
to

nature's of the air.

to

impunity.
intended
and
to

be

Nature
nature

you

it

"

"

adapted
be

your
of it
"

requirements.
it.

So

afraid

learn and
"

love

Say

to your

self while
"

walking
child

out

am

of Nature in order
so.

enjoying the she gives me

I may grow

fresh this

air:
pure,

good

air to use,

that
am

strong and

well, and

keep
and

strength
of the effects. Learn
to

energy.
upon

am

breathing in health and enjoying the sensation

and I feel its beneficial I

air I

blowing
am

me,

Nature's

child, and
you

enjoy

her

gifts."

enjoy the air, and

will be

blessed.

CHAPTER

XXIX

NATURE'S

SWEET

RESTORER"

SLEEP

OF

all of

nature's

functions

that the
one or
no

should which advice elaborate

"

be

under be be

stood
so

by people, sleep seems

that The the value And
to
no

should should

simple

instruction needs

needed. upon that's lived rounded that But

child and the

treatise

necessity of sleep
adult would ways. such do But

it the he

just sleeps,
same

all. closer

if he
sur

nature's with

has

himself

artificial for him

to

environments
live
on

it is almost he may
to

impossible
a

naturally.
the
return

go

considerable

distance

journey
Of
on

nature,

notwithstanding
practices that
from

his unfavourable

environments.
all the foolish away
are man

has

picked
of
wastes

up

his travels

nature,
the

his habits He the

sleeping
in which he

and

rising
has the

among social

worst.

excitement
nature
over

and

pleasures

hours

given him
hours in

for his best

nature

sleep,and
has and the

sleeps
the

which
to

given him
hours

greatest
The
sunset

chance

absorb taken and the

vitality
between best of

strength.
of for out-ofare

best and work

sleep
and hours

is that

midnight,
the after then

hours

door

absorbing
the
sun

vitality
So
we

the
at

first few both middle

rises.

waste

ends, and
age
or

wonder

why

we

break

down

in

before. does 233

a

During sleep nature

great part of her repair

HATHA
work and it is

YOGA

highly important that she b? given this opportunity. We will not attempt to lay down different people have as sleeping, 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 that is common heavy bed-clothing 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
nerve,
"

and

learn

to
"

"

loaf

"

in

bed,

and

to

cultivate
covers.

that

Train after
you

lazy feeling when you get yourself not to think of the

you retire"
soon

under

the

affairs of the
rule

day
and

make
to

this

an

invariable
the

will
a

learn

sleep like
what follow

Watch

child

sleep,and
to
a

bed, and

endeavour Be

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

possible.
vour

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
to
over a race

live

you go to bed, and endea of childhood, the sensations

of

greatlyimproved people,

SLEEP If
one

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
has home and in the universe, and
trust

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 without given in this book, they will sleepnaturally, be as well to give But it may any specialadvice. for the use of two bits of advice along this line, 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
in the
"

to many,

as

it directs the circulation and

go to

to the lower

of the do not world

body,
try to
for
one

relieves the
"

brain.

But

part above all,

sleep this is the who really wishes

other way.

worst

generally acts

the

The

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

attitude the mental is to assume you think of it at all, 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." and particular enioy your moment,
"

"

"

236
The exercises

HATHA

YOGA the

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 given in
Now,
students
we

know

that

we

cannot

expect
wish

all of

our

to go

to bed

like the child,and We

awaken

early
were

like the child, or

the farmer.
we

that this

possible, but in particularly

all that live
as
we can

realize

the

modern just what large cities, requiresof one.

our

life,
So

ask

students
in this

to

do

is to
as

try

to

closelyto
so

nature

respect
and
a

possible.
retire

Avoid,
at

far

as

night, and early and rise early.

this will interfere with

you can, whenever We

late hours

excitement

you

get

chance,
course,

realize,of

that

all

what

regard
of this
once

as

but pleasure," so-called pleasure

"

"

you have been taught to ask that in the midst we you take later the race
"

little rest will return

in awhile.
more

Sooner

or

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

of

narcotics, drunkenness,
all that
we can

etc.
"

But the

in

the

meantime,
can

say

is,

Do

best you

for

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
"

wonders

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 breathing are reallylyingon their couches, relaxing,
toward

refreshingyou

and

"

"

deeply,and

giving nature

chance

to

recuperate.

SLEEP

237

By
able

alternating
to

little

rest

with work Think Western

one's if

work,
he had

he

will worked

be

do

twice break

as

good
rest.

as

without

or

over

these

things
and you your
rest.

little,
may be

you
even

people
more

of
"

the

world,
"

strenuous

by

varying
and

strenuosity
little
and to
"

by

occasional
"

relaxation
to

let.ting-go
hold
on

helps
the harder.

one

take

fresh

grip

all

CHAPTER

XXX

REGENERATION

IN
tion

this
to

chapter
a

we

can

but

briefly direct
to

your
the
to

atten

subject of vital importance

race

race,

but

which

the

generally is
to

not

ready
state

seriously
of

consider.

Owing
upon
as one

the

present
it is
or

public
write
as

opinion

this

subject

impossible
as

to

plainly
and
to

would upon
as

all be

writings
considered
of the

really necessary, the subject in question are apt

like,
"

is

impure,"
may

although
to

the

only
the the

object

writer

be

counteract

impurity

and

improper
some a

practices indulged
brave writers

by
with

public.
to

However,

have

managed
the
our

give the
of will

public

very
so

fair

acquaintance
the
what

subject
readers
We
use

regeneration,
take

that

majority
we

of

readily understand
up
as

mean.

will not of

the

important
to
so

subject of
relation

the

regeneration
as

applied

the

of the
as

two

sexes,
a

that

subject is

important
this

to

require
work

volume

by
one

itself, and
in which

then, besides, this

is

scarcely the
the
the

subject
say
as

should
a

be

discussed
on

in detail.

We
The

will, however,

few

words

subject.
excesses

Yogis
into

regard by
the their that

wholly
in

unnatural of men, and

entered

majority
the

into
to

which

they compel They

to

partners
sex-

matrimony

join.
sacred

believe
so

principle is
man

too

be

abused,

and

feel that
in his

often

descends

below

the level

of the

brute

238

REGENERATION
sex

239
or

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,
relations. With
but
one

two

are

almost As
man

entirelyunknown
has advanced

to the

lower

animal.

in the scale of life, however,

he

has

there between
or

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

which

does not forms and

occur

to the brutes

to the

material the
man

of human
woman

life
"

this is

reserved

for and

of

developed
be

mentality
tween

spirituality.Proper
and wife tend of
to

relations

husband

elevate, strengthen,

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

ennoble, instead

and

discord

when of

one

of

the

partners
finds that

rises

to

higher plane
relations
are

thought,
to

and

his

or

her

partner is unable
upon other

follow. different

Thereafter

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 that our the subject, books may upon thought by inquiring at the centres for advanced
literature in the different cities and confine ourselves in the remainder
towns.

We this

will
short

of

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
.

240

HATHA

YOGA

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 The reflex action
and

suffers

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 normal

in

condition,
that the

and,

from

the

first,it will

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 and to hold them control the animal passions, subject of the mind of the higher principles to the control

be

noticed

"

and

will.

But

sexual the

control

does

not

mean

sexual

weakness, and
or

woman

whose

Yogi teachingsare that the man reproductive organism is normal

a

and

healthy
of the
comes

will have
or

stronger will with

The this wonderful
of normal

which

to

control much

himself

herself.

Yogi believes
health
a

that

perversion of
from
a a

part of the
and normal

system
results condition The

lack rather

from

morbid

than

from

of the

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

Yogis
and

also know used

conserved
and

mind

of the

individual, instead
excesses as

being
wont

dissi
of
so

pated
many We

in unnatural uninformed

is the

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

give in

the

Yogi

exercises

REGENERATION
or

241 follow the the

to

not

the student he living,

more

wishes

to

of clean will do

will find that

restore

Yogi theories Complete Breath

this part of the

to

health else
ever

system than
now,
we

anything
normal sensualist desire
or

tried.
not

Remember,

mean

health,
rather

undue normal

develop
means

ment.
a

The

will find that than will

an

lesseningof
man a

increase that the

or

the

weakened
means

woman

find

normal weakness We do

toning
to

which
not

has

up heretofore be is

and

relief from

depressed him
on

her.

wish

misunderstood
a

this

subject.The

Yogi's ideal
under animated

body strong
of
a

in all its parts, and and

the control

masterful

developed will,

by high ideals. The Yogis possess great knowledge regarding the of the reproductive principlein both and abuse use Some hints of this esoteric teaching have sexes. writers filtered out, and have been used by Western and much the subject, on good thereby accomplished.
of the go into a discussion underlying theory, but will call your attention to a be enabled to method whereby the student may In this book
we

cannot

for reproductive energy into vitality the whole system instead of wasting it and dissipat reproductive ing it in lustful indulgences. The be taken up by is creative energy, and may energy the unto transmuted strength and system and of regeneration thus serving the purpose vitality,
transmute

the

instead Western

of

generation.
understood

If the

world

of the men young these underlying prin

ciples, they would be saved much misery and unhapin after years, and would be stronger mentally, piness morally and physically.

242

HATHA transmutation of

YOGA
the

This

gives great vitality to

them them

those

reproductive practisingit.
"

energy It fills

with and

great vital force, which

cause

will radiate
as

from
"

them

to

be

known thus and

magnetic
may
to

personalities. The
be

energy

transmuted used
one

turned

into

new

channels
has

great

advantage.

Nature

condensed
of prana is to
is

of its most

powerful
energy,
amount
as

manifestations
its purpose

into

reproductive
The

create.

greatest
into

of

vital

force The

concentrated

the

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

wasted The

in riotous

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 regenerative be easily transmuted purposes. may or We paragraph. The men give it in the next women doing mental creative work, or bodily creative
Yogi exercise
for

transmuting

work,
their

will

be

able

to

use

this the

creative

energy

in

vocations,

by following
with

exercise, drawing
and

up the energy forth with the

each

inhalation The
the

sending
will under

it

exhalation. that it is not

drawn

student actual

stand, of

course,
are

reproductive
the

fluids that

up

and

used, but
the
as

etheric
the

pranic energy which animates of the reproductive organism,

latter"
were.

soul

it

REGENERATION

243 EXERCISE

REGENERATIVE

Keep
away

the

mind

fixed

on

the

idea

of

ordinary sexual thoughts or do not into the mind If these thoughts come discouraged,but regard them as manifestations
from force which
you

Energy, and imaginings.

feel of
a

intend

to

use

for the mind. upon Lie

purpose

of

strengtheningyour
or

body
fix your

and

passively,
idea
to

sit erect, and

mind

the

of the

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

stored Then

force

of

vital

breathe of

rhythmically, forming drawing up the reproductive

With Will each that the of the the
energy

energy. the mental

image
each
com

inhalation. mand from If the

with energy make inhalation a be drawn

the and

upward
Plexus. mental

reproductive organism to established rhythm is fairly

Solar
the

image

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, it up
to

draw you may Solar Plexus,

the

brain mental

instead

of to

the and

holding the
brain.
In

by giving the mental image of

the energy being done
as

command
to

the transmission

the

this last form

of the
may

exercise, only such

be
into

portions
mental balance

of

needed

in

the

work

will pass

the brain, the

remaining
to

stored
the

It is usual
and

allow

up in the Solar Plexus. forward head to bend easily

naturallyduring the transmuting exercise. This subject of Regeneration opens up a wide field for investigation, research and study, and some day
may find
it advisable
to

we

issue

little manual

244

HATHA

YOGA

upon

the

subject,
are

for for

private
it, and

circulation
who

among the from

the

few from
to

who
the find

ready
purest

seek
than

knowledge
a

motives,
which and

rather will

desire lasci

something imaginations

appeal

to

their

vious

inclinations.

CHAPTER

XXXI

THE

MENTAL

ATTITUDE

THOSE

who

have

familiarized the

themselves Instinctive
"

with Mind also Mind of

"

the
and

Yogi teachings regarding

its control effect of the
see

of

the Will

physical body
upon

ana

the will

the

Instinctive attitude
or

readily
will have cheerful selves

that

the
to do

mental with mental his

of

the

person

much and

her

health. reflect

Bright,
them of the

happy

attitudes

in

physical gloom, worry,

react

shape of body, while

the

the

normal

functioning
mental

depressed

states,
anger all

fear, hate, jealousy, and

upon and
are

mony, We
news

body and produce physical eventually disease.

all familiar with the fact that cheerful bad

inhar-

good

and

appetite, while
etc., will
of and
or some cause

surroundings promote a normal depressing surroundings, news, appetite.

the The mouth mention dish of will make
some nausea. are

the loss of the

favourite recollection may

water,

the

unpleasant experience
mirrored in
our

sight
Our

produce
attitudes and
as

mental

Instinc direct under in the

tive

Mind,

control stood

of the

principleof mind has physical body, it may readilybe

that the of mental
state

just how physical action

in turn affects

takes

form

functioning.
affects the

Depressing thought
every

circulation, which

part of the body, by depriving

Inharmonious

it of its proper

nourishment.

thought

245

246
destroys the body
and
the the

HATHA and appetite,

not

YOGA
the the

consequence proper

is that

does blood

receive

nourishment,

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

becomes

system.
persons
upon

Many
the mind

suppose
the

that

this idea of the effect of the idle

body

is but

theory

of

occultists, and
mental

persons

interested

along

the

line of

has but to go to the therapeutics,but one records of scientific investigators to 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 and persons have been made or belief, sick,and others cured by simple auto-suggestion or the suggestion of

others, which
The

in

effect

are

but

strong mental
the influence

attitudes. saliva is rendered

a

poison

under

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 doubt
be

to

flow

freelyif
thousand

the

person

fearful.

instances

given.
fact that disease be may listen ? Then the Western

the

primarilycaused by negative thinking to the testimony of a few authorities of

world.
"

Any

severe

anger

or

is almost grief certain the

"

certain

to be
"-

succeeded Sir Samuel

by

fever

in
in

parts of Africa.
British and

Baker,

Foreign

Medico

ChirurgicalReview,"

MENTAL
"

ATTITUDE mental shock is

a

247 true,
"

Diabetes

from

sudden

pure type of a physicalmalady of mental Sir B. W Discourses" Richardson, in

"
.

origin."

"

In many
cancer

cases,

I have

seen

that Sir

has

its

origin in
"

believing prolonged anxiety."

reasons
"

for

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
mere
"

been

far too

numerous
"

to

be

accounted

for

as

coincidences." The breast

vast
or

Murchison.
cases

majority of
uterine
"

of cancer,
are
"

of

cancer,

especially probably due to

Lancet"

mental

anxiety."
conditions.

Dr. Snow, in
cases

The

Dr. Wilks mental Medical

reports

of

from jaundice resulting

"

Dr.

Churton, in the

British

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 cause reports an exciting has known be emotional excite to long been
"

ment."
"

Eruptions
strain. from mania

on

the

skin

will

follow

excessive

mental and

In ah1 these, and mental

position.It is remarkable physical disease from mental

studied."
"
"

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

influences has been

in cancer,

Richardson.

malevolent My experiments show that irascible, 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,

248
which
Elmer

HATHA stimulates Gates. Hack

YOGA energy.
"-

the cells to manufacture

Dr.

Tuke, in his well known

work

on

mental
"

diseases,etc., written
interest
numerous
was

long

before

the

"

Mind-cure

manifested
cases

in the

Western

world, gives

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
fear
causes causes
a

of diseases

great number
deaths is in
cases

of the

cases,

and

also is

many

in which

the

attack

but
sider to

light. This
the

fact the

attack

when we con readily understood that contagious diseases are more apt manifesting impaired vitality, person fact that fear and kindred emotions

and

the further the

impair
There upon dwell

vitality.
been
a so

have

number there is

of
no

good

books

written for
us

this matter,
at

occasion

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 physical manifestations. 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
"

dition.

To

such
comes

persons
as
a

mental of

calmness
course,

and
no

fearlessness

matter to

and But

special effort
those who have

is necessary
not
as

produce

it.

to

yet acquired this mental

calm,

MENTAL

ATTITUDE

249

great
of

improvement
the

may

be

obtained mental
to

by

the

carry and the

ing
the mental of

thought
of

of
mantrams

the

proper

attitude,

repetition image.
the words and of words

calculated

produce

We

suggest

the

frequent
CHEERFUL

repetition
AND of
to

"BRIGHT,
the the into

HAPPY,"

frequent
words.

contemplation
Endeavour

the

meaning
these

manifest will be

physical
both

action,

and and

you

greatly
and will

benefited also be

mentally
your mind

physically,
receive

preparing

to

high

spiritual

truths.

CHAPTER

XXXII

LED

BY

THE

SPIRIT

WHILE
care

this book of the

is intended

to

treat

solely upon
in

the

physical body, leaving the higher

branches other

of

Yogi Philosophy to be dealt with writings, still the leading principle of

the

the

Yogi
of

teachings
the

is

so

bound

up

with

the

minor

branches

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
a

few

words

about

this

underlying principle.
as our

The

Yogi
holds from
and

Philosophy,
that
man

students

doubtless and unfold

to

know,

is

slowly growing
and

ing,

the

lower

forms

manifestations of
so

higher, Spirit is
the

still

higher expressions although

of his
It is also
ever

the

Spirit. by
it is of of

in each

man,

often

obscured
that

confining

sheaths

lower

nature

scarcely

discernible.
up The and

in the

lower

forms forms

life,working

seeking
sheaths

for

higher

expression.
life
"

material

of this lower
used

progressing
animal and

the
"

bodies but

of mineral, instruments

plant,
to

man

are

be

for

the

best

development
the the be the
use

of the

higher principles. But, although body

more

of the itself
worn,

material

is but
than
a

temporary,
suit

and
to

body
put
on,

nothing
and

of clothes
it is

then
to
as

discarded,

yet
It

always
as

intent
an

of

Spirit

provide

and

maintain

perfect

instrument

possible.

provides

the

250

LED

BY

THE

SPIRIT

251

best

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

it,and make
manifestation

the best of it.

"

This instinct of all of works life" is

a

this self-preservation of

urge behind the Spirit. It of the until it

through
Mind the

the up

most

Instinctive reaches

rudimentary forms through many stages

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
to be

and
to its

life.
own

But, alas ! the

as soon as

Intellect it begins with the

keep

work, for

conscious of the

of itself it Instinctive

begins to
Mind, and

meddle

duties

overridingthe
of unnatural
to
seems

instinct of the latter,it forces all sorts modes of

livingupon

the

body,
as

and

try

to

get
a

as

who parental restraint, 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
" "

boy

far away from freed from the

nature

possible. It

is like

so

will the Intellect. Man is

beginning to
that knows For

see

now,

that
to

there
wants

is

some

thing within him body, and which

than unable he
to

attends its
own

the

of his better is

business all his

much

does.

man

with

Intellect

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

252

HATHA In the present modes

YOGA of life which

man

duties.
seen

has which

fit to

adopt,
to

in his evolution, but

from

he will return

first
a

impossible to
existence consequence. tion
to

live

or later,it is sooner principles and physical wholly natural life,

must

be But

more

or

less

abnormal

as

nature's

instinct of is great, and

self-preserva
it manages
of
one a

and

accommodation
very

get along
and

well

with

considerable better
than

handicap,
would

does

its work

much

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

expect

instinct

"

we

call it Intuition We
can see

"

and the

this

leads

him

back

to

nature.

influence

of this

dawning
back

consciousness,
natural

in

the

marked

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
toward ventions
our

and

fashions

which

have
we

grown

up

around

civilization and
that

which, unless

get

rid of them, its

will

pull down weight.

The
is
man

civilization beneath

growing

and

woman

in whom

the

SpiritualMind
the

unfolding,will
to

become and

dissatisfied with will find

a

arti

ficial life and tion to return of

customs,

strong inclina

simpler and more thinking and acting, and living,

the

tient under

bandages
the ages. ages

with He
we

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

natural

long

are

coming home."

And

the Intellect

LED will

BY

THE

SPIRIT

253

respond
its
own

and

will endeavour

doing
work The based that which And

seeing the follies it has perpetrated, to nature, to "let go" and return of having work all the better by reason
Mind
to

allowed

the

Instinctive

attend

to

its

own

without whole

meddling. theory and practice of

Hatha
"

Yoga

is

the to nature upon this idea of return contains the Instinctive of man Mind will maintain health under normal

belief that

conditions.

accordingly those who practiseits teachings to let go," and then to live as closely learn first to natural conditions in this age of artifi is possible 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.
"

We harder natural

are

not

unmindful
man

of the
woman

fact that
of the West

it is much
to

for the methods

and of the

adopt
may in this

when living, other way,

all their surround but

ings impel
do
a

them

still each

day for himself and the race, the old artificial how direction,and it is surprising 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 to guide him trust the Spirit 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
" "

little each

254
"

HATHA find will

YOGA
a

disappear and he will simpler living which different thing to him.

One should
not

joy and pleasure in

life
seem

the
a

make

like

attempt

to divorce

his belief in the

"

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

as

think

with

it.

It will not

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 within him is a spark from the realize that the Spirit Flame Divine a drop from the Ocean of Spirit a

This is

"

"

"

ray
an

from

the Central
"

Sun.

Let

him

realize that he is

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
eternal
We
are

all

part of
of what such
an

IT.

If

we

can
we

but

grasp

the

faintest

idea
to

selves up
our

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

bodies

will

be

practicallymade
of
to
us

over an

and

will
a

perfectly. Let each Perfect Body, and endeavour into its physical form grow
manifest
"

form

idea of
we

so
we

live that
can

will

and

do

this.

LED

BY

THE

SPIRIT

255

We

have

tried that

to

tell

you may
as

the

laws
to

governing
them
as

the

physical
as

body,
be
"

you

conform little life Let friction and

near

may

interposing
of that

as

possible
which
to

to

the anxious dear

inflow
to

great
us.

energy
return

is

flow

through
and all allow will whole do its be

us

nature,

students,

this

great
with

life

to

flow
Let let
"

through
us

us

freely,
to

and do the

well

us.

stop

trying
LET

thing
own

ourselves for let

"

us

just
asks it

the

thing
and

work

us.

It

only
give

confidence chance.

non-resistance

us