Book 4 (Part I)

37 You have not even begun to master a mantra until it continues unbroken through sleep. This is much easier than it sounds. Someschoolsadvocate practising a mantra with the aid ofinstrumental music and dancing. Certainly very remarkable effects are obtained in the way of “magic” powers; whether great spiritual results are equally common is a doubtful point. Persons wishing to study them may re- member that the Sahara desert is within three days of London; and no doubt the Sidi Aissawa would be glad to accept pupils. This discussion of the parallel science of mantra-yoga has led us far indeed from the subject of Pranayama. Pranayama is notably useful in quieting the emotions and appetites; and, whether by reason of the mechanical pressure which it asserts, or by the thorough combustion Which it assures in the lungs, it seems to be admirable from the standpoint of health. Digestive troubles in particular are very easy to remove in this way. It purifies both the body and the lower functions of the mind,1 and should be practised certainly never less than one hour daily by the serious student. 1 Emphatically. Emphatically. Emphatically. It is impossible to combine Prana- yama properly performed with emotional thought. It should be resorted to immedi- ately, at all times during life, when calm is threatened.