The Equinox (Volume I, Number III)

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING 4. Prénéyéma: Control of the Prana, and the vital forces of the body. 5. Pratyéhévra: Making the mind introspective, turning it back upon itself. 6. Dhévané: Concentration, or the wi// to hold the mind to certain points. 7. Dhydéna: Meditation, or the outpouring of the mind on the object held by the will. 8. Samadhi: Ecstasy, or Superconsciousness. As regards the first two of the above stages we need not deal with them at any length. Strictly speaking, they come under the headings of Karma and Gnana Yoga, and as it were form the Evangelicism of Yoga—the “Thou shalt” and “ Thou shalt not.” They vary according to definition and sect.* However, one point must be explained, and this is, that it must be remembered that most works on Yoga are written either by men like Patanjali, to whom continence, truthfulness, etc., are simple illusions of the mind; or by charlatans, who imagine that, by displaying to the reader a mass of middle-class “virtues,” their works will be given so exalted a flavour that they themselves will pass as great ascetics who have out- soared the bestial passions of life, whilst in fact they are running harems in Boulogne or making indecent proposals to flower-girls in South Audley Street. These latter ones gener- ally trade under the exalted names of Ze Mahatmas; who, * In all the Mysteries the partakers of them were always such as had not committed crimes. It will be remembered that Nero did not dare to present himself at the Eleusinia (Sueton. vzt, Vero, e. 3A). And Porphyry informs us that “in the Mysteries honour to parents was enjoined, and not to injure animals” (“de Abstinentia,” iv, 22). 79