154 Evolution of Life and Form. 



they are called, chakras that drawing into centres 

 which is the work of the upward arc, as giving 

 qualities is the work of the downward arc if he 

 does not draw the powers of sensation into definite 

 centres in the sheath of his astral body, he will 

 not have the links which he requires to receive 

 impacts from the astral plane, and through which 

 he can send out thrills of consciousness in order to 

 impress it, rule it and guide it. That is why there 

 is so much delay in the savage condition, where the 

 life of sensation is supreme ; these astral chakras are 

 being builded up as centres of the senses, and they 

 are built firm and strong ; the outer organs, the eye, 

 the ear, the nose, the tongue, the skin, these are 

 merely the necessary organs in the physical body 

 for the expression of consciousness through these 

 chakras. 



If we take, for a moment, a swift survey of the evo- 

 lution of forms, we shall find that the building of 

 organs follows the exercise of life -functions ; in the 

 earliest forms there are no organs, but the functions 

 of life are present and active ; the creature breathes 

 and assimilates, circulation goes on ; but there are 

 no organs for digestion, no organs for breathing, no 

 organs for circulation ; the whole body does every- 

 thing. But as evolution proceeds and definite organs 

 are formed in the physical body, in the nervous 



