1 8 The Law of the Rhythmic Breath 



ory the names of the Tattvas; and as a prelimin- 

 ary exercise can practice alternate breathing on a 

 count of four and eight pulse-beats or seconds, for 

 inhalations and exhalations, respectively (that is, 

 four to inhale, eight to exhale), or six and twelve, 

 according to the lung capacity, which should not 

 be forced, merely encouraged. Placing the first 

 .and second fingers of the left hand so that they can 

 alternately close the left and right nostrils, begin 

 the exercise by a thorough, deep exhalation. 

 Then close the right nostril and inhale through 

 the left; hold the breath for a perceptible moment, 

 then with gentle restraint exhale it through the 

 right nostril; next inhale through the right nostril 

 and exhale through the left. Repeat four times 

 (four negative breaths and four positive ones; 

 eight in all) and practice it takes but a fraction 

 of time on rising in the morning, at noon, and 

 in the evening. 



The exercises can be taken standing, sitting or ly- 

 ing down. If the former, the spine should be held 

 free and erect; and under no circumstances be 

 twisted or bent from the shoulders; for it is the 

 nervous system which should receive the first and 

 most immediate benefit from the practice. Taken 

 in bed, after retiring, the exercises are very calm- 

 ing and sleep-inducing. 



It is by means of these universal vibrations that 

 in actual fact a literal truth " The heart 



