26 The Law of the Rhythmic Breath 



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elusion. As we progress to the evolution of the 

 Tattvas this will be clearer. 



Tejas is the luminiferous ether and the fire ele- 

 ment in the physical body, the agent which keeps 

 up internal heat and maintains the body's normal 

 temperature. It stimulates the sense of sight, is 

 therefore regnant in the optic nerves, and must be 

 recognized in the form of light as well as heat. 

 Tejas has the property of expansion, and causes 

 the swelling in inflammatory disorders; and, of 

 course, it is prevalent to great excess in fevers. 

 Its form is that of a triangle, its vibrations mov- 

 ing at right angles; hence causing friction which 

 generates heat ; and its color is red. 



Apas, the gustiferous ether, is the water ele- 

 ment, and in its purest, most subtle state is white 

 or violet in color. It stimulates the sense of taste 

 and possesses the property of contraction. It pre- 

 dominates in the tongue, both in its office as a 

 sensuous and as an active organ, and its semi-lunar 

 (or wave-like) vibrations are the chief motive- 

 power in the production of voice. 



The combination of Apas with other Tattvas 

 in manifold permutations produces the exquisite 

 variety in vocal tones, gives to them their color, 

 for every tone has a distinctive color, and creates 

 that subtle element which sways the emotions. It 

 is the color of the tone, which is a manifestation 

 of its form, that affects the nerves, sympathetically 

 or antagonistically; and a wide field for the scien- 



