How to gain the Master-Key 41 



tion; and, holding steadily to a single focus the 

 customary scattering mental impulses, thus gener- 

 ates higher and more subtle rates of vibration. 

 The higher they are, the purer and finer, and the 

 greater the power of the Tattvas which make up 

 the current of Prdna. 



The next exercise, therefore, for which the pre- 

 ceding ones, besides having their special effect in 

 regulating the vital currents and calming the 

 nerves, have been a preparation, gives precedence 

 to holding the breath, hence its name. The Held- 

 breath is also alternate, and begins like the other 

 exercise with a negative left inhalation, clos- 

 ing the right nostril. The usual count for begin- 

 ners is four for inhalation, hold sixteen, and exhale, 

 through right nostril, during eight; then inhale 

 throught right nostril and continue by same count. 

 A complete exercise is one negative breath followed 

 by a positive, and therefore includes two held- 

 breaths and corresponding exhalations. This is 

 one " round," and four repetitions are sufficient 

 for one practice. 



Rid yourself of any impression that you must 

 use force to hold the breath. That will cause con- 

 striction and tension somewhere, usually in the 

 throat. You simply arrest the outward motion, 

 and the whole passage over which the vital current 

 flows, from nostril to base of spine is perfectly 

 free. If you cannot so realize it, image to your- 



