48 The Law of the Rhythmic Breath 



which cause disease. In brief, this exercise 

 through bringing the vital force, Prdna, under 

 control and raising the currents to vastly higher 

 power, more subtle vibrations, prepares the way 

 and the stimulus to gain the power of concentra- 

 tion; for every particle of control over Prdna is 

 control over the mind as well. 



Concentration is the bridge which spans the 

 gulf between the visible, physical world and the 

 wonderful invisible one of Nature's finer forces. 

 It is the first step in consciously exercising the sub- 

 conscious mind, the immediate vehicle of the 

 soul's expression. Only by concentration can we 

 quiet the kaleidoscopic flitting of idle thoughts 

 through the conscious mind. Through their train 

 of upheaving emotions, they are constantly beat- 

 ing upon Nature's harmonious vibrations and 

 throwing them into waves of discord. The mo- 

 ment we arrest, through concentration, the energy- 

 wasting activities of the senses, which furnish 

 much of this mental hash, we bring our minds un- 

 der control of our souls and give our real selves a 

 chance to live and develop the powers which lie 

 latent in every human being, awaiting only recog- 

 nition and the stimulus of use or exercise to be 

 evolved. 



The need for the silent period of concentration 

 is the need for meditation, that men may learn to 

 know their spiritual selves, and gain the peace and 



