96 The Law of the Rhythmic Breath 



upon exterior silence although aided by it. As the 

 delicious calm of this stillness in which we try to 

 enwrap ourselves makes its presence felt, a poise 

 and serenity flows over and through us, penetrat- 

 ing every fiber of our beings and restoring confi- 

 dence and power; but few, even when rejoicing in 

 this new-found strength, attempt to analyze its 

 source. It is the magnetism generated by the 

 rhythmic current of Prana, which, sweeping 

 through every channel, imparts corresponding mo- 

 tion to every atom, as a great tidal stream sweeps 

 through its estuaries with irresistible force, carry- 

 ing all obstructions before it, and compels every 

 molecule of water to flow in the same direction. 



The rhythmic current of Prdna coming under 

 the control of the soul-centered will thus affects 

 for good the whole being. When practicing the 

 breathing exercises and endeavoring to concentrate 

 the mind upon a given center or subject causes phy- 

 sical disturbance, it is because this control has not 

 been gained. The disturbance is open revolt 

 against control and order. Not struggling but 

 letting-go is necessary. Retire to the silence of 

 the soul on the heights of your being, and reflect 

 its calm upon the mind. Downward, to those 

 rebellious physical atoms the reflection must pass 

 on. It is the unchangeable law. The rhythmic 

 word or affirmation is at such times most helpful. 

 There is a monitor within who quickly takes cog- 



