226 The Law of the Rhythmic Breath 



be taken by assault. It can be won only by per- 

 severing, patient devotion to the lofty purpose of 

 union with the highest. It requires effort and con- 

 tinuous effort, and especially the self-discipline of 

 restraining all irritation or depression. Boundless 

 faith, cheerfulness and happiness create those har- 

 monious vibrations that prepare the lower sheaths 

 to reflect the higher, and release subtle forces to 

 pass freely from one medium to another. No 

 other investment of time or labor returns so soul- 

 satisfying, enduring rewards. 



To see the vision, and without striving and hop- 

 ing for it none can succeed, one must " think in- 

 wardly; desire intensely; and imagine centrally;" 

 resolved that nothing shall bar one's penetrating 

 to the innermost radiant center of being the Liv- 

 ing Temple and ascending to the highest, most 

 subtle plane. By concentration, the diffused, la- 

 tent soul-power is made manifest and definite, 

 comprehensible. Meditation is the crown of con- 

 centration. It is only in meditation that we reach 

 the heart of anything. We cannot meditate till 

 through concentration we have brought the med- 

 ium, the mind, to the steadfast state of submission 

 to our will and purpose. Thus concentration is 

 the moulding of the organ; meditation is its ex- 

 ercise to great ends. 



The first successful stage is to be able to hold 

 the mind to a single point; and next to sweep the 



