gg SCIENCE OF BREATH. 



oxygen in the air plays an important part in sustaining 

 animal life, and the carbon plays a similar part with plant 

 life, but Prana has its own distinct part to play in the 

 manifestation of life, aside from the physiological func- 

 tions. 



We are constantly inhaling the air charged with prana, 

 and are as constantly extracting the latter from the air and 

 appropriating it to our uses. Prana is found in its freest 

 state in the atmospheric air, which when fresh is fairly 

 charged with it, and we draw it to us more easily from 

 the air than from any other source. In ordinary breathing 

 we abs-^?b and extract a normal supply of prana, but by 

 controlled and regulated breathing (generally known as 

 Yogi breathing) we are enabled to extract a greater supply, 

 which is stored away in the brain and nerve centers, to 

 be used when necessary. We may store away prana, just 

 as the storage battery stores away electricity. The many 

 powers attributed to advanced occultists is due largely to 

 their knowledge of this fact and their intelligent use of 

 this stored-up energy. The Yogis know that by certain 

 forms of breathing they establish certain relations with 

 the supply of prana and may draw on the same for what 

 they require. Not only do they strengthen all parts of their 

 body in this way, but the brain itself may receive in- 

 creased energy from the same source, and latent faculties 

 be developed and psychic powers attained. One who has 

 mastered the science of storing away prana, either con- 

 sciously or unconsciously, often radiates vitality and 

 strength which is felt by those coming in contact with him, 

 and such a person may impart this strength to others, and 

 give them increased vitality and health. What is called 

 "magnetic healing" is performed in this way, although 

 many practitioners are not aware of the source of their 

 power. 



Western scientists have been dimly aware of this great 

 principle with which the air is charged, but finding that 

 they could find no chemical trace of it, or make it register 

 on any of their instruments, they have generally treated 

 -the Oriental theory with disdain. They could not explain 

 this principle, and so denied it. They seem, however, to 



