|
Let him further investigate any mental results which may occur.
6. Third Practice. --- In order both to economise his time and to
develop
his powers, let the Zelator practise the deep full breathing which his
preliminary exercises will have taught him during his walks. Let him
repeat
a sacred sentence (mantra) or let him count, in such a way that his
footfall
beats accurately with the rhythm thereof, as is done in dancing. Then
let
him practise Pranayama, at first without the Kumbhakam, and paying no
attention to the nostrils otherwise than to keep them clear. Let him
begin
by an indrawing of the breath for 4 paces, and a breathing out for 4
paces.
Let him increase this gradually to 6.6, 8.8, 12.12, 16.16 and 24.24, or
more
if he be able. Next let him practise in the proper proportion 4.8, 6.12,
8.16, 12.24 and so on. Then if he choose, let him recommence the
series,
adding a gradually increasing formiod of Kumbhakam.
7. Fourth practice. --- Following on this third practice, let him
quicken
his mantra and his pace until the walk develops into a dance. This may
also
be practised with the ordinary waltz step, using a mantra in three-time,
such
as epeljon, epeljon, Artemiv; or Iao, Iao Sabao; in such cases the
practice
may be combined with devotion to a particular deity: see Liber CLXXV.
For
the dance as such it is better to use a mantra of a non-committal
character,
such as To einai, To Kalon, To 'Agadon, or the like.
8. Fifth practice. --- Let him practice mental concentration during
the
dance, and investigate the following exferiments:
(a) The dance becomes independent of the will.
(b) Similar phenomena to those described in 5 (a), (b), (c), (d),
occur.
9. A note concerning the depth and fullness of the breathing. In all
proform expiration the last possible portion of air should be exfelled.
In
this the muscles of the throat, chest, ribs, and abdomen must be fully
employed, and aided by the pressing of the upper arms into the flanks,
and of
the head into the thorax.
In all proper inspiration the last possible portion of air must be
drawn
into the lungs.
In all proper holding of the breath, the body must remain absolutely
still.
Ten minutes of such practice is ample to induce profuse sweating in
any
place of a temformature of 17= C or over.
The progress of the Zelator in acquiring a depth and fullness of
breath
|