VIBRATION AND YOGI RHYTHMIC BREATHING
All is in vibration. From the tiniest atom to the greatest sun,
everything is in a state of vibration. There is nothing in absolute
rest in nature. A single atom deprived of vibration would wreck the
universe. In incessant vibration the universal work is performed.
Matter is being constantly played upon by energy and countless forms
and numberless varieties result, and yet even the forms and varieties
are not permanent. They begin to change the moment they are created,
and from them are born innumerable forms, which in turn change and
give rise to newer forms, and so on and on, in infinite succession.
Nothing is permanent in the world of forms, and yet the great Reality
is unchangeable. Forms are but appearances--they come, they go, but
the Reality is eternal and unchangeable.
The atoms of the human body are in constant vibration. Unceasing
changes are occurring. In a few months there is almost a complete
change in the matter composing the body, and scarcely a single atom
now composing your body will be found in It a few months hence.
Vibration, constant vibration. Change, constant change.
In all vibration is to be found a certain rhythm. Rhythm pervades the
universe. The swing of the planets around the sun; the rise and fall
of the sea; the beating of the heart; the ebb and flow of the tide;
all follow rhythmics laws. The rays of the sun reach us; the rain
descends upon us, in obedience to the same law. All growth is but an
exhibition of this law. All motion is a manifestation of the law of
rhythm.
Our bodies are as much subject to rhythmic laws as is the planet in
its revolution around the sun. Much of the esoteric side of the Yogi
Science of Breath is based upon this known principle of nature. By
falling in with the rhythm of the body, the Yogi manages to absorb a
great amount of Prana, which he disposes of to bring about results
desired by him. We will speak of this at greater length later on.
The body which you occupy is like a small inlet running in to the land
from the sea. Although apparently subject only to its own laws, it is
really subject to the ebb and flow of the tides of the ocean. The
great sea of life is swelling and receding, rising and falling, and we
are responding to its vibrations and rhythm. In a normal condition we
receive the vibration and rhythm of the great ocean of life, and
respond to it, but at times the mouth of the inlet seems choked up
with debris, and we fail to receive the impulse from Mother Ocean, and
inharmony manifests within us.
You have heard how a note on a violin, if sounded repeatedly and in
rhythm, will start into motion vibrations which will in time destroy a
bridge. The same result is true when a regiment of soldiers crosses a
bridge, the order being always given to "break step" on such an
occasion, lest the vibration bring down both bridge and regiment.
These manifestations of the effect of rhythmic motion will give you an
idea of the effect on the body of rhythmic breathing. The whole system
catches the vibration and becomes in harmony with the will, which
causes the rhythmic motion of the lungs, and while in such complete
harmony will respond readily to orders from the will. With the body
thus attuned, the Yogi finds no difficulty in increasing the
circulation in any part of the body by an order from the will, and in
the same way he can direct an increased current of nerve force to any
part or organ, strengthening and stimulating it.
In the same way the Yogi by rhythmic breathing "catches the swing," as
it were, and is able to absorb and control a greatly increased amount
of prana, which is then at the disposal of his will. He can and does
use it as a vehicle for sending forth thoughts to others and for
attracting to him all those whose thoughts are keyed in the same
vibration. The phenomena of telepathy, thought transference, mental
healing, mesmerism, etc., which subjects are creating such an interest
in the Western world at the present time, but which have been known to
the Yogis for centuries, can be greatly increased and augmented If the
person sending forth the thoughts will do so after rhythmic breathing.
Rhythmic breathing will increase the value of mental healing, magnetic
healing, etc., several hundred per cent.
In rhythmic breathing the main thing to be acquired is the mental idea
of rhythm. To those who know anything of music, the idea of measured
counting is familiar. To others, the rhythmic step of the soldier:
"Left, right; left, right; left, right; one, two, three, four; one,
two, three, four," will convey the idea.
The Yogi bases his rhythmic time upon a unit corresponding with the
beat of his heart. The heart beat varies in different persons, but the
heart beat unit of each person is the proper rhythmic standard for
that particular individual in his rhythmic breathing. Ascertain your
normal heart beat by placing your fingers over your pulse, and then
count: "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6," etc., until the rhythm
becomes firmly fixed in your mind. A little practice will fix the
rhythm, so that you will be able to easily reproduce it. The beginner
usually inhales in about six pulse units, but he will be able to
greatly increase this by practice.
The Yogi rule for rhythmic breathing is that the units of inhalation
and exhalation should be the same, while the units for retention and
between breaths should be one-half the number of those of inhalation
and exhalation.
The following exercise in Rhythmic Breathing should be thoroughly
mastered, as it forms the basis of numerous other exercises, to which
reference will be made later.
(1) Sit erect, in an easy posture, being sure to hold the
chest, neck and head as nearly in a straight line as
possible, with shoulders slightly thrown back and hands
resting easily on the lap. In this position the weight of
the body is largely supported by the ribs and the position
may be easily maintained. The Yogi has found that one cannot
get the best effect of rhythmic breathing with the chest
drawn in and the abdomen protruding.
(2) Inhale slowly a Complete Breath, counting six pulse
units.
(3) Retain, counting three pulse units.
(4) Exhale slowly through the nostrils, counting six pulse
units.
(5) Count three pulse beats between breaths.
(6) Repeat a number of times, but avoid fatiguing yourself
at the start.
(7) When you are ready to close the exercise, practice the
cleansing breath, which will rest you and cleanse the lungs.
After a little practice you will be able to increase the duration of
the inhalations and exhalations, until about fifteen pulse units are
consumed. In this increase, remember that the units for retention and
between breaths is one-half the units for inhalation and exhalation.
Do not overdo yourself in your effort to increase the duration of the
breath, but pay as much attention as possible to acquiring the
"rhythm," as that is more important than the length of the breath.
Practice and try until you get the measured "swing" of the movement,
and until you can almost "feel" the rhythm of the vibratory motion
throughout your whole body. It will require a little practice and
perseverance, but your pleasure at your improvement will make the task
an easy one. The Yogi is a most patient and persevering man, and his
great attainments are due largely to the possession of these
qualities.