The Equinox (Volume I, Number IV)

THE EQUINOX The Gnana Yoga P., as the student, had already long practised in his study of the Holy Qabalah; so also had he Karma Yoga by his acts of service whilst a Neophyte in the Order of the Golden Dawn; but now at the suggestion of D. A. he betook himself to the practice of Hatha and Raja Yoga. Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga are so intimately connected, that instead of forming two separate methods, they rather form the first half and second half of one and the same. Before discussing either the Hatha or Raja Yogas, it will be necessary to explain the conditions under which Yoga should be performed. These conditions being the conventional ones, each individual should by practice discover those more particularly suited to himself. i. The Guru. Before commencing any Yoga practice, according to every Hindu book upon this subject, it is first necessary to find a Guru,* or teacher, to whom the disciple (Chela) must entirely devote himself: as the “ Shiva Sanhita” says: 11. Only the knowledge imparted by a Guru is powerful and useful; other- wise it becomes fruitless, weak and very painful. 12. He who attains knowledge by pleasing his Guru with every attention, readily obtains success therein. 13. There is not the least doubt that Guru is father, Guru is mother, and Guru is God even: and as such, he should be served by all, with their thought, word and deed.t ii. Place. Solitude and Silence. The place where Yoga is performed should be a beautiful and pleasant place, according to the Shiva Sanhita.{ In the * A Guru is as necessary in Yoga as a Music Master is in Music. + “Shiva Sanhita,” chap. iii. $ Ibid. chap. v, 184, 185. The aspirant should firstly, join the assembly of 74