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You have not even begun to master a mantra until it
continues unbroken through sleep. This is much easier than it
sounds.
Someschoolsadvocate practising a mantra with the aid ofinstrumental
music and dancing. Certainly very remarkable effects are obtained in
the way of “magic” powers; whether great spiritual results are equally
common is a doubtful point. Persons wishing to study them may re-
member that the Sahara desert is within three days of London; and no
doubt the Sidi Aissawa would be glad to accept pupils. This discussion
of the parallel science of mantra-yoga has led us far indeed from the
subject of Pranayama.
Pranayama is notably useful in quieting the emotions
and appetites; and, whether by reason of the mechanical
pressure which it asserts, or by the thorough combustion
Which it assures in the lungs, it seems to be admirable from
the standpoint of health.
Digestive troubles in particular are very
easy to remove in this way. It purifies both the body and the lower
functions of the mind,1 and should be practised certainly never less than
one hour daily by the serious student.
1 Emphatically.
Emphatically.
Emphatically.
It is impossible to combine Prana-
yama properly performed with emotional thought. It should be resorted to immedi-
ately, at all times during life, when calm is threatened.