part in the water. And just as his vision may be dis-

torted by the ripples and waves on the water, so may the
astral vision of these records of the past become dis-
torted and imperfect impressions by reasons of the dis-
turbances in the astral light. Occultists for ages have

106 TOQI PHILOSOPET. ^ \

usecJ "water" as a symbol of the astral light— (pinner,
see why? ^hat is

These a^asic records contain the "memoryVie small
that has passed, and he who has access to thetube" is
read the past as he may a book. But only tjtwaesires or
vanced intelligences have free access tcv^^ained occult-
or rather have the power to read t?ne, and his astral
have acquired a greater or lesser dot, or even more
which enables them to read more or les.'st has no such
the reflections of these records in the aL'is more or
Those who have developed time clairvoyance aic often
to see these reflections of the records as scenes actu-
ally occurring before them, just as one hears from the
phonograph the voices of people long since passed out
of the body, and just as others may listen to our voices
centuries hence. It is impossible to explain to be-
ginners the nature of these records — 'Wie have no words
to explain them — even we who write these words have
but a partial understanding of the inner mystery of
the akasic records — ^then how may we make ourselves
plain to those who are still further back on the path
than are we? We can think of but one illustration —
and that an imperfect one. In the brain of every human
being there are millions of cells, each containing the
records of some past event or thought or action. We
caimot find these records by the microscope, or by
chemical test, and yet they are there, and may be used.
The memory of every act, thought, and deed remains,
during life, in the brain, although its owner may not
always be able to call it up in recollection. Can you
grasp the idea of the akasic record from this illustra-

TEIEFATHY AND CLAinVOYANCE. 107

Rmoii" In the great memory cells of the Universe are
maniil^ered and stored away the records of all that has
who oefore — those who have access to the records may
powier.-and those wlho are able to see even the astral
time clan -of the records, may read with greater or less
cause imperfed. skih. This is the best we can offer you
be seen present'f explaining an unexplainable matter.
The statemure ready for the truth hidden in these
scenes, even 'see a glimpse of it ; the others must wail
quire an^," are ready,
of ?■

Future Time Clairvoyance.

Time clairvoyance, so far as "seership" or the seeing
into the future is concerned, is even still more difficult
of a simple explanation. We shall not attempt it, ex-
cept to say that in the astral light there are to be found
faint and imperfect reflections the workings of
the great law of cause and effect, or rather
of the shadows cast before the coming events.
Some few have the power of a closer view
point of the things causing these shadows or reflec-
tions, while more have a degree of psychic power en-
abling them to see with their astral vision these poor
reflections, distorted and uncertain, by reason of the
waves and ripples on the body of the lake of astral
light. There are higher planes of power whereby a few
in each age have been able to see partially into the
future, but such powers are far above the poor astral
plane faculties, which although quite wonderful to the
untrained occultist, are not so highly viewed by those

108 TOai PEILOSOPHT.

who have progressed well along the path. We almost
regret to be compelled to pass over this part of the
subject in so few words, and with a mere hint of even
the small particle of the truth vouchafed to even the
advanced seeker of the way. But we know full well that
all will receive the light needed by them, just the mo-
ment they are ready — ^not one moment later — ^not one
moment sooner. All that can be done is for us to drop
a word here — a hint there — a. planting of the seed.
May the harvest come soon and be a rich one.

Clairaudience.

Clairaudience is the hearing on the astral plane by
means of the astral senses. Nearly all that we have
said about Clairvoyance is equally true of Clairaudi-
ence, the only difference being that a different astral
organ is used. Simple clairaudience is similar to simple
clairvoyance ; space clairaudience is akin to space clair-
voyance; past time clairaudience is similar to past
time clairvoyance; even future time clairvoyance has
a shadow of a resemblance in clairaudient phenomena ;
the only difference between the two astral manifesta-
tions is that they are experienced through two dif-
ferent astral senses. Some clairvoyants are also clair-
audients, while others lack the latter power. On the
other hand, some hear clairaudiently but are unable to
see in the astral light. On the whole, clairaudience is
a somewhat rarer manifestation than is clairvoyance.

rELEFATHY AND CLAIRVOYANCE. 108

PSYCHOMETRY.

Tust as we may sometimes recall an apparently for-
gotten thing, by seeing something which is associated
with that thing in our memory, so may we sometimes
be able to open up the astral reflection of the akasic rec-
ords of some particular scene or event by touching some
material associated with the event or scene. There seems
to be almost an affinity between a bit of matter and
the particular portion of the akasic records containing
the past history of the thing in question. A bit of
metal, or stone, or cloth, or hair will open up the
psychic vision of the things previously associated with
it in the past. Or, on the other hand, we may bring
ourselves in rapport with persons now living, by means
of a particle of their clothing, hair, or articles formerly
carried by them, the rapport condition thus established
enabling us to more easily set up the "astral tube."
Psychometry is merely one or more forms of clair-
voyance, brought into operation by means of some con-
necting link between persons or things, or some ob-
ject connected with these persons or things. It is not
a distinct class of psychic phenomena, but is merely a
variation of the other classes, sometimes combining
several classes of clairvoyance in its manifestation.

How To Develop Psychic Powers.

We are often asked the question which is probably in
the minds of the majority of our students, at least those
who have not yet manifested any marked exhibition

no TOQl PRILOSOPET.

of psychic power : "How can one develop the psychic
power whicli is latent within him?"

There are many methods of such development, a few
of which are desirable ; many of which are undesirable,
and some of which are positively harmful.

Among the harmful methods are those in use among
certain savage races, and which maintain even among
misguided ones of our own race. We allude to such
objectionable practices as the use of stupefying drugs,
whirling dances, voodoo practices, repulsive rites of
the black magicians, and other similar practices which
we do not consider it wisdom to even mention. These
practices aim to produce an abnormal condition similar
to intoxication, and which, like intoxication and drug
habits, only result in physical and psychical ruin. Those
indulging in them do, it is true, develop a low order of
psychic or astral power, but they invariably attract to
themselves an undesirable class of astral entities and
often open themselves up to the influence of a low order
of intelligences which wise men carefully avoid and
refuse to entertain. We vwll do no more than to utter
a warning against these practices and their results.
Our work is intended to elevate our students, not to
drag them down to the level of the black magicians.

Other practices, more or less undesirable, although
not absolutely harmful in the sense that we speak of
the last mentioned ones, are more or less common
among both the Hindus of a certain class and the
Western peoples. We allude to methods of self-hyp-
notization and of hypnotization by others, in order to
produce, or induce, a psychic condition in which the

TELEPATBT AND CLAIEVOYANCE. Ill

persons is entitled to catch glimpses of the astral
world. Gazing at some bright object until a trance-
like condition is induced, or the repetition of some mo-
notonous formula until a drowsy condition is pro-
duced, are among the methods of this class. In the
same class we place the ordinary process of hypnotism
by others for the same purpose. There is, of course,
a higher form of "mesmerism" known to occultists,
which is on an entirely different plane, but occultists'
are reluctant to use same, except in certain cases, where
good may result, and such methods are not known to
the ordinary hypnotic operator, who, alas, too often
is a person of imperfect occult knowledge and training'
and of a low degree of moral character. We caution
our students against allowing themselves to be ex-
perimented with in this manner.

There are two methods of psychic development prac-
ticed by the Yogis, which we will mention here. The
first and highest is the development of psychic powers
by first developing the spiritual faculties and nature,
when the psychic powers may be used with intelligence
and power without any special training — ^the higher
attainment carrying with it the lower. In other words,
the Yogi, bent on spiritual attainment, contents him-
self with merely an intellectual acquaintance with
psychic power, in passing on, and then after he has
acquired the higher spiritual knowledge and develop-
ment, he returns and uses the tools ready at: his hand,
the use of which he now understands. In the Four-
teenth Lesson of this series we will point ut the waj»

112 TOai PHILOSOPHY.

of this development — the lesson will be entirely de-
voted to pointing out the way to spiritual attainment.

There is, however, another way whereby some stu-
dents of the Yogi Philosophy develop psychic powers
in themselves, preferring to gain this knowledge by
experiment and experience before passing on to the
spiritual plane. We have no fault to find with this
course, providing the student does not regard psychic
power as the end of attainment, and providing he al-
wiays is inspired with worthy motives and does not
allow the interest of the astral plane to divert him from
the main object — spiritual development. Some of the
Yogi students follow the plan of first mastering the
body by the mind, and then mastering the Instinctive
Mind by the Intellect under the direction of the will.
The first steps in the mastery of the body have been
spoken of by us in "Science of Breath," and will be
more clearly brought out and added to in our forthcom-
ing book, "Hatha Yoga." The mental control forms
a subject in itself, and we trust to find time to write
a little manual on the subject some time during the
present year.

If the student wishes to experiment a little for him-
self, we suggest that he acquire self-control and prac-
tice Concentration, in the Silence. Many of you have
already had exhibitions of psychic power, and you
may practice along the lines corresponding to the mani-
festations you have already had. If it be Telepathy,
practice with some of your friends and note results.
A little practice will work wonders for you. If it be
Clairvoyance, you may practice with a crystal, or glass

TELEPATHY AND CLAIRVOYANCE. 113

of clear water, to assist in concentrating, and to form
the beginning of the astral tube. If it be Psychometry,
practice by picking up some object, such as a pebble, a
coin, a key, etc., and sit quietly taking note of the fleet-
ing impressions which at first will come but dimly be-
fore your mind. The description of the different classes
of phenomena mentioned in this lesson will suggest
methods and exercises for you.

But do not allow yourself to be carried away by
psychic practices — they are interesting and instructive,
but they are not essential things at this stage of de-
velopment. Keep your mind fixed always on the goal
— the end to be attained — the development of the Real
Self — the realization of the I Am within you — and
the still higher realization of your Oneness with All.

Peace be to thee, student. You have our loving
thought and wishes for your welfare. If you ever feel
the need of our sympathy and mental help, call for it in
the great Silence, and we will respond.

THE SEVENTH LESSON.

Human Magnetism.

Human Magnetism, as the term is used in these
lessons, is a very different thing from that which
the public generally terms "Personal Magnetism."
Personal Magnetism is an attribute of the mind,
and belongs to the subject of the Dynamics of
Thought. Human Magnetism, on the contrary, is
a manifestation of Prana, and belongs to that part
of the general subject.

The term "Human Magnetism" is a poor one, but
like many other such terms, is used for want of a
better one, and to avoid the coining of new terms
which would be likely to confuse the student. The
Sanscrit contains terms perfectly fitting each phase
of the subject, which terms have come into use as
the knowledge of the subject grew. And such will
be the case as the knowledge of this philosophy
of the Orient becomes more generally known to the
Western people — new terms, fitting to the subject,
will spring into general usage, and the confusion
which now exists will cease.

We prefer the term "Human Magnetism" to that
of "Animal Magnetism," as the latter is generally

115

116 TOGI PHILOSOPHY.

confounded with some manifestations of Mesmer-
ism. But this Human Magnetism is not the sole
property of Man, for the lower animals possess it
in a degree. There is this difference, however —
!Man is able to consciously direct it by his will,
and through his Thought, while the lower animals
use it more or less unconsciously, and without in-
tellectual aid, or under control of the Will. Both
the lower animals and man constantly throw off
this magnetism, or pranic energy, unconsciously,
but the developed or psychically educated man has
the force under his control, and can either repress
it to a great extent, or throw off greatly increased
quantities of it ; and may also direct it to any special
place or spot. He can also use it in connection
with his thought waves, in order to give the same
a greater carrying power and strength.

At the risk of being charged with needless repe-
tition, we wish to impress upon your minds that
this Pranic Energy, or Human Magnetism, is a very
different thing from "thought-force" or any exhibi-
tion of the power of thought, except that it may be
used in connection with thought-waves as above
stated. It is merely a blind force of nature, just
as is electricity or similar forces, and may be used
consciously or unconsciously; intelligently or un-
intelligently ; wisely or foolishly. It has no intelli-
gent action except as directed by the mind of its
user. "Human Electricity" would be a far more
appropriate name for it than is "Human Magnet-

HUMAN MAGNETISM. 117

ism" — for it resembles Electricity far more than it
does Magnetism.

With this explanation, we will continue the use
of the term "Magnetism," asking that you always
remember just what we mean by the term.

Human Magnetism is a form of Pranic Energy.
We have said some little about Prana in our First
Lesson. Prana is the Universal Energy, and is
found in varying forms, in all things, animate or
inanimate. All forms of Force or Energy are but
manifestations of Prana. Electricity is a form of
Prana — so is the force of Gravitation — so is the
Human Magnetism. It is one of the Seven Princi-
ples of Man, and is found in a greater or lesser
degree in all human organisms.

Man extracts Prana from the air he breathes ; the
food he eats ; the fluid he drinks. If he be deficient
in Prana, he becomes weak and "lacks vitality," as
the term goes. When his supply of Prana is suiB-
ciently large for his needs, he becomes active,
bright, energetic, and "full of life." We have given
directions regarding the acquiring and storing up
Prana, by means of the Breath, in our little book,
"Science of Breath," and will give directions for its
best absorption from the food and fluids, in our
forthcoming book, "Hatha Yoga."

There is a great difference in the amount of
Prana absorbed and stored up by different persons.
Some are surcharged with Prana, and radiate it
like an electrical machine, causing all others with
whom they come in contact to feel increased health.

118 YOGI PEILOSOFEY.

Strength, life and vigor. Others are so deficient in
Prana, that when they come into company of other
persons, their depleted condition causes them to
draw upon the Pranic supply of magnetism of the
others, the result being that the other persons so
drawn upon, are apt to feel uncomfortable and
weak after the interview. Some people are practi-
cally vampires, and live upon the magnetism of
others, unconsciously, usually, although some have
acquired the knowledge that they may live on oth-
ers' strength in this way, and practice their wicked
arts consciously. This conscious use of their power
is a form of black magic, and is attended with cer-
tain psychic penalties and punishments. But no
one can be thus drawn upon, either by the uncon-
scious demand of others, or by conscious design,
after they have once learned something about this
Human Magnetism, and its laws.

Human Magnetism, or Pranic Energy, is a most
potent therapeutic force, and, in one form or an-
other, it is found in the majority of cases of psychic
healing. It is one of the oldest forms of natural
healing, and may be said to be almost instinctive in
the race. A child who has hurt itself, or who feels
a pain, at once runs to its mother who kisses the
hurt part, or places her hand on the seat of the pain,
and in a few moments the child is better. When we
approach one who is suffering, it is very natural
for us to place our hands on his brow, or to pass our
hand over him. Tlliis instinctive use of the hand is
a form of conveying magnetism to the afflicted per-

HUMAN MAGNETISM. 119

son, who is usually relieved by the act. The hold-
ing of a babe to its mother's bosom, is another in-
stinctive act for the same purpose. The mother's
magnetism goes out, propelled by her loving
thought, and the child is soothed, rested, and
strengthened. Human Magnetism may be thrown
off from the system by means of a desire or thought,
or it may be more directly passed to another by
means of the hand; contact of the body; a kiss;
the breath ; and similar ways. We will speak of
this matter, again, in our Eighth Lesson, on "Oc-
cult Therapeutics."

It is impossible to give a plain, clear explanation
of just what this Human Magnetism is, unless we
go into the deeper occult teachings, which are not
fitted for the beginner. To tell what Human Mag-
netism is, we must explain what Prana is, and in
order to tell what Prana is, we must go right to
the root of the matter and discover, the true nature
and origin of "Force," something which modern
physical science has failed to do, but which the
deeper occult teachings are able to explain, at least
to those who have reached that stage of under-
standing, by slow, laborious and gradual steps.

It may be urged that we are expecting too much
when we ask students to accept as truth, the state-
ment that there exists such a thing as Human Mag-
netism, or Pranic Energy, at all, when we cannot
explain its real nature. Replying to this objection,
we answer that there are many things which may
be proven by their observed effects, although the

120 YOGI PEILOSOPRT.

thing itself cannot be explained in plain terms.
Take Electricity, or Magnetism, for instance — we
have their existence clearly proved to us every day,
by their eflfects, and yet physical science tells us
very little that can be understood, about their real
nature. And so it is with this other exhibition of
Pranic Energy — Human Magntism — we must look
to its effects for proof, rather than try to solve the
mystery of the common source of all forms of force
— Prana.

But, we have had it urged that w'hereas we can
easily observe the effects and outward manifestation
of Electricity and Magnetism, there are no such
effects and manifestations of Human Magnetism,
or Pranic Energy. This objection has always
amused us, when we remember that every move-
ment of the body, from the mighty effort of the
giant, to thq quiver of an eye-lash, is a direct effect
and manifestation of this Human Magnetism or
Pranic Energy.

Physical scientists call this thing "Nervous
Force" or similar names, but it is the same thing
that we have called Human Magnetism — a form of
Pranic Energy. When we wish to raise a finger,
we put forth an effort of the Will, if the desire be
a conscious one — or an effort of the Instinctive
Mind, if the desire be sub-conscious — and a supply
of Human Magnetism is sent to the muscles con-
trolling the movement of the finger. The muscles
contract, and the finger raises. And so it is with
every movement of the body, both on the conscious

SUMAN MAGNETISM. 121

and sub-conscious plane of effort. Every step we
take is caused by this same process — every word
we utter is produced in this way — every tear we
shed obeys the law — even the beating of the heart re-
sponds to the supply of Human Magnetism, pro-
pelled, in this last case, by the command of the In-
stinctive Mind.

The magnetism is sent over the nerves, just as
is a telegraph message sent over the wires leading
from the central office to all parts of the land. The
nerves are its telegraph wires, and the current in
the body always travels over these wires. And just
as, until a very recent time, it has been thought im-
possible for messages to be sent without wires, so
even to this day, do the physical scientists deny
that this Human Magnetism (which they call Nerv-
ous Force) can be transmitted except over these
wires of th'c nervous system. And just as the sci-
entists have recently discovered that "wireless
telegraphy" is a possibility, and a working truth —
so have the occultists known for centuries that this
Human Magnetism can be transmitted from person
to person, through the astral atmosphere, without
the need of the wires of the nerves.

Have we helped you to form a clearer idea of
Human Magnetism?

As we have stated. Human Magnetism is taken
up by the organism of man, from the air he
breathes ; the water he drinks ; and the food he eats.
It is extracted in Nature's laboratory, and stored up
in his nervous system, in a chain of storage-bat-

122 TOai PEILOSOPET.

teries, of which the Solar Plexus is the central and
chief store-house. From these storage-batteries,
the magnetism is drawn by the mind and sent forth
to be used for the thousands of purposes for which
it is intended. When we say, "drawn by the mind,"
we do not mean that it must be necessarily drawn
by an effort of the conscious mind, or will power,
— in fact, not over five per cent of the amount used
is so drawn, the remaining ninety-five per cent,
being drawn and used by the Instinctive Mind,
w'hich controls the functions of the body — the work-
ings of the internal organs — the processes of diges-
tion, assimilation, and elimination — the circulation
of the blood and the various functions of the physi-
cal body, all of which are wholly, or in part, under
the control and care of the Instinctive Mind.

Nor must it be supposed that this magnetism is
absent from any part of the body, at any time ; or
is absent until it is sent there by a distinct effort
of the mind. The fact is that every part of the
body contains a greater or lesser amount of mag-
netism at all times — the amount depending upon the
general vitality of the person, which vitality is
determined entirely by the total amount of Prana,
or Human Magnetism in the system.

A brief consideration of the nervous system, with
its nerve-cells, ganglia, plexi, etc., will be advisable,
at this point, in order to gain a clearer idea of the
processes of nature in its distribution of the supply
of magnetism.

EVMAN MAGNETISM. 123

The Nervous System of man is divided into two
great systems, viz., the Cerebro-Spinal System, and
^■he Sympathetic System. The Cerebro-Spinal Sys-
tem consists of all that part of the Nervous System
contained within the cranial cavity, and the spinal
canal, viz., the brain and the spinal cord, together
with the nerves which branch off from the latter.
This system presides over the functions of animal
life known as volition, sensation, etc. The Sympa-
thetic System includes all that part of the Nervous
System located principally in the thoracic, abdom-
inal, and pelvic cavities, and which is distributed
to the internal organs. It controls the involuntary
processes, such as growth, nutrition, etc., under the
supervision and direction of the Instinctive Mind.

The Cerebro-Spinal System attends to all the
seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, feeling, etc. It
sets things in motion ; it is used by the Ego to think
— to manifest consciousness and Intellect. It is
the instrument by which the Ego is enabled to com-
municate with the outside world by means of the
physical senses. This system has been likened to
a great telephone system, with the brain as the cen-
tral office, and the spinal column and nerves as cable
and wires respectively.

The brain is a great mass of nerve tissue, and con-
sists of three parts, viz., the Cerebrum, or brain
proper, which occupies the upper, front, middle and
back portion of the skull ; the Cerebellum, or "little
brain," which fills the lower and back portion of
the skull ; and the Medulla Oblongata, which is the

124 TOOI PHILOSOPHT.

broadened commencement of the spinal cord, lying
before and in front of the Cerebellum.

The Cerebrum is the organ of the Intellect, and
also of the unfolding Spiritual Mind— the organ of
manifestation, remember, not the thing itself. The
Cerebellum is the organ of the Instinctive Mind.
The Medulla Oblongata is the upper enlarged part
of the spinal cord, and from it and the Cerebrum
branch forth the cranial nerves which reach to
various parts of the head ; to the organs of special
sense, and to some of the thoracic and abdominal
organs, and to the organs of respiration.

The Spinal Cord, or spinal marrov^r, fills the
spinal canal in the vertebral column, or "back-
bone." It is a long mass of nerve tissue, branch-
ing off at the several vertebrae to nerves communi-
cating to all parts of the body. The Spinal Cord is
like a great telephone cable, and the emerging
nerves are like the private wires connecting there-
with.

The Sympathetic System is composed of a dou-
ble chain of ganglia on each side of the spinal col-
umn, and scattered ganglia in the head, neck, chest,
and abdomen. (A ganglion is a mass of nervous
matter, including nerve cells.) These ganglia are
connected with each other by filaments, and are
also connected with the Cerebro-Spinal System by
motor and sensory nerves. From these ganglia
numerous fibres branch out to the organs of the
body, blood vessels, etc. At various points, the
nerves meet together and form what are known as

HUMAN MAGNETISM. 12S

plexi, or plexuses. The Sympathetic System prac-
tically controls the involuntary processes, such as
the circulation, respiration and digestion.

Over this wonderful system operates the Human
Magnetism or Pranic Energy (or "Nervous Force,"
if you prefer the term of the physical scientists.)
By means of the impulses from the mind, through
the brain, the magnetism is drawn from its storage
batteries, and sent to all parts of the body, or to
any particular part of the body, over the wires of
the nervous system. Without this magnetism, the
heart cannot beat; the blood cannot circulate; the
lungs cannot breathe; the various organs cannot
function ; in fact, the entire machinery of the body
comes to a stop if the supply of magnetism be shut
off. Nay, more, even the brain itself cannot per-
form its functions as the physical organ of the mind,
unless a supply of Prana or magnetism be present.
And yet, the physical scientists smile at the men-
tion of the subject of "Human Magnetism," and dis-
miss it by giving it another name, "Nervous Force,"
but limiting its scope.

The Yogi teachings go further than does West-
ern Physical science regarding one particular part
of the nervous system. We allude to that which
, physical scientists call "the Solar Plexus," or "Ab-
dominal Brain," and which they consider as merely
one of a series of certain matted nets of sympathetic
nerves which, with their ganglia are found in vari-
ous parts of the body. Yogi science teaches that
this Solar Plexus is really a most important part of

126 TOG I PEIL OS OPEY.

the nervous system, and that it is the great store-
house of Prana, which supplies the minor storage-
batteries, and the entire system. The Solar Plexus
*s situated in the Epigastric region, just back of the
pit of the stomach, on either side of the spinal col-
umn. It is composed of white and gray brain mat-
ter, similar to that composing the other brains of
man. It plays a much more important part in the
life of man, than is generally supposed. Men have
been killed instantly by a severe blow over this
region, and prize fighters recognize its vulnerabil-
ity, and frequently paralyze their opponents by £*
blow over it. "Vht name "Solar" is well bestowed,
as, in fact, it does radiate energy and strength to
all parts of the body, even the upper brains depend-
ing upon it for energy with which to Work.

Just as the blood penetrates all parts of the sys-
tem, by means of the arteries, and smaller blood
vessels, terminating in tiny, fine hair-like vessels
called capillaries, and the system is thereby kept
supplied with rich, red blood, building up and re-
pairing the cells of the body, and supplying the
material required for that endless work of repair
and rebuilding which is constantly going on in ev-
ery part of the body, under the direction of that
faithful servant, the Instinctive Mind— so does this
Human Magnetism, or Pranic Energy, penetrate
every portion of the system, by means of this won-
derful and complex machinery called the Nervous
System, with its complicated systems within sys-
tems of cables, wires, relays, storage-batteries, and

EUMAN MAGNETISM. 127

the like. Without this magnetism there could be
no life, as even the machinery and apparatus for
the carrying on of the work of the circulation of
the blood depends for motive power upon this
Pranic Energy.

The healthy human body is filled from head to
toe, with this wonderful force, which keeps its ma-
chinery moving, and which is used not only on the
physical but on the astral plane, as we shall see
later on.

But, it must be remembered that the Instinctive
Mind is back of all this distribution, for it keeps up
a continual demand and draught upon the storage
batteries of the system for a sufficient supply of
magnetism to supply all parts of the body, and only
calls for a special amount in response to a sudden
and immediate demand. But the Instinctive Mind
regards the supply and demand question, in this
continuous draught upon the storage batteries, anji
the consequent sending forth of the magnetism to
all parts of the body. It sends forth only a certain
reasonable percentage of the amount stored up,
otherwise it would soon bankrupt the system. If
one has an abundant supply of magnetism, the In-
stinctive I.Iind is quite liberal in disbursing that
amount, for it is no miser — it is merely prudent —
and such a person fairly radiates magnetism, so
that others coming in contact with him feel the
healthy outpouring which leaps beyond the confines
of the nervous system, and fills the astral atmos-
phere around him. We have described the human

m TOai PHILOSOPHY.

Aura in our Fourth Lesson, and in the same lesson
have touched upon the Aura of the third principle,
or Prana, which is practically the Aura of Human
Magnetism.

This Aura may be felt by many, and seen by those
having a certain degree of clairvoyant vision. In
fact, a good clairvoyant may see the magnetism as
it moves along vvrithin the nervous system of a per-
son. When in or very near the body, it has a faint
rosy tint, which leaves it as it moves away from
the body. At a little distance from the body, it
resembles a vapory cloud of the color and appear-
ance of an electric spark, or rather of the radiations
from an X-ray tube. Clairvoyants see spark-like
particles of it being shaken from the finger-tips
of those giving "magnetic treatments" or mesmeric
passes. It is also seen by some persons who do
not consider themselves clairvoyants, to whom it
appears like the heated air arising from a stove, or
from the heated ground; that is, like a colorless,
vapory something, pulsating and vibrating.

A person of strong concentration or trained pow-
ers of thought, also throws off a considerable
amount of magnetism along with the thought-
waves emanating from his brain. In fact, all
thought-waves are more or less charged with mag-
netism, but those of poor concentration and nega-
tive character throw off so little that we do not gen-
erally take it into consideration as compared to the
heavily charged thought-waves of the positive or
developed person.

HUMAN MAGNETISM. 129

The great point of diflference between the physi-
cal scientist and the occultist, is in the question of
the possible transference of magnetism, or nervous
force as the physical scientist calls it. The physical
scientiste insists that although the nervous force
undoubtedly exists and does all within the body
that the occultist claims, yet it is confined to the
nervous systems, and cannot traverse their limits. He
consequently denies the existence of much of the
phenomena incident to Human Magnetism, and con-
siders the occult teachings as fit only for visionary
and imaginative people. The occultist, on the other
hand, knows by experience that this magnetism, or
nervous force, can and repeatedly does traverse the
boundaries of the nervous system, and is projected,
at times, to distances far remote from the person
in whose system it was stored up. The proof of
this occult teaching is to be found by anyone who
will experiment for himself, providing he will divest
his mind of prejudice and will be w^illing to accept
facts as they are presented to him.

Before proceeding further, we wish to again
remind our students that this Human Magnetism
is merely a manifestation or form of Prana, and
that Prana is not made to order by people to sup-
ply their needs. When one increases the amount of
magnetism in his system, he does it not by making
a fresh supply of it, but by drawing to himself an
increased supply of Prana from the great source of
supply, by breathing, eating, or drinking. The
amount so absorbed or extracted from air, food.

130 YOGI PEILOSOPHT.

and fluid may be greatly increased by the mental
desire, or will power, as we will presently see.
There is a certain amount of Prana in existence —
this amount cannot be added to or diminished. It
is unchangeable. It is Force.

In our Fifth Lesson, we told you that when a
thought is sent forth with strength, it usually car-
ries with it a considerable amount of Prana, or mag-
netism, which gives to it additional strength, and
sometimes produces startling effects. This Prana,
or magnetism, practically vitalizes the thought, and
makes it almost a living force. All positive thought,
good or bad, is more or less heavily charged with
Prana or magnetism. The man of strong will send-
ing forth a vigorous, positive thought unconscious--
ly (or consciously, if he understand the subject)
sends with it a supply of Prana, or magnetism, pro-
portioned to the force or energy with which the
thought is propelled. A thought sent forth when
one is laboring under a strong emotion is likewise
heavily charged with magnetism. Thoughts, so
charged, are often sent like a bullet to the mark,
instead of drifting along slowly like an ordinary
thought emanation. Some public speakers have ac-
quired this art, and send forth their words with
such force that one can fairly feel the impact of the
thought. A strong, vigorous thinker, whose
thoughts are heavily charged with Prana, will
sometimes impart such vitality to his thoughts that
they will live for a time as Thought Forms— that
is to say, will possess such vitality, from the Prana

HUMAN MAGNETISM. 131

with which they are charged, that they will become
almost like living forces. We may have something
to say on this subject in our Lesson on the Astral
World (Lesson X). Such Thought Forms, coming
into one's psychic atmosphere possess almost the
same degree of power that would be experienced
were the person present in person talking to you.
Read over pages 85-88, Fifth Lesson, now that you
have learned some little more about Prana, and you
will get a clearer idea of Thought Forms.

Prana depends very considerably upon the desires
and expectations of the person, both in the matter
of his absorption and its projection with a thought-
wave. That is to say, that while every person ab-
sorbs more or less Prana every moment of his life,
and this amount may be largely increased by fol-
lowing the Yogi teaching regarding breathing, eat-
ing and drinking, still the thought, or desire, or
expectation of the person will greatly increase the
amount of Prana absorbed. And, in like manner,
will the desire, or will, of the person greatly multi-
ply the force with which a thought is projected, as
it largely increases the amount of Prana with which
the thought is charged.

To speak more plainly : If one will form a mental
image of the absorption of Prana, while breathing,
eating or drinking, he will bring into operation cer-
tain occult laws which will tend to release a greater
amount of Prana from its confining matter, and he
will be greatly strengthened in consequence. Try
the experiment of taking a few deep breaths, hold-

132 YOGI PHILOSOPHY.

ing the mental image that you are absorbing a large
amount of Prana with each inward breath, and you
will feel an influx of new strength. This is worth
trying when you feel tired and exhausted. Like-
wise, drink slowly a cupful of water, forming the
mental image that you are extracting from the
water a great supply of Prana which is stored up
in it, and you will experience a similar result. Like-
wise, in eating, if you will masticate your food
slowly, holding the mental image that you are ex-
tracting the strength of the Prana in the food, you
will receive a much greater per cent of nourishment
and strength from the food, than you would in the
ordinary way. These things are all helpful — we
hope that you will try them, and use them when
you need them. Do not let the simplicity of these
things cause you to undervalue them.

The same law causes a thought projected with
the mental image that it is heavily charged with
Prana, to attain a greater velocity and force than
would an ordinary thought, and its potency will be
greatly increased by this practice. But be careful
not to send forth evil thoughts in this way. Read
your lesson on "Thought Dynamics" (Fifth Les-
son) carefully, and heed the warnings contained
therein.

A number of interesting experiments along the
lines of Human Magnetism may be tried. If you
have a number of friends interested in this subject
you may try this experiment: Let a party sit
around in a circle, holding hands, and all concen-

BUMAN MAGNETISM. 133

trate their minds on the common purpose of send-
ing a Pranic current, or current of magnetism,
around the circle. There must be a common under-
standing of the direction, else some will be sending
in one direction and some in another, and the bene-
fit of co-operation will be lost. A good plan is to
send the current in the direction of the movement
of the hands of a watch around its face, that is,
pick out some person to represent the figure XII,
and then start the current moving in the direc-
tion of "right" from that person. If the party is
harmonious, and the conditions are favorable, they
will soon feel a faint tingling like a weak current of
electricity moving through them. This practice,
if moderately indulged in, will prove invigorating
to all concerned in it, but we would not advise that
the sittings be continued too long, as it might pro-
duce a sufficiently strong current that might be
conducive to the production of psychic phenomena,
which should not be too freely indulged in by those
who are not familiar with the laws of psychic phe-
nomena. We do not approve of indiscriminate, and
unintelligent production of phenomena of this sort.
One should learn something of the laws, before he
attempts to produce phenomena.

Our little book, "Science of Breath," gives in
condensed form, a number of methods of using
Pranic force, or Human Magnetism, and we refer
the student to that book, after he has finished this
lesson. All of our publications dove-tail one into
the other, and as each one is read others become

134 TOGI PHILOSOPHY.

plainer. Of necessity, we must condense our infor-
mation, and must trust to a careful reading of all
the lessons on the part of our students, in order
that they may obtain the best results.

In order not to go over the same ground twice
we must refer the student to "Science of Breath"
for directions and exercises calculated to increase
the absorption of Prana, and also for directions re-
garding its distribution.