Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosphy and Oriental Occultism
by Yogi Ramacharaka
Lesson 6
Telepathy, Clairvoyance
TELEPATHY may be roughly defined as the communication of mind
with mind, other than by means of the five senses to which
material science limits man, viz: sight; hearing; smell; taste
and touch-sight, hearing and touch being the senses most commonly
used. According to material science, it would follow that if two
minds were placed beyond the possibility of ordinary sense
communication, there could be no communication. And, if there
should prove to be communication under such circumstances, it
would be a reasonable inference that man possessed senses other
than the five which have been allotted him, or recognized in him,
by material science.
Occultists, however, know that man has other senses and
faculties than those taken into consideration by material
science. Without going too deeply into this subject, and
confining ourselves to the purposes of this lesson, we may say
that besides the five physical senses he has five astral senses
(counter. parts of the physical senses), operating on the astral
planes by which he may see, hear, taste, and even feel, without
the use of the physical organs usually associated with the use of
these senses. More than this, he has a special sixth physical
sense (for which we have no English term), by which he becomes
aware of the thoughts emanating from the minds of others, even
though the other minds may be far removed from him in space.
There is one great point of difference between this special
sixth physical sense and the five astral senses. Time difference
is this: The five astral senses are astral counterparts of the
five physical senses, functioning upon the astral plane just as
the five physical senses function upon the physical plane, there
being an astral sense corresponding with each physical organ,
although the astral impression is not received through the
physical organ, but reaches the consciousness along lines of its
own, just as does the impression received through the physical
channels. But this special sixth physical sense (let us call it
"the telepathic sense," for want of a better name) has both a
physical organ through which it receives impressions, and also an
astral sense counterpart, just as have the other physical senses.
In other words, it has an organ just as truly physical as is the
nose, the eye, the ear, through which it receives time ordinary
"telepathic" impressions, and which is used in all cases coining
under the head of "telepathy." The astral counterpart is used on
the astral plane in certain forms of clairvoyance. Now for the
telepathic physical organ through which the brain receives the
vibrations, or thought-waves, emanating from the minds of
others.
Imbedded in the brain, near time middle of time skull, almost
directly above time top of the spinal column, is to be found a
small body, or gland, of reddish-gray color, cone-shaped,
attached to the floor of the third ventricle of the brain, in
front of the cerebellum. It is a mass of nervous matter,
containing corpuscles resembling nerve cells, and also containing
calcareous particles, sometimes called “brain sand.”
This body is known to Western physical science as the "Pineal
Gland," or "Pineal Body," the term "pineal" having been given it
by reason of its shape, which resembles that of a pine-cone.
Western scientists arc completely at sea regarding the
function, purpose and use of this organ of the brain (for an
organ it is). Their text-books dismiss the matter with the solemn
statement, "the function of the pineal body is mot understood,"
and no attempt is made to account for the presence and purposes
of the "corpuscles resembling nerve cells," or the "brain sand."
Some of the text-book writers, however, note the fact that this
organ is larger in children than in adults, and more developed in
adult females than in adult males—a most significant
statement.
The Yogis have known for centuries that this sPineal Body" is
the organ through which the brain receives impressions by the
medium of vibrations caused by thoughts projected from other
brains-the organ of "telepathic" communication, in short. It is
not necessary for this organ to have an outward opening, as has
the ear, nose and eye, for thought-vibrations penetrate matter of
the consistency of the physical body, just as easily as
light-vibrations penetrate glass, or X-ray-vibrations pass
through wood, stone, etc. The nearest illustration of the
character of thought-vibrations is found in the vibrations sent
forth and received in "wireless telegraphy." The little "pineal
body" of the brain is the receiving instrument of the wireless
telegraphy of the mind.
When one "thinks" he sets up vibrations of greater or lesser
intensity in the surrounding ether, which radiate from him in all
directions, just as light-waves radiate from their source. These
vibrations striking upon the telepathic organ in other brains
cause a brain action which reproduces the thought in the brain of
the recipient. This reproduced thought may pass into the field of
consciousness, or it may remain in the region of the Instinctive
Mind, according to circumstances.
In our last lesson, "Thought Dynamics," we spoke of the
influence and power of thought, and we suggest that, after
finishing the present lesson, the student re-read time Fifth
Lesson, in order to fix the two lessons together in his mind. In
the previous lesson we told what thought-waves did-in this one we
tell how they are received.
Telepathy then, for the purpose of this lesson, may be
considered as the receiving by a person, consciously or
unconsciously, of vibrations, or thought-waves, sent forth,
consciously or unconsciously, from the minds of others. Thus,
deliberate thought-transferrence between two or more people is
Telepathy; and so, also, is the absorption by a person of the
thought-vibrations in the atmosphere sent out by other thinkers
without any desire to reach him. Thought-waves vary in intensity
and force, as we have explained in the previous lesson.
Concentration upon the part of the sender or receiver, or both,
of course greatly intensifies the force of the sending, and the
accuracy and clearness of the receiving.
Clairvoyance.
It is very difficult for us to speak intelligently of the
phenomena coming under the head of Clairvoyance without getting
into the subject of the Astral Plane, as Clairvoyance is an
incident of the Astral Plane and belongs to that subject. But we
cannot go into details regarding the Astral Plane, as we intend
to devote an entire lesson to that subject, so we must go on with
the subject before us, with the understanding that the student
will be given an explanation of the nature and incidents of the
Astral Plane in due time. For the purpose of this lesson.
however, we must ask the student to accept the statement that man
has within him faculties which enable him to "sense" vibrations
which are not responded to by his ordinary physical organs of
sense. Each physical sense has its corresponding astral sense,
which is open to the vibrations alluded to and which interpret
such vibrations and pass them on to the consciousness of man.
Thus, the astral sight enables man to receive astral
light-vibrations from an enormous distance; to receive these rays
through solid objects; to perceive thought-forms in the ether,
etc. Astral hearing enables one to receive astral
sound-vibrations horn enormous distances, and after a long time
has elapsed, the fine vibrations still remaining in existence.
The other astral senses correspond to the other physical senses,
except that like the astral senses of seeing and hearing they are
an extension of the physical senses. We think that the matter was
well, if rather crudely, expressed to us several years ago, by an
uneducated psychic, who, after endeavoring to explain the
resemblance of her astral senses to her physical ones, at last
said, awkwardly: "The astral senses are just the same as the
physical ones-only more so." We do not think that we can improve
upon the explanation of this uneducated woman.
All persons have the astral senses alluded to, but
comparatively few have developed them so that they can
consciously use them. Some have occasional flashes of astral
sensing, but are not conscious of the source of their
impressions. they merely knowing that "something came into their
mind," and often dismissing the impression as an idle fancy.
Those awakening into astral sensing are often as clumsy and
awkward as is the infant when the physical senses begin to
receive and translate impressions. The infant has to gauge
distance in receiving impressions through the eye and ear, and
also in the matter of touch. The infant in psychism has to pass
through a similar experience, hence the confusing and
unsatisfactory results at the beginning.
Simple Clairvoyance.
In order to intelligently understand the several forms of
clairvoyant phenomena, more particularly those forms which
manifest in what we will call "space clairvoyance," i. e., the
power to see things at great distances, we must accept as facts
the occult teachings (which the latest discoveries of modern
physical science are verifying) that all forms of matter are
constantly throwing forth radiations in all directions. These
astral rays are many times more subtle and fine than ordinary
light rays, but they travel in the same manner and are caught up
and registered by the astral sense of sight just as are ordinary
light rays by the physical organs of sight. Like ordinary light
rays these astral light rays move on infinitely, and the highly
developed and trained astral senses of the advanced occultist
register impressions from distances incredible to the average
reader who has not studied these matters. These astral light rays
penetrate and pass through solid material objects with
comparatively no difficulty, and the densest bodies become almost
transparent to the trained clairvoyant vision.
In all of the several forms of clairvoyance herein noted,
there are of course various degrees of clairvoyant power on the
part of the clairvoyant. Some manifest extraordinary power,
others average, and the majority possess only occasional and more
or less rudimentary power of sensing on the astral plane. This is
the case with simple clairvoyance as well as with the higher
forms, which we will presently describe. Accordingly, one may
possess some of the characteristics of simple clairvoyance and
lack the others.
By simple clairvoyance we mean the power to receive astral
impressions from near by, the clairvoyant not possessing the
power to see distant things or to sense things occurring in the
past or present. To the person possessing a full degree of simple
clairvoyance there occurs the phenomenon of receiving astral
light waves through solid objects. He, literally, sees things
"through a stone wall." Solid objects become semi-transparent,
and he senses the Vibrations passing through them just as the
observer with the proper apparatus senses the X Rays which have
passed through a solid objecst. He is able to observe things
transpiring in an adjoining room, and behind closed doors. He may
read the contents of sealed letters, by practice. He may sec
several yards into tile earth beneath his feet, and observe the
minerals which may be there. He may see through the body of a
person near him, and may also observe the working of the internal
organs, and distinguish the cause of physical ailments in many
cases. He may see the aura of persons with whom he comes in
contact, observing the auric colors and thus ascertaining the
quality of thought emanating from their minds. He may, by
clairaudient power, hear things which are being said beyond the
range of ordinary hearing. He becomes sensitive to the thoughts
of others, owing to the exercise of his astral telepathic powers,
which are many times keener than his ordinary telepathic senses.
He may see disembodied spirits and other astral forms, which will
be explained in the lesson treating that subject. In short, a new
world of impressions is opened out before him. In some rare cases
persons possessing simple clairvoyance gradually develop the
faculty of magnifying the size of small objects at
will—that is. through their astral vision they are able to
adjust the focus so as to bring the astral image of the object
before them enlarged to any desired size, just as does the person
using the microscope. This faculty, however, is quite rare, and
is seldom found to have been developed spontaneously-the faculty
usually being possessed only by those of advanced and developed
occult powers. A variation of this faculty will be noticed under
the head of space clairvoyance, which we take up next.
>Space Clairvoyance.
There are several means whereby the psychic or developed
occultist may perceive people, things, scenes and events far
removed from the observer, and far beyond the range of the
physical vision. Two of these means will come under the head of
this lesson, the other methods belonging to the higher planes of
life, and being beyond the power of any but the adepts and most
advanced occultists. The two methods alluded to come, strictly
speaking, under the head of space clairvoyance on the astral
plane, and therefore form a part of this lesson. The first of
these methods consists of what we have described as simple
clairvoyance, on an increased scale, by reason of the development
of the faculty of focusing upon far distant objects and bringing
them to view by means of what occultists know as "the astral
tube," which will be described in the following paragraphs. The
second method consists in projecting the astral body, consciously
or unconsciously, and practically observing the scene on the
spot, through the astral vision. This method will also be
described a little later on in this lesson.
We have described the astral light rays emanating from all
objects by means of which the astral vision becomes possible. And
tinder the head of simple clairvoyance we have told you bow the
clairvoyant may observe near-by objects through his astral
vision, just as he may through his physical sight, the astral
light rays being used in the one case, just as are the ordinary
light rays in the other. But just as one is unable to perceive a
far removed object through his ordinary physical vision, although
the light rays are not interrupted, so is the simple clairvoyant
unable to "see" far removed objects by means of his astral
vision, although the astral light rays are uninterrupted. On the
physical plane, man, in order to see things beyond his normal
vision, must make use of the telescope. Likewise, on the astral
plane, he must call into operation some assistance to the simple
astral vision, in order to receive a clear impression of things
far off. This assistance, however, comes from within his own
astral organism, and consists of a peculiar astral faculty which
acts as the lens of a telescope and magnifies the rays received
from afar, rendering them sufficiently large to be distinguished
by the mind. This power is "telescopic" in effect, although it is
really by a variation of that "microscopic faculty noted under
the head of simple clairvoyance. This telescopic faculty varies
very much in psychics, some being able to see but a few miles,
while others receive impressions just as easily from all parts of
the earth, and a few have been able to occasionally perceive
scenes on other planets.
This telescopic astral vision is usually operated in
connection with what occultists have called the "astral
telescope," which is akin to the "astral telegraph," "astral
current," etc., all of which are but variations of the "astral
tube." The astral tube is caused by the forming of a thought
current on the astral plane (held together by a strong supply of
prana projected along with the thought) , which current renders
far easier the passage of astral vibrations of all kinds, whether
they be telepathic thought-vibrations, astral light-vibrations,
or astral sound-vibrations. It is the bringing of the observer
and the observed—the projector and the recipient—or
the two persons in harmony—into a closer condition of
rapport. The astral tube is the means whereby quite a variety of
psychic phenomena is made possible.
In the case of astral telescopic vision, or "space
clairvoyance," the clairvoyant, either consciously or
unconsciously, Sets up an astral tube connecting him with the
distant scene. The astral light-vibrations reach him more easily
by this method, and the outside impressions are inhibited or shut
out, so that the mind receives only the impressions from the
point focused upon. These impressions reach the clairvoyant, and
are magnified by his "telescopic" faculty and are then plainly
perceived by his astral vision. This "telescopic" faculty,
remember, acts merely as the lens through which the astral light
rays pass, and by which they are magnified to a size sufficiently
large to be distinguished by the astral vision, just as the
ordinary light rays are magnified for the ordinary vision by the
lens of the telescope. The analogy is a very close one, and will
help you to form a clear mental idea of the process.
The "astral tube" is usually formed by the will of the
clairvoyant, or by his strong desire, which has almost as much
force. At times, however, the conditions being favorable, any
idle thought may cause the erection of the astral circuit and the
clairvoyant will see scenes unthought of, or even unknown to him.
The idle thought may have formed a connection with other
psychicscurrents, or have been attracted in certain directions by
any of a thousand and one psychic causes under the law of
attraction and association; but the will of the operator is
usually sufficient to shut out the careless adjustments and to
establish a speedy connection with the desired person or place.
Many persons have this faculty well under control; others find it
coming and going spontaneously; others are devoid of it except
under mesmeric influence, etc. Many have found the crystal ball,
or similar object, an easy means of creating the astral tube,
time crystal being used as a sort of starting point.
Crystal-gazing is merely space clairvoyance by use of the astral
tube, the scenes perceived by the observer being seen by this
means. We have space merely to state the general principles of
this great subject, in order to give the student an intelligent
idea of the several forms of psychic phenomena. We regret that we
have not the opportunity to relate the interesting instances of
clairvoyant power which have been recorded by eminent writers on
this subject, and which are well attested from a scientific point
of view. However, we are not starting to prove the existence of
clairvoyance to you—we must assume that you know it to be a
fact, or at least not antagonistic to the idea. Our space must be
devoted to a brief description and explanation of this phenomena,
rather than to any attempt to prove its reality to sceptics. It
is a matter which, after all, every man must prove to his own
satisfaction by his own experience, and which no outside proof
will establish.
The second method of seeing things far removed from us by
space, consists in the projecting of the astral body, consciously
or unconsciously, and practically observing the scene on the
spot, by means of the astral vision. This is a more difficult and
rarer method than the ordinary "astral tube" method, just
described, although many persons travel in the astral and
perceive scenes which they think are seen in a dream or "ill the
mind's eye."
We have described the astral body in a previous lesson. It is
possible for one to project their astral body, or travel in their
astral body, to any point within the limits of this planet,
although very few people are conscious of their ability to so
travel, and considerable practice and caution is necessary for
the beginner. Once on the spot the astral traveler may see what
is going on around him, and is not confined to the small scene to
which the psychic using tile "astral tube" is restricted. His
astral body follows his desires or will, and goes where it is
ordered. The trained occultist merely wishes to be at a certain
place, and his astral travels there with the rapidity of light,
or even more rapidly. Of course, the untrained occultist has no
such degree of control over his astral body, and is more or less
clumsy in his management of it. People often travel in their
astral body in their sleep; a smaller number travel unconsciously
in their waking moments, and a few have acquired the knowledge
enabling them to travel consciously and at will in their waking
moments. The astral body is always connected with the physical
body by a thin, silk-like, astral thread, and the communication
between the two is maintained. We will have more to say on the
subject of the astral body in our Tenth Lesson, which treats of
the Astral Plane. We merely allude to it here, in order to
explain that what is called clairvoyance is sometimes
accomplished by its aid, although it is a higher form of psychic
power than the other forms of clairvoyance mentioned by us so
far.
Past Time Calirvoyance.
Time clairvoyance, so far as regards the sensing of past events,
is not a rare faculty among advanced occultists-in fact, it may
be termed a common one among such people. And tile same faculty,
imperfectly manifested, is found among many ordinary psychics who
are not acquainted with the nature of their power. Among this
last mentioned class of people time clairvoyance is more or less
unsatisfactory because imperfect and misleading, from causes
which will be seen presently.
The statement that one may see past events and scenes, even by
astral vision, will readily be seen to require an entirely
different explanation from that given of simple and space
clairvoyance, for in the latter cases the clairvoyant sees that
which is actually occurring somewhere at the time it is seen, or
at least, a few seconds previous, whereas, in the latter case,
the clairvoyant sees something which has occurred, perhaps ages
ago, and after apparently all records of it have perished. Ah,
that is just the cxplanation—"apparently perished."
Occultists know that nothing ever perishes, and that there are in
existence on the higher planes of matter, imperishable and
unalterable records of every scene, act, thought, and thing that
ever existed or occurred. These akasic records are not on the
astral plane, but are on a plane far above it, but they are
mirrored on the astral plane, just as the sky and clouds are
reflected in the body of the lake, and the observer who cannot
see the sky itself may see its counterpart in the water. And just
as his vision may be distorted by the ripples and waves on the
water, so may the astral vision of these records of the past
become distorted and imperfect impressions by reason of the
disturbances in the astral light. Occultists for ages have used
"water" as a symbol of the astral light—do you see why?
These akasic records contain the "memory" of all that has
passed, and he who has access to them may read the past as he may
a book. But only tile most advanced intelligences have free
access to these records—or rather have the power to read
them. But many have acquired a greater or lesser degree of power,
which enables them to read more or less plainly from the
reflections of these records in the astral plane. Those who have
developed time clairvoyance are able to see these reflections of
the records as scenes actually 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 beginners the
nature of these records—we 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 we are? 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 cannot 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 he able to call it up in
recollection. Can you grasp the idea of the akasic record from
this illustration? In the great memory of the Universe are
registered and stored away the records of all that has gone
before—those who have access to the records may
read—and those who are able to see even the astral
reflection of the records, may read with greater or less accuracy
and skill. This is the best we can offer you in the way of
explaining an unexplainable matter. Those who are ready for the
truth hidden in these words will see a glimpse of it; others must
wait until they are ready.
Future Time Clairvoyance.
Time clairvoyance, so far as "seership" or the seeing into the
future is concerned, is even still more difficult to explain. We
shall not attempt it, except 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 coning events. Some few have the power of
a closer viewpoint of the things causing these shadows or
reflections, while more have a degree of psychic power enabling
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 who have progressed
well along the path. We almost regret to he 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 vouchsafed to even
the advanced seeker of the way. But we know full well that all
will receive the light needed by them, just the moment 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 Clairaudience, the only difference being that a
different astral organ is used. Simple 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 manifestations is that they are
experienced through two different astral senses. Some
clairvoyants arc also clairaudients, while others lack the latter
power. On the other hand, some hear clairaudiently but are unable
to see the astral light. On the whole, clairaudience is a
somewhat rarer manifestation than is clairvoyance.
Psychometry.
Just as we may sometimes recall an apparently forgotten 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 records 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 rap port
condition thus established enabling us to more easily set up the
"astral tube." Psychometry is merely one or more forms of
clairvoyance, brought into operation by means of some connecting
link between persons or things, or some object 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 of psychic power: "How can one
develop the psychic power which 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 obtain 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 will do no more than to titter 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-hypnotization and of hypnotization by others, in order to
produce, or induce, a psychic condition in which the person 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 monotonous formula until a drowsy condition is
produced, 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 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 experimented with in this manner.
There are two methods of psychic development practiced 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 himself with merely an
intellectual acquaintance with psychic power, in passing on, and
then after he has acquired the higher spiritual knowledge and
development, lie returns and uses the tools ready at his hand,
the use of which he now understands. In the Fourteenth Lesson of
this series we will point out the way of this
development—the lesson will be entirely devoted to pointing
out the way to spiritual attainment.
There is, however, another way whereby some students 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 always 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 he more clearly brought out and added to
in our forthcoming 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 experiments a little for himself, we
suggest that he acquire self-control and practice Concentration,
in the Silence. Many of you have already had exhibitions of
psychic power, and you may practice along the lines corresponding
to the manifestations 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 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 fleeting impressions which at first will come but dimly
before 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 development. 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.