(4) Then (breathing rhythmically) send the current of prana
     to the Seven Vital Centers, in turn, as follows, using the
     mental picture as in previous exercises: 

          (a) To the forehead.

          (b) To the back of the head.

          (c) To the base of the brain.

          (d) To the Solar Plexus.

          (e) To the Sacral Region (lower part of the spine).

          (f) To the region of the navel.

          (g) To the reproductive region.

     Finish by sweeping the current of prana, to and fro from
     head to feet several times.

     (5) Finish with Cleansing Breath.

CHAPTER XVI.

YOGI SPIRITUAL BREATHING.

The Yogis not only bring about desired mental qualities and properties by will-power coupled with rhythmic breathing, but they also develop spiritual faculties, or rather aid in their unfoldment, in the same way.  The Oriental philosophies teach that man has many faculties which are at present in a dormant state, but which will become unfolded as the race progresses.  They also teach that man, by the proper effort of the will, aided by favorable conditions, may aid in the unfoldment of these spiritual faculties, and develop them much sooner than in the ordinary process of evolution.  In other words, one may even now develop spiritual powers of consciousness which will not become the common property of the race until after long ages of gradual development under the law of evolution.  In all of the exercises directed toward this end, rhythmic breathing plays an important part.  There is of course no mystic property in the breath itself which produces such wonderful results, but the rhythm produced by the Yogi breath is such as to bring the whole system, including the brain, under perfect control, and in perfect harmony, and by this means, the most perfect condition is obtained for the unfoldment of these latent faculties.

In this work we cannot go deeply into the philosophy of the East regarding spiritual development, because this subject would require volumes to cover it, and then again the subject is too abstruse to interest the average reader.  There are also other reasons, well known to occultists, why this knowledge should not be spread broadcast at this time.  Rest assured, dear student, that when the time comes for you to take the next step, the way will be opened out before you.  “When the chela (student) is ready, the guru (master) appears.”  In this chapter we will give you directions for the development of two phases of spiritual consciousness, i.e., (1) the consciousness of the identity of the Soul, and (2) the consciousness of the connection of the Soul with the Universal Life.  Both of the exercises given below are simple, and consist of mental images firmly held, accompanied with rhythmic breathing.  The student must not expect too much at the start, but must make haste slowly, and be content to develop as does the flower, from seed to blossom.