Even in the early stages of this dawning consciousness, one is enabled to identify the real part of himself with the real part of all the other forms of life that pass before his notice.  In every other man—­in every animal—­in every plant—­in every mineral—­he sees behind the sheath and form of appearance, an evidence of the presence of the Spirit which is akin to his own Spirit—­yea, more than akin, for the two are One.  He sees Himself in all forms of life, in all time in all places.  He realizes that the Real Self is everywhere present and everlasting, and that the Life within himself is also within all the Universe—­in everything, for there is nothing dead in the Universe, and all Life, in all of its varying phases, is simply the One Life, held, used and enjoyed in common by all.  Each Ego is a Centre of Consciousness in this great ocean of Life, and while apparently separate and distinct, is yet really in touch with the Whole, and with every apparent part.

It is not our intention, in this lesson, to go into the details of this great mystery of Life, or to recite the comparatively little of the Truth that the most advanced teachers and Masters have handed down.  This is not the place for it—­it belongs to the subject of Gnani Yoga rather than to Raja Yoga—­and we touch upon it here, not for the purpose of trying to explain the scientific side of it to you, but merely in order that your minds may be led to take up the idea and gradually manifest it in conscious realization.  There is quite a difference between the scientific, intellectual teaching of Gnani Yoga, whereby the metaphysical and scientific sides of the Yogi teachings are presented to the minds of the students, in a logical, scientific manner, and the methods of Raja Yoga, in which the Candidate is led by degrees to a consciousness (outside of mere intellectual belief) of his real nature and powers.  We are following the latter plan, for this course is a Course in Raja Yoga.  We are aiming to present the matter to the mind in such a manner that it may prepare the way for the dawning consciousness, by brushing away the preconceived notions and prejudices, and allowing a clean entrance for the new conception.  Much that we have said in this lesson may appear, on the one hand, like useless repetition, and, on the other hand, like an incomplete presentation of the scientific side of the Yogi teachings.  But it will be found, in time, that the effect has been that the mind of the student has undergone a change from the absorbing of the idea of the Oneness of Life, and the Expansion of the Self.  The Candidate is urged not to be in too much of a hurry.  Development must not be forced.  Read what we have written, and practice the Mental Drills we have given, even if they may appear trifling and childish to some of you—­we know what they will do for you, and you will agree with us in time.  Make haste slowly.  You will find that the mind will work out the matter, even though you be engaged in your ordinary work, and have forgotten the subject for the time.  The greater portion of mental work is done in this way, while you are busy with something else, or even asleep, for the sub-conscious portion of the mind works along the lines pointed out for it, and performs its task.