The secret of the Yogi theory and teachings regarding the development of the Mental powers, lies in the word “Mastery.”  The Yoga student accomplishes and attains this mastery in two ways.  The first way is by subordinating all the feelings, sense-impressions, etc., to the Mastery of the “I,” or Will, the Mastery being obtained in this way by the assertion of the dominancy of the “I” over the faculties and emotions, etc.  The second step, or way, lies in the Yogi, once having asserted the mastery, beginning to develop and perfect the Mental instrument, so as to get better work and returns from it.  In this way he increases his kingdom and is Master over a much larger territory.

In order for one to gain knowledge, it is necessary to use to the best advantage the mental instruments and tools that he finds at his disposal.  And again, one must develop and improve such tools—­put a keen edge upon them, etc.  Not only does one gain a great benefit from a development of the faculties of perception, but he also acquires an additional benefit from the training of the whole mind arising from the mental discipline and training resulting from the former exercises, etc.  In our previous lessons we have pointed out some of the means by which these faculties might be greatly improved, and their efficiency increased.  In this lesson we shall point out certain directions in which the Perceptive faculties may be trained.  We trust that the simplicity of the idea may not cause any of our students to lose interest in the work.  If they only knew just what such development would lead to they would gladly follow our suggestions in the matter.  Every one of the ideas and exercises given by us are intended to lead up to the strengthening of the Mind, and the attainment of powers and the unfoldment of faculties.  There is no royal road to Raja Yoga, but the student will be well repaid for the work of climbing the hill of Attainment.

In view of the above, let us examine the question of The Senses.  Through the doors of the senses Man receives all his information regarding the outside world.  If he keeps these doors but half open, or crowded up with obstacles and rubbish, he may expect to receive but few messages from outside.  But if he keeps his doorways clear, and clean, he will obtain the best that is passing his way.

If one were born without sense-organs—­no matter how good a Mind he might have—­he would be compelled to live his life in a dreamy plant-life stage of existence, with little or no consciousness.  The Mind would be like a seed in the earth, that for some reason was prevented from growing.