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THE DYNAMICS OF MEDITATION
Then the sculptor explained the method of treatment. Each day the boy was to go before the statue and stand in exactly the same upright pose for as long as he could without strain or pain. He was to imitate exactly the posture of the statue, including the dignified and regal look the figure had on its face and the way it held its head.
The sculptor explained that if the prince did as he was told, his spine would straighten and his posture would be excellent. The prince agreed to try and the king was encouraged, although his advisors told him he was crazy.
The sculptor spent the third day with the boy explaining that as he stood before the statue he must think of himself growing straight and tall and taking the shape of the figure before him. Each day while standing he was to visualize himself in his mind's eye as becoming straight and tall like the statue. The most important thing to remember, the Master told the boy, was not ever to miss a single day. To be certain, he should do his standing the first thing in the morning when his mind was clear and fresh, before anyone's glance or remark could remind him of his hunched condition.
The boy was then eight years old. On the fourth day the Master left the king's palace with no reward. He said that he would return in two years to collect the reward, after the treatment had been proven. The boy kept up the practice of standing before the figure each morning very early before anyone else in the house was up and around. Each day he felt himself growing stronger and saw himself growing taller and straighter. Each day he felt better and better and his confidence improved. Those who were living around him and saw him every day did not notice
