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that that plexus itself will not work. It is a great center of powers, and the mystical powers which are received, are received generally by means of this plexus. If this plexus does not work it means an absence of spirituality, and as long as it is not allowed to work, no one can rise in that respect. Men also must observe these rules. With regard to diet, which is also an important part, the Yogis adopt different rules for their acquirement of occult powers, but we know that we are not all able to follow those rules in entirely, though there are some of them which are equally applicable to the Yogis and to us. There are certain things which affect our physical nature in such a way as to stop the flow of the breath. When a person sits or stands in such a way that the respiratory organs cannot work, the person is fatigued, and cannot receive the best ideas. The reason is that there is not a sufficient supply of oxygen. Therefore the position of the body is important. The best position is that in which we feel easy. For a Hindu that position is the easiest in which we sit on the floor with the legs crossed. When we stand we must keep our hands perfectly straight and not raise the shoulders, so that the organs will be all in their natural position. In the breathing exercise, first let out the breath so that the lungs are perfectly empty, and then take in the breath slowly, perhaps while the heart beats four times. After that we must retain the breath for two heart-beats or for two moments, and after that we must let out the breath, not all at once, hastily, but slowly by degrees. For
THE SCIENCE OF BREATHING
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