IC THEORY OF BREATH.

The Science of Breath, like many other teachings, has its esoteric or
inner phase, as well as its exoteric or external. The physiological
phase may be termed the outer or exoteric side of the subject, and the
phase which we will now consider may be termed its esoteric or inner
side. Occultists, in all ages and lands, have always taught, usually
secretly to a few followers, that there was to be found in the air a
substance or principle from which all activity, vitality and life was
derived. They differed in their terms and names for this force, as
well as in the details of the theory, but the main principle is to be
found in all occult teachings and philosophies, and has for centuries
formed a portion of the teachings of the Oriental Yogis.

In order to avoid misconceptions arising from the various theories
regarding this great principle, which theories are usually attached to
some name given the principle, we, in this work, will speak of the
principle as "Prana," this word being the Sanskrit term meaning
"Absolute Energy." Many occult authorities teach that the principle
which the Hindus term "Prana" is the universal principle of energy or
force, and that all energy or force is derived from that principle,
or, rather, is a particular form of manifestation of that principle.
These theories do not concern us in the consideration of the subject
matter of this work, and we will therefore confine ourselves to an
understanding of prana as the principle of energy exhibited in all
living things, which distinguishes them from a lifeless thing. We may
consider it as the active principle of life--Vital Force, if you
please. It is found in all forms of life, from the amoeba to man--from
the most elementary form of plant life to the highest form of animal
life. Prana is all pervading. It is found in all things having life,
and as the occult philosophy teaches that life is in all things--in
every atom--the apparent lifelessness of some things being only a
lesser degree of manifestation, we may understand their teachings that
prana is everywhere, in everything. Prana must not be confounded with
the Ego--that bit of Divine Spirit in every soul, around which
clusters matter and energy. Prana is merely a form of energy used by
the Ego in its material manifestation. When the Ego leaves the body,
the prana, being no longer under its control, responds only to the
orders of the individual atoms, or groups of atoms, for