The  Rhythmic  Flow  of  the  Breath  of  Life

from   Steps  To  Mastership

Uranda   1936

 

There are three primary nerve channels, or Nadis, to which we must give attention. In Sanskrit they are called Ida, Pingala, and Sushunna. The left sympathetic nerve, which begins in the left nostril and extends back through the head and down to the Sacral Plexus, which is located in the Sacral region or wide vertebrae at the base of the spine, comprises the Ida Nadis, or channel. The right sympathetic nerve, which begins in the right nostril and extends back through the head down to the Sacral Plexus, comprises the Pingala Nadis. The spinal cord, which extends from the head down the spine to the Sacral Plexus, comprises the Sushunna Nadis. The currents of the Life Essence which flow through these Nadis are called Kundalini. This explains as much as will be required in this elementary study of the subject. 

The air which is inhaled through the left nostril supplies the Prana which is taken up by the Ida Nadis and carried to the brain, where the Prana is transformed, or generated, into the Negative Life Essence, which is the energy required by the negative pole of the generative system. Thus we see that properly increased breathing through the left nostril will gradually increase the Negative Life Essence, which is the force that gives life to the Physical Body. 

The air which is inhaled through the right nostril supplies the Prana which is taken up by the Pingala Nadis and carried to the brain, where the Prana is transformed into the Positive Life Essence, which is the energy required by the positive pole of the generative system. Thus we see that properly increased breathing through the right nostril will gradually increase the Positive Life Essence, which is the force that gives life and activity to the Mental Body.

When these two forces are properly combined in the Sacral Plexus, the Kundalini, which is inactive or "asleep" in the Sacral Plexus, is caused to rise in the Sushunna Nadis. The blending and transformation of the positive and negative Life Essence which takes place in the Sacral Plexus produces the specific form of Kundalini that is required for spiritual growth and development. Thus we see that properly increased breathing through both nostrils will gradually increase the release of Kundalini, which is the force that gives life and activity to the Spiritual Expression Body. 

This will give you some idea of the great value that can be derived from correct breathing. All types of nervousness can be overcome by bringing the body forces into normal balance through the development of self-control and proper breathing. Normally a person breathes through one nostril for about an hour, and then through the other for about an hour. Few people have noticed this fact, but you can check yourself at different hours of the day, and if you are normal you will find that when you close one nostril and then the other, one will seem to be somewhat closed, while the air passes through the other one freely. If you find that one of your nostrils is closed constantly, so that all of your breathing is done through only one nostril, you should take steps to correct the condition. 

In cases where disturbance is the result of excessive appetite in food, drink, or sex, it is usually best to increase the breathing through the left nostril. When disturbance results from excessive emotion, such as fear, anger, hate, and so on, it is usually best to increase the breathing through the right nostril. In either case the excess must be brought under control if the breathing process is to have worthwhile results. 

The Breathing Exercise by which the Life Essence may be brought to a balance is as follows: Place the right hand on the face, palm toward the mouth, so that the thumb rests on the right side of the nose near the end of the nose. The index finger is then placed on the left side of the nose, opposite the thumb.  In this position you can close either nostril, or both, at will.  As it is very important that all breathing exercises be done rhythmically, it is well to keep time with the left hand, making note of the count during inhalation and exhalation by opening or closing the fingers. Next, close one nostril, leaving open the right nostril if you want to increase the positive phase of your nature, or the left nostril if you want to increase the negative phase. Inhale, then, on the count of six, hold the breath for a count of three, and exhale through the opposite nostril for the count of six; then hold both nostrils closed for the count of three and repeat. This exercise must always be followed by the development exercise which is given below. 

In all breathing exercises begin with three to five minutes for the exercise, and increase the time as you feel you can. Always stop when you begin to feel dizzy, and resume the exercise at another time. Regular periods for the exercise should be arranged—two or three times a day—and the exercises should be followed at the set times no matter what else has to go undone. Spasmodic exercise will not get the results you want. Begin on the count of six for inhalations and exhalations, and three for holding at the beginning and end of the breath. Then gradually increase the count to eight and four, and ten and five. 

The first development exercise is as follows: Sit or stand, facing the east if possible, and use the hands as instructed in the exercise outlined above. Close the right nostril for inhalations and the left for exhalations during three breaths, then reverse the process, closing the left nostril for inhalations and the right for exhalations during three breaths. Alternate in this manner until you have used each nostril nine times for the three breaths. This makes twenty-seven breaths for each nostril, or fifty-four breaths for both nostrils. At first you may become dizzy before you have completed the full exercise, and if you do, stop until your next exercise period. Use the count of six and three until you can go through the full exercise without any trouble, and then start using the count of eight and four in the same manner. 

It is very important that you breathe rhythmically during these exercises, and that you watch your usual breathing to increase the rhythmic flow of the breath at all times. All nature works in rhythm, and the more you increase the rhythm in your breathing, in your walking, and in all of your actions, the closer will be the harmony between yourself and nature. When you begin to get the feel of the rhythmic life, you will wonder how you ever managed to live in the old spasmodic way. You will find that your whole life takes on added force, and you will always have plenty of reserve energy to meet every need. Avoid hurry, for haste breaks the harmony of rhythm that you are trying to establish between yourself and nature. Be serene and sure of yourself in every thought, word and deed and you will find that a dynamic charm will radiate from you always. Things that have seemed difficult to you will be accomplished with ease, and things that have been impossible to you will become possible. 

After practice you will find that you will automatically breathe in the way that will help most in whatever you want to do. For instance, if you want to get the most possible out of anything you read for self-development, or from a class or lecture which you may attend, make yourself receptive by breathing mainly through the left nostril. If you are to deliver a lecture, teach a class, approach any person on a business proposition in which you wish to control the outcome, or in any other instance where you should be dynamically forceful, be sure to breathe mainly through the right nostril. 

You increase the dynamic driving force of your nature by breathing through the right nostril. You increase the receptive, attractive charm of your nature by breathing through the left nostril. This gives you a basic idea of the manner in which you can best use your ability to increase either the positive or negative phase of your nature at will. A wonderful power has been placed within your reach, to do with as you will—increased power brings increased responsibility. If such power is used unselfishly in service for others, the reward is great. But a warning must be given here. He who develops this power intending to use it for selfish purposes will find that he himself will pay a terrible penalty. If this power is developed with good intentions and is later used to harm another, the power will automatically be taken from him, and swift destruction will be the result. 

Spiritual powers, such as have been placed within your reach by the teachings herein given, must be dedicated to good uses if you would attain that "Joy unspeakable, and full of glory" and the "Peace which passeth all understanding." Also, remember that the mere reading of these words will do you no good unless you use the principles outlined. The results depend entirely upon yourself. "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

© emissaries of divine light