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The Fifth Lesson: Patanjali’s Yoga System.1217
We do not wish to appear as in any way hostile to this part of Patanjali’s
teachings, nor to be captious in our criticism of them, but, nevertheless we
feel that we should endeavour to point out what we consider the erroneous
part of the philosophy, that it may be distinguished from that part which
is undoubtedly good and helpful, so that the entire system may not be
condemned for certain of its parts. That it is in danger of such condemnation
is only too apparent to those who are familiar with the current trend of
occult thought and opinion, and who are in touch with the best channels
of thought along these lines at the present time. There is much that is very
good in Patanjali’s methods and system—particularly those portions of it in
which the control, mastery of and development of the Mind is concerned—
the methods by which the mind may be developed and shaped into a
perfect instrument of impression and expression, by the Self, or “I.” In our
work on “Raja Yoga” we have endeavoured to bring out these parts of
Patanjali’s teaching, combining them with the teaching of many eclectic
Hindu Yogis and blending them with some of the methods of the Western
schools of Occultism—but omitting the “abnormal” and “psychic” practices
and methods. In the same way we endeavoured to purify the system
of “Hatha Yoga,” which, strictly speaking, is the “Science of Physical Well-
Being,” but which many of the Yogins in India have prostituted by adding
certain abnormal and revolting physical methods and practices, including
the terrible excesses of ascetic self-torture, posture, etc., which are still
more reprehensible than even the lower forms of the false Raja Yoga as
favoured and practised by the Fakirs of India, posing as Yogis and Masters,
and imposing upon credulous Western travellers as the “real Yogis of India.”
These absurd claims, abnormal conditions, unnatural methods, and
Moon-phenomena of Psychism, have tended to bring about the steady lack
of philosophical interest in, and adherence to, the system on the part of
educated Hindus. Many have passed on to the Vedanta for these reasons;
and others, who do not favour the Vedanta have forsaken the school of
Patanjali for the Sankhya System of Kapila. In this connection we bid you