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Hatha Yoga: The Yogi Philosophy of Physical Well-Being1812
tongue, masticating it and allowing it to dissolve slowly and be swallowed
almost unconsciously. Fletcher holds that while there remains a particle of
taste in the food, nourishment is there to be extracted, and we believe this
to be strictly correct. But we hold that there is that other sensation which,
when we allow it to manifest itself, gives us a certain satisfaction in the nonswallowing,
and which sensation continues until all, or nearly all, the foodprana
is extracted from the food. You will notice if you follow the Yogi plan
of eating (even partially) that you will be loath to part with the food, and
that, instead of bolting it at once, you will allow it to gradually melt away in
the mouth until suddenly you realize that it is all gone. And this sensation
is experienced from the plainest kinds of food, which do not appeal
particularly to the taste, as well as to those foods which are special favorites
of your particular taste.
To describe this sensation is almost impossible, for we have no English
words coined for it, as its existence has not been fully recognized by the
Western races. The best we can do is to compare it by other sensations at the
risk of being accused of presenting a ridiculous comparison or illustration.
Here is what we mean: You know the sensation which one sometimes feels
when in the presence of a highly “magnetic” person—that indescribable
feeling of the absorption of strength or “vitality.” Some people have so much
Prana in their system that they are continually “running over” and giving it
out to others, the result being that other persons like to be in their company,
and dislike to leave it, being almost unable to tear themselves away. This
is one instance. Another is the sensation which one obtains from being
close to another whom one loves. In this case there is an interchange of
“magnetism” (thought charged with Prana), which is quite exhilarating. A kiss
from the loved one is so filled with “magnetism” that it thrills one from head
to toe. This gives an imperfect illustration of what we are trying to describe.
The pleasure that one obtains from proper and normal eating, is not alone
a matter of taste, but is largely derived from that peculiar sensation of the
absorption of “magnetism” or Prana, which is very much akin to the examples