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Hatha Yoga: The Yogi Philosophy of Physical Well-Being1906
the nerves, is to cultivate a mental attitude of calm and repose. This may
be done, but it will be hard work at first; but you will be well repaid for
your trouble in the end. Mental poise and repose may be brought about
by the eradication of Worry and Anger. Of Course, Fear really underlies
both Worry and Anger, but as we are perhaps more familiar with the idea of
Worry and Anger as being elementary mental states, we will so treat them.
The Yogi trains himself from youth to eradicate or inhibit both of these
emotions, and the result is that after he has developed his full powers he
is absolutely serene and calm and presents the appearance of power and
strength. He creates the same impression that is conveyed by the mountain,
the sea, or other manifestations of restrained force. One in his presence
feels that here is indeed great strength and power in perfect repose. The
Yogi considers Anger an unworthy emotion, natural in the lower animals and
in savage man but totally out of place in the developed man. He considers
it a sort of temporary insanity and pities the man who loses his self-control
sufficiently to fly into a rage. He knows that nothing is accomplished by it,
and that it is a useless waste of energy and a positive injury to the brain and
nervous system, besides being a weakening element in one’s moral nature
and spiritual growth. This does not mean that the Yogi is a timid creature
without any “backbone.” On the contrary, he does not know the existence of
Fear, and his calmness is instinctively felt to be the indication of strength, not
weakness. Have you ever noticed that the men of the greatest strength are
almost invariably free from bluster and threats; they leave that for those who
are weak and wish to be thought strong. The Yogi also has eradicated Worry
from his mental condition. He has learned to know that it is a foolish waste
of energy, which results in no good and always works harm. He believes in
earnest thought when problems have to be solved, obstacles surmounted,
but he never descends to Worry. He regards Worry as waste energy and
motion, and also as being unworthy of a developed man. He knows his
own nature and powers too well to allow himself to worry. He has gradually