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Chapter XXIV: The Use of Physical Exercise.1917
woods, and they usually are, for they prefer mountainous country and keep
away from the plains and large cities so far as is possible), and over the hills.
But they also have a number of forms of mild exercise with which they vary
their hours of study and meditation. There is nothing especially novel or
new about their exercise, and they bear a very close resemblance to the
calisthenic exercises and Delsarte movements, in favor in the West. The
principal and important point of difference, however, lies in the fact that
they use the mind in connection with the bodily movements. Just as the
interest in the work, and the game, brings the mind into play, so does the
Yogi allow his exercise to call into operation his mind. He takes an interest in
the exercises, and by an effort of the will sends an increased flow of prana
to the part brought into motion. He thus obtains a multiplied benefit, and a
few minutes exercise do him as much good as would ten times that amount
of exercise, if performed in the usual indifferent, uninterested way.
This “knack” of sending the mind to the desired part is easily acquired. All
that is necessary is to accept as a fact the statement that it can be done, thus
doing away with all subconscious resistance occasioned by the doubting
mental attitude; then simply command the mind to send a supply of prana
to the part, and to increase the circulation there. The mind does this to a
certain extent, involuntarily, the moment that the attention is centered on a
part of the body, but the effect is greatly increased by the effort of the will.
Now, it is not necessary to contract the brows, clench the fist, or to make a
violent physical effort in order to operate the Will in this way. In fact, the
simplest way to accomplish the desired result is to confidently expect that
what you wish will happen. This “confident expectation” acts practically as
a strong and positive command of the Will—put it into operation and the
thing is accomplished.
For instance, if you wish to send an increased amount of Prana to the
forearm, and to increase the circulation to that part, thereby increasing the
nourishment, simply double the arm, and then gradually extend it, fastening
the gaze or attention upon the lower arm, and holding the thought of the