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Advanced Course in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism450
but here, note the difference, the Yogis teach that Prana is a grosser form
of Mind, and is expressed by the Absolute through Mind, and may be
withdrawn eventually in the same way. But in the general consideration of
the subject, the Western theory may be accepted as a reasonable “working
hypothesis.”
Western science teaches that “there can be no Matter without Energy—
and no Energy without Matter.” The Yogi Philosophy agrees that Matter
without Energy is inconceivable, but that there is such a thing as Energy
without Matter, for there was Energy or Prana before there was Matter or
Akasa, although in that case there was merely the real principle of Energy,
latent and not manifested in Motion, which is far from being the same as
that something caused by the play of Energy upon Matter, which we call
Motion or Force. One was non-acting, while the other is manifest action.
As we sense the Universe, however, there is no matter without Energy, and
no Energy not manifested in and through Matter. So, in this case also, the
Western theory may be accepted by the student as a “working hypothesis,”
although he must not lose sight of the real teaching.
We have spoken of Prana, or rather, of that form of Prana known as Vital
Energy, etc., in our little manual “Science of Breath,” and in some of our
“Fourteen Lessons,” and in “Hatha Yoga.” In our next series of lessons, which will
be on the subject of “Raja Yoga,” we will take up many important questions
regarding Prana in its other forms (that is, apart from Vital Force, etc.) and its
control by the Mind and Will. The student may see, from what we have said,
that Prana being a grosser manifestation than Chitta or Mind-substance, and,
in fact, a projection or form of same, that one who understands the laws and
principles of the matter may exercise a great control over Prana through
the Mind, under the direction of the Will. This subject comes under the
head of “Raja Yoga” and will be considered in our treatment of that subject
in our next lessons as above stated. We cannot dwell upon the matter at
this point, but in order that you may form a general idea of it, we may say
that the positive can always control the negative. Chitta stands to Prana in