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The Fourth Lesson: Mental Control.543
they do not realize the source of their power. Anyone who is familiar with
the personal mental characteristics of Edison, will see that he follows some
of the Raja Yoga methods, and that Concentration is one of his strongest
weapons. And from all reports, Prof. Elmer Gates, of Washington, D. C.,
whose mind has unfolded many wonderful discoveries and inventions, is
also a practical Yogi although he may repudiate the assertion vigorously, and
may not have familiarized himself with the principles of this science, which
he has “dropped into” unconsciously. Those who have reported upon Prof.
Gates’ methods, say that he fairly “digs out” the inventions and discoveries
from his mind, after going into seclusion and practicing concentration, and
what is known as the Mental Vision.
But we have given you enough of theory for one lesson, and must begin
to give you directions whereby you may aid yourself in developing these
latent powers and unfolding these dormant energies. You will notice that in
this series we first tell you something about the theory, and then proceed
to give you “something to do.” This is the true Yogi method as followed and
practiced by their best teachers. Too much theory is tiresome, and sings
the mind to sleep, while too much exercise tires one, and does not give the
inquiring part of his mind the necessary food. To combine both in suitable
proportions is the better plan, and one that we aim to follow.
Mental Drill and Exercises.
Before we can get the mind to do good work for us, we must first “tame”
it, and bring it to obedience to the Will of the “I.” The mind, as a rule, has
been allowed to run wild, and follow its own sweet will and desires, without
regard to anything else. Like a spoiled child or badly trained domestic animal,
it gets into much trouble, and is of very little pleasure, comfort or use. The
minds of many of us are like menageries of wild animals, each pursuing the
bent of its own nature, and going its own way. We have the whole menagerie
within us—the tiger, the ape, the peacock, the ass, the goose, the sheep,
the hyena, and all the rest. And we have been letting these animals rule us.