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A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga572
would be thought of a man who objected to acquiring a keen eyesight, for
fear it would lead him away from higher things, by reason of his becoming
attached to the beautiful things he might see. To realize the folly of this
idea, one may look at its logical conclusion, which would be that one would
then be much better off if all their senses were destroyed. The absurdity,
not to say wickedness, of such an idea will be apparent to everyone, after a
minute’s consideration.
The secret of the Yogi theory and teachings regarding the development of
the Mental powers, lies in the word “Mastery.” The Yoga student accomplishes
and attains this mastery in two ways. The first way is by subordinating all
the feelings, sense-impressions, etc., to the Mastery of the “I,” or Will, the
Mastery being obtained in this way by the assertion of the dominancy of
the “I” over the faculties and emotions, etc. The second step, or way, lies
in the Yogi, once having asserted the mastery, beginning to develop and
perfect the Mental instrument, so as to get better work and returns from
it. In this way he increases his kingdom and is Master over a much larger
territory.
In order for one to gain knowledge, it is necessary to use to the best
advantage the mental instruments and tools that he finds at his disposal.
And again, one must develop and improve such tools—put a keen edge
upon them, etc. Not only does one gain a great benefit from a development
of the faculties of perception, but he also acquires an additional benefit
from the training of the whole mind arising from the mental discipline and
training resulting from the former exercises, etc. In our previous lessons
we have pointed out some of the means by which these faculties might be
greatly improved, and their efficiency increased. In this lesson we shall point
out certain directions in which the Perceptive faculties may be trained. We
trust that the simplicity of the idea may not cause any of our students to lose
interest in the work. If they only knew just what such development would lead
to they would gladly follow our suggestions in the matter. Every one of the
ideas and exercises given by us are intended to lead up to the strengthening