Raja-Yoga

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56 RAJA YOGA.
line. You will find that by a little practice
this will
come to you just as breathing. The second thing
is
to get control of the nerves. We have seen that the
nerve centre that controls the respiratory organs, has
a sort of controlling effect on the other nerves, and
rhythmical breathing is therefore necessary. The
breathing that we generally use should not be called
breathing at all. It is very irregular. Then there are
some natural differences of breathing between men
and women.
The first lesson is just to breathe in a measured way,
in and out. That will harmonise the system. When
you have practised this for some time you will do well
to join the repetition of some word to it,
as
Om,"
or
any other sacred word, and let the word flow in and
out with the breath, rhythmically, harmoniously, and
you will find the whole body is becoming rhythmical.
Then you will learn what rest is.
Sleep is not rest,
comparatively. Once this rest has come the most
tired nerves will be calmed down, and you will find
that you have never before really rested. In India we
use certain symbolical words instead of counting one,
two, three, four. That is why I advise you to join the
mental repetition of the Om" or other sacred word
to the Prdndydma.
The first effect of this practice will be that the face
will change; harsh lines will disappear; with this calm
thought calmness will come over the face. Next,
beautiful voice will come. I never saw a Yogi with a
croaking voice. These signs will come after a few