VRIL/PART 8
LESSON VIII
VRIL AND THE BREATH
OCCULTISTS in ancient and modern times have
bestowed great attention upon the matter of the influence of the breath upon psychic
power and physical well-being. Under various theories they have laid down
complex rules and announced fantastic methods of breathing for the purpose of
increasing one's vitality, physical energy, and psychic power. As is nearly
always the case, we find here an example of the bit of truth surrounded by the
mass of rubbish -the centre of fact surrounded by the fringe of superstition.
Let us consider the matter in the spirit of fairness and understanding, but
with the sole purpose of discovering the core of truth and exposing the error
with which it is surrounded.
In the first place physiology teaches that
correct and normal habits of breathing are necessary to perfect health, and
tend to restore health to those who have lost it. It is an elementary truth of
physiology that the quality of the blood depends largely upon correct habits of
breathing. Unless the blood be properly oxygenated, the waste matter of the
system is not properly consumed, the result being that the system is dogged and
poisoned by broken down tissue and other debris. Moreover, in such case the
cells of the body suffer from the lack of a sufficient amount of oxygen which
under normal conditions they receive from the blood. Again the processes of
digestion depend to a certain extent upon the presence of oxygen in the blood,
and an absence of oxygen reacts materially upon the digestion and assimilation
of food, and consequently upon the welfare of the entire system. Not only this,
but the nervous system, also, and even the brain, depend upon the condition of
the blood for the nourishment and stimulus which is necessary in their
processes. In short, unless the blood be sufficiently oxygenated, the entire
system suffers and is unable to function normally and naturally. And, as the
oxygenation of the blood is accomplished only by correct habits of breathing,
it is seen that the whole system is dependent upon proper breathing. The
natural man breathes properly by reason of his habits of life, but the man of
our complex and artificial civilization has lost the natural method, and few
men or women breathe as nature intended they should. So much for the
physiological aspect of the question. In addition to the physiological side of
the case, as above stated, there is also the side which ordinary physiology
ignores, but which is of equal importance to the more familiar side -the phase
of breath which is concerned with the absorption of Vril. We have seen that the
natural man absorbs sufficient Vril in his ordinary breathing, without knowing
anything about the matter -his instinctive mentality regulates the matter, and
co-ordinates the work of breathing for oxygen and breathing for Vril, to such a
nicety of degree that a perfect harmony exists, and the observer may fail to
even notice the existence of the dual function because of the perfect unity
thereof. But the civilized man of the nervous strain and unnatural rush of life
in the large cities, not only does not receive the normal amount of oxygen, but
also fails to absorb the normal amount of Vril. This is especially deplorable
by reason of the fact that while absorbing much less than the normal amount of
Vril, he uses and wastes much more than the normal amount. With such a man it
is indeed a burning of the candle at both ends, and the result is seen in the
nervous wrecks and shattered constitutions that are evident on all sides.
It will be seen by the student that before we can
consider the special methods of absorbing VriI by breathing, we must first take
up the matter of the establishment of natural, normal methods of breathing,
which will not only result in one absorbing the normal amount of Vril but will at the same time give him the
proper amount of oxygen as indicated by the authorities of physiology. So, in
indicating the normal natural process of breathing, we not only aid the student
in increasing his Vril supply, but at the same time establish him in habits
which must result in an improvement of his general health and state of physical
well-being. This is as it should be, for the various phases of the physical
being are more or less interdependent, and harmony between them is always
desirable.
To many, the idea of instructing the race in
correct habits of breathing may seem ridiculous. And so would it be if the race
lived normally and naturally. The animal needs no instruction in breathing,
neither does the barbarian unspoiled by contact with civilization, the infant
born under desirable conditions, or the young child properly reared -at least
before it makes the acquaintance of the school-desk. But when it is remembered
that physiology informs us that the great majority of civilized persons breathe
incorrectly and contrary to nature's evident plan, then we think it may be
admitted that instruction along these lines is not unreasonable or unnecessary.
Physiology informs us that there are three
general forms of breathing practiced by the race of men, which forms are known
by the following names, viz.: (I) CIavicular Breathing; (2) Intercostal
Breathing; (3) Abdominal Breathing. The distinctive features of each are
described as follows:
CLAVICULAR BREATHING. This form of breathing is
also termed "Collar-bone breath-ing." It is the form of breathing
common to many persons, particularly women, and is considered by the best
authorities to be the very worst form of breathing known to the race. It necessitates
the expenditure of the greatest amount of effort with the least return -a
maximum of energy with a minimum of result. It is held accountable for many
diseases of the lungs and throat. Persons practising it habitually, often have
harsh, discordant voices. It is found frequently in connection with
"mouth-breathing." In this form of breathing the person raises the
collar-bone and shoulders, and pulls up the ribs, at the same time drawing in
the abdomen. This movement allows only the upper part of the chest to be
inflated and only the upper part of the lungs to be filled. But a small
quantity of air is admitted to the lungs, as only the upper and smaller portion
of the lungs is employed. One may easily convince himself of the folly and
inefficacy of this form of breathing, by trying the experiment of raising his
shoulders and endeavoring to take a full breath. Then let him drop the
shoulders and take a full natural breath, and notice the difference. This
experiment is the best possible argument against this injurious method of
breathing which is too often habitual with men and women who work over desks,
sewing-machines and type-writers.
INTERCOSTAL BREATHING. This form of breathing is
also sometimes called “rib breathing." It is a compromise, at the best.
While an improvement over clavicular breathing, it is inferior to
"abdominal breathing," and far below the standard of the "full
breath." In it the upper ribs are inflated, the abdomen drawn in and the
diaphragm pushed upward. It employs the middle part of the chest and lungs,
neglecting the lower and upper. It is a favorite method of breathing with many
men. Women seldom practise intercostal breathing but pass on to the clavicular
breathing mentioned above. It is only a half-way method at the best.
ABDOMINAL BREATHING. This form of breathing is
often referred to as " deep breathing," or "diaphragmatic
breathing." It has been highly recommended by a number of eminent
authorities of late years, and many of the health magazines have made a leading
feature of it. Systems and methods of teaching it have been widely advertised,
and large prices have been often obtained for a little simple instruction
decorated with frills, and dressed up with fancy titles and terms. The
principle of abdominal breathing is, however, really quite simple, and its
benefits will repay the student who acquaints himself with it and practises it
until he has fully mastered it. But we feel that it is but a part of a larger
method known as the “full breath,"
which we shall describe a little further on.
To understand abdominal breathing we must first
acquaint ourselves with that wonderful piece of physical mechanism known as the
"diaphragm." The diaphragm is defined as: "an inspiratory
muscle, and the sole agent in tranquil respiration. It is the muscular septum
between the thorax and the adbomen. It assists the abdominal muscles powerfully
in expulsion, each act of that kind being accompanied or preceded by a deep
inspiration. It also comes into play in hiccough and sobbing, laughing and
crying." In simple terms, the diaphragm is a strong plate-shaped muscle
which divides the chest and its contents from the abdomen and its contents. At
rest, it is arched upward in the centre, like the inside of an inverted bowl,
the" sky," or as an arched dome appears to us from below. Viewed from
the chest the upper side or surface of the diaphagm would seem like the round
top of a man's Derby hat, or the rounded top of a hill. In normal breathing,
the diaphragm is flatened out by the arched dome pressing down-ward. This movement
causes the diaphragm to bear downward on the contents of the abdomen, and the
abdomen is pressed outward in front and at the sides. This movement occurs in
abdominal breathing.
In abdominal breathing, the lower part of the
lungs is filled, the diaphragm is pressed down and the abdomen is pressed out
in front and at the sides, as above described. It is difficult to correctly
describe the exact motions of abdominal breathing, but the student may acquire
the same by practice, using the above description as a basis. By "bearing
down" on the abdomen by lowering the diaphragm and pressing out the
abdominal muscles, the lower lungs are given space and free movement, and the
deep breath is instinctively in-haled. A little practice will enable anyone to
demonstrate this for 'himself or herself, much better than by reading pages of
printed instruction.
FULL BREATHING. The best authorities agree that
the best possible form of breathing is that which is based on abdominal
breathing, but which also includes the filling of the middle and upper part of
the lungs as well. By what may seem to be a striking coincidence, it is noted
that this particular form of breathing is that which was taught by the ancient
Arcane teachers to their students as a means of increasing the absorption of
Vril. But the coincidence is quite a natural one and it would be indeed strange
had it not occurred. For this "full breathing" method is the true,
natural, normal method of breathing which natural man instinctively employs. It
not only fills every part of the lungs, and exercises every part of the chest
-not only secures the greatest possible amount of oxygen and Vril- but also
obtains the greatest returns from the least comparative effort. It is an
example of the universal economy of nature -just as marked as is the economy of
the form of the wax cell of the bee's honeycomb.
In full breathing, all of the respiratory muscles
are called into play; the entire area of the lungs is used; the entire
machinery of the respiratory organism is exercised, strengthened and developed.
There is every evidence that this, and this alone, is nature's normal method of
breathing. Moreover, it is known that the hardiest races of men have practiced
this form of breathing. We know this from the modern instances, and because the
statuary of ancient Greece shows that muscular development of the abdomen and
chest which comes only from this form of breathing. It is first word of nature
to man regarding breathing -it is the last word of science to man on the same
subject. It is the best natural method -it is the best scientific method.
Full breathing is not an artificial system or
method of breathing but is rather a return to natural normal methods and
habits. But, nevertheless, it will require some practice on the part of many
students hereof, by reason of the fact that they have lost their natural
instinct in the matter, and are under the dominion of the the “second
nature" of false habit. Before the instinctive habit may be resumed, the
effect of the false habit must be overcome, and this usually takes time. The
best, and indeed almost the only way of counteracting and defeating any
objectionable habit, is to practice its opposite -and this rule applies here
with great force. The only way to get rid of the old habit is to practice the
new. And the only way to acquire the new is to practice it. So, from both
angles, the importance of practice is seen.
EXERCISE: The following exercise will serve to
develop the full breath, if conscientiously practiced.
(I) Standing erect, or sitting in a natural
position, inhale slowly through the nostrils, and according to the method of “abdominal
breathing" fill the lower lungs, press down the diaphragm, and push out
the abdomen in front and at the sides; then in a continuous effort (2) fill the
middle part of the chest and lungs, as in intercostal breathing, pressing
outward the mid-ribs, breast-bone and chest; then in the same continuous effort
(3) fill the upper portion of the lungs, as in clavicular breathing, lifting
the upper portion of the chest, slightly raising the collar-bone, slightly
drawing the abdomen and thus raising the diaphragm, as heretofore explained.
It will be noticed that this method of "full
breathing" is really a combination of the three forms of breathing
previously described, beginning with the abdominal, proceeding to the
intercostal, and finishing with the clavicular method. But the student is cautioned
against proceeding as if there were three distinct and separated stages of the
process. There is but one continuous process, rising gradually from the lower
part of the lungs to the middle portion, and then to the upper portion. A
uniform continuous muscular movement is effected, the several regions being
called into action in a rising sequence. All disconnected, spasmodic, jerky
motion should be avoided. A little practice will result in the acquirement of
the continuous inhalation. The inhaled air should be retained for a moment, and
then exhaled naturally and easily. No attempt should be made to unduly retain
the breath, as is taught by some schools of breathing. There is nothing to be
gained by the retention in the lungs of stale, exhausted air; besides which,
there is always more or less of strain in this forced retention, as the whole
process is unnatural. In natural normal breathing there is no sense of strain
or effort, when once the habit is acquired, or rather re-acquired. The infant
or young child manifests no effort or strain in breathing, and neither should
the adult.
Some teachers announce a variety of methods of
breathing, which upon examination are found for the most part to consist of
fantastic and fanciful processes, designed evidently to impress the student
with the novelty, and presumably great virtue, of these newly invented methods.
There is only one safe and sane rule, and that is to go back to nature.
The “full breath" is nature's own method. If you doubt this, watch the
motions of a sleeping, healthy child, or sturdy infant.
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