. But what the soul's gymnastics are is our
secret. What is it that gives to the sailor the sight of an eagle, that
endows the acrobat with the skill of a monkey, and the wrestler with
muscles of iron? Practice and habit. Then why should not we suppose
the same possibilities in the soul of the man as well as in his body?
Perhaps on the grounds of modern science--which either dispenses with
the soul altogether, or does not acknowledge in it a life distinct from
the life of the body...."

"Please do not speak in this way, Takur. You, at least, ought to know
that I believe in the soul and in its immortality!"

"We believe in the immortality of spirit, not of soul, following the
triple division of body, soul and spirit. However, this has nothing to
do with the present discussion.... And so you agree to the proposition
that every dormant possibility of the soul may be led to perfected
strength and activity by practice, and also that if not properly used it
may grow numb and even disappear altogether. Nature is so zealous
that all her gifts should be used properly, that it is in our power to
develop or to kill in our descendants any physical or mental gift. A
systematic training or a total disregard will accomplish both in the
lifetime of a few generations."

"Perfectly true; but that does not explain to me the secret charm of
your melodies...."

"These are details and particulars. Why should I dwell on them when you
must see for yourself that my reasoning gives you the clue, which will
solve many similar problems? Centuries have accustomed the ear of
a Hindu to be receptive only of certain combinations of atmospheric
vibrations; whereas the ear of a European is used to perfectly different
combinations. Hence the soul of the former will be enraptured where the
soul of the latter will be perfectly indifferent. I hope my explanation
has been simple and clear, and I might have ended it here were it not
that I am anxious to give you something better than the feeling of
satisfied curiosity. As yet I have solved only the physiological aspect
of the secret, which is as easily admitted as the fact that we Hindus
eat by the handful spices which would give you inflammation of the
intestines if you happened to swallow a single grain. Our aural nerves,
which, at the beginning, were identical with yours, have been changed
through different training, and became as distinct from yours as our
complexion and our stomachs. Add to this that