to extract a greater supply, which is stored away in the brain and
nerve centers, to be used when necessary. We may store away prana,
just as the storage battery stores away electricity. The many powers
attributed to advanced occultists is due largely to their knowledge of
this fact and their intelligent use of this stored-up energy. The
Yogis know that by certain forms of breathing they establish certain
relations with the supply of prana and may draw on the same for what
they require. Not only do they strengthen all parts of their body in
this way, but the brain itself may receive increased energy from the
same source, and latent faculties be developed and psychic powers
attained. One who has mastered the science of storing away prana,
either consciously or unconsciously, often radiates vitality and
strength which is felt by those coming in contact with him, and such a
person may impart this strength to others, and give them increased
vitality and health. What is called "magnetic healing" is performed in
this way, although many practitioners are not aware of the source of
their power.

Western scientists have been dimly aware of this great principle with
which the air is charged, but finding that they could find no chemical
trace of it, or make it register an any of their instruments, they
have generally treated the Oriental theory with disdain. They could
not explain this principle, and so denied it. They seem, however, to
recognize that the air in certain places possesses a greater amount of
"something" and sick people are directed by their physicians to seek
such places in hopes of regaining, lost health.

The oxygen in the air is appropriated by the blood and is made use of
by the circulatory system. The prana in the air is appropriated by the
nervous system, and is used in its work. And as the oxygenated blood
is carried to all parts of the system, building up and replenishing,
so is the prana carried to all parts of the nervous system, adding
strength and vitality. If we think of prana as being the active
principle of what we call "vitality," we will be able to form a much
clearer idea of what an important part it plays in our lives. Just as
is the oxygen in the blood used up by the wants of the system, so the
supply of prana taken up by the nervous system is exhausted by our
thinking, willing, acting, etc., and in consequence constant
replenishing is necessary. Every thought, every act, every effort of
the