are beginning to have their effect even in the Orient, and teachings
which were once given only to the few are now freely offered to any
who are ready to receive them. The East and the West are growing
closer together, and both are profiting by the close contact, each
influencing the other.

The Hindu Yogis have always paid great attention to the Science of
Breath, for reasons which will be apparent to the student who reads
this book. Many Western writers have touched upon this phase of the
Yogi teachings, but we believe that it has been reserved for the
writer of this work to give to the Western student, in concise form
and simple language, the underlying principles of the Yogi Science of
Breath, together with many of the favorite Yogi breathing exercises
and methods. We have given the Western idea as well as the Oriental,
showing how one dovetails into the other. We have used the ordinary
English terms, almost entirely, avoiding the Sanscrit terms, so
confusing to the average Western reader.

The first part of the book is devoted to the physical phase of the
Science of Breath; then the psychic and mental sides are considered,
and finally the spiritual side is touched upon.

We may be pardoned if we express ourselves as pleased with our success
in condensing so much Yogi lore into so few pages, and by the use of
words and terms which may be understood by anyone. Our only fear is
that its very simplicity may cause some to pass it by as unworthy of
attention, while they pass on their way searching for something
"deep," mysterious and non-understandable. However, the Western mind
is eminently practical, and we know that it is only a question of a
short time before it will recognize the practicability of this work.

We greet our students, with our most profound salaam, and bid them be
seated for their first lessons in the Yogi Science of Breath.

CHAPTER II.

"BREATH IS LIFE."

Life is absolutely dependent upon the act of breathing. "Breath is
Life."

Differ as they may upon details of theory and terminology, the
Oriental and the Occidental agree upon these fundamental principles.

To breathe is to live, and without breath there is no life. Not only
are the higher animals dependent upon breath for life and health, but
even the lower forms of animal life must breathe to live, and plant
life is likewise dependent upon the air for continued existence.

The infant draws in a long, deep breath, retains it