the Equinox - The Hermetic Library

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING
power of assimilating oneself with an atom). (2) Mahima (the
power of expanding oneself into space). (3) Laghima (the
power of reducing gravitation). (4) Garima (the power of
increasing gravitation). (5) Prapti (the power of instantaneous
travelling). (6) Prakamya (the power of instantaneous realization).
(7) Isatva (the power of creating). (8) Vastiva (the power
of commanding and of being obeyed).*
The Prâna.
We now come to the next great series of exercises, namely
those which control the Prâna (breath); and it is with these
exercises that we arrive at that point where Hatha Yoga
merges into Raja Yoga, and the complete control of the
physical forces gives place to that of the mental ones.
Besides being able by the means of Prânâyâma to control
the breath, the Yogi maintains that he can also control the
Omnipresent Manifesting Power out of which all energies
arise, whether appertaining to magnetism, electricity,
gravitation, nerve currents or thought vibrations, in fact the
total forces of the Universe physical and mental.
Prâna, under one of its many forms† may be in either a
static, dynamic, kinetic or potential state, but, notwithstanding
the form it assumes, it remains Prâna, that is in common
language the “will to work” within the Akâsa, from which it
evolves the Universe which appeals to our senses.
The control of this World Soul, this “will to work” is
young, old or even very old, sickly or weak. Siddhis are not obtained by
wearing the dress of a Yogi, or by talking about them; untiring practice is
the secret of success” (“Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” p. 25).
* For further powers see Flagg’s “Transformation or Yoga,” pp. 169, 181.
† Such as: Apana, Samana, Udana, Vyana, Haga, Kurma, Vrikodara, Devadatta,
Dhanajaya, etc., etc.
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