By Dr. B.

EDWIN
YOGA

This is a terse and practical ho\v-to rnanual on developn1ent of

psychic pc"l\\'ers. Although it is short. you \Von·t rush through it.
Indeed. another author n1ight have used this nu1nuscript as an
outline for a \\'Ork consistin1! of several volun1es.
~

Dr. Ed\vin·s treatise \vii) offer hope to a vast audience who

earnestly seek psychic expression but \\·ho have been frustrated
by surface interference and conscious physical sensations.
Yo!!a exercises are lirnited to a fe\v ,vhich \viii induce effec-
~

tive physical relaxation. Fron1 that stage easy steps lead through
subconscious conditioning. self-hypnosis. various levels of trance,
activation of Shakra centers and eventu~1ily expression through
the channels of clairvoyance. telepathy, psychor11etry~ psychic
creativity. or even the attainrnent of ecstasy or Yogic San1adhi.
Frorn a bibliography of 46 reference ,ources. Dr. Ed\a. in has
1

presented the essence of Yogic 1nind-conditioning in Western ter-

rninology. He has stripped away rnost of the Eastern esoteric
jargon ,vhich Western students find confusing and irrelevant to
the goals they seek.
-Ton1 C. Lyle
Fate

Citadel Press, Inc.

A .\·ubsidiar>· of Lyle Stuart , Inc.
i22 Park Avenue South
New York. N. Y. I 0003

ISBN 0-8065-0071-9
COVER DESIGN BY EDGAR BLAKENEY
 PREFACE

"The babv cried !

~

The ,,·orld into "·hich he had been exiled

,,·as uncon1fortable and cold. lie no longer
floated in the ,varmth of his mother's " romb
\\'ith its soft cushions of ,,·aters and its
heavenly maintenance.
The case of his parasitical existence had ended."

ifan's struggle ,,·ith his physical environment has, ,,,ith the

progress of chilisation, resulted in great strides fon,,ard. \Alith
his mental environn1ent, ho\\·cver, his battle has, if anything,
becon1e more difficult.
This failure to cope ,,,ith the mental environment has
resulted in the "·iclcsprcad appearance of the psychoneuroses.
Psychoneurosis (Neurosis) is not, as is popularly imagined,
confined to a fc,v odd people but there is no one ,•.rho does not
con1c ,vithin its influence at some tin1c or other. \\re have our
days of unaccountable dcpr~ion, periods of listlessness, head-
aches, n1inor lapses of memory and other inefficiencies as is so
ably demonstrated in Sigmund Freud's book Psychopathology
of Eueryday Li/e.
The psychoneuroses might not be recognised as such, but
people arc a\\,arc that there is something ,vrong, and that they
arc not functioning to their best advantage, and there is a

7
 l'RACTJC:f. or MIND CONTROi.

~• rong dl'~i1 c to ricl t hcrnsdvcs of the pernicious elfcc1s of the

p~y,·I1011c·11 re ,~c~.
'fl1t· !'-t·ard1 for a tncthod of sclf-bcttcnncnt is \'cry '"idc-
sprcacl. 1·his is evident by the large arnount of literature that
has been ,,·rith·r1 en this subject and the colossal sales of this
lypc of literal ure.
~Ioclcrn conventional Psychiatry does not appear to have
the ans,,·cr as yet, except possibly via the n1cthod of Psycho-
analysis. ·rhis trcatn1cnt, ho,vcvcr, is too expensive and pro-
longed for general use. In n1y search for a method of sclf-
i111pro\'cn1cnt and self-help, I thus tun1rcl to the unorthodox
literature. I studied Positive Thinking, Sclf-Bcttcn11cnt courses,
Sclf-J-Iypnosis, \ "oga, Christian Science and even Psychic
Phenomena, Psychic Heatings and Spiritualism, etc.
These ,,·idcly divergent systcr11s and doctrines all ha,·e one
irnportant featurc in con1mon. TIIEY ALL PRODUCE RES ULTS.
General health is improved, mental outlook is altered, mental
{cats arc recorded, illnesses are cured, etc., etc.
Psychologists and other thinkers attribute these results to
TIIE PO\\"F.R OF SUGGESTION. The study of hypnotism ,,·ell
dernonstratcs the remarkable cffeels of suggestion on the sub-
ject and this ,,·ill be discussed later in the book.

SUGGESTION

The beneficial results of pure suggestion are, in most cases,

of a temporary nature only.
I~ ORDER TO HARNESS THIS PO\VER OF SUGGESTION TO
PR00t 7CF. MAXIMU M RESULTS \VITH LASTING EFFECTS, THE
FOLLO\\"l~G FOUR FACTORS HAVE TO DE TAKEN INTO
CO!':SJDERATJ0:-.1 :

1. Strength of the 5uggestion.

 !?.Repetition of the suggestion.
3. l\1cntal state of the recipient.
4. The pcrn1ancnt crutch (self-rcinforccn1cnt).

1. Strengl h of I ht suggestion
(a) Certain individuals arc outstanding in their po\,·cr to
influence others. They inspire confidence ,vith their
force{ ul personalities '"·hich need not necessarily be of an
aggressive nature. Often their reputation alone suffices
to place their contacts into a suggestible state.
(b) \Vcll-\\Tittcn books may often ser\'e as po,,·crful sug-
gestions to their readers and thus by constantly reading
such books, people can be greatly influenced in their
outlook and behaviour.
(c) Religion and other ideologies and philosophies often
have a profound influence on th cir devotees and lead to
strong auto-suggestions.

2. Repetition of suggestions
Repeated suggestions can exert a strong influence on the
recipients. This principle is ingeniously utilised by con1mcrcial
radio progran1n1cs, ,vhich day in and day out, constantly
repeat the slogans of their sponsors.
"Positive Thinking" and other related systems depend on
repeated auto-suggestion for their results.
Hypnotists use the method of repeated suggestions to induce
the state of hypnosis.

3. Jfc,zlal stale of recipient

For suggestions to have maximum effcct, a favourable
mental attitude of the recipient is important. A credulous
attitude is desirable but not essential as long as he is at least in
a passive Jnental state.
 A sceptic is not easily influenced owing to his strongly
anta~onistic auto-suggestions.
I-lypnoti~ts attach great importance lo the n1cntal state of
the _subject ,a nd use \'arious strategics to secure a suggestible
!-iUbJCCt.
In the practice of Yoga, the mind is rendered "'ide open to
auto-suggest ions by the p~ive and relaxed mental state of the
Yogic trance. The great benefits of Yoga have been 1nore than
adequately proven to n1c by personal experience. Yoga, ho,v-
evcr, has been designed for the East and there is much in its
philosophy and practice ,vhich is not acceptable to the Wester-
ner. In this ,vork I have borro,vcd a great deal from the Yogis
and have presented this in a n1odcmiscd and, I hope, accept-
able Conn.

4. A pernlanent crutch (self-reinforcement)

No matter ho,v strong the suggestion, no matter ho,v often
it is given and no n1attcr ho"' suggestible the recipient be,
there is usually a tendency for its effccts to ,,·car off ,vith the
p~age of time. Doubts arise. Relatives and friends tend to
scoff at unu:;ual methods and results obtained by non-
orthodox means. Thus the individual is constantly subjected to
adverse suggestions ,vhich undermine the valuable positive
suggestions. E\'cn Jesus said after a healing, "Sec that you tell
no man."
THUS 1-·oR PROLONGED RESULTS, IT JS NECESSARY FOR THE
POSITIVE S UGGESTIO!'JS TO DF. PF.RIODICALLY REINFORCED.
1'·1 any people need some sort of mental crutch for use in
tiding them over life's trying periods. There is not ah\1ays the
psycho-analyst, the doctor or the minister on hand to supply
the mental boost, but the individual must be taught to handle
his O\\' n problcn1s.
 The Christian Scientists have been very succcssful in this
sphere. Their patients, once cured, usually adopt the religion
and its philosophy and arc taught ho,v to handle any nc,v
problems or illnesses as they arise before they can take a hold.
Self-hypnosis is a mctl1od ,vhcrcby the patient can derive
benefit from hypnosis ,vithout being dependent on a hypnotist.
Yoga, ,,·hich has much in common ,,,ith self-hypnosis, is also
a valuable crutch in maintaining good health and a peaccful
mind.

HOW DOES SUGGESTION PRODUCE ITS POTENT EFFECTS?

In Chapter 1 ,ve will attempt to demonstrate the strong

influence the subconscious mind has on the mind and body.
\Ve ,vill note ho,v this all-po,verful subconscious is yet
extremely amenable to suggestion and bearing this in mind, we
find that by applying the po\\'er of suggestion in the four ,vays
,ve have described above (i.e. strength, repetition, mental pre-
paration and reinforcement), ,,,c ,vill be able to control our
subconscious minds and harness its po\\·crs according to our
desires.
Apart from the power of suggestion, there appear to be l\vo
other sources of po,vcr ,vhich may play a part in healing and
mind control :

(a) Relig;un
It has been suggested that Divine and Faith Healing
is actually brought about by suggestion alone. This is
ho\\'cvcr strongly rejected by the devout ,vho are satis-
fied that they have enough evidence to demonstrate the
influence of Divine Po\\'er.
 (h) Psycl,ic Po1vcrs
Proponents of psychic phenomena believe that there is
a Psychic Po,,·cr en1anating from the subconscious mind
,,·hich is capable of producing spectacular effects.
These p05.5ible sources of po,ver ,vill be discussed in more
detail in the later chapters of this book.

As a result of my research, I have devised a method of

mind control which I have called Psvcno-vooA-being a com-
bination of Yoga ,,1ith modern psychology. Psycho-Yoga incor-
porates all the above systems and many others combining their
various techniques into a modified and simplified arrangement.
Regular practice of the Psycho-Yogic techniques ,vill lead
to both a healthy body and a healthy mind and will enable
you to attain control of your subconscious mind and to mould
your character, personality and temperament according to
your own desires.
There is a planned sequence to the arrangement of the
chapters in this book and the one chapter follo,vs naturally on
the previous one. It is advisable to treat this book as a course
and to study the chapters in the order in \\'hich they have
been arranged. Carry out as much as you arc able and do not
be disheartened if you come across any difficulties. As time
passes you will become more and more proficient and you will
surprise yourself.
If, ho,vever, you do not choose to follow the whole course,
benefit can still be derived from practising one or more
chapters of your choice.
It ,,,ill not be long before the benefits will begin to show
themselves and you ,vill find that Psycho-Yoga will give you
the peace of mind that is a natural consequence of personal
mind control.
 THEORY AND PLAN OF ACTION

Thtory of Mind Control

Man is a thinking animal. Yet ror all that, most of his actions
and thoughts arc executed automatically ,vithout conscious
cerebration. He reacts automatically to his environment, his
reactions depending upon his past experiences and the habits
derived therefrom.
One of my friends once offered to sho\V me how to knot a
tic by using the new Windsor knot. He put the tic around his
neck and carefully started to fold it explaining his technique
as he went along. In spite of the fact that he had daily used
this knot on his tie for many months, he "'as unable to sho,v
me how to execute it. In desperation he said to himself: "I
must not think ,vhile I make the knot." Easily and smoothly
he then proceeded to knot his tic into the perfect \Vindsor. He
was so used to relying on his subconscious habit that his
conscious mind had forgotten the technique.
This reliance on learnt habits is readily demonstrated in
our simple actions of everyday life. A man will walk through
a busy thoroughfare avoiding people, motor cars and other
obstacles ,vithout any conscious thought on the matter. He also
drives a car automatically without even thinking of the gears.
Similarly, but on a more complex level, ht., m~ntal response
to situations is also mainly automatic. Krishnamurti str~
this fact in his books. He states that man's reactions to situ-
 ations arc not determined by analysing these situations at that
time but depend on his habits, learning and previous up-
bringing. One man is a Christian and the other a Hindu. They
have not chosen their religion as a result of careful thought
and consideration but in most cases they have been born into
these sects and have automatically absorbed the ideas and
beliefs of their parents and as&>ciates.
Recently, ,,,hile perusing my daily newspaper with my eight-
year-old daughter reading over my shoulder, I expr~ed my
disappointment at another United States satellite rocket failing
to go into orbit. This was followed by the usual stream of
questions as only an eight-year-old can devise. I explained that
America and Russia were having a competition as to who
could shoot better rockets. "Who do we like?'' asked my
daughter. "America," I answered. "We don't like Ru~ia !"
declared my offspring ,vith such vehemence that I was some-
what taken aback. Herc was a small person who was no,v for
the first time entering into politics. She had never seen a
Russian. She had no idea where Russia is. Nor had she ever
read anything about Russia. She vaguely knew that there were
some people called Ru~ians whom she now regarded as the
personification of all evil. After all, what better authority could
she have had than that "her daddy told her so."
The mind of a child is extremely suggestible and is markedly
influenced by the ideas of the parents, teachers and other
adults.
Our sense of values have largely been derived from our
environment and the values of the type of civilisation we have
been born into. The Moslem woman ,vould not dare expn,c
her mouth and nose, ,vhile her American counterpart would
not hesitate to parade in public in the minutest bikini.
It follows naturally that as our behaviour depends on our
 learning and the habits acquired over the years, no two people
can develop identical personalities. This is so, as from the time
of birth each person meets a clifferent environment and has his
own problems to cope with. Even \\'hen the environment
appears to be similar, it cannot be so. Life's adventure is full
of changing incidents and the same incident can have a diffcr-
rnt cfTect depending on the state of mind and health of the
person at the time. Not even do two children in the same
family ha,,e the same environment. For example, the first born
is an only child for some time and is treated as such. The
second child is usually treated differently as the parents have
learnt much from the experiment of bringing up the first child.
The eldest child has a younger brother whereas the younger
child has an older brother, etc., etc.
Let us no,v consider in more scientific terms how this
habitual type of thinking originates and ho,v we can use this
information to our advantage:

The Consciow and Subconsciow Minds

Man appears to have two minds, the conscious mind and
the subconscious mind, the latter including Cor our purpose-
the unconscious mind. These two minds, in health, function
together in harmony, the one influencing the other and each
having its own functions to perform.
The conscious niind is also called the objective mind. By
using the five senses, it receives information from the imme-
diate surroundings. This infonnation · is interpreted and
analysed and correlated with knowledge previously acquired.
The resulting information is used to direct the body into the
appropriate motor action and is also referred do\\n to the
subconscious mind for storage for future use when needed.
Thus, over the years, the subconscious mind is continually
learning and the habits acquired over the years, no two people
can develop identical personalities. This is so, as Crom the time
of birth each person meets a different environment and has his
own problems to cope with. Even when the environment
appears to be similar, it cannot be so. Life's adventure is full
of changing incidents and the same incident can have a diffcr-
tnt cffect depending on the state of mind and health of the
person at the time. Not even do two children in the same
family have the same environment. For example, the first bom
is an only child for some time and is treated as such. The
second child is usually treated differcntly as the parents have
learnt much from the experiment of bringing up the first child.
The eldest child has a younger brother whereas the younger
child has an older brother, etc., etc.
Let us now consider in more scientific terms how this
habitual type of thinking originates and ho,v we can use this
information to our advantage :

The Conscious and Subconsciow Minds

Man appears to have two minds, the conscious mind and
the subconscious mind, the latter including for our purpose-
the unconscious mind. These two minds, in health, function
together in harmony, the one influencing the other and each
having its own functions to perform.
The conscious mind is also called the objective mind. By
using the five senses, it receives information from the imme-
diate surroundings. This information · is interpreted and
analysed and correlated with knowledge previously acquired.
The resulting information is used to direct the body into the
appropriate motor action and is also referred do\\'D to the
subconscious mind for storage for future use when needed.
Thus, over the years, the subconscious mind is continually
rccch·ing n1on· and n1orc inforn1ation about the cnvironn1cnt
ancl the inl(•rprctations gi\"cn by the conscious n1ind. Gradually
the person finds that he no longer need analyse all inco1ning
sensations bcfon· acting upon them as, fron1 learning and
experience, he finds that the ans\vcrs arc readily available from
the subconscious n1incl. THUS HE WILL REACT AUTO)IATICALLY
TO HIS E~VIRONME~T \VITHOUT MUCH CONSCIOUS THOUGHT.
Have you c,·cr noticed t,\·o ,von1cn cngro~cd in a conversation
\\'hile auton1atically carrying out son1e bit of intricate sewing
or fancy knitting pattern?
The important point \\·hich arises here is that EACH PERSON
REACTS TO HIS EXVIRONMENT ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF
SUBCONSCIOUS ML~D HE HAS PREVIOUSLY FORMED. To put it
into 1nore scirntific language, each person coNomoNs his
subconscious mind and consequently reacts in a fixed ,vay to
his cnvironn1ent. If this conditioning is bad, there is a bad
result and a poor personality follows, and vice versa.
Four men arc at the scene of a street accident. One man
faints, the second nervously slinks away, the third goes into a
panic, whilst the fourth man calmly walks up to the injured
party and renders assistance. The accident is the same for all
four. It is only their reactions which differ. Each man sees the
exact same situation but reacts according to his past experi-
ence and learning-according to the conditioning of his
subconscious mind. As a result he has very little control over
his actions and emotions.
If we could consider each new situation carefully as it
arose and \\'Ork out the proper course of action quietly and
methodically, we would be 1~ likely to make so many mis-
takes or errors of judgment. Unfortunately it is not pomblc to
stop and consider every situation. before formulating· our course
of action. As soon as we have to think quickly, ESPECIALLY IF
rccch·ing n1on· and n1orc inforn1ation about the cnvironn1ent
and the int<'rprctations given by the conscious n1incl. Gradually
the person finds that he no longer need analyse all incoming
sensations before.' acting upon them as, f ron1 learning and
experience, he finds that the ans,vcrs arc readily available from
the subconscious n1incl. THUS HE WILL REACT AUTOMATICALLY
TO HIS E~VIRONMENT \VITHOUT MUCH CONSCIOUS THOUGHT.
Ha\'e you ever noticed t,vo ,vomen cngro~ed in a conversation
\\'hilc auton1atically carrying out some bit of intricate sewing
or fancy knitting pattern?
The important point ,,·hich arises here is that EACH PERSON
REACTS TO HIS ENVIRONMENT ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF
SUBCONSCIOUS MIND HE HAS PREVIOUSLY FORMED. To put it
into n1ore scientific language, each person CONDITIONS his
subconscious mind and consequently reacts in a fixed ,vay to
his en\'ironn1ent. If this conditioning is bad, there is a bad
result and a poor personality follo,vs, and vice versa.
Four men arc at the scene of a street accident. One man
faints, the ~ccond nervously slinks away, the third goes into a
panic, ,vhilst the fourth man calmly walks up to the injured
party and renders ~istance. The accident is the same for all
four. It is only their reactions which differ. Each man sees the
exact same situation but reacts according to his past experi-
ence and learning-according to the conditioning of his
subconscious mind. As a result he has very little control over
his actions and emotions.
If we could consider each new situation carefully as it
arose and \\'Ork out the proper course of action quietly and
methodically, ,vc ,vould be less likely to make so many mis-
takes or errors of judgment. Unfortunately it is not possible to
stop and consider every situation before formulating our course
of action. As soon as we have to think quickly, ESPECIALLY IF
THERE IS SOME EMOTION INVOLVED, we start to behave along
our old, and often defective patterns.
Our ,vholc personality and character is thus the result ol
conditioning of the subconscious mind.
THE IMPORTANT POINT (and the main message of this book)
JS THAT IT IS WITHIN OUR PO\VER TO ALTER THIS C01'~moN-
ING TO SUIT OURSELVES. WE HAVE ONLY TO DECIDE \VIIAT
CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY \VE WISH TO ADOPT AND WE
CAN ACHIEVE THIS; i.e. \Ve must recondition the sub-
conscious mind and change bad conditioned habits for good
ones.
T l,e Subconscious Alind is endo,ved ,vith great po,vcrs and
is in full control of the general unconscious \\·orking of the
body. It is the storehouse of n1en1orics, the scat of the emotions
and the origin of our creations, e.g. poets, artists, orators and
geniuses use mainly their subconscious minds to achieve their
results. It is believed by some that the subconscious mind also
has psychic po,\·ers such as extra sensory perception, thought
transference, clain,oyancc, etc.
Neverthel~ in spite of its capabilities and po,vcrs, the
subconscious mind is completely subservient to and under the
control of the conscious mind.
The conscious mind receives all incoming sensations and
analyses them before passing on the information to the sub-
conscious mind. It acts as a kind of censor. Thus the sub-
conscious mind is in the habit of accepting all information
received as being correct. Tl,e subconscious mind is conse-
quenll)' extremely suggestible.
If ,ve are given a black object and arc told it is red, the
conscious mind immediately recognises the object a., being
black and not red, and the information given to the sub-
conscious mind is that of black. This the subconscious mind
THERE IS SOME EMOTION INVOLVED, \\'e start to behave along
our old, and often defectivc patterns.
Our ,vhole personality and character is thus the result of
conditioning of the subconscious n1ind.
THE IMPORTANT POINT (and the n1ain meMage of this book)
IS THAT rr JS \\'ITHL'J OUR PO\VER TO ALTER THIS CONDITION•
ING TO SUIT OURSELVES. WE HAVE ONLY TO DECIDE \VIIAT
CHARACTER A.'iD PERSONALITY \VE \VJSJI TO ADOPT A.~D \VE
CAN ACHIEVE THIS; i.e. \V c must recondition the sub-
conscious mind and change bad conditioned habits for good
ones.
Tl,t Subconscious Alind is endowed with great po,vcrs and
is in full control of the general unconscious ,,·orking of the
body. It is the storehouse of n1cn1orics, the scat of the emotions
and the origin of our creations, e.g. poets, artists, orators and
geniuses use mainly their subconscious minds to achieve their
results. It is believed by some that the subconscious mind also
has psychic po,,·ers such as extra sensory perception, thought
transference, clairvoyance, etc.
Nevertheless in spite of its capabilities and po,vers, the
subconscious mind is completely subservient to and under the
control of the conscious mind.
The conscious mind receives all incoming sensations and
analyses them bcfore p~ng on the in(ormation to the sub-
conscious mind. It acts as a kind of censor. Thus the sub-
conscious mind is in the habit of accepting all information
received as being correct. Tl,e subconscious 1nind is conse-
quent1,, txlremtl)' su~gestible.
If \\'C are gi\'en a black object and arc told it is red, the
conscious mind immediately recognises the object as being
black and not red, and the information given to the sub-
conscious mind is that of black. This the subconscious mind
THERE IS SOME EMOTION INVOLVED, \\'e start to behave along
our old, and often defective patterns.
Our ,vhole personality and character is thus the result of
conditioning of the subconscious n1ind.
THE IMPORTA?t-.T POINT (and the n1ain message of this book)
IS THAT IT IS \VITHL'l OUR PO\VER TO ALTER THIS CO!\~moN-
ING TO SUIT OURSELVES. WE HAVE ONLY TO DECIDE \VIIAT
CHARACTER A.'iD PERSONALITY \VE \VISII TO ADOPT A.~D \VE
CAN ACHIEVE TH1s; i.e. \Ve must recondition the sub-
conscious mind and change bad conditioned habits for good
ones.
Tl,c Subconscious Alind is endo,vcd ,vith great po,vers and
is in full control of the general unconscious \\'Orking of the
body. It is the storehouse of mcn1orics, the scat of the emotions
and the origin of our creations, e.g. poets, artists, orators and
geniuses use mainly their subconscious minds to achieve their
results. It is believed by some that the subconscious mind also
has psychic po,,·ers such as extra sensory perception, thought
transference, clairvoyance, etc.
Nevertheless in spite of its capabilities and po,vers, the
subconscious mind is completely subservient to and under the
control of the conscious mind.
The conscious mind receives all incoming sensations and
analyses them before pcming on the information to the sub-
conscious mind. It acts as a kind of censor. Thus the sub-
conscious mind is in the habit of accepting all information
received as being correct. Tl,e subconscious mind is consc-
quentl)' extremely su~gestible.
If ,,·e are given a black object and arc told it is red, the
conscious mind immediately recognises the object ~ being
black and not red, and the information given to the sub-
conscious mind is that of black. This the subconscious mind
accepts \\'ithout question. If ho\\·ever the conscious mind is put
to sleep or fixed on one point or idea as in the case of hypnosis,
then suggestions can be ofTcrcd directly to the subconscious
n1incl, ,,·hich ,vill readily accept then1 at face value and will, a~
in the abo\'c case, accept the black object as being red.
We ha\'e already mentioned that the subconscious mind is
the scat of the en1otions and thcrcfore ,.-.,hen the emotions arc
stirred, suggestions can pa~ directly into the subconscious
mind. Thus politicians, in their speeches, ,viii play on the
emotions of their audiences. In their emotional state, the sug-
gestions arc readily accepted even though their context might
be quite unacceptable under ordinary circun1stanccs. Hitler
,vas a pastn1astcr in these methods.
BY PSYCHO-YOGIC METHODS ONE LEARNS HOW TO REACU
THE SUBCONSCIOUS STATE AND THEN TO USE TUE CONSCIOUS
MIND TO RECONDmON THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND; i.e. to change
bad conditioned habits for good ones, and to alter the sub-
conscious mind to behave according to one's desires.

HEALTH AND THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND

The subconscious n1ind controls the internal organs of the

body and therefore a healthy and harmoniously functioning
subconscious mind ,vill lead to a healthy and harmoniously
functioning body.
There are many causes of ill health, for example bacteria,
viruses, glandular disorders, ovcrtaxation of organs and last
and by no means least, the effects of a disturbed nervous
systcm-\\'hat is called PSYCHOSOMATIC illness.
A large proportion of the cases treated by medical practi-
tioners arc probably due to a malfunctioning of the nervous
system and can be helped (for the time being at least) by
recmurancc, confidence and some simple remedy or sedative.
E\'en organic illnesses can be alleviated to a large extent by
faith, confidence and reassurance. lTndcr th~~ circumstances,
the \\·hole system, under control of the subconscious mind,
scen1s to pull itself together and consolidate itself in fighting off
the illness. This accounts, in part, for the good results often
claimed by quacks in organic illnesses although we must con-
cede that herbs, enemas, hot boxes, massages, diets and fasts
might also be very beneficial.
There is a close relationship bet,veen the n1ental attitude of
a person and his physical health. Some people, with a pcrfectly
healthy physical makeup, ahvays seem to be sickening from
something or another. Not only do these people contract the
psychoneuroses (illn~ of mental origin), but they also tend to
pick up organic i]]n~s more readily than the average person,
e.g. they get recurrent colds, bronchitis, lumbago, stomach
upsets, etc. This is the result of their general subconscious (and
conscious) NEGATIVE ATTITUDE to health. The slightest symp-
tom, which should normally be ignored, is harped upon and
exaggerated. Consequently the organism reacts badly to the
early stages of an illn~ and the condition is aJlo,vcd to
devrlop further. Alternatively, a positive approach and a
healthy outlook ,viii allo,v the relaxed organism to overcome
the illn~ in its early stages without the individual noticing
that he had ever been threatened.
The case of ~{rs. Libbie well demonstrates how a posith·c
mental state can allow a person to tolerate even a severe
organic illness.
Mrs. Libbie was suffering from advanced cancer of the
,vomb. Her pain ,vas excruciating and I \\'as compelled to give
her increasing doses of morphine in an attcn1pt to alleviate at
least some of her pain. She knew that she had cancer and that
lu~r clays ,,Trc nu1nbcrccl. In spite of her kno,vlcdgc and her
sc\'erc pain, 11t·11er one,: did Il,is palic11t conzJ,lain. She ,vas
perfectly resigned to her fate and greeted me each n1oming
\\·it h a pleasant srnilc.
i'lrs. Libbie's an1azing feat \Vas a direct result of her intense
religious con\'ictions ,,,ith its accompanying positive attitude.
Still n1ore spectacular ,vas the case of Mrs. 1-Iammond, who
,vas dying of cancer of the stomach. She ,vas in extreme agony
and this \\'as little relie\'cd by 111edicines and injections. One
1norning, on my rounds, I called on her and \\'as amazed to
find her sitting up in bed, smiling. She had a \\'Ondrous
cxprc~ion of peace and tranquillity on her face. The pain, she
told n1e, had )cft her. \·\ 'hat had caused this miracle? It
appears that the previous evening she ,,,as visited by her priest.
They prayed ardently together for an alleviation of her suffer-
ing. She f cit a strange sensation pass through her body and
suddenly her pains dLc;appcarcd and she ,vas ]eft ,.-.,ith a bizarre
feeling of peace and calm. She died a fe"v days later, f rec of
.
pain.
\\'e have already noted that, in an en1otional state, one can
contact the subconscious mind directly. This is probably \\ hat 1

occurred in this case. In the emotional environment of the

priest, her pain ,vas in actual fact hypnotised a,vay.

PSYCHO-YOGA AND HEALTH

A/ind control can influence illness in three ways:

r. PsJ,cholo~ical Illnesses
The psycho-neuroses result from ill-adjusted and unhealthy
minds. Therefore a method ,vhcreby one is able to recondition
the subconscious mind can go far to alleviate these illne~es.
~. U,-ga11ic I /l11r.fsrs
Ry hamr~in~ the subconscious rnind, o,ie can obtain a
rela.tccl body a·it h its dt/e11ccs at their oJ>linuzl peak. Nature, if
gi\'cn a chance, can \\'Ork \\·anders in the healing of organic
diseases. This is not meant to replace n1cdical treatment but
should be used as a therapeutic aid.
It is claimed by some that psychic and spiritual po\\'Crs can
produce cures of organic illnesses. This ,,·ill he discussed in
n1ore detail later.

3. l11curablc Diseases
As \\'as so ,veil demonstrated in the case hic;torics of Mrs.
Libbie and 1'·Irs. Iiamn1ond, correct mind control can do
nu1ch to allc\'iate the suffering in an incurable disease.
One can learn to endure and accept that \\'hich cannot be
remedied.

THE PRACTICE OF rs YCHO-YOGA

The airn of Psycho-Yoga is to gain control over the tnind
and the body. It is a systctn clcvL~cd for mental and physical
improvement and for general ,veil-being.
The advanced student of Psycho-,'oga ,viii, by const;u1t
practice and concentration, be able to tap certain (psychic)
po\\·ers ,,·hich arc bclicvrd to originate f ron1 the ~ubconscious
n1ind.

Step 1: Self-Analysis
By self-analysis \\'C learn to understand ourselves and recog-
nise those clcfccts in our character and personality "·hich need
changing.
 IL is not until ,vc recognise our faults that \\'c arc able to
<'radkatc t h<"fll and develop our nc,v and better selves.

Slr.p ~: llcr.onditioni11g tlzr. Subco,ucious Afi11d

Ilcconclitioning the subconscious n1ind is the uhirnatc aim
of Psycho-\'oga and is the key to all 1ncthods of sclf-i1nprovc-
mcnt.
The various n1cthods arc described \\'ith the n1ain n1cthod,
that of self-hypnosis, reserved for a later chapter.

StcJ, 3: Physical Exercises

The exercises, ,vhich \\'C have borro,\·ed from the Yogis, arc
not too difficult, and, ,vith a little practice, can be executed
by anyone of any age, shape and size.
The purpose of these exercises is not merely to improve
the physical condition of the body, but is devised to procure
a rdaxcd and receptive state of the physical body preparatory
to the mental exercises.

Step 4: Breathing E.rcrcises

Herc again ,ve have borro,vcd from the Yogis.
These br~athing exercises produce further relaxation of the
body and also have a soothing and relaxing effect on the mind.
They are of great aMistancc in self-hypnosis and in entering
the trance state.

Step 5: Relaxation Exen:ises

The entire n1usculature of the body is no,v systen1atically
relaxed, leaving one free to concentrate on the n1cntal aspect
of Psycho-nikcsis.
Sttp 6: Conce1Jtralion
The n1ind is ,vithdra,vn f ron1 the external environn1cnt and
concentrated on an object of one's choice.
The imagination is developed.

~c;lcJJ 7: Sclf-lfyJ,nosis
This is a stage further and is not difficult to carry out if
the preceding steps have been n1asterccl.
One goes into a dro,vsy, relaxed hypnotic state during
,vhich the changes in personality decided upon in Chapter 1
are brought about .

.~tc/1 8: Tl,c Trance Stale

This state ,vill not be attained by everyone. Those fortunatc
enough to enter the trance state ,vill obtain the n1aximum
benefits of Psycho-Yoga and produce spectacular results.

Slr/1 9: Psyclto-1'oga a,zd Religion

This step is incorporated into Psycho-Yoga for those \\'ho
prefer to achieve sclf-in1provement ,,,ith the help of the
~\ln1ighty rather than by· purely scientific means alone.

Step ro: Psychic Powers

Those \\'ho arc able to attain a deep trance state, may be
f ortunatc in being able to develop their psychic po,,,crs. There
is 111uch controversy on this subject but I feel that ,,,ith
perseverance, these po,,·crs can be hame~cd.
 SELF-ANAL\'S1S

Before you can consider sclf-ilnprovcn1cnt, you must first learn

to sec yourself as you really arc, to recognise your defects and
to rcr.ogni~c those neurotic drives ,vhich arc adversely affecting
your thoughts, cn1otions and behaviour.
llsing the methods described in this chapter, determine
,vhich aspects of your character and personality need chang-
ing. Set out, prefcrably in \\'riting, those traits ,vhich you \\·ish
to acquire and those bad ones \\'hich need to be altered. The
resultant data thus f onnu]atccl is to be held in readinC$ for
use in conjunction ,vith the Psycho-Yogic methods to be
described later.
There are certain defects of the seJf ,,,hich are easily recog-
nised ,,·ithout having to resort to any special techniques, e.g.
poor mcn1ory, lack of concentration, irritability, lack of
patience, etc. These must be ackno\\·lcdged fortll\vith.
~'1any of our defccts, ho\\rcver, are not easily recognised and
if recognised, are not easily understood. These have to be
sought for and analysed by using the n1cthods of self-analysi~.
In order to be success(ul in self-analysis it is first necessary
to bcco1nc acquainted ,vith some of the f undan1entals of
psychology.

THE PSYCHOI.OGY OF MOTIVATIO~

\\'hat makes us bcha,·e as \\'C do? \\'hat is the force that

t, A
spurs us on so that l',u.: h of us "·ill rcacL diffcrcntly to,,·arclc;
our cnvironrncnt? \\"hat dctcnnincs our goals?
Psychologist~ ha\'c dcmon~tratcd that our behaviour is
motivated by various dri\'cs " ·hich lie hidden in the subcon-
scious mind. These clri\'cs originate prin1arily f ron1 our instincts
and secondarily from learning and experience. They normally
act to our advantage but may occasionalJy get out of hand and
cause symptoms in ,,·hich case \\'C call them NEU ROTIC DRIVES.

A . •Vor,nal Drit,es
These drives arc formed in three ,,·ays :

1. Biological Drives
These arc derived from our instincts such as hunger,
~ex, avoidance of pain, inquisitiveness, etc. The sex drive,
for example, is very po\\·erful and is a very strong factor
in motivating beha\'iour. Herc the overall picture is very
con1plicatcd in ci\'ilised society ,,,here the strong sex drive
conies up against taboos, la,,·s and customs and has to be
rcpr~cd or to find alternative outlets.
Instinctual bcha\'iour in modem man is not very
obvious as the instincts do not ~ho,,· themselves in their
ra\\· f om1. \\rc do not \\'ait till \\·e are hungry bcfore
~ccking food, but \\'Ork, accun1ulatc money and buy food
in preparation for the time \\·hen ,vc n1ight be hungry.
Bv• carr-ful observation and analvsis,
•
manv• of our activities
can be traced back to their origin in the simple biological
drives or instincts.

~. Emotional Drives
Emotions can cause drives, e.g. Anger, fcar and lo,,e.
~Jen have performed great feats for the love of a ,,·oman