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Appendix 111 289
weaker fellows without losing anything himself. This vitality is the food of the etheric double and is just as necessary to it as is material sustenance to the growth of the physical body. An orange ray flows to the base of the spine and then to generative organs with which one part of its function is closely connected. This ray energizes the desires of the flesh and also seems to enter the blood and help to keep up the heat of the body. If man refuses to yield to his lowest nature, this ray can by long and determined effort be deflected upward to the brain, producing intensification of the powers of the intellect and greatly increasing the quality of unselfish affection, while also quickening the spiritual part of man’s nature.5
Prana can supposedly be regulated by mental concentration and by “right thoughts and right feelings” so that the physical body can increase its power to assimilate it and use it for enhancing its physical, emotional, mental and spiritual vitality and strength. And when focused in a certain way, it can awaken another powerful but latent energy force, kundalini, which is said to play a crucial role in the development of man’s spiritual nature. Here we see, then, a whole new possible energy system, regulated by body postures and breathing exercises, which has not yet been integrated into mainstream Western psychological theory—although it does seem related to acupuncture and bioenergetics. In fact, Wilhelm Reich, the originator of bioenergetics, described a similar energy, which he called Orgone energy. In Appendix IV, I’ll discuss in more detail how a deeper appreciation of the dynamics of prana will not only lead to greater therapeutic effectiveness, but will also bring us closer to understanding the connection between psychology and spirituality.
Now according to the theory of kosas, each sheath has its own dynamics and mode of operation. For instance, theories and practices related to the body are of a different dimension from those relating to mind—as different, say, as the language of chemistry and hypnosis. Increased mastery of one level brings better control of others—that is, healing in the body brings strength to the mind, and vice-versa. But total control and mastery over our earthly existence does not occur until man realizes his identity as God, with all the accompanying power of omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence.
Since this seldom happens, the therapeutic approach connected


































































































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