dangerous and are also unnecessary. Psychic experiences and the
awakening of psychic centres are also dangerous and lead away from
our goal. Breathing exercises, whose object is to awaken inward
powers, are _highly dangerous_ and are to be condemned in consequence.
The cultivation of negative passivity such as inhibiting all thought
and making oneself quite passive and open to any influence, is also
highly dangerous and should be strictly avoided.

In place of all these unwise practices a short time should be set
aside each night and also morning, if possible, for getting into touch
with Reality. You should then endeavour to realize that the body,
mind and soul are but vehicles of expression, mere servants of the
true Self or Ego. This will bring about in time, a consciousness of
identity with the One Eternal Spirit. What Jesus called "our Father
in Heaven."

One might proceed after this fashion:--

"My body is not myself, but is merely something that enables me to
live this material life and gain experience.

"My mind is not myself, but merely an instrument which I use and which
obeys my will.

"My soul is not myself, but merely a garment of my spirit.

"My will is not myself, but is something of which I, the true Self,
make use."

And so on. By this means you gradually approach the great truth which
cannot be put into words and which can only become yours through
realization or inward spiritual understanding.

In addition one can use a positive statement of Truth, reverently,
but with full confidence, such as: "I am a branch in the True Vine."

In course of time you will become possessed of a feeling of tremendous
and unlimited power and security. This is a great responsibility for
this power must be used only in service and not for selfish purposes.
If it is used for the acquisition of wealth and the gaining of
temporal power, great disaster will be the inevitable result. Yet,
if used aright, it is bound to have a great, though unconscious,
influence for good on the life, and for this you are not responsible.
Constantly endeavour to serve and bless others, then, because you