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Herein follows two sets of introductory yogic
exercises necessary to properly introduce the Probationer to the art
of self-discipline that eventually leads to self-realization. These
exercises should be worked through in conjunction with the study and
exercises included in Liber IV
(Part 1) with any results or lack thereof duly recorded.
Exercise One
Let the Probationer diligently attempt the practice of
Asana (Liber IV,
Part 1, Chapter I) and thereby acquire an understanding as to the
difficulties of the body, and having achieved some small success with
thy Asana, which is required for this exercise.
Let the Probationer reproduce or draw the seven lotus
flowers into the Magick Record, putting only one flower on the front
of a page and leaving the back of the page blank.
Let the Probationer assume a seated posture, ensuring
the straightness of the spine and thereby aligning the middle pillar,
placing the image of Muladhara at eye level, not more than three feet
from the body, with sufficient lighting to see the details of the
image.
Let thy focus be constant until the image is burned
into the mind, then the eyes close retaining the image with perfect
clarity.
Let the mental image be placed at the appropriate
location and let this placing awaken the chakra.
Let the whole of the energy within the body and from
the inhaled breath, flow to the Muladhara Chakra until it whirls with
the ‘blazing flame’ (The whirling energy creates an unmistakable
psychological heat and this transcendental heat has been given many
names, including: spiritual fire, non–heat, psychic heat, flaming
breath, etc. – the message being communicated is ‘heat felt
by the divine body’).
Let the same exercise be repeated for each chakra, one
chakra per day (Muladhara is followed by Svadisthana, Manipura,
Anahata, Vishuddha, Ajina, then finishing with Sahasrara) placing them
into their appropriate bodily locations.
On the eighth day, let the chakras be awakened and
flamed, without using the images, starting at the base, working up to
the crown.
Let the results be duly and accurately recorded for at
least three days. The record should include any extreme or unusual
changes to the general state of the Probationer both physically and
psychologically.
Exercise Two
Let the Probationer diligently attempt the practices of Pranayama (Liber
IV, Part 1, Chapter II) and
thereby acquire an understanding as to the flow of energy through the
body and its connection with the breath, and having achieved some
small success with pranayama, which is required for this exercise.
Let the Probationer acquire a
hand-drum, which should easily sit in the gap of the legs while
sitting in the lotus position.
Let the Probationer strike ten
beats on the drum while inhaling deeply through the nose. Holding the
breath for five strikes. Releasing the breath for ten strikes. Let
this continue for one hour.
When the 10–5–10 breath-count
is accomplished with ease, other counts should be attempted.
The benefits become obvious as the smallest success is
gained. The affects of this exercise upon the Probationer vary greatly
and should be diligently and accurately recorded in the Magick
Journal.
*
* *
Herein follows the introductory meditations necessary
to properly introduce the Probationer to the understanding and
training required before proceeding to the next grade These exercises
should be worked through in conjunction with the study and exercises
included in Liber IX, Liber
VI (Chapter 5 & 6) and Liber
CMXIII with any results or lack thereof duly recorded.
There are three principle methods the Probationer
should know and have made some progress with, these are Soul Gaze,
Eye of the Beholder, and Vibrations, which will now be dealt with.
Soul
Gaze
Exercise One
Let the Probationer acquire a mirror, large enough to see the whole
body when in a seated asana, and place it on a blank wall.
Let the lighting from lamp or candles radiate from
behind and beside the Probationer and, preferably, the source of the
light should not be visible in the mirror.
Let the incense be strong, but the smoke thin or let
the scent be cast from vapors. Sandalwood or Lotus is preferable.
Changing the scent will change the results. It is therefore advised
to, if the need is visible, adapt the scent and target the exercise.
Let the Probationer be seated in thy asana facing the
mirror, and let the distance be no more than three feet.
Let a timer be set to ring an alarm in thirty minutes.
Let the full visual concentration find and hold the
left eye reflected in the mirror, and let not the almost instant
rebellion of the mind distract the focus. If the focus is lost,
reapply thyself without hesitation until the alarm sounds.
Let this exercise be repeated on a different day
choosing the right eye, and let these be evenly alternated each time
this exercise is repeated.
Let the record of the meditation include the number of
times focus was broken and the time required to refocus.
Exercise Two
Let the Probationer find a partner, one with a strong constitution and
some courage, to act in place of the mirror.
Let the lighting from lamp or candles radiate from
beside the Probationer and partner with the source of the light not
being visible.
Let the incense be strong, but the smoke thin or the
scent cast from vapors. Sandalwood or Lavender is preferable.
Let the Probationer assume a suitable seated asana
facing his or her partner, and let the distant between them be no more
than three feet.
Let a timer be set to ring an alarm in thirty minutes.
Let the full visual concentration find and hold the
left eye of the partner, and let not the almost instant rebellion of
the mind distract the focus. If the focus is lost, reapply thyself
without hesitation until the alarm sounds.
If this exercise is repeated with the same partner,
alternate between the left and right eye.
Eye
of the Beholder
Exercise One
Let the Probationer find or make an appropriate time to maintain three
days of silence, understanding that no benefit will be gained if the
three days does not include interaction with other people. People
known and likely to be interacting with the Probationer should be
informed of the exercise before it begins.
Let this exercise not be undertaken during a period of
work, but rather at any other time, and let the time be spent
proceeding as would be considered normal and not altering the
Probationer’s typical endeavors.
Let the Probationer immediately end the exercise if
speech is uttered and let the exercise be commenced on a different
occasion.
Exercise Two
Let the Probationer remove the words ‘I’
and ‘no’ from his or her speech for three days and nights.
Let the Probationer devise a humiliating or painful
punishment for each offense, and let the punishment be administered
instantly following the offense without explanation.
Let the method of punishment and the record of
offenses be duly and accurately recorded in the Magick Journal..
Exercise Three
Let the Probationer eliminate all emotions from environmental events,
see nothing that transpires as either good or bad, for three days.
Whether late for an appointment, a missed opportunity, material gain,
any type of accident, or any other event, reacting and dealing with
all situations, but without the benefit or deficit of anger, pride,
joy, or any other emotion. Most importantly, let the journal carefully
record any emotional reactions, including the type of emotions, as the
type of emotional reaction is a clear indicator of inner balance or
lack thereof.
Vibrations
Exercise One
Let the Probationer find an old tree, preferably one with unique
features or a tree that holds a fascination of some sort, and rest in
a chosen asana facing the tree, ensuring the complete tree is in view.
Let the focus be the relative center of the tree and
let the focus on the physical allow the mind to first clear then
become receptive.
Let the Probationer note the visual changes,
especially those occurring around the visible edges of the tree.
If the mind is open and receptive, the Probationer may
acquire the ‘scent’ of the tree. Complete success will allow the
Probationer to feel what the tree feels and become attuned to the
current state of the tree, including a perception of its history.
Exercise Two
Let the Probationer find an outside area, covered in grass with rich
soil beneath, then lie down flat on his or her back with palms facing
downward and resting on the grass.
Let the Probationer close their eyes and let the
breath be slow and deep.
Let the body become heavy and sink into the earth.
Let the Probationer dwell in the ground, just beneath the
surface until returning to the sense of self.
Let the record take special note of the feelings
experienced during the meditation. |