Breath

There are many centers in the body, not always the same as the glands and they are used by Sufis as well as Yogis, both in breathing exercises and concentrations. Here it is not the mind alone that is agile, but a feeling sense which directs the breath with purpose.

These centers are found at the base of the spine; the navel; the center around the heart and lungs; the forehead with the pineal gland; the crown with the pituitary body. The center at the base of the spine is not opened until one is far advanced, and acts in coordination with the others, all the others. The navel center is used to help the physical functions such as giving one a good appetite, sleeping well and keeping the blood and breath in proper circulation. Often when one develops it the body also becomes stouter because of the keen appetite.

When the heart-center is used, it makes one breathe better, the feelings and kashf become keen, the impressions are clearer, the voice develops, the person feels more alive, loving and wise. The concentration on the forehead center helps with memory, the imagination, will-power, intellect and all those functions that belong to the Mind-World, so to speak. When one is mentally deficient or inefficient the training of this center helps, but it should be under the guidance of a murshid.

The highest in both a physical and metaphysical sense is the center at the top of the head. This awakens ecstasy, spiritual consciousness, illumination. Then one's influence spreads; there is wider observation, keener understanding, and the growth of all faculties.

All this training comes under the higher aspects of RYAZAT, or esoteric science. The real effectiveness is that one passes from mental consideration to actual performance as part of devotion and as part of
concentration (Murakkaba).

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