July 1933

MY BROTHER:

The possibility of a definite step forward is yours - a step which will enable you to take up your life's burden, when it is next imposed upon you, in full consciousness of what you are and of what you must do. The period of groping along the path with only the dim light of an illumined aspiration, is slowly giving place to the sure knowledge of an illumined mind. You ask me at times: "What prevents fuller light and understanding?" I reply: "A sensitivity which renders you so constantly self-conscious (by that I mean conscious of the personality) that your very assets as an aspirant seem to you sometimes to stand in your way."

Forget not, brother of old, that a consecrated personality must not loom so large that it shuts out, at times, that to which it is consecrated; neither must a realization of your failure to achieve your high ideals afford you a handicap.

Follow the breathing exercises with care and with attention. Seek also to strengthen the physical body. For you I suggest also the following exercise, to be performed at some time convenient to you, though not at the morning meditation.

1. Take seven long deep breaths, though hold not the nostril.
2. At each breath, as you inhale, say the following words: "Power and strength is mine." During the interlude, gather in as much of the golden-orange prana as you can; then, as you exhale, send it by an act of the will to the throat center at the back of the neck.
3. In the interlude, between exhalation and the next inhalation (whilst the throat center is subjected to golden-orange prana) say: "Let the Word sound forth through me."
4. Then sound the O.M., very softly.