Vril, or Vital Magnetism
by William Walker Atkinson
Lesson VIII.
Vril and the Breath
OCCULISTS in ancient and modern times have bestowed great attention upon the matter of the influence of the breath upon psychic power and physical well-being. Under various theories they have laid down complex rules and announced fantastic methods of breathing for the purpose of increasing one's vitality, physical energy, and psychic power. As is nearly always the case, we find here an example of the bit of truth surrounded by the mass of rubbish — the centre of fact surrounded by the fringe of superstition. Let us consider the matter in the spirit of fairness and understanding, but with the sole purpose of discovering the core of truth and exposing the error with which it is surrounded. In the first place physiology teaches that correct and normal habits of breathing are necessary to perfect health, and tend to restore health to those who have lost it. It is an elementary truth of physiology that the quality of [73] the blood depends largely upon correct habits of breathing. Unless the blood be properly oxygenated, the waste matter of the system is not properly consumed, the result being that the system is clogged and poisoned by broken down tissue and other debris. Moreover, in such case the cells of the body suffer from the lack of a sufficient amount of oxygen which under normal conditions they receive from the blood. Again, the processes of digestion depend to a certain extent upon the presence of oxygen in the blood, and an absence of oxygen reacts materially upon the digestion and assimilation of food, and consequently upon the welfare of the entire system. Not only this, but the nervous system, also, and even the brain, depend upon the condition of the blood for the nourishment and stimulus which is necessary in their processes. In short, unless the blood be sufficiently oxygenated, the entire system suffers and is unable to function normally and naturally. And, as the oxygenation of the blood is accomplished only by correct habits of breathing, it is seen that the whole system is dependent upon proper breathing. The natural man breathes properly by reason of his habits of life, but the man of our complex and [74] artificial civilization has lost the natural method, and few men or women breathe as nature intended they should. So much for the physiological aspect of the question. In addition to the physiological side of the case, as above stated, there is also the side which ordinary physiology ignores, but which is of equal importance to the more familiar side — the phase of breath which is concerned with the absorption of Vril. We have seen that the natural man absorbs sufficient Vril in his ordinary breathing, without knowing anything about the matter — his instinctive mentality regulates the matter, and co-ordinates the work of breathing for oxygen and breathing for Vril, to such a nicety of degree that a perfect harmony exists, and the observer may fail to even notice the existence of the dual function because of the perfect unity thereof. But the civilized man of the nervous strain and unnatural rush of life in the large cities, not only does not receive the normal amount of oxygen, but also fails to absorb the normal amount of Vril. This is especially deplorable by reason of the fact that while absorbing much less than the normal amount of Vril, he uses and wastes much more than the normal amount. With [75] such a man it is indeed a burning of the candle at both ends, and the result is seen in the nervous wrecks and shattered constitutions that are evident on all sides.
It will be seen by the student that before we can consider the special methods of absorbing Vril by breathing, we must first take up the matter of the establishment of natural, normal methods of breathing, which will not only result in one absorbing the normal amount of Vril but will at the same time give him the proper amount of oxygen as indicated by the authorities of physiology. So, in indicating the normal natural process of breathing, we not only aid the student in increasing his Vril supply, but at the same time establish him inhabits which must result in an improvement of his general health and state of physical well-being. This is as it should be, for the various phases of the physical being are more or less interdependent, and harmony between them is always desirable.
To many, the idea of instructing the race in correct habits of breathing may seem ridiculous. And so would it be if the race lived normally and naturally. The animal needs no instruction in breathing, neither does the barbarian [76] unspoiled by contact with civilization, the infant born under desirable conditions, or the young child properly reared — at least before it makes the acquaintance of the school-desk. But when it is remembered that physiology informs us that the great majority of civilized persons breathe incorrectly and contrary to nature's evident plan, then we think it may be admitted that instruction along these lines is not unreasonable or unnecessary.
Physiology informs us that there are three general forms of breathing practiced by the race of men, which forms are known by the following names, viz.: (1) Clavicular Breathing; (2) Intercostal Breathing; (3) Abdominal Breathing. The distinctive features of each are described as follows:
CLAVICULAR BREATHING. This form of breathing is also termed "collar-bone breathing." It is the form of breathing common to many persons, particularly women, and is considered by the best authorities to be the very worst form of breathing known to the race. It necessitates the expenditure of the greatest amount of effort with the least return — a maximum of energy with a minimum of result. It is held accountable for many diseases [77] of the lungs and throat. Persons practising it habitually, often have harsh, discordant voices. It is found frequently in connection with "mouth-breathing." In this form of breathing the person raises the collar-bone and shoulders, and pulls up the ribs, at the same time drawing in the abdomen. This movement allows only the upper part of the chest to be inflated and only the upper part of the lungs to be filled. But a small quantity of air is admitted to the lungs, as only the upper and smaller portion of the lungs is employed. One may easily convince himself of the folly and inefficacy of this form of breathing, by trying the experiment of raising his shoulders and endeavoring to take a full breath. Then let him drop the shoulders and take a full natural breath, and notice the difference. This experiment is the best possible argument against this injurious method of breathing which is too often habitual with men and women who work over desks, sewing-machines and type-writers.
INTERCOSTAL BREATHING. This form of breathing is also sometimes called "rib breathing." It is a compromise, at the best. While an improvement over clavicular breathing, it [78] is inferior to "abdominal breathing," and far below the standard of the "full breath." In it the upper ribs are inflated, the abdomen drawn in, and the diaphragm pushed upward. It employs the middle part of the chest and lungs, neglecting the lower and upper. It is a favorite method of breathing with many men. Women seldom practise intercostal breathing but pass on to the clavicular breathing mentioned above. It is only a half-way method at the best.
ABDOMINAL BREATHING. This form of breathing is often referred to as "deep breathing," or "diaphragmatic breathing." It has been highly recommended by a number of eminent authorities of late years, and many of the health magazines have made a leading feature of it. Systems and methods of teaching it have been widely advertised, and large prices have been often obtained for a little simple instruction decorated with frills, and dressed up with fancy titles and terms. The principle of abdominal breathing is, however, really quite simple, and its benefits will repay the student who acquaints himself with it and practises it until he has fully mastered it. But we feel that it is but a part of a larger method known [79] as the "full breath," which we shall describe a little further on.
To understand abdominal breathing we must first acquaint ourselves with that wonderful piece of physical mechanism known as the "diaphragm." The diaphragm is defined as: "an inspiratory muscle, and the sole agent in tranquil respiration. It is the muscular septum between the thorax and the abdomen. It assists the abdominal muscles powerfully in expulsion, each act of that kind being accompanied or preceded by a deep inspiration. It also comes into play in hiccough and sobbing, laughing and crying." In simple terms, the diaphragm is a strong plate-shaped muscle which divides the chest and its contents from the abdomen and its contents. At rest, it is arched upward in the centre, like the inside of an inverted bowl, the "sky," or as an arched dome appears to us from below. Viewed from the chest the upper side or surface of the diaphragm would seem like the round top of a man's Derby hat, or the rounded top of a hill. In normal breathing, the diaphragm is flattened out by the arched dome pressing downward. This movement causes the diaphragm to bear downward on the contents of the abdomen, [80] and the abdomen is pressed outward in front and at the sides. This movement occurs in abdominal breathing.
In abdominal breathing, the lower part of the lungs is filled, the diaphragm is pressed down and the abdomen is pressed out in front and at the sides, as above described. It is difficult to correctly describe the exact motions of abdominal breathing, but the student may acquire the same by practice, using the above description as a basis. By "bearing down" on the abdomen by lowering the diaphragm and pressing out the abdominal muscles, the lower lungs are given space and free movement, and the deep breath is instinctively inhaled. A little practice will enable anyone to demonstrate this for himself or herself, much better than by reading pages of printed instruction.
FULL BREATHING. The best authorities agree that the best possible form of breathing is that which is based on abdominal breathing, but which also includes the filling of the middle and upper part of the lungs as well. By what may seem to be a striking coincidence, it is noted that this particular form of breathing is that which was taught by the ancient Arcane [81] teachers to their students as a means of increasing the absorption of Vril. But the coincidence is quite a natural one and it would be indeed strange had it not occurred. For this "full breathing" method is the true, natural, normal method of breathing which natural man instinctively employs. It not only fills every part of the lungs, and exercises every part of the chest — not only secures the greatest possible amount of oxygen and Vril — but also obtains the greatest returns from the least comparative effort. It is an example of the universal economy of nature — just as marked as is the economy of the form of the wax cell of the bee's honeycomb.
In full breathing, all of the respiratory muscles are called into play; the entire area of the lungs is used; the entire machinery of the respiratory organism is exercised, strengthened and developed. There is every evidence that this, and this alone, is nature's normal method of breathing. Moreover, it is known that the hardiest races of men have practiced this form of breathing. We know this from the modern instances, and because the statuary of ancient Greece shows that muscular development of the abdomen and chest which comes [82] only from this form of breathing. It is the first word of nature to man regarding breathing — it is the last word of science to man on the same subject. It is the best natural method — it is the best scientific method.
Full breathing is not an artificial system or method of breathing but is rather a return to natural normal methods and habits. But, nevertheless, it will require some practice on the part of many students hereof, by reason of the fact that they have lost their natural instinct in the matter, and are under the dominion of the "second nature" of false habit. Before the instinctive habit may be resumed, the effect of the false habit must be overcome, and this usually takes time. The best, and indeed almost the only way of counteracting and defeating any objectionable habit, is to practice its opposite — and this rule applies here with great force. The only way to get rid of the old habit is to practise the new. And the only way to acquire the new is to practice it. So, from both angles, the importance of practice is seen.
EXERCISE: The following exercise will serve to develop the full breath, if conscientiously practised.
(1) Standing erect, or sitting in a natural position, inhale slowly through the nostrils, and according to the method of "abdominal breathing" fill the lower lungs, press down the diaphragm, and push out the abdomen in front and at the sides; then in a continuous effort (2) fill the middle part of the chest and lungs, as in intercostal breathing, pressing outward the mid-ribs, breast-bone and chest; then in the same continuous effort (3) fill the upper portion of the lungs, as in clavicular breathing, lifting the upper portion of the chest, slightly raising the collar-bone, slightly drawing in the abdomen and thus raising the diaphragm, as heretofore explained.
It will be noticed that this method of "full breathing" is really a combination of the three forms of breathing previously described, beginning with the abdominal, proceeding to the intercostal, and finishing with the clavicular method. But the student is cautioned against proceeding as if there were three distinct and separated stages of the process. There is but one continuous process, rising gradually from the lower part of the lungs to the middle portion, and then to the upper portion. A uniform continuous muscular movement is [84] effected, the several regions being called into action in a rising sequence. All disconnected, spasmodic, jerky motion should be avoided. A little practice will result in the acquirement of the continuous inhalation.
The inhaled air should be retained for a moment, and then exhaled naturally and easily. No attempt should be made to unduly retain the breath, as is taught by some schools of breathing. There is nothing to be gained by the retention in the lungs of stale, exhausted air; besides which, there is always more or less of strain in this forced retention, as the whole process is unnatural. In natural normal breathing there is no sense of strain or effort, when once the habit is acquired, or rather re-acquired. The infant or young child manifests no effort or strain in breathing, and neither should the adult.
Some teachers announce a variety of methods of breathing, which upon examination are found for the most part to consist of fantastic and fanciful processes, designed evidently to impress the student with the novelty, and presumably great virtue, of these newly invented methods. There is only one safe and sane [85] rule, and that is to go back to nature. The "full breath" is nature's own method. If you doubt this, watch the motions of a sleeping, healthy child, or sturdy infant.
"Vril, or Vital Magnetism: The Secret Doctrine of Ancient Atlantis, Egypt, Chaldea, and Greece" (1909; 1911) — by William Walker Atkinson — remains available in our BSRF xerographic edition. Every purchase of print helps support the Foundation and allows us to provide our unique service to all seekers.
Use our online cart to place your print order now.
Or call us at +1 (707) 497-6911 and let us help you find what you're looking for.
Return to Vril Research index.