In the beginning, we did a breathing exercise in which, with relaxation and concentration we filled our lungs and then held the breath for as long as was comfortable, imagining that the restrained breath was like an energy or a light filling the brain with light and fire. We held the breath as long as we could, and then we exhaled, sending that same light and fire into the heart in order to nourish the heart. This breathing practice is called in Sanskrit, ‘pranayama’ , which in one way means, ‘to harness the wind’. But the deeper meaning is ‘to harness the force of life’. Variations of the exercise are common throughout religions, but unfortunately, in the western religions those techniques have been largely forgotten.
The Law of Eternal Return
The origin of the sinful “I” lies in lust. The Ego, Satan, is subject to the Law of the Eternal Return of all things. It returns to new wombs in order to satisfy desires. In each one of its lives, the “I” repeats the same dramas, the same errors. The “I” complicates itself over time, each time becoming more and more perverse. The Perfect Matrimony, by Samael Aun Weor
Lust is insatiable and is a great devil. Know this as the enemy. As the fire is covered by smoke, as the mirror by dust, and as the embryo by the amnion, similarly, self-knowledge gets covered by the different degrees of this insatiable lust, the eternal enemy of the wise [Chokmah, Samboghakaya].
What is Our Aim?
Whatever joy there is in this world
All comes from desiring others to be happy [compassion],
And whatever suffering there is in this world,
All comes from desiring myself to be happy [lust].
But what need is there to say much more?
The childish work for their own benefit,
The Buddhas [awakened ones] work for the benefit of others.
Just look at the difference between them!
Shantideva