Message #28919

[guest88]

Page 114
"Great determination of will is required to win this first inner psychological battle to keep the concentration steady and interiorized. The devotee will be aided in this if he recognizes the intimate interrelation of the four factors of mind, breath, vital essence, and bodily life energy. When any one of the four factors is disturbed, the other three are also automatically disturbed, as is the case when the ego consciousness revives the senses by disrupting the calmness of breathlessness.

The devotee, therefore, who aspires to develop steadily in spirituality must calm the mind by practice of the right techniques of concentration, must keep the breath quiet by pranayama and proper breathing exercises; must preserve the vital essence (generally the most abused of the senses) by self-control and by seeking only the company of good people; and must free the body from restlessness and aimless motions by conscious control of the life force, and by keeping the body in good health and training it by discipline to sit absolutely still in meditation."

Emphasis on concentration, awareness and the realities of opposing forces like restlessness, discipline, good company, good health, proper techniques and continued pursuit in overall calmness. 

When browsing the index for vital essence I could not find much more information. I suppose pranayama or 'proper techniques' are something taught once initiated into Kriya Yoga?