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HYPNOTISM AND '^fe^^^^,. 52

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THE SCIENCE OF HYPNOlte^^^

THAT was the last I saw of the G'^er^b^sfisfl^^^^y before
sunset that very day we set off on o^^^rch ^ t^^&iknown,
travelling through little-known territory '^^Ras^S^^^uides; and
for forty-two days we travelled in sedan-like chairs nearing Thibet,
where the great mystery Lhama Convent lay, surrounded by all
its legends and truth. This would be our last stopping place
before our final trip to the great Convent, where lay even the very
secret of life itself.

We were not long in finding a large spacious old cave residence,
which was welcome; for at this height the warmth of the tropics
was no more, and the cold of the mountain winds could be felt.

I mused to myself on the science of hypnotism and telepathy
as the philosophy of personal influence, the invisible influence
which guides the destiny of mankind. I reflected that everything
that is worth doing, is worth doing well. A man is as he thinks.
Deeds are greater than words.

To the really sceptical whether ignorant or learned, while he
is in a state of perturbation or disinclination to listen, be wise and
'cast not thy pearls before swine*! 'Be wise as the serpent and
harmless as the dove.9 The serpent is the greatest hypnotist and
telepathist of all the animal kingdom. The beast never rushes
its victim. It gradually makes the intended victim aware of its
presence by the subtle motion of its head. The attention of its
prey secured, the serpent with consummate skill gets gradually
closer and closer; never for one moment do its fascinating eyes
uncover those of its prey. By a psychological and physiological
law, now known to science, the methods employed cause a com-
plete paralysis of the volition or will, even to the complete
anaesthesia of certain centres of the brain; and victory is complete.
There is no cruelty in this act of nature and method, as the victim
is absolutely unconscious of pain or even of existence while he is
devoured.

I well remember a friend of mine in the wilds just going ahead
of me for a while, and at length I shouted to him, but received
no reply. Soon, I found him, standing, as it were, at attention,
looking into space: I wondered what was the matter, as he spoke
not when I touched him, and he felt not my presence; touch, sound
and sight were for the time being in abeyance* Then my eye