Preface

the five stepped-down sensory currents, act and build their armatures of finer matter called centers, through which specific sensation and messages can flow freely. That is why the centers, such as the brain, are protected by a hard shell, like the skull. In the chest, the heart and lungs are protected by the framework of ribs, sternum and spinal column.

These oval fields, carved out by lines of force in the space substance of 'Maya', were called 'Tattwas' [tattvas] in ancient writings because they are made up of the five grades of matter, each differing in density and vibratory rates.

The solid carbons, sweets, fats and starches came under the classification of the earth element and physical weight. The sense of smell expresses the sensory function in and through matter as odor. Mechanics and leverage are its field.

Salt, liquids and hydrogen, as the basis of chemistry, were called the water element, with which the sense of taste is associated. Appreciation and interest are its emotional field of expression. The generative principle, as a water wheel, is the chemistry of emotion and life's renewing function.

Gaseous, nitrogenous and sour substances, as oxygen, were called the air element. This pertains to feeling, selectiveness and sense of touch. Beauty, gentleness and quality are its measure. Attention is the mental expression as its pattern energy of accomplishment.

Sulphur and bitterness, as stimulating substances, were termed the fire element. This is the power of sight in the eyes, above; and the fire of digestion and fevers, in the middle region of the body; and the impulse of motion, especially for running, in the extremities. In the arms and hands it is the expression of skill. It is the vital energy of function and action in the body. Vitality and drive are its nature.

The high sensory essence of 'Akash' [akasha, aakaasha] was called the ether. This is the sense of hearing, because it is the energy of the Sound Current in the ether realm, as the origin and transmission of sound waves from there on down. Inner attraction and the aesthetic sense are its natural expression. The Sound Current internally, and music externally constitute the charm of life.

Sensory membranes in each organism act as the media for these finer current communications, as stepped-down receivers. There are five rivers of life and mind energy flowing out from the etheric centers. They express themselves through five fields of matter as sense currents called the five senses, also the five distinct motor currents to express the five sense impulses. By these currents we live and move and have our being in this physical world.