SPIRIT OF LIFE

There is to be found in the atmosphere a Principle from which all activity, vitality, and life, is derived from. This Principle is in the atmosphere, but it is not the atmosphere or one of it's chemical constituents. This Principle is in all forms of matter, and yet it is not matter. Animal and plant life breathe it in along with the air, and yet if the air did not contained it they would die even though they might be filled with air. It is taken up by the system along with the oxygen, and yet it is not the oxygen. There is a difference between the atmospheric air and this mysterious and potent Principle within it.

In the ancient Kenaani (Canaanite) or Phoenician-Punic language this Principle is called NeSHaMaH KHaiYiM (Spirit of Life) and is in the atmospheric air but it is also elsewhere, and it penetrates where the
air cannot reach. We are constantly inhaling the air charged with Neshamah Khaiyim, and are constantly extracting it from the air and appropriating it to our uses. Neshamah Khaiyim is found in it's freest state in the atmospheric air, which when fresh is fairly charged with it, and we draw it to us more easily from the air than from any other source.

In ordinary breathing we absorb and extract a normal supply of Neshamah Khaiyim, but by controlled and regulated breathing we are enabled to extract a greater supply, which is stored away in the Gonad Kenisah, to be used when necessary. We may store away Neshamah Khaiyim, just as a storage battery stores away electricity. One who has mastered the Nazoraean discipline of storing away Neshamah Khaiyim, either consciously or unconsciously, often radiates vitality and strength which is felt by those coming in contact with such a person, and such a person may impart this strength to others, and give them increased vitality and health.

The oxygen in the air is appropriated by the blood and is made use of by the circulatory system. Neshamah Khaiyim in the air is appropriated by the nervous system, and is used in it's work. Just as the oxygenated blood is carried to all parts of the system, building up and replenishing, so is Neshamah Khaiyim carried to all parts of the nervous system, adding strength and vitality. Neshamah Khaiyim is the active principle of "Vitality", which plays a very important part in our lives. Just as the oxygen in the blood is used up by the wants of the system, so the supply of Neshamah Khaiyim taken up by the nervous system is exhausted by our thinking, willing, acting, etc., and in consequence constant replenishing is necessary.

Every thought, every act, every effort of the will, every motion of a muscle, uses up a certain amount of what we call Nerve Power, which is really a form of Neshamah Khaiyim. To move a muscle the brain sends out an impulse over the nerves, and the muscle contracts, and so much Neshamah Khaiyim is expended. When it is remembered that the greater portion of Neshamah Khaiyim acquired by man comes to him from the air inhaled, the importance of proper breathing is readily understood.