Thought Waves
In our last chapter we have seen that Vibration was to be found
underlying all manifestations of energy, and all forms of matter. We
also quoted two distinguished scientists whose words showed that
there were fields of vibratory energy not filled by any known forms
of energy, the inference being that inasmuch as there are no gaps in
nature’s processes these unknown fields must be occupied by certain
forms of energy no known as yet to physical science. The teachings
of the occultists of all lands and ages, as also those of modern
Mental Science, are to the effect that the Mind, in its
manifestation of Thought in the brain, generates a form of energy of
intensely high Vibration, which energy may be, and is, projected in
vibratory waves from the brains of other persons within its field of
influence.
All students of Mental Influence have noticed the close
resemblance that is manifested between the phenomena of electrical
and magnetic energy on the one hand and the phenomena of mental
energy on the other. So close is the analogy that one may take the
proven facts of science relating to electrical and magnetic
phenomena and confidently proceed with the certainty of finding a
strikingly close correspondence in the field of mental phenomena.
And the recognition of this fact is helping the workers in the
mental field group together the varied phenomena that come under
their notice, and to work out the theory and practice of Mental
Influence.
In the first place, it is now a fact well known and accepted by
investigators that the generation of Thought and the manifestation
of Mental States occasions a "burning up" of brain matter, and the
consequent production of a form of energy of high vibratory power.
Physiologists recognize this fact, and the textbooks make reference
to it. Experiments have shown that the temperature of the brain is
increased in accordance with the intensity of
Feeling and Thought, and that there is undoubtedly a generation
of energy and a consumption of brain matter which bears a very close
resemblance to the process of the generation of electrical energy.
And this being conceded, it follows that this energy once released
must be emanated or sent forth from the brain in the manner akin to
the emanation of other known forms of energy, i. e. , in the form of
"waves" of vibratory force. Light and Heat travel in this way - so
do electricity and magnetism - so do the forces of Radioactivity.
And the investigators of Mental Influence have demonstrated by their
experiments that there is such a thing as Thought-Induction, and
many other phases of manifestation similar to that exhibited by
electricity and magnetism.
Flammarion, the well-known and eminent French scientist, has said
on the subject: "We sum up, therefore, our preceding observations by
the conclusion that one mind can act at a distance upon another,
without the habitual medium of words, or any other visible means of
communication. It appears to us altogether unreasonable to reject
this conclusion if we accept the facts. The conclusion will be
abundantly demonstrated. There is nothing unscientific, nothing
romantic in admitting that an idea can influence a brain from a
distance. The action of one human being upon another, from a
distance, is a scientific fact; it is as certain as the existence of
Paris, of Napoleon, of Oxygen, or of Sirius. "The same authority
also states: "There can be no doubt that our physical force creates
a movement in the either which transmit itself afar like all
movements in the ether, becomes perceptible to brains in harmony
with our own. The transformation of a psychic action into an
ethereal movement, and the reverse, may be analogous to what takes
place on a telephone, where the receptive plate, which is identical
with the plate at the other end, reconstructs the sonorous movement
transmitted, not by means of sound, but by electricity. But these
are only comparisons."
When a Thought or Feeling is generated in the mind or brain of a
person, the energy generated flows forth from the brain of the
person in the form of waves of mental energy, spreading from the
immediate neighborhood of the thinker to a distance proportioned to
the strength of the thought or feeling.
These Thought-Waves have the property of awakening similar
vibrations in the minds of other persons coming within their field
of force, according to the laws of Mental Influence, which law shall
be explained in the next chapter.
As we proceed with our consideration of the subject of Mental
Influence, in the succeeding chapters, we shall see the many and
varied forms of manifestation of Thought-Waves. At this point we
shall merely view the phenomena in a general way.
Thought-Waves are manifested in a variety of forms and phases.
Some are the waves emanated from the minds of all thinkers,
unconsciously and without purpose, and usually without much force.
Others are sent forth with great force, and travel far, manifesting
a degree of influence commensurate with the force with which they
are projected. Others are directed purposely toward certain
individuals or places, and travel along rapidly in a straight line
to the point, which they have been directed or aimed. Others are
sent forth with great strength and power, but instead of being
directed toward any particular person or place, are designed to
sweep around in great whirlpools of energy affecting all who happen
to fall within their field force.
You will readily understand that there is a great difference
between Thought-Waves sent forth idly and unconsciously, and without
knowledge of the underlying laws of Mental Influence, and those
projected with a full knowledge of the laws governing the phenomena
and urged on and directed by a powerful Will of the sender. The
force is the same, but the degree of its power, and the measure of
its effects are determined by the conditions of its sending force.
The vibratory force of these Thought-Waves does not cease with
the sending forth of the wave, but persists for a long time
afterward. Just as heat in a room persists long after the fire in
the stove has been extinguished - just as the perfume of the flower
exists in a room long after the flower has been removed – just as a
ray of light travels through space for millions of miles, and for
centuries after the star itself has been blotted out of existence -
just as any and all forms of vibratory energy persist in manifesting
after the initial impulse has been withdrawn - so do the vibrations
of Thought continue long after the thought, yes, long after the
brain which sent them forth has passed into dust.
There are many places today filled with the thought-vibrations of
minds long since passed outside of the body. There are many places
filled with the strong vibrations of tragedies long since enacted
there. Every place has an atmosphere of its own, arising from the
thought vibrations set in motion by the various persons who have
inhabited or occupied them. Every city has its own mental
atmosphere, which has an effect upon persons moving into them. Some
are lively, some dull, some progressive, some old-fogeyish, some
moral, some immoral - the result of the character of the early
settlers and leading spirits of the places.
The atmosphere affects persons moving into these towns, and
either sinks to the general level, or else, if strong enough, help
to change the mental tone of the place. Sometimes a change in
conditions brings a large influx of new people to the town, and the
mental waves of the newcomers tend to bring about a marked change in
the local mental atmosphere. These facts have been noticed by many
observing people who were, perhaps, not familiar with the laws and
principles underlying the phenomena.
Many have of course noticed the differing atmosphere of stores,
offices and other places of business. Some of such places give one
and air of confidence and trust; others create a feeling of
suspicion and just trust; some convey an impression of active, wide
awake management, while others impress one as being behind the times
and suffering from alert active management. Did you ever stop to
think that these different atmospheres were caused by the prevailing
mental attitudes of those in charge of the places? The managers of
business places send forth Thought-Waves of their own, and their
employees naturally falling into the pace set for them, sending
forth similar vibrations, and before long the whole place is
vibrating on a certain scale. Let a change in the management occur
and see what a change soon manifests itself.
Did you ever notice the mental atmospheres of the houses you
happened to visit? You may experience and recognize all of the
varying notes in the mental scale of their occupants. From some
thresholds Harmony manifests itself, while others breathe in harmony
as soon as you step over the threshold. Some radiate mental warmth,
while others seem as cold as an iceberg. Think for a movement and
recall the various houses or places you visit, and see how the
mental vibrations of the inmates manifest themselves to a visitor.
The low quarters of our cities, the dens of vice and haunts of
dissipation vibrate with the character of thought and feeling of
those inhabiting them. And the weak-willed visitor is thus tempted.
And, in the same way, certain places are filled with strong,
helpful, elevating vibrations, which tend to lift up and elevate
those coming within their circle of influence. Thoughts and Feelings
are contagious, by reason of the Law of Vibration and Mental
Induction. When this law is understood the individual is enabled to
protect and improve himself. Such Knowledge brings Strength. |