FOREWORD

   The Western Wisdom School teaches as its fundamental maxim that "all occult development begins with the vital body," stated Max Heindel initiate of the Order of the Rose Cross. It is therefore with the purpose of presenting in a concise and easily understood form all the important information which the founder of The Rosicrucian Fellowship wrote in his various letters, lessons, and books concerning the etheric vehicle that this compiled material is published in book form. To the layman in occult study, as well as to the advanced student, it offers much of practical value.

   A number of earnest students of the Western Wisdom Teachings have given unselfishly and lovingly of their time and efforts in preparing this material for publication, and it is their prayer that a copy of the volume may carry its message of light and inspiration to every spiritual aspirant who is endeavoring to follow the Way of the Christ.

• Foreword
• Introduction

PART I: PAST EVOLUTION OF MAN'S VITAL BODY

• Chapter I: During Periods and Revolutions
• Chapter II: During Epochs

PART II: MAN'S VITAL BODY IN PRESENT ARYAN EPOCH

• Chapter I: General Nature and Function
• Chapter II: In Health and Sicknesses
• Chapter III: In Sleep and Dreams
• Chapter IV: At Death and in Invisible Worlds
• Chapter V: On Way to Rebirth
• Chapter VI: Of Children

PART III: VITAL BODY OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS

• Chapter I: General Nature and Function

PART IV: RELATION OF VITAL BODY TO SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

• Chapter I: An Important Factor
• Chapter II: Effect of Prayer, Rituals, and Exercises
• Chapter III: Ancient Initiation
• Chapter IV: Positive and Negative Development

PART V: THE VITAL BODY OF JESUS

• Chapter I: As a Vehicle for the Christ