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straightened. This notion has probably been borrowed from other practices claiming that it helps achieve an altered state of mind. However, this position seriously impairs the efforts of the majority of practitioners. The corpse pose should only be used when it is probable that a practitioner will quickly fall asleep while performing techniques in this pose, even though it generally prevents sleep. If a practitioner experiences difficulty falling asleep and is constantly awake while performing direct techniques, then the most comfortable position for the individual should be used. If sleep comes quite easily to a practitioner, a less natural position should be taken. If a practitioner experiences fewer gaps in consciousness when the techniques are performed and has a harder time falling asleep, a more comfortable a position should be used. Depending on the situation, there are many possible positions: lying down on the back, on the stomach, on the side, or even in a halfreclined position. It is possible that a practitioner will have to change positions from one attempt to another, introducing adjustments related to a free-floating state of mind. Moreover, no more than 3 days per week should be spent on the direct techniques. The same goes for the practice of the phase itself. This limit may only be raised in case of a high level of experience and nearly all of one's attempts being successful. RELAXATION By nature, one should clearly understand that direct techniques are in and of themselves relaxation methods, inasmuch as no phase can occur without one being relaxed. Accordingly, one can go immediately into the phase without any prior relaxation. Since the most effective window of time for using direct techniques occurs before sleep and at night, and lasts only 10 to 20 minutes in any case, additional time should not be wasted on trying to relax, nor should time for relaxation be subtracted from the requisite 10 to 20 minutes.