 As one advances in one's realisation and experiences
the benefits of concentration, one hardly wants to abandon its practice. Spiritual techniques in concentration take
one to the threshold of supreme joy, divine strength, deeper knowledge, and high levels of intuition. Ultimately success in
profound concentration is a pre-requisite for success in communion with the omniscient Spirit.
Through concentration, one can draw to the surface, the repository of experiences submerged in the subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind is our most obedient serf and carries experiences not only of this life but also of the entire
past. Swami Sivananda explained "when we are unable to solve a problem, be it personal or scientific, we should tell our subconscious
mind to do it for us. Approached with trust and confidence, it will provide the right answer. The command must be couched
in very clear, explicit terms with no ambiguity. If the solution is not elicited after a night's sleep, we may repeat the
command at the same time each day, until the response is forthcoming."
Comprehensive
development of the subconscious mind will relieve some of the pressure of the conscious mind, enabling it to concentrate
more easily on noble and wise objectives and practices.
We oft complain about the traumas and trials that manifest
in our lives. But very conveniently we forget that deep down we ourselves are responsible through our own thoughts and actions
for these traumas. We have either been lazy or then simply over-enthusiastic in our uncontrolled thoughts and actions. Increased
practices in techniques of concentration will manifest in us the ability to arrest the seed of unwanted thoughts right at
the outset and also to skillfully guide the raft of our new thoughts. Only then will we be able, with the help of God and
Guru to have control over our destiny and over our own mind; and one who has control over one's own mind can very definitely
also relate with and manifest control over every other mind.
Concentration implies
great self-control, especially over one's emotions and true concentration endows great strength-of mind and of character.
It awakens within us an innate capability to withstand life's sudden and unexpected shocks, be it depression, chaos or other
uncertainties. This strength, we must realize, depends not on material power but on mental caliber and poise. To acquire real
mental poise, you have to attain wisdom. To acquire wisdom, you have to develop the mind, which is to develop the power of
superconcentration, whereby will flow from within the all-conquering power of wisdom.
The
main idea of concentration, explained Swami Paramananda (Ramakrishna Mission) "is to make our ourselves a channel,
so clear, so direct, so unbiased, that through our instrumentality the power of Divinity can flow and accomplish Its great
end. Keep this always in mind." In the Bhagavad-Gita, the concentrated mind of the Yogi is compared to the flame of a lamp
that does not flicker. "When the mind is completely subdued by the practice of Yoga, and has attained serenity, in that state,
seeing Self by the self, he is satisfied in the Self alone."
A mind that becomes concentrated
enters a new province. Like one who has discovered a chest full of treasure, it can think of nothing else. "Seeing
Self by the self, we are satisfied in the Self alone." Like a musician wholly absorbed in his notes forgets all about food,
drink and bodily needs, a man of single focus is able to harness all his energy to the one most essential objective. Concentration
is a tremendous force in society. Through its right use, one is successful in whatever one chooses to do. But concentration
should not be consciously practiced only during times of need; one should constantly keep developing the powers of the mind
at all times.
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, the great Master of modern India gives
in his teachings a very vivid illustration. Every man, he said, should make a legitimate effort to keep his mind in
a good, clean, concentrated condition; otherwise it grows unsightly-like a metal vessel, which becomes tarnished if it is
not polished every day. A golden vessel, however, does not have to be polished so frequently. So too with our mind. Once it
mingles with the Supreme, it becomes like the vessel of gold and retains its splendor even when it is not given any special
care. More on............ Power Of Concentration Part-I
|
 |
|
|
