KEY TO CONCENTRATION
Every human being has the faculty of concentrating, but every human being has not acquired the power of directing the mind toward that which is creative, constructive and helpful. It is an art which we have to learn by degrees. Concentration gives power. We all understand this to a certain extent, but largely as an intellectual concept. Today many believe that whatever they desire they can obtain by concentrating upon it. That is cheap form of psychological practice. Merely gaining that upon which we have set our heart does not make for true success, otherwise a greater number of people would be successful. The thief concentrates upon his victim and steals his purse , yet we don't envy him his action temporarily he may be seem to gain his end and that has great popular appeal but the fabric of his character is weakened.
Very useful Tips to practice and increase our concentration given by swami Parmananda, a Monk of Ramakrishna Math, Madras.
1) The flexible mind:
One of the immediate results we obtain through the practice is right concentration is that our mind grows Strong and flexible. it adapts itself with great ease to what ever may be placed before it, even some thing that is out of its accustomed line.
One of the immediate results we obtain through the practice is right concentration is that our mind grows Strong and flexible. it adapts itself with great ease to what ever may be placed before it, even some thing that is out of its accustomed line.
2)Value of relaxation:
The most effectual mentality does not express itself through tenseness; yet the average individual, in the act of accomplishing some thing, makes himself so tense and Right that he comes almost to the breaking point. This just the opposite of the true method.Thought concentration makes us calm and collected and we emanate serene strength.Also our thoughts function most freely and can be focused with greater effectiveness when the mind and body are relaxed and tranquil.
3)Serene mindedness:
Never be in a hurry; learn to be poised and thoughtful.The man who has gained even in small measure the power of concentration moves quietly with a sense of leisure, as if there were nothing else in the entire universe but that one task laid before him.
Never be in a hurry; learn to be poised and thoughtful.The man who has gained even in small measure the power of concentration moves quietly with a sense of leisure, as if there were nothing else in the entire universe but that one task laid before him.
4)From Atom to infinite:
When the mind is concentrated on any subject which stands for vitality, energy, action or spiritual poise, it connects us , as it were, with the reservoir of these wonderful spiritual qualities. By concentration we can unite ourselves with all things, from the minutest to the biggest, from the lowest to the highest, As it is truly said by the Yogi, "Through mastery of concentration one gains access every where, from the atom to the Infinite"
When the mind is concentrated on any subject which stands for vitality, energy, action or spiritual poise, it connects us , as it were, with the reservoir of these wonderful spiritual qualities. By concentration we can unite ourselves with all things, from the minutest to the biggest, from the lowest to the highest, As it is truly said by the Yogi, "Through mastery of concentration one gains access every where, from the atom to the Infinite"
5)Concentration of body and mind:
Concentration is a faculty of both body and soul. There is physical concentration and there is mental concentration . Physical concentration means gathering together every ounce of bodily strength and directing it one pointedly. Mental concentration is far more difficult, but it gives unlimited power to the mind.
Concentration is a faculty of both body and soul. There is physical concentration and there is mental concentration . Physical concentration means gathering together every ounce of bodily strength and directing it one pointedly. Mental concentration is far more difficult, but it gives unlimited power to the mind.
6) Wrong choice of reaction:
Whatever a man wants he can obtain. By degree we accomplish our end. That is why we must purify our desires that we may not want the wrong thing, because whenever we make a wrong choice and work for it there is always the reaction. Moreover, after we have achieved our aim, we may find that we no longer desire it.
Whatever a man wants he can obtain. By degree we accomplish our end. That is why we must purify our desires that we may not want the wrong thing, because whenever we make a wrong choice and work for it there is always the reaction. Moreover, after we have achieved our aim, we may find that we no longer desire it.
7)Concentration means self control:
Concentration implies great self-control. One who has no control over himself, who is easily upset, made angry or revengeful, such one lacks true concentration, although he may long to have the power which it gives. Owing to his weakness, he cannot have it.True concentration means strength -strength of mind, strength of character-and cannot be used for destructive purposes or to satisfy petty personal desires.
Concentration implies great self-control. One who has no control over himself, who is easily upset, made angry or revengeful, such one lacks true concentration, although he may long to have the power which it gives. Owing to his weakness, he cannot have it.True concentration means strength -strength of mind, strength of character-and cannot be used for destructive purposes or to satisfy petty personal desires.
8)Source of strength:
Our desire should be for that which makes us strong-strong to meet unexpected shocks-depression, chaos, uncertainty-and this strength does not depend on material resources but on poise and mental calibre.
Our desire should be for that which makes us strong-strong to meet unexpected shocks-depression, chaos, uncertainty-and this strength does not depend on material resources but on poise and mental calibre.
9)The main idea:
The main idea of concentration is to make of 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.
The main idea of concentration is to make of 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.
10) Physical and mental habits:
Concentration means effort. It means overcoming physical and mental habits.People by means of their mental strength can over come physical habits, but mental habits are more difficult to control.The mind always can help us overcome physical tendencies. In fact, if the mind is strong enough and the desire sufficiently one -pointed, even habits of long duration,such as drinking and the drug habit, can be conquered through the mind. When we come to mental habits, however, if we have not a good , collected and flexible mind, we are confronted with far greater difficulty.
Concentration means effort. It means overcoming physical and mental habits.People by means of their mental strength can over come physical habits, but mental habits are more difficult to control.The mind always can help us overcome physical tendencies. In fact, if the mind is strong enough and the desire sufficiently one -pointed, even habits of long duration,such as drinking and the drug habit, can be conquered through the mind. When we come to mental habits, however, if we have not a good , collected and flexible mind, we are confronted with far greater difficulty.
11) Mental standards:
It is not that there is a lack of mental standards, but mental standards are not enough. If they were, Christ, Buddha and other Master-Spirits would have changed the world. Great ones give, but man cannot always receive. He has the power to make his own interpretation. He can see everything clear and shinning or through the eyes of distortion. When the sun is visible, he can make himself believe it as mirage, When the possibility of good fortune arises, he can persuade himself that it is only a trap. Mind alone creates such condition, there for mind itself must be its own subject of concentration.
It is not that there is a lack of mental standards, but mental standards are not enough. If they were, Christ, Buddha and other Master-Spirits would have changed the world. Great ones give, but man cannot always receive. He has the power to make his own interpretation. He can see everything clear and shinning or through the eyes of distortion. When the sun is visible, he can make himself believe it as mirage, When the possibility of good fortune arises, he can persuade himself that it is only a trap. Mind alone creates such condition, there for mind itself must be its own subject of concentration.
12)Slavery to external:
There average person craves diverse outside interests. In fact the less a man is nourished inwardly, the more does he want outer contact, companionship and diversion. Not only does he want them, he must have them.It becomes a sort of slavery, like the habit of narcotics. It can however , be cured by simple turn of mind.The moment the mind becomes truly focused, we seem to enter new province. Something is unfolded from within, and like a man who has discovered a Gold mine, we can think of nothing else, we can speak of nothing else," Seeing self by the self, we are satisfied in the self alone"
There average person craves diverse outside interests. In fact the less a man is nourished inwardly, the more does he want outer contact, companionship and diversion. Not only does he want them, he must have them.It becomes a sort of slavery, like the habit of narcotics. It can however , be cured by simple turn of mind.The moment the mind becomes truly focused, we seem to enter new province. Something is unfolded from within, and like a man who has discovered a Gold mine, we can think of nothing else, we can speak of nothing else," Seeing self by the self, we are satisfied in the self alone"
13) Gradual attainment:
We cannot achieve all at once any great ideal. Our present stature, position, tendencies have to be readjusted and the process of readjustment takes a shorter or longer time according to the earnestness and persistence of the efforts we make. I mean this in every sense of word.
We cannot achieve all at once any great ideal. Our present stature, position, tendencies have to be readjusted and the process of readjustment takes a shorter or longer time according to the earnestness and persistence of the efforts we make. I mean this in every sense of word.
14)Haunting Memories:
The true from of concentration requires a dynamic attitude.Often when the mind is harassed by the memory of painful experiences, disappointments, sad associations, we try to make our escape by means of a negative process- We strive to empty the mind, to cease thinking, in the hope that thus we shall find peace. Occasionally a little relaxation comes this way, but real peace is never gained through negation: it is due to mental control.The thing is, we should not strive to empty the mind of thought;rather we should fill it so completely with one vital, vibrant, constructive thought, that no other thought can find entrance.
The true from of concentration requires a dynamic attitude.Often when the mind is harassed by the memory of painful experiences, disappointments, sad associations, we try to make our escape by means of a negative process- We strive to empty the mind, to cease thinking, in the hope that thus we shall find peace. Occasionally a little relaxation comes this way, but real peace is never gained through negation: it is due to mental control.The thing is, we should not strive to empty the mind of thought;rather we should fill it so completely with one vital, vibrant, constructive thought, that no other thought can find entrance.
15)Mental spendthrift:
In moments of great exuberance and upliftment, your mind, your senses and all your faculties seem to blend. For the time, you find no difficulty in concentrating your mind upon any subject. Then grow careless.You settle down and live on your past experience and the success that went with it, feeling that the merit with it, feeling that the merit you attained at that period will carry you without any further effort on your part. You become like an improvident person trying to live on his inheritance. Although he may have had a fortune to begin with, it soon dwindles to nothing.
In moments of great exuberance and upliftment, your mind, your senses and all your faculties seem to blend. For the time, you find no difficulty in concentrating your mind upon any subject. Then grow careless.You settle down and live on your past experience and the success that went with it, feeling that the merit with it, feeling that the merit you attained at that period will carry you without any further effort on your part. You become like an improvident person trying to live on his inheritance. Although he may have had a fortune to begin with, it soon dwindles to nothing.
16) Tuning our instrument:
The practice of concentration is very much like keeping a musical instrument in tune. A musician who loves his instrument does not neglect it, even when he is not going to play before the public.We may not need all our powers of concentration to do what is immediately before us, but we never know when a crisis may arise. That is why we cannot afford to neglect the mind.
The practice of concentration is very much like keeping a musical instrument in tune. A musician who loves his instrument does not neglect it, even when he is not going to play before the public.We may not need all our powers of concentration to do what is immediately before us, but we never know when a crisis may arise. That is why we cannot afford to neglect the mind.
17)Armour of Prayer:
These principles you must learn to apply. When conditions become harrowing and you feel powerless, then hold fast. Do not permit things to crowd in on your mind. Create a barrier - a wall.Take a thought or a little prayer or a poem-anything of spiritual significance- and form an armor about you. Instead of letting the mind revolve round and round your aches and pains and sickness, take a firm stand and fasten your thought to the Infinite. This practice will bring wholeness and healing.
These principles you must learn to apply. When conditions become harrowing and you feel powerless, then hold fast. Do not permit things to crowd in on your mind. Create a barrier - a wall.Take a thought or a little prayer or a poem-anything of spiritual significance- and form an armor about you. Instead of letting the mind revolve round and round your aches and pains and sickness, take a firm stand and fasten your thought to the Infinite. This practice will bring wholeness and healing.
18)Lotus of the heart:
From the very outset, banish all impatience.Impatience only makes your road harder.Be steadfast, resolute and enduring. No matter how many times you may seem to fail, bring the mind back and focus it on the Ideal, focus it on the lotus of the heart, full of light, full of purity,untainted by sin and sorrow. In this way, and in this way alone, you will know and realize and enter into the meaning of that profound truth: As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he! So shall he make himself to be.
From the very outset, banish all impatience.Impatience only makes your road harder.Be steadfast, resolute and enduring. No matter how many times you may seem to fail, bring the mind back and focus it on the Ideal, focus it on the lotus of the heart, full of light, full of purity,untainted by sin and sorrow. In this way, and in this way alone, you will know and realize and enter into the meaning of that profound truth: As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he! So shall he make himself to be.
19)Words of Shri Krishna:
In the Bhagvad-Gita, Shri Krishna gives a wonderful picture of the concentrated mind:" As a lamp placed in a windless spot does not flicker, the same smile is used to define a Yogi of subdued mind practising union with Self".
In the Bhagvad-Gita, Shri Krishna gives a wonderful picture of the concentrated mind:" As a lamp placed in a windless spot does not flicker, the same smile is used to define a Yogi of subdued mind practising union with Self".
20)Illuminated mind a Vessel of Gold:
Sri Ramakrishna, the great Master of modern India gives in his teachings a wonderful, a very vivid illustration in regard to this subject of mental practice. Every man, he says, should make a legitimate effort to keep his mind in a good, clean concentrated condition, otherwise it grows unsightly- like metal vessel which becomes tarnished if it is into polished every day. A golden vessel, however, does not have to be polished so frequently. So with our mind. Once it touches the Supreme, it becomes like the vessel of Gold-it retains its sun like splendor, its shining quality, even when it is not given any special care. When mind makes its point of contact with the central Source of life and power, all our troubles end.
Sri Ramakrishna, the great Master of modern India gives in his teachings a wonderful, a very vivid illustration in regard to this subject of mental practice. Every man, he says, should make a legitimate effort to keep his mind in a good, clean concentrated condition, otherwise it grows unsightly- like metal vessel which becomes tarnished if it is into polished every day. A golden vessel, however, does not have to be polished so frequently. So with our mind. Once it touches the Supreme, it becomes like the vessel of Gold-it retains its sun like splendor, its shining quality, even when it is not given any special care. When mind makes its point of contact with the central Source of life and power, all our troubles end.
"lets make effort to make ourselves a Golden Vessel"
om tat sat
A blessing it is..like the mother tortoise feeds her young ones from the other side of the bank..with its glance.so is this blog. Such a reference for a true living and a great life.....Kiki.
ReplyDeletestrive to make better tommorow than today, that is the purpose...
ReplyDeleteTrue..that's the real hope to hold on to..
ReplyDeleteMother worries, obvisously if kid poop milk every time she feeds , These saintly words are for swallowing, take inside and absorb them, While swallowing it may feel poison(bitter taste) initially, but result is necter(sweet taste)...ku ku ku..!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutelyyy true in alll the ways..I c it..I sense it..I feel it..one day the bb would know / realize the importance of it....it has reached.. .....ki ki ki.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true. As a mother I c it ,I feel it..I sense it. I'm knowing the value of feeding n being fed..
ReplyDeleteIt has reached..the true importance will b realized... ....ki ki ki.