Concentration
Often in modern life we seek to try and do several things
at once. Even if we are just doing one thing we can find
ourselves thinking about something else. However Concentration
requires us to focus on one object at a time. For any
activity, be it meditation, sport or any time of work,
concentration will help us to be more successful. To master
meditation it is essential we are able to be proficient in
concentration.
To learn the art of concentration there are 7 things we
need to bear in mind.
1. Concentration means we keep our awareness fixed on one
object at a time. We must not allow our mind to be distracted
by random thoughts.
When we concentrate we do not allow any thought to enter
into our minds, whether it is divine or undivine, earthly or
heavenly, good or bad. The mind, the entire mind, has to be
focused on a particular object or subject.
2. When trying to concentrate it is helpful to have an
object to look at. This object should be suitable for
concentration. A good object would be a flower or candle. A
Candle is good for concentration because we can focus on the
tip of the flame. The flame also symbolises light a quality of
meditation. We can begin our concentration exercise by looking
at the candle and then gradually narrowing our gaze to just a
tiny tip of the flame.
3. Using a mantra can help to focus our mind. Often our
mind is restless like a monkey. By chanting a mantra we can
give our mind something to concentrate on. It is an easier
form of concentration than something abstract.
4. The concentration we want to develop for meditation is
different to mental concentration. Rather than using the
concentration of the mind we can concentrate from the
spiritual heart. If we can feel our sense of awareness in our
heart then we will not feel a mental tension. If we do feel
tense whilst concentrating try to relax and use the power of
the heart rather than the mind.
5. We should be patient in developing the power of
concentration. If we can not concentrate as we would like we
should not be discouraged. Concentration is like a muscle that
gets stronger the more we develop it. What we can try and do
is to concentrate for 2 mins one day and then try to increase
that time in 1 minute intervals. This will give us a sense of
progression. The most important thing is the quality of our
exercises and not the length of time. When we practice
concentration nothing else should interfere.
6. A good object of concentration is for us to concentrate
on our own breathing. In meditation our breathing will be
natural and spontaneous. If we can focus on our slow regular
breathing, then we will help to quieten the mind.
7. If thoughts are distracting you from your concentration.
Try this exercise. Feel your thoughts are separate from your
own reality. Be like an observer and do not pay any attention
to them. They will then lose their power. This enables you to
concentrate on one thing and not get distracted by thoughts.
When we are able to concentrate. When we can keep our
awareness focused on one object at a time we will be able to
enter into real meditation. Meditation is not constrained by a
small point of concentration. Meditation in fact embodies an
unlimited expanse
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