Concentration leads to Perfection

Concentration and Meditation leads to perfection, goes the famous spiritual adage of yore. These two are the most critical aspects one has to master for his higher spiritual journey. Let’s dwell a little deep in what exactly is concentration – as gathered from spiritual sages – who were adept in these techniques. 

What is Concentration?

Concentration means to fix the mind on one particular object either within the body or maybe outside, steadily for some time. This process of concentration leads to Meditation.

Important Requisite for Proper Concentration

• Daily Practise if possible at a particular time preferably in the dawn.
• Purification of Mind through Right Conduct or Right Ethics.
• Purification of Nerves through control of breath.
• Steady & Correct Posture.
• Celibacy 
• Strong attentive power developed through a breathing exercise.

It is said that withdrawing the senses from the objects leads to good concentration. The process is step by step and stage by stage – laying the foundation of Right conduct, Steady & Correct Postures, Regulation of breath and Abstraction to start with. The superstructure of concentration and meditation will be successful only.

What to concentrate on?

• Concentrate on the ‘Tik-Tik’ sound of a watch
• On the flame of a candle
• Any other object that is pleasing to the mind – a flower, artwork, any gift, etc.

Concentrating on the above-mentioned objects is known as concrete concentration. Concentration is difficult if you have no object to focus upon. Initially the mind can only be fixed on any object which is pleasant. Focussing on objects that mind dislikes make concentration difficult.

Benefits of Concertation

• Those who practice concentration regularly Evolves Quickly.
• Improves Accuracy and Efficiency
• Reduces the time taken for doing things drastically. What others do in six hours can be done by one who has a concentration within half an hour.
• Improves grasping Power. What others can read in six hours, can be read by one who does concentration within half an hour.
• Purifies and calms down the volatile emotions or mood swings.
• Brings the necessary clarity in thoughts and ideas
• Concentration helps a man in his material progress
• Cloudy and Hazy things before become Clear and Definite after regular concentration.

You can achieve anything through concentration. Nothing is impossible to a man who practises regular concentration. It is very difficult to practise concentration when one is hungry and when one is suffering from an acute disease. He who practises concentration will possess very clear mental vision.

Common Tips on- How to Concentrate?

• Sit in lotus-pose (Padmasana) with crossed legs. Fix the gaze on the tip of the nose. Do not make any violent effort. Gently look at the tip of the nose. This can be practised for one minute in the beginning and can be gradually increased to half an hour or more. It will help in calming and relaxing the mind. It develops the power of concentration.
•  Sit on lotus-pose and practise fixing the mind between the two eyebrows. Increase this practice from one minute in the beginning to half an hour or more with the least amount of distraction. This removes tossing of mind and develops concentration. This is known as frontal gaze. The eyes are directed towards the frontal bone of the forehead. You can select either the nasal gaze or the frontal gaze according to your taste, temperament and capacity.
• The power of concentration increases with the reduction in worldly activities.
• Daily vow of silence every day for two hours or more goes a long way in developing strong concentration.
• Practise concentration till the mind is well established on the object of concentration. When the mind runs away from the object bring it back again.
• When concentration is deep and intense all other senses cannot operate.

He who practises concentration for three hours daily will have tremendous psychic power. He will have a strong will-power. And it is all free. So why not give it a try when the benefits are innumerable.

Happy Concentrating!!!

Reference – An Inspiration from Swami Sivananda and his Lineage..