Dedicated to Yogis and Bhaktas who persistently try to achieve the highest goal in life through meditation.

Beloved students! Meditation is the only Path to Immortality and Eternal Bliss. Meditation destroys all causes of sorrow, pain, and suffering. Regular meditation makes the mind calm and steady and opens the way to intuitive knowledge. Without meditation you cannot achieve knowledge of the Infinite. Meditate regularly, and you will achieve Self-realization.

Direct the mind to certain objects inside or outside the body. Keep it there persistently for a while. This is concentration. Practice this daily, first clearing your mind with good thoughts and deeds. Concentration without purity of mind is useless. Some occultists have concentration, but do not have a positive character. For this reason, they do not develop spiritually. Anyone who has mastered the necessary Asanas and cleansed his nerves and physical shell by constant practice of breathing exercises will easily master concentration. Concentration will be intense if all interference is removed. A chaste person who conserves his energy will achieve even greater success in concentration. Stupid and impatient people immediately begin to concentrate without having undergone prior ethical training. This is a gross and serious mistake.

You can focus internally on any of the seven spiritual energy centers (Chakras). Attention plays a very important role in concentration. Anyone who has developed the power of attention will also succeed in concentration. A person full of passions and all kinds of fantastic desires will hardly be able to concentrate on any subject or object for at least one minute. His mind will jump around like an old monkey.

A scientist concentrates his mind and invents many new things. Through concentration he removes the sheaths of the gross mind and penetrates deeply into its higher regions, obtaining the most profound knowledge. It collects all the energy of the mind into one focus, directs it to the analyzed material and reveals it. secret.

One who has achieved the abstraction of senses from objects will also succeed in concentration. You will have to follow the path of spiritual progress step by step, step by step. Lay the foundation with morality, Asanas, regulation of breathing and abstraction, and only then will the superstructure of concentration and meditation be successfully built. You need to imagine the object of concentration very clearly, even in its absence. Learn to immediately recall a mental picture.

At the beginning of spiritual practice, you can focus your attention on the sound of a clock ticking or a candle flame, or some other object that is pleasant to the mind. This is a specific meditation. There can be no concentration without its object. The mind can be directed in the initial stage to any pleasant object, for it is very difficult to concentrate on an object that the mind does not like.

Practitioners of concentration evolve very quickly and are able to do any work with the precision and efficiency of a scientist. What others read and understand in 6 hours, they can do in half an hour.

Concentration purifies and calms the waves of emotions, strengthens the flow of thought and clarifies ideas, and also helps a person in his material progress. He will produce very high quality products from his work. What was foggy and unclear before becomes clear and definite; it was difficult - now it is easy; complex, confusing and confusing - easily digestible by the mind now.

Nothing is impossible for a person who regularly practices concentration. The practitioner of concentration will have clear mental vision. Meditation is the only royal road to salvation and Moksha. She kills all pain, suffering, 3 types of Reserve (fetters) and 5 types of Kleshas, ​​or sorrows; gives a person a vision of unity, a feeling of unity; this is a mysterious staircase connecting Heaven with Earth and leading the student to the Immortal Abode of Brahman; the continuous flow of one thought about God, or Atman, like the continuous flow of oil from a vessel (Tailadharavat).

Meditation follows concentration. Practice it early in the morning from 4 to 6 (Brahma-Muhurta period) - the best time for meditation. Sit in Padma, Siddha or Sukhasana. Keep your head, neck and torso in the same vertical position; focus on the Trikuta (the area of ​​the forehead between the eyebrows) or the heart; close your eyes.

There are two types of meditation: Saguna Dhyana (concrete meditation) and Nirguna Dhysha (abstract meditation). Under Saguna, the student contemplates the form of Lord Krishna, Rama, Sita, Vishnu, Gayatri or Deva. In Nirguna he reflects on his Self or Atman. Place in front of you a picture depicting Lord Hari with 4 arms and look closely at this picture for 5 minutes, then close your eyes and try to see it mentally. While visualizing, direct your mind from one part of Vishnu's body to another. First try to mentally see the soles of His feet, then the legs, the yellow silken garments, the golden necklace with the Kaustubha gem on the chest, the rings in the ears, the Makara Kumdala, the face and crown on the head, the discus in the upper right hand, the conch shell, the staff in the lower right hand. , and a lotus in the lower left hand. Then go back to your feet and repeat the whole process several times. Finally, focus on the legs or face and repeat mentally the Mantra: “Hari Om” or “Om Namo Narayana”. Think about the properties of the Lord: Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Purity.

Meditate on Om and its meaning with reverent feeling. This is Nirguna Dhyana. Repeat Om slowly. Identify yourself with the Self. Feel yourself: “I” is the All-pervading, Immortal “I” or Atman. "I" is Sat-Chit-Ananda-Brahman. “I” is Sakshi or the silent witness of the 3 states and all modifications of the mind. "I" is a pure creation. "I" is something different from the body, mind, Prana and feelings. "I" is the self-luminous light. "I" is the Immortal Supreme Soul.

If you are characterized by contentment, good disposition, patience, calmness and sharpness of mind, a pleasant voice, a light body, fearlessness, lack of desires, aversion to earthly things, then know that you are moving successfully along the path of the spirit and are already close to God. Oh Prem! There is a place where you will not hear a single sound and you will not see a single color. This place is "Parash Dama" or "Padam Ataman" ( perfect place). This is the Kingdom of Peace and Bliss. There is no body consciousness; the mind finds peace; all desires and aspirations dissolve; The Indriyas remain calm; the intellect ceases to function; there is no fighting, no quarrel. Do you wish to achieve this silent refuge through silent meditation? Solemn silence reigns there.

Rishis long ago reached this place solely by dissolving the mind in Silence. Brahman shines there in all its effulgence. Forget the body and everything around you. Such oblivion is the highest Sadhana and greatly helps meditation, facilitating union with God. Once you know God, you will forget all these things.

Try to achieve spiritual consciousness by withdrawing your mind from sense objects and direct it to the lotus at the feet of the Lord, which is always shining in the depths of your heart. Go within by practicing deep, silent meditation. Dive deep, swim freely in the ocean of Sat-Chit-Ananda. Swim in the river of Divine Joy. Honor this source. Go straight to the main front of Divine consciousness and drink Divine nectar. Feel the thrill of the Divine embrace and enjoy the Divine ecstasy.

This is where I leave you. You have reached the state of Immortality and Fearlessness. Oh Prem! Don't be afraid! Shine Now! Your light has come! Practice regular and systematic meditation at the same time every day. It will be easy for you to induce a meditative mood. The more you meditate, the more you will live in the Spirit, where the mind and Indriyas become calm. You will be very close to the source - Atman, enjoying the waves of peace and bliss.

Both the body and the mind require attention to themselves and the awakening of their potential, and yoga satisfies these requirements, because it creates everything that is really necessary for the individual with a rational system proven and practiced for hundreds of years, meditation and concentration are part of this system.

When someone self-confidently refers to his ability to meditate and concentrate, it indicates insufficient knowledge of the subject, since many who make such a statement refer to superficial efforts for a short period of time, whereas, despite the simplicity of the process in the sense technique of its execution, it will be fraught with difficulties during more intense and lengthy exercises.

Meditation is like riding a bike

When concentrating on a subject, it is best to start slowly, with intense concentration for thirty seconds being preferable to three minutes of uncontrolled and unstable concentration.

Choose any object as an object of concentration and let it be pleasant, for example, a blooming rose. Place it in front of you in a small vase at eye level and think only about its beauty and nothing else: about the light, imperceptible transition of shades, about the stem, about the thorns and foliage.

Keep your attention on the rose until you can tell anyone about every feature of it, and in time, even with your eyes closed, the rose will be so clearly imprinted on your memory that it will appear to you as if it were alive, as if you were still look at her.

Treat exercise like a game and try it casually throughout the day, whether waiting for the bus or sitting at the table waiting for food. Do not waste this time in idle reverie, but consciously direct your thought to some subject, and you will soon acquire a wonderful ability to control your mind.

Cycling is considered one of the most enjoyable pastimes, and there is an excellent analogy with this subject, since the difficulties of the initial stage are much the same. When a beginner tries to ride a bicycle for the first time, he is overcome by the fear that he will fall: his consciousness jumps from his feet on the pedals to the steering wheel, a superhuman effort is made to assimilate everything at once, control is lost and the rider falls to the ground. But after constant and persistent training, the student notices that he rides a bicycle with ease., and the previous desperate efforts to concentrate on the diversity of bicycle-related moments now seem like a fun past.

Ask an experienced cyclist if he thinks about the saddle, pedals, front wheel, handlebars when riding on the road and he will answer in the negative. The same thing happens when we train our mind to meditate and concentrate. If a trainee tries to forcefully maintain concentration on an object, but at the same time thinks about whether he is comfortable or not, about whether he is able to concentrate or not, then the object slips out of consciousness and is lost.

Determine which yoga is right for you?

Choose your goal

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[("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043a\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0447\u0435 \u0441\u043a\ u0438\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0439\u043e\u0433\u0438","points":"2"),("title":" > b\u044f\u043e\u043f\u044b\u0442 \u043d\u044b\u0445 \u043f\u0440\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u043a\u043e\u0432","points":"1"),("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\ u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0432\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u 043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\ u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f","points":"0")]

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What is your physical shape?

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[("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043a\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0447\u0435 \u0441\u043a\ u0438\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0439\u043e\u0433\u0438","points":"2"),("title":" > b\u044f\u043e\u043f\u044b\u0442 \u043d\u044b\u0445 \u043f\u0440\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u043a\u043e\u0432","points":"1"),("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\ u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0432\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u 043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\ u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f","points":"0")]

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What pace of classes do you like?

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[("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043a\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0447\u0435 \u0441\u043a\ u0438\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0439\u043e\u0433\u0438","points":"1"),("title":" > b\u044f\u043e\u043f\u044b\u0442 \u043d\u044b\u0445 \u043f\u0440\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u043a\u043e\u0432","points":"2"),("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\ u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0432\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u 043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\ u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f","points":"0")]

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Do you have musculoskeletal diseases?

[("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043a\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0447\u0435 \u0441\u043a\ u0438\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0439\u043e\u0433\u0438","points":"0"),("title":" > b\u044f\u043e\u043f\u044b\u0442 \u043d\u044b\u0445 \u043f\u0440\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u043a\u043e\u0432","points":"1"),("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\ u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0432\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u 043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\ u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f","points":"2")]

[("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043a\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0447\u0435 \u0441\u043a\ u0438\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0439\u043e\u0433\u0438","points":"2"),("title":" > b\u044f\u043e\u043f\u044b\u0442 \u043d\u044b\u0445 \u043f\u0440\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u043a\u043e\u0432","points":"1"),("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\ u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0432\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u 043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\ u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f","points":"0")]

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Where do you like to work out?

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[("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043a\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0447\u0435 \u0441\u043a\ u0438\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0439\u043e\u0433\u0438","points":"0"),("title":" > b\u044f\u043e\u043f\u044b\u0442 \u043d\u044b\u0445 \u043f\u0440\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u043a\u043e\u0432","points":"1"),("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\ u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0432\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u 043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\ u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f","points":"2")]

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Do you like to meditate?

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[("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043a\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0447\u0435 \u0441\u043a\ u0438\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0439\u043e\u0433\u0438","points":"1"),("title":" > b\u044f\u043e\u043f\u044b\u0442 \u043d\u044b\u0445 \u043f\u0440\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u043a\u043e\u0432","points":"0"),("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\ u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0432\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u 043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\ u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f","points":"2")]

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Do you have experience doing yoga?

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[("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043a\u043b\u0430\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0447\u0435 \u0441\u043a\ u0438\u0435 \u043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f \u0439\u043e\u0433\u0438","points":"2"),("title":" > b\u044f\u043e\u043f\u044b\u0442 \u043d\u044b\u0445 \u043f\u0440\u0430\u043a\u0442\u0438\u043a\u043e\u0432","points":"1"),("title":"\u0412\u0430\u043c \u043f\ u043e\u0434\u043e\u0439\u0434\u0443\u0442 \u043f\u0440\u043e\u0433\u0440\u0435\u0441\u0441\u0438\u0432\u043d\u044b\u0435 \u 043d\u0430\u043f\u0440\u0430\ u0432\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0438\u044f","points":"0")]

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Do you have any health problems?

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Classic yoga styles will suit you

Hatha yoga

Will help you:

Suitable for you:

Ashtanga yoga

Yoga Iyengar

Try also:

Kundalini yoga
Will help you:
Suitable for you:

Yoga Nidra
Will help you:

Aeroyoga

Determine which yoga is right for you?

Techniques for experienced practitioners will suit you

Kundalini yoga- a direction of yoga with an emphasis on breathing exercises and meditation. Lessons involve both static and dynamic work with the body, medium intensity physical activity and a lot of meditative practices. Prepare for hard work and regular practice: most kriyas and meditations need to be performed for 40 days daily. Such classes will be of interest to those who have already taken their first steps in yoga and love to meditate.

Will help you: strengthen body muscles, relax, cheer up, relieve stress, lose weight.

Suitable for you: kundalini yoga video lessons with Alexey Merkulov, kundalini yoga classes with Alexey Vladovsky.

Yoga Nidra- practice of deep relaxation, yogic sleep. It is a long meditation in the corpse pose under the guidance of an instructor. It has no medical contraindications and is suitable even for beginners.
Will help you: relax, relieve stress, discover yoga.

Bikram yoga is a set of 28 exercises that are performed by students in a room heated to 38 degrees. Thanks to the constant maintenance high temperature, sweating increases, toxins are removed from the body faster, and the muscles become more flexible. This style of yoga focuses only on the fitness component and leaves aside spiritual practices.

Try also:

Aeroyoga- Aerial yoga, or, as it is also called, “yoga on hammocks,” is one of the most modern types of yoga, which allows you to perform asanas in the air. Aerial yoga is performed in a specially equipped room in which small hammocks are suspended from the ceiling. It is in them that asanas are performed. This type of yoga makes it possible to quickly master some complex asanas, and also promises good physical activity, develops flexibility and strength.

Hatha yoga- one of the most common types of practice; many original styles of yoga are based on it. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Hatha yoga lessons help you master basic asanas and simple meditations. Typically, classes are conducted at a leisurely pace and involve predominantly static load.

Will help you: get acquainted with yoga, lose weight, strengthen muscles, relieve stress, cheer up.

Suitable for you: hatha yoga video lessons, couples yoga classes.

Ashtanga yoga- Ashtanga, which means “eight-fold path to ultimate goal", is one of the difficult styles of yoga. This direction combines different practices and represents an endless flow in which one exercise smoothly transitions into another. Each asana should be held for several breathing cycles. Ashtanga yoga will require strength and endurance from its adherents.

Yoga Iyengar- This direction of yoga is named after its founder, who created an entire health complex designed for students of any age and level of training. It was Iyengar yoga that first allowed the use of auxiliary devices (rollers, belts) in classes, which made it easier for beginners to perform many asanas. The purpose of this style of yoga is to promote health. Much attention is paid to the correct performance of asanas, which are considered the basis for mental and physical recovery.

Determine which yoga is right for you?

Progressive directions will suit you

Bikram yoga is a set of 28 exercises that are performed by students in a room heated to 38 degrees. By constantly maintaining a high temperature, sweating increases, toxins are removed from the body faster, and the muscles become more flexible. This style of yoga focuses only on the fitness component and leaves aside spiritual practices.

Aeroyoga- Aerial yoga, or, as it is also called, “yoga on hammocks,” is one of the most modern types of yoga, which allows you to perform asanas in the air. Aerial yoga is performed in a specially equipped room in which small hammocks are suspended from the ceiling. It is in them that asanas are performed. This type of yoga makes it possible to quickly master some complex asanas, and also promises good physical activity, develops flexibility and strength.

Yoga Nidra- practice of deep relaxation, yogic sleep. It is a long meditation in the corpse pose under the guidance of an instructor. It has no medical contraindications and is suitable even for beginners.

Will help you: relax, relieve stress, discover yoga.

Try also:

Kundalini yoga- a direction of yoga with an emphasis on breathing exercises and meditation. The lessons involve both static and dynamic work with the body, medium intensity physical activity and a lot of meditative practices. Prepare for hard work and regular practice: most kriyas and meditations need to be performed for 40 days daily. Such classes will be of interest to those who have already taken their first steps in yoga and love to meditate.

Will help you: strengthen body muscles, relax, cheer up, relieve stress, lose weight.

Suitable for you: kundalini yoga video lessons with Alexey Merkulov, kundalini yoga classes with Alexey Vladovsky.

Hatha yoga- one of the most common types of practice; many original styles of yoga are based on it. Suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Hatha yoga lessons help you master basic asanas and simple meditations. Typically, classes are conducted at a leisurely pace and involve predominantly static load.

Will help you: get acquainted with yoga, lose weight, strengthen muscles, relieve stress, cheer up.

Suitable for you: hatha yoga video lessons, couples yoga classes.

Ashtanga yoga- Ashtanga, which literally means “the eight-step path to the final goal,” is one of the complex styles of yoga. This direction combines different practices and represents an endless flow in which one exercise smoothly transitions into another. Each asana should be held for several breathing cycles. Ashtanga yoga will require strength and endurance from its adherents.

Yoga Iyengar- This direction of yoga is named after its founder, who created an entire health complex designed for students of any age and level of training. It was Iyengar yoga that first allowed the use of auxiliary devices (rollers, belts) in classes, which made it easier for beginners to perform many asanas. The purpose of this style of yoga is to promote health. Much attention is paid to the correct performance of asanas, which are considered the basis for mental and physical recovery.

PLAY AGAIN!

Meditation and concentration

The trainee forces his brain to do certain work, and what may seem like a waste of time to a casual observer is of value and benefit to the former. When done regularly, this procedure prepares the mind for meditation.

Many people may still think this is easy, but if you try and be honest with yourself, you will recognize that during this procedure, extraneous thoughts will arise and interfere with the main topic.

Handle these thoughts with extreme caution, because when they arise and you try to suppress them, their energy increases, the “law of reverse tension” comes into force and concentration is lost. Instead, allow these thoughts, agree with them, and then deftly deflect them so that the main theme prevails at all times. Success in this procedure can only be achieved with practice.

The ability to maintain attention on only one object, regardless of external influences, is called differently, but one of the most suitable names is unifocal meditation, i.e. single-focus, or single-object meditation, which maintains attention on only one thing - the main object. “Spot guidance” of thoughts is the second phase, often used to indicate such immobility, or stability of attention on one object.
This restlessness of thoughts that we experience when trying to concentrate seems abnormal when an effort is made to concentrate, but in fact it is not. Usually a restless mind entails a restless body and the body, following to some extent the mind, minimizes the individual's ability to realize how restless his mind really is.

Effects of concentration

If we were traveling in one of the trains running parallel and in the same direction, and perhaps one of them was going at a speed of fifty and the other sixty miles per hour, then we would not be able to determine the speed of the second train until we were at rest . It's the same with meditation and the mind. When the body is at rest, we are aware of the true speed of our thoughts, while this speed decreases (only in essence) if the body is also in a state of mobility, as it happens in the ordinary routine of life.

As a most excellent means of bringing the wandering mind into obedience, yoga offers the sonorous repetition of the resonant syllable "OM" - a sound that, beginning in the throat, ends with the sound "M" on the lips, includes in speech all movements of the lips and throat, and therefore has a special significance in the sense its completeness.

During concentration, attention is kept on the object of concentration by force of will. Partial or complete distraction of attention to thoughts or other sensations may occur. This should not be allowed. As soon as the distraction is fixed, attention also, through an effort of will, returns to object of concentration. At first, for most practitioners, concentrating attention seems almost impossible because... being distracted by thoughts due to deep-rooted habit happens all the time. Attitude is important here. It is worth remembering what you are doing and no matter how important the thoughts may seem, it is worth giving yourself the attitude: “I will think all this after practice, but now – just practice.”

During the first months, and sometimes even years, everyone faces resistance from an ever-distracted mind. There is a feeling that the flow of thoughts simply cannot be interrupted, and deliberate fixation of attention for a long period of time on the same object is impossible. In reality, concentration is difficult only for the mind, and is accomplished easily when the consciousness penetrates into the realm of the mind, which makes final decisions.

The mind may want to turn the world upside down today, but the next day you won’t even remember about it. The mind is unstable, it constantly rushes about, changing dozens of desires in a short period of time, therefore the mind is responsible for all important decisions, especially those related to changes in individuality.

Over time, penetrating deeper into the nature of mental activity, you become more and more accustomed to a state of continuous attentiveness. Attention flows by itself continuously; it does not need to be developed or strengthened in any way. The main task is to make attention subservient, to learn to direct your own potential in a single direction. Swami Vivekananda, speaking about concentration, cited the example of the phenomenon of lightning, which occurs when many particles are concentrated in a single stream. A similar effect is achieved by concentration of attention, thanks to which the consciousness awakens with a bright flash of insight.

As you progress in practice, concentration smoothly turns into spontaneous contemplation, that is, into real meditation. It is impossible to say objectively where concentration stops and meditation begins, because... there is no clear boundary, and the transition from one state to another usually occurs smoothly. Spontaneous contemplation differs from concentration in the absence of volitional efforts. This happens when the mind recognizes the nature of contemplation and is imbued with it. In meditation, contemplation of an object occurs easily, without any effort.

The psyche, freed from thoughts during meditation, remains in its natural state. Such an experience is characterized by deep tranquility, blissful non-interference in the spontaneity of mental processes, ease and freedom. As the mind calms down, bliss and delight increase. In yoga, this state is called savikalpa samadhi. Don’t let your mind be confused by foreign words - the techniques are universal, and they do not depend on words in any way. Each person is pure consciousness in which life occurs.

To enter into meditation, you should not suppress thoughts, you just need to leave them as they are. The mind still reflects for some time, and thoughts become less and less coherent. It doesn’t matter what images appear in the mind, what language he speaks, poetry, or prose, sings praises, or scares - all this in meditation is left as it is, without intervention, then over time the mind calms down completely.

A beginner practitioner can try to immediately enter meditation, bypassing concentration, if there is an appropriate mood and calmness. Efforts and will, which can help with concentration, only interfere with meditation. In meditation, it is important to completely relax the body and mind while maintaining alertness. There is no need to remain vigilant by force of will; attention is already always active, so you just need to stop making efforts without falling asleep - allow attention to intuitively spontaneously pour out onto the object of perception.

When efforts or efforts begin, vigilance is lost because the active subject turns on, and consciousness becomes clouded with its activity, filling itself with its vibrations. With such efforts, the focus of perception slides from the subtle intuitive sphere of existence associated with perception - to the coarser sphere of thought.

In fact, the state of absolute alertness is the goal of practice. This elusive state appears (Atman in the teachings of Advaita, Purusha in yoga) without any characteristics. It can be conditionally characterized as an empty feeling of being.

When meditation is so deep that nothing remains except the object of contemplation, consciousness completely merges with the object and samadhi occurs. At this time, only the object of contemplation exists, immersed in the pure existence of the “I”.

The object of meditation can be anything: any sensation, external form, or thought. Meditations on breathing, internal sound and light, chakras, mantras, etc. are popular. In my opinion, still best practice is an objectless meditation that represents relaxation in natural presence.

The next step is to divert attention even from the only remaining object of contemplation. It is believed that this step cannot be completed with any effort, because... effort is the sphere of the active subject. When consciousness is prepared, the step of diverting attention from any objects of perception occurs spontaneously, as a transition to an absolutely natural state of pure existence outside of any objects. A similar state in yoga is called nirvikalpa samadhi, and in Buddhism it is the well-known nirvana.

“Concentration and meditation” represent the inner essence of yoga practice. This is the key to the gates of inner Enlightenment, the fulcrum around which any sadhana or spiritual practice revolves. Dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation) are yogic devotions leading to the ultimate goal, samadhi, and sakshatkara, or Realization.

In his concise yet comprehensive work, Rev. Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj subjects the topics of concentration and meditation to careful, detailed analysis. The virtuosity with which he does this is available only to a true Teacher of the Path. This extremely practical book is a must-read for all students who have embarked on the path of spiritual practice, sadhana-marga. There is still very little literature on the topic of concentration and meditation, and therefore we decided to release the next, tenth edition of this book. In our opinion, this is the best manual that can be given to students at the appropriate stage of their yoga practice.

"Society of Divine Life"

Introduction

Concentration and meditation are the royal paths to perfection. Concentration leads to meditation. Focus your mind on a single object outside or inside your body. Keep your attention on it steadily for some time. This is concentration. It needs to be done daily. Before engaging in concentration, the mind should be purified by right conduct. Concentration without purity of mind is useless. Some occultists have concentration, but lack good character traits and for this reason do not develop spiritually.

The scientist concentrates and invents many new things. Through concentration he penetrates through the layers of the gross mind into the realms of the higher mind, gaining deeper knowledge. He gathers all the powers of his mind into one focus, and then directs them to the material under study and reveals its secrets.

Good concentration will be achieved by those who know how to immerse themselves in themselves (distract the senses from perceived objects). One follows the spiritual path step by step, step by step. First, lay the foundation: master correct behavior, correct body postures, correct breathing and distraction from the outside world. Only then will it be possible to build a superstructure - concentration and meditation.

You need to be able to very clearly imagine the object of concentration even in its absence, learn to immediately recall a mental image of this object. If you know how to concentrate, this will be easy.

At the initial stage of training, you can concentrate on the ticking of a clock, a candle flame, or some other object that is pleasant to the mind. This is a specific concentration. Without an object of concentration, concentration is impossible. At the beginning of practice, the mind can be directed to any object that it likes. At first it is very difficult to concentrate on what the mind dislikes. Those who practice concentration develop quickly. They are able to perform any work very efficiently, with the care of a scientist. If a person knows how to concentrate, he will do in half an hour what others need six hours to do. In half an hour he will read as much as others do in several hours. Concentration purifies and calms the impulses of feelings, strengthens thinking, and clarifies thoughts. In addition, it helps a person in material development and increases the productivity of his work. The vague and unclear becomes clear and definite, the difficult becomes easy, and the complex, puzzling and confusing becomes easy to understand. With concentration you can achieve anything. For a person who regularly practices concentration, nothing is impossible. It is difficult to concentrate when you are hungry or have an exacerbation of illness. One who practices concentration has good health and a sharp mind.

Meditation is the only royal path to salvation, moksha. Meditation kills all pain, suffering and the three types of tapa (fever) and five types of klesha (suffering). Meditation brings the perception of oneness, produces a feeling of oneness. Meditation is an airplane that helps the student to rise up and soar in the realms of eternal bliss and peace. This is the mysterious staircase between earth and heaven, leading the student to the immortal abode of Brahman.

Meditation is a continuous flow of a single thought of God or Atman, reminiscent of taila-dharavat, the smooth flow of oil from one vessel to another. Meditation follows concentration.

Practice meditation early in the morning, from 4 to 6 o'clock (Brahma Muhurta 1). This is the best time for meditation.

1 “Mukhurta”: a period of time equal to 1/30 of a day, that is, 48 ​​minutes (hereinafter editor’s notes).

Take padmasana, siddhasana or sukhasana. Keep your head, neck and torso in a straight line. Closing your eyes, focus on the trikuti, between the eyebrows, or on the heart.

Meditation is of two types: saguna dhyana (concrete meditation) and nirguna dhyana (abstract meditation). In specific meditation, a yoga student meditates on the image of Krishna, Rama, Sita 1, Vishnu, Shiva, Gayatri 2 or Devi 3. In abstract meditation he meditates on his own Self, Atman.

Place a picture of the four-armed Hari 4 in front of you, gaze at it for five minutes, and then close your eyes and imagine the image of the deity in your mind. Move your mind's eye from one part of Vishnu's body to another: look at the feet, legs and attire of yellow silk, a gold necklace with a kaustubha stone 5 and a makara kundala earring; successively move your mind's eye to the face, the crown on the head, the disc in the upper right hand, the conch shell in the upper left hand, the club in the lower right hand, and finally the lotus in the lower left hand. Then return to the feet of the deity again and repeat the process again and again. Finally, stop at his feet or face and mentally recite the mantra “Hari Om” or “Om Namo Narayana” 6 . Think about the qualities of God such as omnipotence, omnipresence, purity, etc.

Meditate with feeling on OM and its meaning. This is called nirguna-dhyana. Repeat OM mentally. Identify yourself with the Atman. Think: “I am the all-pervading immortal Self, the Atman. I am Sat-Chit-Ananda Brahman. I am the sakshi, the silent witness of the three states and all changes in the mind. I am pure consciousness, I am not the body, not the mind, not the prana and not the feelings. I am the self-luminous light of light. I am the immortal Supreme Soul."

1 Rama and Sita are the main characters of the epic Ramayana. 2 Consort of Brahma, mother of the four Vedas. 3 Great Mother Goddess.

4 An epithet for many gods, most often Indra and Vishnu-Krishna.

O Pram! There is a place where you will not hear a single sound, you will not see a single color. This place is param-dhaman (the highest place) or padam-anamaya (the abode without pain), the kingdom of peace and bliss. There is no body consciousness there. The mind finds peace there, desires and aspirations dissolve, the indriyas remain silent, the mind ceases to exist. There is no struggle, no strife. Do you want to achieve this quiet abode through silent meditation? There is solemn silence there. Rishis and yogis were transported there only by dissolving the mind in silence. Brahman shines there in his unblemished effulgence.

Forget about the body, forget about everything around you. This loss of memory is the highest sadhana. It greatly helps meditation and facilitates unity with God. By remembering God, you can forget about everything else.

Taste the taste of spiritual consciousness by withdrawing the mind from sense objects and directing it to the lotus feet of the Lord, who is eternally shining in the abode of your heart. Merge with Him in deep, silent meditation. Dive into the very depths, soar freely in the ocean of Sat-Chit-Ananda. Float along the Divine River of Joy. Dive into this source. Go straight to the original source of Divine Consciousness and drink in the Nectar. Feel the thrill of the Divine Embrace, enjoy the Divine Delight. There I will leave you, because you have achieved a state of immortality and fearlessness. O Pram! Don't be afraid. Shine on. Your light has come.

Systematically, regularly, every day, at the same time, meditate. Soon you will learn to easily fall into a meditative state.

The more you meditate, the richer your inner, spiritual life, where the mind and indriyas subside. The closer the source, Atman. Enjoy the waves of bliss and peace.

All perceived objects will lose their attractiveness. The outside world will begin to seem like a long dream. Through constant deep meditation, jnana will dawn in the soul.

You will achieve complete enlightenment. The veil of ignorance will fall. All shells will break. The idea of ​​the body will disappear. You will learn the meaning of the Mahavakya “Tat Tvam Asi!” 1 . All differences and qualities will disappear. Everywhere you will see one thing: the endless, boundless Atman, full of Bliss, Light and Knowledge. Truly this is a rare experience. Don't tremble with fear like Arjuna 2.

Be brave. From now on you are left alone. There is nothing more to be seen or heard. No more sensations. There is only pure consciousness.

1 Mahavakya: “great saying” from the Upanishads. “Tat Tvam Asi”: “You are That,” an affirmation of the identity of the innermost essence of man, Atman, with the final foundation of the world, Brahman.

2 Hero of the Bhagavad Gita, interlocutor of Krishna. Arjuna was horrified when Krishna (Vishnu) showed him his true face.

You are the Atman, O Prem! You are not this mortal body. Destroy moha, delusions about the dirty body. Don’t say “my body” anymore, say “this is a tool.”

The sun is setting... It draws in its rays. Sit down to meditate, once again delve into the Innermost. Gather all the rays of the mind and plunge into the deepest recesses of the heart. Let go of fears, worries, anxieties and worries. Rest in the ocean of silence. Enjoy eternal peace. Your former jiva has irrevocably disappeared, all boundaries have been erased. If old desires and aspirations give voice, destroy them with the club of Viveka, discrimination, and the sword of Vairagya, detachment.

Do not part with this weapon until you achieve the state of brahma-cmxumu, abiding in Brahman, complete establishment in the Atman.

OM is Cam-Chit-Ananda. OM - Infinity, Eternity. Chant OM. Feel OM. Repeat OM. Live in OM. Meditate on OM. Shout: “OM, OM, OM!” Listen to OM. Contemplate OM. Eat OM, drink OM. OM - that's your name! Let OM become your mentor!

OM! OM! OM! Shanti...

Chapter 1. Theory of concentration

What is concentration?

“Desha-baudhas-cittasya dharana”: concentration is the steady concentration of the mind on an external or internal object.

One day a Sanskrit scholar came to Kabir 1. He asked, “Kabir, what are you doing now?” Kabir replied: “O pandit 2, I withdraw the mind from external objects and unite it with the lotus feet of the Lord.” This is concentration. The path to rapid success in concentration is paved by correct behavior, correct body posture, pranayama and detachment from perceived objects. Concentration is the sixth rung of the yoga ladder. Without an object on which the mind can focus, concentration is impossible. Success in concentration comes from determination, interest and strength of attention.

Feelings distract and disturb the peace of mind. When the mind is restless, it is impossible to move forward. When the rays of the mind are collected into one through practice, the mind becomes concentrated. Joy, ananda, comes from within. Cool down your boiling thoughts, calm your feelings.

You need to have patience, indestructible will and inexhaustible perseverance. You need to practice very regularly, otherwise laziness and hostile forces will distract you from the object of concentration, lakshya. A well-trained mind can focus on any external or internal object at will, while simultaneously turning off all other thoughts.

To one degree or another, everyone has the ability to concentrate, but for spiritual development, concentration must be brought to a very high level. high level perfection. A person who has achieved success in concentration works better and accomplishes most things are much faster. When concentrating, the brain should not experience tension. There is no need to engage in a fierce battle with the mind.

Anyone whose mind is full of passions and all kinds of fantastic desires will hardly be able to concentrate on anything for even a second. Sexual abstinence, pranayama, reduction of desires and unnecessary activities, detachment from sense perception, solitude, silence, discipline of the senses, destruction of lust, greed and anger, avoidance of bad society, renunciation of meaningless entertainment such as movies, newspapers and books - all these enhances concentration.

Concentration is the only way to get rid of worldly sorrows and adversities. One who practices concentration enjoys good health and a cheerful outlook on the world. He experiences flashes of insight and insight, and copes much better with any work. Concentration clears and calms the surging waves of emotions, strengthens thinking and clarifies thoughts. Cleanse your mind with yama and niyama. Without external and internal purity, concentration is useless.

Pranayama and japa make the mind stable, eliminate vikshepa, absent-mindedness, and increase the power of concentration. Concentration is only possible when a person is not distracted. At first, you should select something good or attractive to the mind as an object of concentration. First the mind must be trained to concentrate on gross objects. Later you can move on to subtle objects and abstract ideas. Regularity of classes is of particular importance.

Rough objects. Concentrate with open eyes on a black dot on the wall, a candle flame, a bright star, the moon, images of OM, Shiva, Rama, Krishna, Devi or ishtadevata 3 .

Thin objects. Sit in front of the image of your ishtadevata and close your eyes. Transfer the mental image of the ishtadevata to the area between the eyebrows or the area of ​​the heart. Concentrate on muladhara, anahata, ajna or another chakra. Focus on abstract ideas - such as Divine qualities such as love or mercy.

3 revered deities

What to Focus on

Concentrate on the heart lotus (anahata chakra), between the eyebrows (ajna chakra, trikuti) or the tip of the nose. Close your eyes.

The Ajna Chakra is the seat of the mind. When concentrating on trikuti, the mind is easier to control.

A bhakta should concentrate on the heart, and a yogi and vedantist should concentrate on the ajna chakra.

Another object for concentration is the crown (sahasrara chakra). Some Vedantins focus on this. Many yogis concentrate on the tip of the nose (nasikagra-drishti).

Having chosen a center of concentration (for example, the heart), firmly stick to it only. Never change your center of concentration. If you study with a guru, a mentor will select such a center for you; If you study on your own, you can choose it yourself. Bhrumadhya-drishti means focusing the gaze on the area between the eyebrows, the area of ​​the ajna chakra. Sit in padmasana or siddhasana. Engage in this concentration without tension, the duration of which is from half a minute to half an hour. This exercise should be performed without the slightest fatigue. Gradually increase the concentration period. This yogic kriya eliminates vikshepa, distracted mind, and develops the power of concentration. Lord Krishna prescribes this practice in the fifth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, sloka 27: “Sparshan kritva bahir-bahyamsh-caksush-caivantare bhruvoh” (“Pushing external touches outward, directing the gaze to the middle of the eyebrows...” 1). This gaze is called "frontal" because the eyes are directed towards the frontal bone. You can perform this gaze or the “nose gaze.”

“Nose gaze” is called nasikagradrishti: gaze focused on the tip of the nose. You can do it even while walking down the street. Lord Krishna prescribes it in the sixth chapter of the Gita, sloka 13: “... samprekshya nasikagram...” (“... fixing one’s gaze on the tip of the nose, without looking to the sides...”). This exercise calms the mind and develops the power of concentration.

The Raja Yogi focuses on the trikuti (ajna chakra), the area between the eyebrows, the seat of the mind in the waking state. Concentrating on this area makes it easier to control the mind. Some people begin to see light after just one day of focusing on the area between their eyebrows. Anyone who wants to meditate on the virat and help the whole world should choose this particular area for concentration. A bhakta should concentrate on the heart, the seat of the senses. With concentration on the heart comes great joy, ananda. To experience ananda, you should concentrate on the heart area.

The Hatha Yogi keeps the mind on the sushumna nadi, the middle channel of the spine, as well as on one of the energy centers (for example, muladhara, manipura or ajna). Some yogis do not deal with the lower chakras and concentrate only on the ajna chakra. According to their theory, power over the ajna chakra simultaneously means control over all lower chakras. When concentrating on any chakra, a thread-like connection arises between this center of spiritual energy and the mind. The yogi then ascends along the sushumna, from chakra to chakra. The ascent is gradual and requires patient effort. Even a slight shaking of the opening of the sushumna causes ananda, bliss. There is a feeling of intoxication the world completely forgotten. At the weakest vibration of the Sushumna opening, Kula-Kundalini Shakti, the cosmic energy dormant in every person, tries to penetrate into this channel. There comes great detachment, vairagya. One becomes fearless and contemplates magnificent antar-jyotis, inner visions. This is unmanyavastha, a state of agitation. Thanks to working with the chakras and power over them, a person experiences various forms Ananda, acquires various siddhis (miraculous abilities) and extensive knowledge. Having conquered the muladhara chakra, he gains power over the plane of earthly existence. Controlling the manipura chakra gives power over fire: the flame will no longer cause such a person any harm. Panchadharana (five forms of dharana) will help you master the five elements. Learn these types of dharana under the guidance of a guru, an expert in yoga.

Concentration aids

Dharana, or concentration, keeps the mind on a single thought. During concentration, the mind becomes calm, serene and steady. All the rays of the mind are gathered into one focus and aimed at the object of meditation. The mind concentrates on lakshya, its tossing stops. The mind is occupied with only one thought; all its energy is directed towards it. The senses become silent and stop functioning. With deep concentration, the perception of the body and the surrounding world disappears. One who has good concentration is able to visualize the image of God very clearly in the blink of an eye.

Manorajya, fruitless daydreaming, has nothing to do with concentration. It is rather like wild high jumps of the mind. Do not confuse manorajya with concentration and meditation. Break this habit of mind through self-observation and self-reflection.

The Karma Purana says: if the mind is concentrated on one thought for 12 seconds, dharana, concentration, occurs. Twelve such dharanas constitute dhyana, meditation (12 x 12 = 144 seconds). Twelve dhyanas mean samadhi (25 minutes 28 seconds). Concentration can be directed towards a mental image of the deity.

Practicing concentration and pranayama are interconnected: practicing pranayama leads to concentration, and practicing concentration will result in natural pranayama. There are different practices, they correspond to different types of human character. Some find it easier to start with pranayama, while others find it easier to start with concentration.

In a state of deep concentration, one feels great joy and spiritual intoxication. The perception of the body and the surrounding world disappears. All prana ascends to the head.

Pranayama, control of the breath, breaks away the veil of rajas and tamas that envelops sattva. 1 It purifies the nerves (nadis). Pranayama makes the mind firm and stable, that is, capable of concentration. Pranayama cleanses the mind of all unnecessary things, just as melting cleanses gold of impurities.

Reading a book with deep interest, we do not hear our name being called, we do not notice the one who is standing right in front of us, we do not feel the sweet aroma of the flowers standing on the table. This is concentration, the absorption of the mind into one thing. The mind is firmly connected with one single object. This should be the concentration when you think about God, the Atman. It is easy to focus the mind on objects in the external world because the mind is naturally interested in them, out of habit. The corresponding grooves have already been cut into the brain. The mind should be gradually developed by daily meditation on God or the inner Self. After this, the mind will cease to be distracted by external objects, as it will experience the incredible joy of concentration.

1 Tamas, rajas and sattva (inertia, mobility and harmony) are three gunas, the main qualities with which all phenomena of the universe are endowed.

A goldsmith turns gold ore into pure gold by treating it with acid and repeatedly melting it in a crucible. You have to purify your sensory mind through concentration, reflection on the words of the spiritual master and sayings from the Upanishads, as well as meditation and japa, that is, the mental repetition of the name of God.

Beginners experience convulsive twitching in the head, legs and torso during meditation. This is very worrying for people who are insecure, but there is no reason to worry. Meditation causes changes in brain cells and nervous system. Old cells are replaced by new, stronger ones, filled with sattva. New “furrows” are formed in the brain, new channels for the flow of satgvic thoughts, new paths. Because of this, the muscles experience a certain excitement. Be bold and courageous. Courage is an important virtue, a necessary quality for a student. Cultivate this positive trait in yourself.

Take the appropriate posture. Close your eyes. Imagine that everywhere there is only God, nothing else.

It is impossible to understand algebra, the science of abstract numbers, without first mastering arithmetic, the science of concrete numbers. Kavya, Sanskrit poetry, and the most complex works of Vedanta cannot be understood without first studying the Laghu-siddhanta-kaumudi, a textbook of language, and the Tarka-sangraha, a manual of logic. Similarly, meditation on nirguna, nirakara (devoid of qualities and physicality, that is, abstract) Brahman is impossible without first concentrating on specific objects. The path to the Invisible and Unknown has to be paved through the visible and known.

The more often the mind is focused on God, the more strength a person acquires. The greater the concentration, the more energy. Concentration opens the inner recesses of love, the kingdom of eternity. Concentration is the only key that unlocks the palace of knowledge.

Concentrate. Meditate. Develop the power of deep, focused thinking. Many vague questions will become clear. Answers and solutions will come from within.

Shuka Deva came to Raja Janaka to confirm his knowledge and enlightenment. Janaka put him to the test. To divert the attention of Shuka Deva, the Raja organized fun and dancing throughout his palace. Performances were being played everywhere and entertainment was in full swing. Shuka Deva was asked to walk around the palace three times, holding a bowl of milk in his hands, and not spill a single drop. Shuka Deva successfully completed the task, as he was completely established in his Self. Nothing could distract his mind.

When concentrating, be persistent and unhurried. Concentration makes you a superman.

At first you will have to coax your mind, just as you coax a child. The mind is truly like an ill-mannered child. Tell yourself: “Mind, why do you strive for the false, unnecessary, transitory? They will bring untold suffering. Look at Lord Krishna, Beauty among beauty. You will find eternal happiness. Why are you drawn to listen to worldly love songs? Listen to bhajana 1 of God. Listen to the soul-stirring sankirtana (praise). You will become exalted." The mind will gradually give up its previous bad habits and concentrate on the lotus feet. Freed from rajas and tamas, he will become your mentor, guru.

Before each meditation, say OM three to six times. This will drive away all worldly thoughts and get rid of vikshepa, absentmindedness of the mind. After this, repeat OM mentally.

Avoid all other sensory impressions and thoughts. Eliminate the complexities caused by interconnected activity in the mind stuff. Limit your mind to one single thought, stop other thought processes. The whole mind should be occupied with only one thought. Repeated repetition of a thought or action leads to perfection of an idea or skill. Likewise, repeated concentration on one thought leads to the perfection of detachment, concentration and meditation.

At first it is very difficult to keep your mind on one thought. Reduce the number of thoughts, try to limit them to one topic. By concentrating, for example, on a rose, you can only think about what is connected with it: about different varieties roses growing in different parts of the world, what they make from roses, how they are used. Make sure that there is no state of aimless wandering of thoughts. When thinking about a rose, do not allow random thoughts. Gradually you will be able to focus your mind on just one thought. You need to educate your mind every day. Mind control requires constant vigilance.

Concentration is enhanced by reducing aspirations and desires, observing mouna (silence) and complete solitude for one to two hours a day, practicing pranayama, prayers, increasing the duration of meditation, vichara (meditation on Brahman) and other means.

1 Hymn of Praise; in bhakti yoga: meditation.

Stay alert and calm, only then concentration is possible. Maitri (friendship) with equals, karunya (sympathy) for the unfortunate, distressed, mudita (compassion) towards the more developed, virtuous and upeksha (indifference) towards sinful, bad people lead to chitta-prasada (goodwill, serenity) and destroy ghrina (hatred, jealousy, hostility).

Concentration increases as the number of thoughts decreases. Of course, this is very difficult. This requires a lot of effort in the beginning. The task is not a pleasant one, but there is a big reward later: reducing the number of thoughts incredibly increases the power of the mind and brings inner peace. Armed with patience and persistence, vigilance, fiery determination and an iron will, you will learn to suppress thoughts as easily as squeezing the juice from a lemon or an orange. Once thoughts are “crushed,” they can easily be uprooted. Simple suppression is not enough, because thoughts can be born again. They need to be pulled out by the roots, like a loose tooth.

The powers of concentration are developed through the practice of mouna, pranayama, self-restraint, vigorous sadhana and the cultivation of mental detachment.

It is very difficult to concentrate on the sandhi (the edge, the point of fusion) between jagrat and swapna, wakefulness and sleep, as well as increasing the duration of this sandhi. In the evening, sit in a quiet room and pay close attention to your mind. Soon you will be able to move into an intermediate state.

Do this regularly for three months and you will definitely achieve success.

Reduce unnecessary activities to enhance concentration and enrich your inner life.

If you find it difficult to concentrate indoors, get some fresh air, an open space, a terrace, by a river or in a quiet corner of the garden. This promotes concentration.

When you press the flashlight button, the light flashes instantly. Similarly, when a yogi concentrates and “presses the button” of the ajna chakra, the center between the eyebrows, the Divine Light immediately flashes within him.

Antarmukha and bahirmukha vritti

Antarmukha-vritti

Antarmukha-vritti, the turning of the mind inward, is achieved only after the destruction of all outwardly directed aspirations of the mind. Antarmukha-vritti is the inward flow of mind energy, which is caused by an increase in sattva.

To do this, you need to teach the mind the art of observing yourself, turning to yourself with the help of a yogic kriya called pratyahara (distraction). Anyone who has mastered this art finds true peace. Only such a person can be truly calm and happy. His mind stops running wild, he simply cannot break out, as he is kept in the hridaya-guha, the cave of the heart. The mind must be starved by deprivation of food through vairagya and tyaga (renunciation of desires, things and selfishness). When the mind's outward desire is limited, when it is kept in the region of the heart and completely focused on itself, the state of antarmukha-vritti arises. With such internal vritti, the sadhaka can perform wonderful sadhana. Vairagya and self-absorption help to achieve this state of mind.

Bahirmukha-vritti

Bahirmukha-vritti is the tendency of the mind to turn outward under the influence of rajas. For example, eyes and ears follow sounds out of habit. Things and desires also draw you outside. A person of the rajasic type, filled with desires, may not even dream of an inner spiritual life with antarmukha-vritti. He is completely incapable of immersing himself.

When vision is directed outward, the mind becomes immersed in the rush of external events. The outward energy of the mind begins to manifest itself.

When you firmly establish yourself in the thought that the world is unreal, vikshepa (absent-mindedness) and sphurana (quivering) sankalpas (desires, will) gradually disappear. Constantly repeat the statement: “Brahman alone is real. The world is unreal. Jiva and Brahman are one." This will bring strength and peace to the mind.

Principles of the mind

Dharana is practiced to stop changes in the mind.

Concentration is a stable, prolonged concentration of the mind on one image or object.

Kshipta (wandering), mudha (dullness, forgetfulness), vikshipta (slight vibrations), ekagra (purposefulness) and nirodha (restraint, submission) make up the five bhumikas (stages) of yoga. Chitta, the mind, manifests itself in five forms. In the state of kshipta, the rays of the mind are scattered across various objects, the mind restlessly jumps from one object to another. In the state of mudha the mind is dull and forgetful. Vikshipta - sometimes the collected, sometimes scattered mind. By concentration the mind tries to make itself collected. In the ekagra state, the mind is focused on one thing, there is only one thought in it. In the state of nirodha the mind is under complete control.

In the mind lies an outward, object-seeking force that leads to bahirmukha-vritti. External objects attract the mind. Through constant sadhana (spiritual practice), the mind should be weaned from outward striving and forced to concentrate on Brahman, the original abode.

The powers of the human mind are limitless. The more concentrated the mind, the more force is applied to a single point. We are born to concentrate on God, gathering together all the rays of the mind that were previously scattered among various objects. This is our main responsibility. We forget about it because of moha, delusions that make us care about family, children, money, power, position, name and fame.

The mind is compared to mercury because its rays spread over different objects. It is compared to a monkey, as the mind jumps from one subject to another. The quality of impermanence, chancha-la, makes the mind like the wind. Due to his passionate impetuosity, he is also compared to an angry elephant during the mating season.

The mind is called " a huge bird“, because he jumps from one object to another, as if fluttering from branch to branch. Raja Yoga explains how to concentrate the mind and explore its deepest recesses.

Concentration is the opposite of sensual desires, bliss is the opposite of worry and anxiety, prolonged reflection is the opposite of bewilderment, purposeful thinking is the opposite of laziness and dullness, delight is the opposite of ill will.

Until a person's thoughts have been thoroughly destroyed by persistent practice, he should constantly concentrate on only one truth at a time. Through such unremitting effort, a sense of purpose will accumulate in the mind, and one fine day all the hosts of thoughts will instantly disappear.

To get rid of mental fluctuations and other obstacles that interfere with concentration on one object, you need to concentrate on a single object.

The mind is directly or indirectly attached to pleasant and favorite thoughts. Imagine being in Kashmir and enjoying its picturesque landscapes. The mind will instantly darken with shock if at this time a telegram arrives with the bitter news that your only son has died untimely. Landscapes no longer interest you, the surroundings lose their charm. Attention to them disappears, depression sets in. The pleasure of contemplating the sights relied only on concentration and attention.

“Having made the Atman like the lower part of the arani (wood for making sacrificial fire), and the pranava (syllable OM) like the upper part of the arani, you will secretly see God through friction, which is dhyana (meditation)” (“Dhyanabindu Upanishad”).

Place the image of the Lord Jesus in front of you. Sit in your favorite meditation position. Without closing your eyes, gently focus on the image until tears flow down your cheeks. Don't distract your mind from the cross on your chest, long hair, a beautiful beard, large eyes and other parts of His body, a refined spiritual aura around His head. Think about His divine qualities - love, generosity, mercy and patience.

It is easy to focus the mind on external objects because the mind has a natural inclination towards external things. Desire is one of the moods of the mind filled with feelings. It makes the mind turn outward.

Focus on the Self. Keep your mind on the all-pervading pure Intelligence and Self-Illuminating Radiance (svayam-jyoti). Take a strong position in Brahman, become a brahma-sanstha (established in Brahman).

Practice concentration. Concentrate your mind on one subject, one thought. If your thoughts wander from lakshya, bring your mind back to it again and again and keep it on the object. Don't let your mind create hundreds of thought forms. Immerse yourself and carefully monitor your mind. Live alone. Avoid society. Don't strive for communication. It is very important. Do not allow your mind to waste energy aimlessly on unnecessary thoughts, vain worries, empty imagination, vain fears and forebodings. By continuous practice, hold the mind on one thought form for half an hour. Force your mind to give yourself a single form and try to maintain it for several hours.

As you try to focus your mind and even project thoughts, you will find that you have a natural need to form mental images. It happens naturally.

During meditation, do not fight with your mind. This would be a serious mistake. Many beginners do it. This is why they get tired so quickly. Their head starts to hurt. They have to get up frequently to urinate - this is caused by irritation of the urination center in the spine. Make yourself comfortable, sit in padmasana, siddhasana, sukhasana or swastikasana. Keep your head, neck and torso in a straight line. Relax your muscles, nerves and brain. Quiet the objective mind. Close your eyes. Get up at 4 am (Brahma Muhurta). Don't fight with your mind. Let him be calm and relaxed.

By manipulating the mind, you will achieve power over it, learn to force it to work the way it needs to, direct all its forces where it is needed.

It is impossible to determine when an experienced yogi passes from pratyahara (self-absorption) to dharana (concentration), where dharana ends and dhyana (meditation) begins, when dhyana passes into samadhi (state of superconsciousness). As soon as he takes the asana, all these processes begin to develop simultaneously, with lightning speed. A trained yogi enters samadhi of his own free will. The beginner first immerses himself in pratyahara. Then dharana begins, and later dhyana gradually arises. Before samadhi begins, the disciple's mind becomes impatient, tired and gives up. Constant and strenuous sadhana combined with light but nutritious food brings joyful success in achieving samadhi.

When shooting at a bird, a skilled shooter is aware of how he approaches it, raises his bow, tightens the bowstring and shoots the arrow. He understands: “take a position, raise the bow like this, stretch the string like this, shoot an arrow like this - and I will hit.” Subsequently, he will never forget to do everything necessary to shoot a bird. Similarly, the student should also notice favorable conditions, for example: “by eating such and such food, following the advice of such and such a person, being in such and such a room and in such a mood at such and such a time of day, I will achieve dhyana and samadhi.” .

While serving his master, a smart cook notices what dishes his master likes. He cooks them more often and gets a reward. The student must also pay attention to conditions such as nutrition. Thanks to them he achieves meditation and samadhi. By complying with these requirements, he again and again receives delight as a reward.

A Hatha Yogi tries to concentrate the mind through breath control, pranayama, and a Raja Yogi achieves the same through Chitta-Vritti-Nirodha (restraining various modifications of Chitta), not allowing the mind to accept the likeness of various objects. He does not think about controlling the breath, but when control of the mind is achieved, the breathing automatically becomes controlled. Hatha Yoga is a branch of Raja Yoga.

Worldly pleasures increase the desire to experience more and more pleasures. For this reason, the mind of a person immersed in earthly concerns cannot calm down. He is deprived of satisfaction and peace of mind. The mind is never satisfied, no matter how much pleasure it receives. The more pleasure he experiences, the more pleasure he demands. Thus, people are often overly worried and anxious, and their own mind is to blame. People get tired of their minds. The Rishis came to the conclusion that the best way to eliminate these anxieties and worries was to deprive the mind of all sense pleasures. When the mind concentrates and fades away, it cannot force the owner to seek new pleasures. Worries and worries disappear forever, giving way to real peace.

For those who are busy with earthly concerns, the rays of reason are scattered. The energy of the mind spreads in all directions. To achieve concentration, these scattered rays must be brought together through vairagya and abhyasa, practice. They should then be aimed at God.

The powers of the mind dissipate like rays of light. They are attracted to various objects. They must be patiently collected through vairagya and abhyasa, tyaga (renunciation) and tapas (austerities), and then boldly, with tireless energy, stride towards God, Brahman. When the rays of the mind are concentrated at one point, enlightenment comes.

With the help of pranayama, japa, vichara and bhakti, get rid of rajas and tamas that envelop the sattva of the mind. Then the mind will become suitable for concentration.

Know that you are moving forward on the path of yoga and strengthening sattva when you feel alert and your mind is calm and focused.

Containing the fluctuations of the mind

The scientist concentrates and invents something new. Through concentration, he reveals the layers of the gross mind and penetrates into its higher regions, receiving knowledge from there. He collects all the energy of the mind into one focus, directs it to the material being studied and reveals its secrets.

He who has learned to control the mind gains power over all of Nature.

When you meet dear friend after a long separation, the feeling of joy that arises, ananda, comes not from him, but from within. The mind becomes concentrated and ananda rises from the depths of the soul.

If the rays of the mind are scattered over various objects, pain arises. When its rays are collected through practice, the mind becomes concentrated, ananda comes from within.

As the mind develops, a conscious connection is established with the streams of thoughts in the minds of others, near and far, living and dead people.

If there is faith, it is easy to focus the mind on the subject that one wants to understand, and understanding will not be slow to appear.

If you find it difficult to concentrate on the heart, between the eyebrows (trikuti) or the crown of the head, you can concentrate on any external object - the blue sky, a sunbeam, the all-pervading air and ether, the sun, the moon or the stars.

If a headache occurs, shift your center of concentration to any object outside your body.

If discomfort or headache occurs when concentrating on the trikuti (the area between the eyebrows) with the gaze turned inward, stop the session immediately. Concentrate on the heart.

The mind thinks about words and their meaning, sometimes about objects. When trying to achieve concentration of the mind on one goal, do not think about objects, or words, or their meaning.

Some medical students drop out of medical school soon after enrolling because they are disgusted by cleaning out festering ulcers and dissecting corpses. They are making a big mistake. All this is disgusting only at the beginning. In the last year, after studying pathology, therapy, surgery, pathological anatomy and bacteriology, learning becomes very interesting. Many spiritual students stop concentrating after some time because it is very difficult. Like medical students, they commit fatal mistake. At the beginning of practice, when the student desperately tries to master the body and mind, it is unpleasant and painful. It's as tiring as a physical fight. There are too many feelings and sankalpas boiling within the student. But by the third year of study the mind becomes cool, clear and strong. Great joy, ananda, arises. All worldly pleasures put together are nothing compared to the ananda that meditation brings. Do not stop exercising under any circumstances. Don't be intimidated by hard work. Persevere with it. Develop dhriti (patience), utsaha (cheerfulness of spirit) and sahasa (commitment, diligence).

Control of the senses and concentration of the mind is the responsibility of every person.

Once upon a time there lived a worker who made arrows. One day he was very busy with work. He was so deeply immersed in it that he did not even notice how a rajah with a large retinue passed by his workshop. Concentration should be just as strong when the mind is focused on God. There is only one thought left in the head - the thought of God. Undoubtedly, it takes a lot of time to achieve complete ekagrata of the mind. It takes a lot of work to achieve single-minded focus. Sri Dattatreya considered the arrow maker mentioned above to be one of his gurus.

Don't be alarmed if your mind wanders during meditation. Let it veer outward. Try to gently bring it back to the lakshya (center). Through regular practice the mind will sooner or later learn to concentrate on the heart, the Atman, the Dweller of the heart, the ultimate goal of life. At first the mind will be distracted 80 times. In six months he will do this 70 times, in a year - 50 times, in two years - no more than 30 times, and in five years he will completely concentrate on the Divine Consciousness. Then it will no longer break out, even if you try to force it. He will become like a wandering bull who once ran away to other people's pastures, but now enjoys the sweet peas and cotton sprouts in his master's fields.

Gather together the rays of the mind. When clothes get caught in a thorny bush, they have to be released carefully, thorn by thorn. In the same way, carefully and diligently, one should collect the scattered rays of the mind, which for many years have been directed towards perceived objects.

If an inflamed tumor appears on the back, causing throbbing pain, the torment stops at night when the person falls asleep. Pain is felt only when the mind is connected to the sore spot by nerves and consciousness. If you consciously withdraw your mind from the diseased organ, concentrating your thoughts on God or another attractive object, you will not feel pain even in a waking state. Strong will and titiksha (endurance) also help to forget about pain. Constant thoughts about trouble or illness only increase pain and suffering.

Extracting all internal forces

• Whatever the struggle, whatever efforts a person makes to achieve the desired outcome, he does not need to seek the help of external forces. Man has enormous reserves of internal strength, innate power, which often remains untouched, almost unused.
• This is caused by the fact that a person allows his abilities to be scattered into hundreds of different things and cannot achieve anything significant, despite his innate potential. If he begins to manage and apply his abilities wisely, he will achieve quick and specific results.
• To learn how to rationally and effectively use existing forces, you do not need to wait for the invention of some new, miraculous methods. Since the dawn of Creation, nature has abundantly offered us instructive examples and lessons that will help in all areas of life. Observations will show that in nature, any force that has the opportunity to spread over a sufficiently wide area develops more slowly and weakly than in the case when it is collected into a single whole and directed along one narrow channel.
• This focusing of scattered rays of force and their application to a given object (object, thought or action) is the process of concentration.

Here are some examples of power caused by concentrated force:

the sluggish, lazy flow of the river acquires swiftness and amazing strength in the lock, when the dam ensures the accumulation of a huge mass of water;

a steam locomotive drags thousands of tons of cargo in heavy wagons along the railway due to the power of steam concentrated in the boiler;

One of the most familiar pictures of home life is the tapping and bouncing of the lid of a pot of boiling water;

When the warm rays of the sun are passed through a magnifying glass, they instantly become so hot that they set objects on fire.

There is another simple and common action during which we unconsciously use the same principle: when someone wants to say hello to another person who is in the distance, he automatically puts his hands near his mouth and shouts into the resulting “horn”.

• This law applies equally to humans in all areas of their activities. The surgeon performs the most complex operations with utmost concentration and attention. Drawing the smallest details drawing, diagram or painting, when precision is of paramount importance, the engineer, architect and artist are also immersed in deep concentration. The same concentration is demonstrated by skilled Swiss craftsmen who produce miniature parts for watches and scientific instruments. This applies to all types of art and technology.
• This is especially noticeable in spiritual training, where the student deals with internal forces. The powers of the mind are always scattered and resist attempts to concentrate. This tendency is an innate property of the mind-stuff. Of all the methods of curbing the fluctuations of the mind, those that rely on hearing and vision are the most effective because they are especially attractive and calm the mind. An example is a hypnotist who gently subjugates the mind of the hypnotized person to his will, forcing the latter to continuously look into the eyes of the hypnotist and listen to the measured repetitions of confident, calculated suggestions. We have another example: watch how a mother gently lulls her baby to sleep. When a school teacher says, “Attention, children!”, he draws their attention to a particularly important issue. The teacher understands that by forcing children to look up, he is simultaneously forcing them to focus on the material being presented.

For this reason, in the process of spiritual training, methods of developing concentration take the form of a fixed and steady gaze focused on a point, pranava symbol, mantra or image of a chosen deity. In some cases, this is done by repeating aloud a mantra, the name of God, OM, or individual kirtan melodies in a measured rhythm, with the correct intonation. Thanks to these means, the mind gradually withdraws into itself and concentrates. As this state deepens, a person slowly ceases to be aware of the world around him. If concentration continues, it moves to the state of dhyana, meditation, when even the sensation of one's own body disappears.

When persistent meditation is brought to perfection, it produces a feeling of superconsciousness, samadhi, the final state of Self-realization.

Concentration

Before moving on to the practice of concentration, it is useful to know something about the subconscious mind, the mind and its functions.

Concentration is the state when citta is curbed and retained on a specific object. A huge portion of the subconscious mind is simply a collection of latent impressions that the conscious mind can bring to the surface through concentration.

Psychology has long recognized that the thought processes associated with acquiring knowledge are not limited to consciousness, that is, they also affect the subconscious. If you learn to communicate with the subconscious and master the art of extracting verbal information from it, that is, talking to it like a servant or a good old friend, all knowledge will open up to you. Yes, it is a matter of practice, practice makes perfect.

If you just can't solve any metaphysical, scientific or philosophical riddle, ask your subconscious mind to do it for you with complete trust. You will definitely get the right answer. Give the subconscious the following order: “Listen, subconscious! I really need to find a solution to this problem by tomorrow morning. Please hurry." The order must be expressed very clearly, without ambiguity. Most likely, the next morning you will receive a subconscious answer. However, sometimes it is busy with other work, and then you will have to wait a few days. In such cases, you need to repeat the order every day at the same time.

Everything that we have inherited, everything that we bring with us from countless past incarnations, everything that we have seen, heard, tasted and read, that you have enjoyed in this or one of your past lives - all this lies in the subconscious. Why not master the principles of concentration, managing your subconscious and benefit from all this knowledge?

As you already know, the subconscious is our faithful servant. In the evening, when you go to bed with the thought that you have to get up exactly at 4 o'clock in the morning (for example, to catch a train or to meditate), it is the subconscious that forces you to wake up at this time. The subconscious mind works even while a person is sound asleep. It knows no rest. It classifies, analyzes, compares, sorts facts and numbers - and carries out our instructions.

Any action, joy and suffering - in fact, all our experiences leave the finest imprints, residual traces on the photographic plate of the subconscious, which become the causes of future incarnations, new pleasures and sufferings, and another death. The rebirth or repetition of any action performed in this life forms memory. But a developed yogi also resurrects memories of past lives. He plunges into the depths of memory and comes into contact with the sanskars (subtle impressions) of past lives. He sees them with his yogic vision. Through sanyama (simultaneous concentration, meditation and samadhi), the yogi fully understands his past lives. By performing sanyama on the sanskars of others, he is able to cognize other people's past lives. The powers of concentration are wonderful!

The mind is a force generated by the Atman, since it is through the mind that God manifests Himself as a diverse universe of names and forms. The mind is simply a collection of thoughts and habits. Since the root of all thoughts is the idea “I”, then the mind is only the thought “I”.

The brain is the seat of the mind in the waking state, the cerebellum in the dreaming state, and the heart in the deep sleep state. All the objects around us are nothing more than a form, embodied mind. The mind creates, the mind destroys. The developed mind influences the less developed. This is proven by telepathy, mind reading, hypnosis, mesmerism, distance healing and many other related sciences. Undoubtedly, the mind is the greatest power on earth, and control of the mind gives all other types of power.

We exercise, play tennis or croquet, to maintain physical health. In the same way, one should maintain mental health: eat sattvic food, rest the soul in the bosom of innocent and harmless nature, change the way of thinking, give rest to the mind, entertaining it with good, ennobling and sublime thoughts, cultivate the habit of remaining cheerful.

This is the nature of the mind: it becomes what it thinks intensely about. Thus, if you think about other people's vices and shortcomings, the mind becomes infected with these vices, at least for a while. Anyone who knows this psychological law will never judge others or look for shortcomings in their behavior. He will always praise those around him and notice only the good in them. This is the path to success in concentration, yoga and spirituality.

According to the Indian school of logic, the mind is made up of atoms. The Raja Yoga philosophy believes that it is omnipresent, and the Vedanta school believes that the mind is the same size as the whole body.

Deep sleep is not a state of inactivity. In this state, the causal body (karana-sharira) actively functions. Active and interacting consciousness (prajna). The Jiva (individual soul) is almost in close connection with the Absolute. Like a thin muslin veil that hides a woman's face even from her own husband, a thin veil of ignorance separates the individual soul from the Supreme Soul. Followers of Vedanta study this state very deeply. It has enormous philosophical significance and is the key to tracking the existence of the Atman. In deep sleep, we are transported into the warm bosom of the Mother of the World, Rajeshwari, who lovingly gives us peace, restores vigor and strength so that we can bravely face the challenges ahead. Everyday life. Without this incomparable love and kindness of the merciful Mother, felt in deep sleep, life on the physical plane would be almost impossible, since here we are surrounded every moment by disasters, illnesses, worries, worries, all kinds of fears, suffering and torment. How miserable, sad and depressed we feel if we don't enjoy healthy health for at least one night. deep sleep, sacrificing 3-4 hours to attend a theater performance!

Such great yogis as Jnanadeva, Bhartrihari 1 and Patanjali 2 often exchanged messages with other people over long distances, using telepathy, the transfer of thoughts. Telepathy was the world's first wireless telegraph and telephone. Thought is transported in space with tremendous speed. It moves, has weight, shape, size and color. Thought is a dynamic force.

What is this world? This is nothing but the materialization of the thought forms of God, Hiranyagarbha 1 . In science they deal with waves of heat, light and electricity, but in yoga, in addition to them, there are also thought waves. Thought has incredible power. To one degree or another, every person unconsciously feels the power of thought. If you thoroughly understand the action of thought vibrations, master the techniques of thinking control and the method of transmitting beneficial thoughts at a distance to other people (through clear, definite and powerful thought waves), then you can use thoughts a thousand times more effectively. Thoughts work wonders. A bad thought fetters, a good thought frees. Think correctly and achieve freedom.

Unleash the occult powers hidden within you through knowledge of the powers of the mind. Close your eyes. Concentrate slowly. You can see distant objects, hear distant sounds, send messages to any part of not only our world, but also other planets. You can heal people thousands of kilometers away from you and instantly be transported across vast distances. Believe in the power of the mind. Interest, attentiveness, willpower, faith and concentration will bring the desired results. Remember that the mind is generated by the Self through His Maya (the power of illusion).

Cosmic mind is the universal mind. The cosmic mind is the totality of all individual minds, it is Hiranyagarbha, Ishvara 2, or Karya-Brahman (Active Brahman). The human mind is only a particle of the universal mind. Learn to connect your tiny mind with the Cosmic Mind, gaining Omniscience, plunging into Cosmic Consciousness.

1 Lit.: “golden embryo”; one of the names of the creator god, Brahma.

2 Personified, manifested god, creator of the universe.

Keep your mind balanced at all times. It is very important. No doubt it is very difficult, but you must achieve it in order to succeed in concentration. True wisdom is to maintain a balanced mind in joy and sorrow, in heat and cold, in gain and loss, in success and failure, in praise and blame, respect and disdain. This is a real test, but if you manage to achieve this, you will become the most powerful ruler in the world. You will be admired. You will be the richest, even if all you have for clothing is a loincloth and you have nothing to eat. You will become very strong, no matter how decrepit your body may be. Lay people lose their balance of mind even over trifles. They quickly become irritated and lose their temper. By losing self-control, a person wastes energy. Those who want to achieve a balanced mind must develop discrimination, observe sexual abstinence and practice concentration. The one who wastes the seed gets irritated too often. Control of the mind and concentration are very difficult. In his poem Tejomayanandam, Saint Thayumanavar 1 included a wonderful verse on the difficulty of controlling the mind. In a free paraphrase, this almost untranslatable passage goes like this: 1 Thayumanavar is a poet-saint who lived almost 200 years ago in South India. His songs on Vedanta are inspiring and uplifting. The poet's poems penetrate deeply into the souls of listeners. They are very popular in South India as they carry deep and sophisticated philosophical ideas. - Approx. author.

You can stop a mad elephant
You can slam the mouth of a bear or a tiger,
You can ride a lion
You can play with a cobra
You can get rich with alchemy,
You can wander the universe unrecognized,
You can make the gods your servants,
You can stay forever young
You can walk on water
You can survive in the flames,
One can achieve all siddhis,
But find peace through power over the mind
Even more difficult.

Our true enemies are feelings. They carry thoughts outside and disturb the peace of mind. Push them away. Subdue them to yourself. Rein them in. Capture them as you capture enemies on the battlefield. This cannot be achieved in one day. This requires patient and long sadhana. Power over the senses essentially means power over the mind. All ten senses must be conquered. Starve them to death. Don't give them what they want, and then they will begin to obey your orders unconditionally. All who are immersed in earthly concerns are slaves of their senses, even if they are educated, rich and have judicial or executive power. If, for example, you are a slave to meat food, your training in tongue control will begin the moment you completely give up meat for six months. You will realize that you have gained a certain power over the annoying taste habits that previously rebelled against your will.

Be careful, vigilant and prudent. Observe the mind and its modifications. The Lord Jesus says: “Watch [watch] and pray” 1 . Monitoring the mind is self-observation.

1 Mat. 26:41.

Only one in a million engages in this beneficial and soul-elevating practice. People are immersed in earthly things, they are madly chasing money and women. They do not have time to think about God and higher spiritual values. The sun rises, and the mind again begins to rush along the old, familiar rails of food, drink, entertainment and sleep. The day has passed. This is how all life goes. There is no moral or spiritual development. One who practices self-observation daily can identify his shortcomings and, by eliminating them by suitable methods, gradually achieve complete control over the mind. He will not allow such uninvited guests into the factory of his mind as lust, anger, greed, misconceptions and pride. His concentration exercises will proceed without interference. Other necessary practices are daily self-reflection and self-examination. This is the only way to get rid of shortcomings and quickly achieve success in concentration. How does a gardener work? He carefully monitors the young shoots, weeds out weeds every day, surrounds the sprouts with strong fences and waters them with water every day. Then the plants grow well and bear fruit quickly. Likewise, one must identify one's shortcomings through self-observation and self-analysis and then eradicate them through suitable means. If one method does not bring results, try another. Such work requires patience, perseverance, persistent diligence, hard work, iron will, refined mind and courage, but the reward will be invaluable: Immortality, Supreme Peace and Infinite Bliss!

The mind must be made serene. On the path of yoga, you need to work on serenity every second. If the mind is restless, you will not make any progress in concentration. Therefore, first of all, you need to strive to achieve serenity of mind with all your might. Quiet meditation in the morning, renunciation of desires, proper nutrition, discipline of the senses and daily observance of the vow of silence for at least an hour will bring serenity. Aimless habitual thoughts, wild fantasies, erroneous feelings, worries, worries, anxieties, confused ideas and imaginary fears must be put an end to once and for all. Only then can one hope to achieve peace of mind. The foundation of yoga can be considered reliable and correct only if the student has achieved highest degree serenity of mind. Only a cold-blooded mind is able to comprehend the truth, to see God, Atman, and the Divine Light. When the mind becomes silent, spiritual experiences become permanent. Otherwise, they may appear but disappear later.

Waking up at 4-6 o'clock in the morning, fervently pray to the Lord, chant His Names, meditate on Him with all your heart. Then make a firm decision: “Today I will practice sexual abstinence. Today I will speak only the truth. Today I will not hurt other people's feelings. I won’t lose my composure today.” Watch your mind. Be strong and you will definitely achieve success on this day. Follow this vow for a week. You will feel a surge of strength. Your willpower will become stronger. Continue to keep your vow for a month. Even if you make some mistakes at first, this should not worry you. Mistakes are our best teachers, because we don't make the same mistake twice. If you are honest and sincere, the Lord will shower you with His Grace. It will strengthen you in the face of difficulties and adversity in the battle of everyday life.

He who controls his mind is truly happy and free. Physical freedom is not true freedom at all. If you are easily carried away by the billowing waves of feelings and impulses, if you are dependent on mood swings, desires and passions, then how can you be truly happy? O dear beloved children! You are like a boat without a rudder. You are tossed here and there like a straw in the vastness of the ocean. You laugh for five minutes and cry for five hours. What can your wife, son, friends, money, fame and power do for you if you are submissive to the impulses of your own mind? The real hero is the one who has mastered the mind. There is a saying: “He who conquers his mind conquers the whole world.” True victory is victory over the mind. This is real freedom. Strict discipline and self-restraint will eventually eradicate all desires, thoughts, impulses, aspirations and passions. Only then, and not before, can one hope for liberation from slavery. Do not show any leniency towards the mind. The mind is a mischievous little devil. Contain it with decisive measures. Become a perfect yogi. Money will not give you freedom. Freedom is not a commodity; you cannot buy it on the market. This is a rare, hidden treasure, guarded by a five-headed serpent. Until you kill or tame this snake, you will not be able to take possession of the treasure. This treasure is Spiritual Wealth, Freedom and Bliss. The serpent is the mind, and its five hissing heads are the five senses.

The rajasic mind is always demanding something new. He craves variety and has an aversion to consistency. He wants a change of place, unusual food - in other words, a change in everything. But you must train your mind to be content with one thing. Don't complain about monotony. You need to have patience, indestructible will and tireless perseverance. Only then will you achieve success in yoga. Anyone who constantly strives for something new is almost incapable of yoga. Stick to one place, one spiritual guide, one method, one system of yoga - this is the path to real success.

One must have a genuine and very strong thirst for God-realization. Then you will be able to avoid all obstacles. Concentration will become easy. Ordinary, occasional emotional stimulation caused by mere curiosity or a desire for psychic powers will not bring any tangible results.

Carelessness, irregular concentration, weakening of vairagya (dispassion), laziness, prompting you to quit after a few days - these are the traits that will allow hostile forces to lead you astray from the true path of yoga, and then you will find yourself in a very difficult situation. It will be difficult for you to rise to your previous heights. Practice concentration regularly.

Be cheerful. Down with depression and despondency! There is nothing more contagious than depression. A depressed and gloomy person radiates only unpleasant and painful vibrations; he simply cannot radiate happiness, love and peace. Don't leave your room if you feel depressed or sad, otherwise you risk infecting everyone around you. You need to live in such a way that you become a blessing to others. Radiate joy, love and peace. Depression eats away at the very essence of your being, devastating it like an ulcer. This is truly a deadly plague. Depression arises from disappointments and failures, severe indigestion and heated arguments, wrong thinking and wrong feelings. Separate yourself from negative emotions, identify with the Supreme Being, and then no external influence will affect you. You will become invulnerable. Drive away feelings of melancholy and despondency as soon as they appear. Do this through introspection, chanting divine songs, prayers, chanting of OM, pranayama, brisk walk in the fresh air and thinking about the opposite, that is, the feeling of joy. Try to be joyful in all circumstances and radiate only happiness around.

Why are you crying, my children? Take off the blindfolds and take a look around. We are surrounded by the truth, only the truth. Everything around is Light and Bliss. The cataract of ignorance has clouded your vision. Heal your illness immediately. Put on a new pair of glasses, develop the inner eye of wisdom through constant practice of concentration.

It is not only thoughts that determine actions. There are reasonable people who correctly weigh the pros and cons in their thoughts, but in reality they often give in to temptation. They do bad things and then repent. Feelings motivate a person to act. Some physiologists especially emphasize the role of imagination and argue that it is precisely this that determines our actions. They support their arguments with this example: imagine a long board one foot wide, which is fixed between two towers at a height of twenty feet. When you start walking along it, you immediately imagine that you will fall - and you actually fall, although you can easily walk along the same board if it lies on the ground. Let's say you're riding your bike down a narrow lane and you notice a large rock in the road. You imagine what will happen if the wheel hits a stone, and then that's exactly what happens. Other physiologists say that actions are determined by the will. The will is capable of anything. Will is the power of the soul. The Vedantins are of the same opinion.

Let's return to the topic of concentration. Waves of thinking caused by thought forms are called vritti. These waves need to be smoothed out and stopped. Only then can one realize the Soul. A well-prepared mind can, at will, dwell on any object, both external and internal, while simultaneously eliminating everything else from it. The practice of concentration is somewhat unpleasant at first, but after a while it begins to bring great happiness. The most important thing is patience and persistence. Regularity of exercise is also important. In shastras 1 the mind is compared to a lake or ocean. The thoughts that arise in the mind are like waves. You can clearly see your reflection in the ocean waters only when the waves completely disappear and calm reigns. The soul, the Light of light, can be realized only when all the thought waves in the lake of the mind calm down.

If concentration is of interest to you and you have a definite goal, you will undoubtedly achieve noticeable success in concentration. A beginner begins to have a great interest in this practice when he experiences certain psychic experiences (luminous lights, heavenly sounds, exquisite aromas, etc.) and begins to think about the possibility of becoming a real yogi.

1 Ancient Indian treatises on various branches of knowledge.

Some people can only focus on pleasant and entertaining things. If they manage to arouse their interest in unpleasant things, they will be able to concentrate well even on “boring” objects. When the rays of the mind are collected and focused through practice, the mind becomes concentrated, ananda comes from within. All the pleasures of the world put together are nothing compared to the bliss that concentration and meditation bring. Never stop concentrating. Keep working hard. Be patient, persistent, cheerful, persistent and diligent. Sooner or later you will achieve success. Never despair. Sri Shankaracharya 1 writes in his commentary on the Chandogya Upanishad: “The duty of man is to control the senses and concentrate the mind.” Through deep self-observation, determine which obstacles become stumbling blocks on the path to concentration, and patiently, persistently, remove these obstacles one by one. Do not allow new thoughts (sankalpas) and desires (vasanas) to arise. Nip them at the root through discrimination, self-knowledge, concentration and meditation.

Every person concentrates to one degree or another when reading a book, writing a letter, playing tennis - in other words, when doing something. But to achieve spiritual goals, concentration must be developed to an infinitely high level. The mind is like a monkey let loose from a rope. At each moment he is able to deal with only one subject, he can move from one object to another with lightning speed. He does it so quickly that some people think they can actually multitask. But the best philosophers and sages of the East and West consider the theory of “single thought” to be correct. It is consistent with everyday experience. The mind is always restless, which is caused by the power of rajas and passions. Concentration is also necessary for material success. A person with a sufficient level of concentration earns more and does his job faster than others. Need I say what a generous reward a yoga student receives for his efforts in concentration?

1 Shankara (788-812 AD) - the greatest Hindu philosopher, teacher of Shaivism, classic of Advaita Vedanta, author of numerous commentaries on sacred texts and religious and philosophical poems (“Vivekachudamani”, “Atmabodha”, “Aparokshanubhuti” and many others).

When studying a book, focus all your thoughts on the content. Do not allow your mind to notice foreign objects or hear any sounds. Gather all the scattered rays of the mind into one. Develop the power of attention. As I said at the beginning, attention plays an important role. Essentially, concentration is a narrowing of the sphere of attention. This is one of the signs of a developed will. Strong personalities usually have this quality.

Develop attention through boring, unattractive activities that sometimes make you wince. Try to arouse your interest in uninteresting topics and ideas. Keep them in mind, and interest will gradually appear. Many will disappear weak sides mind, the mind will become stronger. The strength with which something attracts the mind is usually proportional to the attention given to it. Moreover, the art of memory is also attention. Absent-minded people have very poor memory.

Playing cards or chess requires great concentration, but at this time the mind is not occupied with pure, divine thoughts. The content of thoughts is of great importance. It is hardly possible to experience divine awe, delight and elation when the mind is filled with obscene thoughts. Each object evokes its own associations. The mind should be filled with refined spiritual thoughts, only then will it be cleansed of worldly things. Images of Lord Jesus, Buddha or Krishna evoke sublime, soul-stirring thoughts, while chess and cards are associated with thoughts of gambling, cheating and deceit.

Summoning the shadow allows you to see the visible and invisible. Undoubtedly, a person is purified even by the very spectacle of a summoned shadow. The shadow can answer any questions. A yogi who can see his own reflection in the sky can find out whether success awaits him in his endeavors. Yogis who fully understood the benefits of concentration stated: “In a clear, sunlit sky, gaze intently at your reflection; if it appears even for a moment, you will see God in heaven.” Anyone who sees his reflection in the sky every day achieves longevity. He will never die an accidental death. When the shadow is clearly visible, the practitioner of yoga can have no doubt about victory and success. He conquers prana and can be transported anywhere. This practice is quite simple, and you notice the results very quickly, sometimes within one or two weeks. When the sun rises, stand so that your body casts a shadow on the ground directly in front of you. Gaze at your shadow's neck for a moment and then look up at the sky. If you see a complete gray shadow in the sky, it is very auspicious sign. The shadow will answer any of your questions. If you don't see a shadow, continue practicing until you succeed. This exercise can also be performed in the moonlight.

When suffering from illnesses, people sometimes experience severe pain. Finding the reason is not difficult. They constantly think about the disease, but do not know how to distract the mind from the painful area, abstract from the pain and focus on something else. Other people experience pain less severely. They know how to distract themselves from the source of the disease. If you are in pain, focus on your guardian deity or delve into philosophical books. The pain will disappear.

Concentration is a purely mental process. It requires turning the mind inward. This is not a physical exercise. The brain should not be overly stressed. There is no need to fight furiously with the mind.

Sit in a comfortable position. Relax all the muscles in your body. There should be no muscle, mental or nervous tension. Calm your mind. Calm your turbulent thoughts. Calm your feelings. Stop the thinking process. Ignore the intruding thoughts. Instill in your mind: “I don’t care whether I have thoughts or not.” In other words, become indifferent. Soon random thoughts will leave the factory of your mind and stop causing inconvenience. This is the secret of mind discipline. Increased concentration appears almost imperceptibly. Don't be discouraged by this. Exercise regularly. Don't stop practicing even for a day. After some success in concentration, you can try to empty yourself, get rid of any thoughts. Always be in a good mood. When you need to concentrate on a task that needs to be done very carefully, use all your willpower and imagination. Imagination even helps concentration.

Excessive tension, talkativeness, overeating, excessive communication with ladies and bad company, tiring walking distract the mind. One who is engaged in concentration must give up all this. Whatever you do, you need to do it with utmost concentration. Never leave a task unfinished.

Sexual abstinence, pranayama, reduction of desires and activities, renunciation of unnecessary things, solitude, silence, discipline of the senses, destruction of lust and greed, control of manifestations of anger, avoidance of bad people, eradication of the habit of reading newspapers and going to the cinema - all this paves the way to increased concentration.

Don't be alarmed if your mind wanders out during concentration. Let him deviate. Gently return it to the object of concentration. At first, the mind will be distracted 50 times, and after two years of practice - only 20. After three years of constant and persistent practice, it will stop wandering altogether. The mind will completely stop on the Divine Consciousness. He won't run away even if you try to force him to do so. This is evidenced by the practical experience of those who have achieved complete power over their minds.

Arjuna was very good at concentration. He learned archery from Dronacharya 1 . The dead bird was tied to a pole so that it could be seen in a basin of water on the ground. Arjuna saw the reflection of the bird in the water and aimed so accurately that he hit the right eye of the bird suspended from the post.

Napoleon also had a remarkable power of concentration. They say he was in complete control of his thoughts. He could extract the desired thought from the corresponding “box” in his head, reflect on it, and then send it back to its place. He had an amazing brain with amazingly organized “boxes”.

1 Drona is the hero of the Mahabharata, who taught the art of war to the young Pandavas and Kauravas.

Studying a book with genuine interest, we do not notice anything, we do not hear the person calling us by name, we do not pay attention to the delicate aroma of flowers on the table. This is concentration, the focus of the mind on a single object (citta-ekagrata). The mind is firmly fixed on only one thing. The concentration should be just as deep and strong when you think about God, the Atman. It is easy to focus thoughts on everyday objects because the mind is interested in them naturally, out of habit. The brain already has corresponding grooves. By focusing on God again and again, new paths must be created in the mind. After some time, the mind will stop being distracted by external things, as it will feel inner joy and bliss.

Some Western psychologists believe: “An aimlessly wandering mind can be forced to move in a small closed circle only with the help of concentration. The mind cannot stay on just one thing. If he stops at one, there will be a stop, and for the mind this is death. When thinking stops, nothing can be achieved. For this reason, there is no point in stopping thinking.” This is not true. Complete power over the mind is achieved when all thought waves are thoroughly destroyed. With one-pointedness of mind, a yogi works miracles. He discovers the hidden treasures of the soul with the help of the powerful, all-pervading searchlight that arises during such concentration. After establishing one-pointedness of the mind (ekagrata), one should strive to completely curb it (nirodha). In this state, all modifications of the mind completely stop, the mind becomes empty. The yogi then destroys the empty mind as well, identifying himself with purusha, the Supreme Soul, or Supreme Being, from which the mind draws its light. Thus the yogi gains omniscience and final liberation (kaivalya). But for Western psychologists all this is Chinese literacy; they are groping their way in the dark. They have no idea of ​​purusa, the witness of the activities of the mind.

Man is a complex social animal. It is a biological organism and, therefore, has certain physiological functions: circulation, digestion, respiration, excretion, etc. Moreover, it undoubtedly has certain psychological functions, such as thinking, perception, memory, imagination and etc. He thinks, sees, tastes and smells, feels. Philosophically speaking, he is the likeness of God, if not God himself. He lost his divine greatness when he ate the fruit of the forbidden tree, but can regain his lost divinity by training the mind and practicing concentration.

Yoga Prasnottari - Teaching yoga in the form of questions and answers

Question: What should you focus on?

Answer: At first, concentrate on specific objects, such as the image of Lord Krishna with a flute in his hand or Lord Vishnu with a conch, disc, club and lotus in four hands.

Question: Someone advised me to constantly look in the mirror, at my eyebrow area. Is it worth doing this exercise?

Answer: Yes. This is one of the ways of concentration. But it is better to stick to only one method, focusing on the appearance of Rama. By concentrating on His divine form, meditating on His qualities, you will grow spiritually.

Question: I concentrate on trikuti, the image and sound of OM. Did I select the objects correctly?

Answer: Yes, that's right. Connect with OM thoughts of purity, cam, chit, ananda, perfection and so on. Feel that you are the all-pervading consciousness. This bhavana (sensation, imagination) is absolutely necessary.

Question: What can I do to achieve deep concentration?

Answer: Cultivate powerful vairagya. Increase study time. Get alone. Avoid inappropriate company. Observe mouna for three hours. In the evening there is only fruit and milk. I assure you, then the concentration will become deep.

Question: A student needs words of encouragement. He wants to communicate with his guru as often as possible, that's why I bother you so often. May I ask how concentration is enhanced?

Answer: You can write to me as often as you like. Worry is only about the mind. He who abides in the Atman, which transcends the mind, eternally experiences peace. Worries, anxieties and sorrows do not affect the one who is in the spirit. Concentration is enhanced by reducing desires, observing mouna (silence) for two hours daily, practicing pranayama, prayer, increasing the number of meditation sessions at the end of the day, vichara and so on.

Question: Can japa cause concentration?

Answer: Yes. Repeat manasika japa.

Question: When I try to concentrate on trikuti, I get a slight headache. Is it possible to get rid of it?

Answer: Don't fight with your mind. When concentrating, do not exert excessive effort. Relax all your muscles, nerves and brain. Concentration should be soft and natural. This will relieve unnecessary tension and the headaches it causes.

Question: My mind is not yet stable, and my flesh is weak. Attempts at concentration are sometimes successful, but often only bring disappointment. Cleansing the mind is not easy. What do you recommend?

Answer: Your vairagya is not strong enough, develop it. Sadhana must become persistent. Increase your meditation time to four hours. Reduce vyavahara (activity). Go to the mountains for three months, and observe mouna for all three months. Then concentration and meditation will be wonderful.

Question: Why did the yogi, who prescribed shakti-sanchara (work with energy) for his student, suggest that he stop all other types of sadhana?

Answer: To develop strong faith, steadfastness on the path and one-pointedness, that is, single-minded devotion to one type of yoga.

Question: Every day I do japa for two hours and pranayama for half an hour. Will I achieve ekagrata and tanmayata (state of absorption) in two years?

Answer: Yes. This is possible if you are pure and sincere in your sadhana.

Chapter 2: Practice of Concentration

Attentiveness

One must show great interest in the practice of concentration, only then will all attention be directed to the object of concentration. There can be no real concentration without significant interest and attentiveness. Therefore, you should know what these two concepts mean.

Attention is the steady focus of the mind. This is focusing consciousness on a selected object. Thanks to attention, you can develop the abilities and qualities of thinking. Where there is attention, there is concentration. Mindfulness needs to be developed gradually. This is not a special process. Attention is a purely mental process in one of its manifestations.

Perception always involves attention. To perceive means to pay attention. Thanks to attention, a clear and distinct understanding of the object arises. All energy is focused on the object at which attention is aimed. This brings complete information about the subject in question. In the state of mindfulness, all the scattered rays of the mind come together. Attention is associated with struggle, effort. Thanks to him, deep impressions about the subject arise in the mind. Developed mindfulness allows you to devote all your energy only to the current task. An attentive person has a good memory. He is always vigilant, cautious and active.

Attention plays a very important role in concentration. It is the basis of willpower. When attention is properly directed to the inner world for the purpose of self-observation, it analyzes the thinking and helps to bring out many surprising facts.

Attention is the focusing of consciousness. Attention (avadhana) is an integral part of concentration and serves as a sign of developed will. It is characteristic of people with a strong character. This is a rare quality. Brahmacharya, sexual abstinence, develops this power amazingly well. A yogi who has this quality is able to maintain his mind for a very long time even on unattractive objects. It is very easy to focus on pleasant things. Attention can be cultivated and developed through persistent practice. All great people have reached the top thanks to this quality of mind.

Focus all your attention on what you are doing in this moment. Develop mindfulness on unpleasant tasks that usually make you wince. Show interest in boring subjects and ideas. Keep them in your thoughts and interest will gradually appear. Many defects in thinking will disappear. The mind will begin to strengthen.

In general, the power with which something strikes the mind is proportional to the degree of attention paid to it.

Moreover, the art of memory is also attention. An absent-minded person has a poor memory.

The human mind can only occupy itself with one subject at a time, but is capable of moving from one object to another with lightning speed. He does it so quickly that some people think they can actually multitask. But the best philosophers and sages of the East and West consider the theory of “single thought” to be correct. It is consistent with everyday experience.

A thorough analysis of the functions and activities of thinking does not allow us to single out some process and claim that this is attention. Attention cannot be identified as an independent function. We observe something and therefore pay attention.

Attention manifests itself in all states of consciousness and is present in any field of consciousness. The attentive student of the spiritual path derives great benefit from listening (shravan) to the sruti. The officer orders: “Attention!” - and a soldier with a gun stretches out in front of him, ready to carry out the order. Only an attentive soldier will definitely hit the target. Without attention, one cannot achieve success in either worldly or spiritual pursuits.

There are yogis who can do eight, ten, even a hundred things at once. There is nothing strange about this. The secret is that they have developed their attention very well. All great people in history possessed this quality to one degree or another.

There are two types of attention - external and internal. When attention is directed to external objects, it is called external; when it is turned inward toward a mental object or idea, it is called internal.

In addition, mindfulness can be divided into two more types: conscious and involuntary. When attention is directed to an object by an effort of will, it is called conscious. This is a pronounced act of will, a desire to pay attention to this or that. A person knows why he perceives. His attentiveness is undoubtedly due to intention, motivation, purpose. Conscious attention requires effort, will, determination and a certain amount of mental preparation. It can be trained through persistent practice. It is difficult to list all the benefits that the development of such attention brings. Involuntary attention is a very common phenomenon. It does not require practice or willpower. Such attention is caused by the beauty and attractiveness of the object. A person perceives without knowing why he does it; he does not force himself to observe. In children, involuntary attention is much more developed than in adults.

If a person is not observant, then he is inattentive. When we observe something, we are said to be attentive. Attention is determined by intention, goal, hope, expectation, desire, belief, dream, knowledge or need. One must carefully monitor the degree, duration, scope, forms, deviations and internal contradictions of one's mindfulness.

If an object is pleasant, it attracts a lot of attention. You need to arouse your interest in the object, then attentiveness will appear. If your attention wanes, move it to another pleasant object. Patient practice will teach you to direct attention even to unpleasant objects through the ability to arouse interest in it. This strengthens willpower.

Observing yourself, you can notice that attention moves between different objects. The perception of one or another object under constant physical conditions is called instability of attention. Attention is fickle. Objects change, but no change occurs in the observing person. The mind is not prepared for prolonged attentiveness. Monotony frightens him; he wants to move on to another object. You may say to yourself, “I will pay attention only to this subject,” but you will soon discover that, despite great efforts, your attention has already shifted to something else. Attention is unstable.

Interest develops attention. It's hard to keep your thoughts on what's boring. When a professor gives a lecture on an abstract, metaphysical topic, many people quietly leave the room because they cannot concentrate on the boring subject. But if the same professor starts singing and telling exciting stories, they will listen to him with great attention. There will be complete silence in the audience. The lecturer must master the art of attracting the attention of listeners. He achieves this by changing the tone of his voice, rhythm and intonation. He watches the listeners and sees whether they are attentive or not. Sometimes he briefly digresses from the main topic, tells interesting cases, and gives illustrative examples. He looks his listeners straight in the eye. To become a good lecturer, you need to know a lot about how to keep your listeners attentive.

Napoleon, Arjuna and Jnanadeva had amazing attentiveness. They could hold their thoughts on any object. All scientists and occultists have remarkable attentiveness. They develop it through patient, regular and systematic practice. Judges and surgeons can achieve great success only if they have developed attention.

When doing something, immerse yourself in your work. Forget yourself, focus on what you are doing. Silence all other thoughts. While doing something, don't think about anything else. When reading one book, do not think about others. Keep your thoughts firmly on the current lesson, like the arrow maker who did not notice anything around him. Outstanding scientists are so immersed in their research and experiments that they don’t think about food for days on end. One day such a scientist was very busy with work, and his wife, who lived in another area of ​​the city, had some kind of trouble. She ran into her husband's laboratory with tears in her eyes, but the scientist, oddly enough, was not at all alarmed. He became completely immersed in his work and forgot that this was his wife. The scientist muttered: “Madam! Cry a little longer and I’ll do a chemical analysis of your tears.”

One day a gentleman invited Sir Isaac Newton to dinner. Newton came to him and sat down in the living room. The owner completely forgot about his invitation, had dinner and went to bed. Meanwhile, Newton was absorbed in thinking about an important scientific problem and sat motionless. He completely forgot about dinner and froze in his chair like a statue. The next morning the owner saw Newton in the living room and only then remembered that he had invited him to dinner. He was very ashamed of such forgetfulness, he fervently asked the guest for forgiveness. What amazing powers of attention Sir Isaac Newton possessed! In all geniuses it is developed to infinity.

According to Professor James, we pay attention to objects because we are interested in them, but Professor Pillsbury, on the contrary, believes that objects are interesting to us because we pay attention to them. We do not pay attention to objects if they do not interest us.

Through constant practice and ever-renewed effort, a topic that was previously dry and boring can become very interesting, you just have to master it, understand the meaning and subtleties. Then the power of concentration on this topic will increase.

When a great misfortune occurs, when you reconsider certain actions in order to find the reason for failure, the question can take over the mind so much that it is impossible to escape from it even with the efforts of the will. For example, you need to write an article or prepare a book for printing - the work continues despite the lack of sleep, it is impossible to tear yourself away from it. Attention, which began with a volitional effort, completely fills the entire sphere of consciousness.

With great power of attention, everything that is perceived by the mind is imprinted very deeply. Only an attentive person can develop willpower. The combination of attentiveness, diligence and interest undoubtedly works wonders. Thanks to highly developed attention, even a person with an ordinary mind will be able to do more than an inattentive, albeit very intelligent person. Any failure is usually caused by a lack of care. When attention is paid to only one issue, it is possible to study the subject deeply and comprehensively. An ordinary, unprepared person is most often busy with several things at the same time. Too many different things enter the gates of the factory of his thinking, and therefore the mind becomes clouded, cloudy, and there is no clarity of thought. Man is not capable of analysis and synthesis. He is confused. He cannot clearly express his thoughts, while a trained person can focus exclusively on the desired subject and think about it exactly as much as necessary. It extracts complete and detailed information first about one thing, then about another, and so on. Attention is one of the most important qualities yoga.

You can't focus on two topics at the same time. The mind can do only one thing at a time, although because of its amazing speed it seems to us that thoughts are simultaneously distributed over several objects. At every moment we can only look or only listen. It is simply impossible to see and hear at the same time. But this rule does not apply to a developed yogi. He can focus on several topics at the same time because his will is inseparable from the all-powerful Cosmic Will.

Focus on some external or internal object. Keep your attention on it steadily for some time. This is concentration. It needs to be done daily.

Before engaging in concentration, the mind should be purified by right conduct. Concentration without purity of mind is useless. Some occultists have concentration, but lack good character traits and for this reason do not develop spiritually.

Anyone who has mastered a stable body posture, cleansed the nerves and physical shell through constant breathing exercises will easily master concentration. Concentration will be deep if all interference is removed. Even greater success in concentration can be achieved if you observe sexual abstinence and conserve energy.

Some foolish, impatient students begin to concentrate immediately, without any prior ethical training. This is a big mistake. Ethical excellence is a matter of paramount importance.

You can concentrate on any of the seven internal centers of spiritual energy. Attention plays a very important role in concentration. Anyone whose attention is well developed will also succeed in concentration. When a person is overwhelmed with passions and all kinds of fantastic desires, he can hardly concentrate on any thought or object for even a second. His mind will jump around like an old monkey.

Good concentration will be achieved by those who know how to immerse themselves in themselves (distract their senses from material objects). One follows the spiritual path step by step, step by step. First, lay the foundation: master correct behavior, correct body postures, correct breathing and distraction from the outside world. Only then can a superstructure be built - concentration and meditation.

You must be able to imagine the object of concentration very clearly even in its absence. You need to learn to immediately recall a mental image of this object. If you know how to concentrate, this will be easy. At the initial stage of training, you can concentrate on the ticking of a clock, a candle flame, or some other object that is pleasant to the mind. This is a specific concentration. Without an object of concentration, concentration is impossible. At the beginning of practice, the mind can be directed to any object that it likes. At first it is very difficult to concentrate on what the mind dislikes.

Sit cross-legged in padmasana, the lotus position. Keep your gaze on the tip of your nose. This is the so-called “nose look”. Don't try too hard. Calmly look at the tip of your nose. At first, perform this exercise for one minute, and then gradually increase its duration to half an hour or more. Exercise makes the mind stable and develops the power of concentration. It can be done even on the go.

Take a lotus position and direct your gaze to the area between your eyebrows. Without tension, hold it there for half a minute, then gradually increase the session time to half an hour or more. Don't try too hard. This exercise gets rid of the racing mind and develops concentration. This look is called “frontal” because the eyes are directed at the frontal bone. Choose a frontal or nasal gaze for practice in accordance with your character and inclinations.

To enhance concentration, it is useful to reduce worldly activities. A vow of silence should be observed for at least two hours every day.

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This is called concentration. Concentration of attention is associated with the will and with the center between the eyebrows (ajna). Concentration is “long-term focusing” or “long-term concentration”. Many yoga textbooks emphasize sustained focus, or concentration. If you use only concentration, you will not achieve enlightenment. Why? Because if you are not able to hear the loud voice of a friend calling you at the moment of concentration, how will you hear the quiet whisper of your higher soul? If you are unable to hear the voice of the person next to you, how will you hear the “sound of silence”? How will you hear the “inner OM”?

When a woman calls a man sensitive, it does not mean that the man is a crybaby. This means that the man is aware of the woman's needs and feelings and tries to behave in a way that makes the woman happy. Has it ever happened to you that you felt irritated towards your spouse, while your spouse did not even know about it - until you gave vent to your feelings? This indicates a lack of sensitivity on his part. This applies to both men and women. Both of them may be inattentive to the feelings and needs of their “half”.

Sensitivity, or sensitivity, is associated with the heart chakra. To achieve positive results in spiritual practice, it is not enough to use only prolonged concentration or concentration. It is also necessary to practice prolonged sensitivity or awareness. The concept of sustained mindfulness is virtually absent in Western culture. Therefore, there is no exact word for this condition. In India, the word Dhyana is used to denote a state of prolonged awareness.

But even in India, the true meaning of this word remains unclear to most people involved in spiritual practices and meditation. The word and concept "dhyana" spread from India to China, where it began to sound in Chinese as Chan. The monks of the Shaolin Monastery in Southern China spread Chan to Japan, and in Japanese it became known as Zen. Dhyana, Chan and Zen mean "long-term awareness." Since there is no suitable word for the concept of "long-term awareness" in European languages, the word "meditation" is used in this sense.

Concentration and Meditation

The habit of meditation and concentration is a very valuable quality for you on your spiritual path. Meditation gives a large number of strength, peace, new energy and life activity. If a meditator often gets irritated, this indicates that he has not achieved good, continuous meditation. Something is not quite right with his Sadhana and contemplation.

You will have to meditate with a calm mind. Only then will you quickly achieve Samadhi. If you learn to control the Indriyas and eradicate desires, your mind will become calm. An acute thirst for liberation and thoughts of God will destroy all desires. He who has a calm mind is the king of all kings. The state in which one whose mind is calm is impossible to describe. When concentrating and meditating you will have to train your mind different ways. Only then will the gross mind turn into a refined one (Sukshma). Whatever you think about in silence during meditation must be manifested in everyday life, where you must also maintain balance and harmony. Only then will you enjoy the real benefits of meditation and concentration.

A. The process of meditation.

Keep your head, neck and spine in a straight line; Having subdued and directed the sensations and mind to the heart, the wise one floats on the raft of Brahman (OM) through all the terrible currents of the world. Subduing sensations (Prana), eradicating desires, breathing calmly and without tension through the nostrils, the wise one diligently looks after the mind like a coachman whose cart is harnessed to restive horses.

When the five qualities described above that distinguish concentration of attention appear in the body of a yogi, consisting of Earth, Water, Light and Ether, then illness, old age, and pain no longer exist for him, since the fire of concentration burns in his body. When the body becomes light and healthy, the mind is devoid of desires, the body shines and emits a pleasant smell, the voice becomes pleasant and there is little discharge, the first stage of concentration is said to have been achieved.

B. General Outlines.

Just as sugar and salt absorb water, your mind will have to absorb thoughts of God, Divine glory, Divine presence and sublime, soul-awakening spiritual thoughts. Only then will you be forever established in Divine consciousness.

Five things are necessary if you want to practice real meditation and quickly achieve Samadhi or self-realization. This is Mouna; a light diet, or a diet consisting of milk and fruits; solitude in the picturesque bosom of nature; personal contact with the Teacher and a cool place.

You will be able to immerse yourself in deep meditation only if he leads a moral life. Then you can try to acquire the mental quality of discrimination and others. You can train your mind first in concentration and then devote yourself to meditation. The more you lead a moral life and meditate, the more chances you will have of achieving Nirvikalpa Samadhi, which will free you from the cycle of birth and death and give you eternal Bliss and immortality.

What is the image of Lord Krishna holding a flute in his hands? What kind of philosophical symbol is a flute? The flute is a symbol of OM. He says: “Eradicate your selfishness. I will play your flute (body). Let your will become one with Mine. Find refuge in OM. You will merge with my being. Listen to the inner, exciting music deep within yourself and remain in eternal peace!”

Samadhi can be achieved by the practice of concentration and meditation with a light diet. Meditate for two to three hours. If you get tired, rest for half an hour. Drink a cup of milk and start meditating again. Repeat the meditation process over and over again. In the evening you can take a walk on the veranda. Do not allow the mind to engage in any worldly activities even for a few minutes. Just as a student studying mathematics and geometry, which at first are very uninteresting, creates interest for himself by thinking about the advantages he will have if he passes the exams, you should create interest in meditation by thinking about the countless benefits it bestows with constant practice. , namely: immortality, highest peace and endless bliss. If you are not inclined to work and want to do only meditation, you can lead the life of a complete hermit, eating only milk and fruits. You will make great spiritual progress. If you have a tendency to work, but the meditative mood disappears, then start working again. Thus, by constant practice one should curb the mind.

Throw a piece of iron rod into the furnace. It will turn red like fire. Take it out of the oven and it will lose its red color. If you want it to always be red, you should always keep it on fire. Thus, if you want your mind to burn with the fire of Brahmic wisdom, then you must always keep it in touch with the Brahmic fire of knowledge through constant and intense meditation. You must maintain the continuous flow of Brahmic consciousness. Then you will achieve Sahaji Avasthi (natural state).

If you can meditate for half an hour, you will be able, as a result of the beneficial effects of this meditation, to go about your daily activities in the battle of life for a whole week, maintaining peace and spiritual strength. Since you have to deal with different minds with their own characteristics in everyday life, you should stock up on strength and peace through meditation. Then you will not worry and worry.

If you are just starting to practice meditation, then before you begin, repeat the Slokas or Stotras (spiritual hymns) for ten minutes every time. This raises the mind to a higher plane and distracts it from worldly objects. Then stop this process of thinking and direct the mind to one idea with vigorous and unremitting effort. After this Nishta will come.

B. Images.

Before you begin to meditate, you must create a mental image of God or Brahman (concrete or abstract). When you look with open eyes at a concrete figure of Lord Krishna and meditate, that is concrete meditation. When you think about the image of Lord Krishna with your eyes closed, although this is also a concrete meditation, it is already somewhat abstract in nature. And thinking about the endless astral light will be an even more abstract meditation. The first two types of meditation belong to Saguna meditation, and the latter to Nirguna meditation in the initial stage there is an abstract image for tuning the mind, which after some time disappears and the meditator merges with the object of meditation. Meditation comes from the mind.

D. Practical guide.

When you begin to meditate, note the time for which you managed to banish all worldly thoughts. Watch the mind very carefully. If, for example, this time is 20 minutes, then try to increase it to 30-40 or more minutes. Fill your mind with thoughts of God again and again. When the mind becomes steady in meditation, the eyes will also become steady. A yogi whose mind is calm has a firm, steady gaze. He doesn't blink at all. The eyes may become red or pure white.

Any action, external or internal, can be performed only when the mind is connected with the corresponding organs of the body. Thought is real action. If you master control of the mind through constant practice, if you learn to control your emotions and moods, then you will not commit stupid and wrong actions. Meditation and concentration will greatly help you control various emotions and impulses.

Meditate and concentrate your mind on the vast expanses of heaven. This is also one of the types of Nirguna meditation. This method helps eliminate finite forms from the mind. The mind will gradually begin to dissolve in the ocean of the world, as it is deprived of its content, i.e., various forms. He will begin to become more and more refined.

Some prefer to meditate with their eyes open, others with their eyes closed, while others with their eyes half-closed. If you meditate with your eyes closed, then dust and all sorts of foreign particles will not get into your eyes. Some people are bothered by flashes and jolts and therefore prefer to meditate with their eyes open. Some people cannot meditate with their eyes closed because they fall asleep after a relatively short period of time. For beginners who meditate with their eyes open, the mind begins to wander to objects. Listening to the voice of reason, choose the most suitable method for yourself. Overcome other obstacles also through suitable and reasonable methods.

You must practice meditation regularly, which is very important in this matter. If you follow this rule, you can quickly achieve great success. If you don’t even feel noticeable results in the practice of meditation at first, then continue to practice persistently.

Be sincere, pure, patient and persistent and after some time you will achieve success. There is no doubt about it. Never stop exercising even for one day. Fill the mind again and again with Sattvic Divine thoughts. New grooves will be created in your brain. Just as a gramophone stylus carves a small groove on a record, Sattvic thoughts will create healthy new grooves in the mind and brain. New Samskaras will be formed.

Prana is the outer shell of the mind. The vibration of subtle psychic Prana creates thought. Through Pranayama you can improve your meditation by making your mind more stable. If you store lemon or Tamarid juice in a golden cup, it will not spoil. If you place it in a copper vessel, it will instantly deteriorate and become poisonous. In the same way, if in the pure mind of one who constantly practices meditation, Vishaya Vritti (thoughts associated with sensory objects) arise, but they will not pollute it or create Vikara (passionate excitement) in him. If these Vrittis arise in an impure mind, then they cause agitation.

D. Bodily health.

The asana (posture) strengthens the body. Bandha and Mudra make the body strong. Pranayama makes the body light. Palimuddhi affects Samyabastha of the mind. Having acquired these qualities, one should direct the mind towards Brahman. Only then can one achieve stable meditation and enjoy happiness.

At four o'clock practice Sarhasana for five minutes. Then rest for five minutes and begin meditation, which will be easily achievable. But before you start meditating, do 20 kumbhakas. Pranayama will drive away Tendra and Alasya (drowsiness and laziness) and make the mind stable.

Eat only milk and fruits for a week, which will greatly improve the quality of your meditation. Such a diet will make the body light and the mind Sattvic. Make it a rule not to eat anything in the evening except half a liter of milk. The quality of meditation will become good and you will be able to overcome drowsiness easily. Heavy food taken in the evening causes drowsiness.

E. Meditation pose.

Those who meditate for 4-5 hours at a time can first meditate in Padma and Vajra or Siddha and Vajra Asanas. Sometimes the blood accumulates in the legs and is a little bothersome. After two hours, you should change the Asana, for example, after Padma or Siddha asanas, take Vajrasana or simply straighten your legs, lean on a wall or pillow. Keep your spine straight. This is the most comfortable Asana. Place two chairs side by side, sit on one and put your feet on the other - this is another option.

Here's a tip for beginners. Sit in Padmasana (in a room reserved for exercise), close your eyes and meditate on the radiance of the sun, the splendor of the moonlight, the majesty of the starry sky, the beauty of the celestial spaces.

G. Preliminary exercises.

Start training your mind in various ways by practicing concentration. Focus on Anahata sounds - sounds coming from the heart, covering your ears. Focus on breathing while repeating Soham. Focus on any specific image. Focus on the blue sky, not the all-pervading sunshine. Focus on the various Chakras of the body, on abstract ideas - Satyam, Janayam, Anantam, Ekan, Nityam, etc. (Truth, Wisdom, Infinity, One Eternal Essence) and, in the end, settle on one of them.

When meditating, do not strain your eyes. Don't strain your brain. Don't struggle or fight wisely. Relax. Let Divine thoughts flow peacefully in your mind. Think persistently about Lakshya (object of meditation). Do not forcefully drive away intruding thoughts. Fill your mind with refined thoughts. When the mind is filled with sublime Sattvic thoughts, unwanted thoughts will disappear by themselves. If you experience significant stress while meditating, reduce your meditation time by a few days. May meditation always be easy. Once you achieve this, you can increase the time again.

Use common sense in your Sadhana, I always remind you of this.

When and where to meditate

Practice meditation on Brahma Muhurta. This is the best time. Always choose the most suitable time, day and night, for meditation, that is, when your mind is clear and you are unlikely to be disturbed by anything. You can exercise before bed. The mind is calm at this time. A good meditation can take place on Sunday as it is a day off and the mind is free. Take advantage of this and do a powerful meditation.

Meditation and concentration will be very good if you eat only milk and fruits, or fast. Always do what common sense dictates and try to make the most of it. Meditate at night. If you do not have enough time, then meditate twice a day. If you don’t have free time during the day, then practice meditation at night for 10-15 minutes. You won't have bad dreams at night. Divine thoughts will also fill the mind during sleep, since the mind has received good exercise.

A student meditating in solitude while in the city, in a room located on the upper floors of a building, can feel as calm as in the forest. True, there are no favorable spiritual vibrations, which play a significant role in the evolution of the mind, creating Ekagrata. In all sacred places such spiritual vibrations of the Rishis fill the etheric space and the disciple derives great benefit from them. In such places, Vairagya, Sattvic Bhava and the meditative mood come naturally, without effort or struggle.

Some people, getting off the train at Rishikesh station, at the sight of the Himalayas, exclaimed: “What is this, son, father? This is a dream, an illusion, all this is Maya.” This is the effect of vibrations on the minds of people. Only sages and yogis can immediately recognize the nature of vibrations in places suitable for meditation.

You have been given the key to many of life's mysteries. This key is meditation. Meditate regularly in the morning between 4 and 7 o'clock and you will achieve eternal bliss and immortality. The banks of the Ganges or Narmada, the picturesque Himalayas, beautiful flowering gardens, sacred temples raise the mind to a higher plane in concentration and meditation. Use their services.

A place with a cool climate and elevated spiritual vibrations is most suitable for concentrating the mind. Early in the morning your mind is most clear and calm. At this time, spiritual influence and mystical silence are felt. All saints and yogis practice meditation during these hours and send their spiritual vibrations to the whole world. You will benefit greatly if you begin your prayers, Japa or meditation at this time. You will not need to strain yourself, and the meditative mood will come naturally.

Meditation aids.

Mula Bandha in meditation. When you sit in the asana to perform Japa, contract the muscles of the anus. In Hatha Yoga this is called Mula Bandha. This promotes concentration. This exercise keeps Ananawiya from moving downwards.

Kumbhak in meditation. Hold your breath as long as you can without straining. This is Kumbhak. It greatly promotes concentration, making the mind stable. You will feel intense spiritual bliss.

Yoga diet. Follow Mithahara, i.e. Sattvic diet. A stomach full of rice and vegetables, legumes and bread causes disturbances and drowsiness in Sadhana. A glutton or a sexist, a dullard or a lazy person cannot practice meditation. The milk diet makes the body light and will allow you to remain in one asana for hours with ease and comfort. If you feel weak, you can eat rice and milk, or barley and milk for a day or two. Those who work or serve somewhere, or give lectures to the public, or are engaged in other kinds of spiritual activities, disseminating knowledge, need dense, nutritious food.

You may often come across the following words in the Gita: “Ananya Cheta”, which means “no thought of anything else.” Makchita, Nitya, Yakta, Ekagrash Manah and Sarva Bhava. These words mean that you must devote your entire mind entirely to God. Only then will you achieve self-realization. Divine Consciousness can be achieved only when not a single ray of the mind is deviated to the side.

Remain in Silence. Know yourself. Know That. Dissolve the mind in Volume. The truth is completely pure and simple.

The asana (posture) strengthens the body. Bandha and Mudra make him strong. Pranayama makes the body light. Nadi Sudhi makes the mind stable. Having acquired these qualities, you will have to direct your mind towards Brahman. Only then will meditation be sustainable and bring you happiness.

The banks of the Ganges or Narmada, the picturesque Himalayas with magnificent flowering gardens, sacred temples, are places that promote the evolution of the mind in concentration and meditation. Use their services. A cool place, the presence of spiritual vibrations, solitude are necessary conditions for concentration of the mind. Just as salt dissolves in water, the Sattvic mind, being silent, dissolves in Brahman (its substratum) during meditation.

If you are just starting to practice meditation, then when starting it, repeat the Slokas or Stotras (sublime hymns) for ten minutes. This will cause the evolution of the mind and you will not find it difficult to distract it from worldly objects. Then, with repeated and vigorous effort, direct your mind to one idea. Then Nishta will follow.