WHAT ARE THE FOUR PATHS OF YOGA IN HINDUISM !
WHAT ARE THE FOUR PATHS OF YOGA IN HINDUISM !
DOES THE CONCENTRATION, A KEY TO GET SUCCESS IN FOUR PATHS OF YOGA !
THE FOUR PATHS OF YOGA-01
THE FOUR PATHS OF HINDUISM;-
06 FACTS;-
1-The four main spiritual paths for God-realisation are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga.
2-Karma Yoga is suitable for a man of active temperament, Bhakti Yoga for a man of devotional temperament .Karma Yoga is the way of selfless service. The selfless worker is called the Karma- Yogin. .
3-Bhakti Yoga is the path of exclusive devotion to the Lord. He who seeks union through love or devotion is called the Bhakti- Yogin.
4-Raja Yoga for a man of mystic temperament, and Jnana
Yoga for a man of rational and philosophical temperament, or a man of enquiry.Raja Yoga is the way of self-restraint. He
who seeks to have union with the Lord through mysticism is called the Raja- Yogin.
5-Jnana Yoga is the path of wisdom. He who seeks to unite
himself with the Supreme Self through philosophy and enquiry is called the Jnana- Yogin.
6-Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga or Kundalini Yoga, Lambika Yoga and Hatha Yoga, are other Yogas. Yoga, really, means
union with God. The practice of Yoga leads to communion
with the Lord. Whatever may be the starting point, the end reached is the same.
NOTE;-
To get success in four main spiritual paths;we should be careful for two things given below;-
1-THE OBSTACLE OF SIDDHIS OR SUPERNATURAL POWERS
1-1-Siddhis or supernatural powers manifest themselves when the Yogi advances in his Yogic practices. These Siddhis such as clairvoyance, clairaudience, etc,
are all obstacles in his path.
1-2-He should shun them ruthlessly and maixh forward direct to his goal, viz., Asamprajnata or Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Real spirituality has nothing to do with these powers, which are by-products of concentration. He who runs after
these Siddhis is a big worldly man or big householder. He may have a downfall,if he is not cautious.
2-WHAT IS CONCENTRATION?
ACCORDING TO SAGE PATANJALI,''Concentration is holding the mind to one form or object steadily for a long time"
"Dharana is fixing the mind on an external object or an internal Chakra or one abstract idea as Aham brahmasmi" (Yoga Sutras, III-1).
HOW TO CONCENTRATE?
A-Fix the mind on one object, on one idea. Withdraw the mind, again and again, when it runs away from the target and fix it there. Do not allow the mind to create hundreds of thought-forms. Introspect and watch the mind carefully. Live alone. Avoid company. Do not mix. This is important.
B-Do not allow the mind to dissipate its energy in vain, on vain thoughts, vain worry, vain imagination and vain fear and forebodings(a feeling that something very bad is going to happen soon). Make it hold on to one thought-form for half an hour by incessant practice. Make the mind to shape itself into one shape and try to keep the shape for hours together through constant and incessant practice.
EXERCISE ONE-
ON THE INTERNAL CHAKRAS;-
07 FACTS;-
1-A Raja Yogi concentrates on the Trikuti (Ajna Chakra, the space between the two eyebrows) which is the seat of the mind in the waking state. You can easily control the mind if you can concentrate on this region. Meditation and concentration on the Ajna Chakra lead to control of mind very easily.
2-Light is seen during concentration in this region very quickly, even in a day's practice, by some persons. He who wants to meditate on Virat and he who wants to help the world should select this region for his concentration.
3-A Bhakta or devotee should concentrate on the heart, the seat of emotion and feeling. He who concentrates on the heart gets great Ananda. He who wants to get Ananda should concentrate on the heart.
4-A Hatha Yogi fixes his mind on the Sushumna Nadi, the middle path in the spinal canal and on a specified centre, viz., the Muladhara or the Manipura or the Ajna Chakra. Some Yogis ignore the lower Chakras and fix their mind on the Ajna Chakra only. Their theory is that by controlling the Ajna Chakra, all the lower Chakras can be automatically controlled.
5-When you concentrate on a Chakra, a thread-like connection is formed in the beginning between the mind and the Chakra (centre of spiritual energy). Then the Yogi ascends along the Sushumna from Chakra to Chakra. The ascent is made gradually by patient efforts. Even a mere shaking of the opening of Sushumna causes a great deal of Ananda (bliss). You become intoxicated. You will entirely forget the world.
6-When the opening of Sushumna is shaken a bit, the Kula-Kundalini Shakti tries to enter Sushumna. Great Vairagya comes in. You will become fearless. You will behold various visions. You will witness the splendid "Antarjyotis." This is termed "Unmani Avastha." You will get different Siddhis, different types of Ananda and you will get different kinds of knowledge by controlling and operating on different Chakras.
7- If you have conquered the Muladhara Chakra, you have conquered the earth-plane already. If you have conquered the Manipura Chakra, you have already conquered fire. Fire will not burn you. Panchadharana (five kinds of Dharana) will help you to conquer the five elements.
THE KEY POINT;-
If you get headache or pain by concentrating on the Trikuti (the space between the two eyebrows) by turning the eyes upward, give up the practice at once. Concentrate on the heart. If you find it difficult to concentrate on your heart or the space between the two eyebrows (Trikuti) or top of the head, if you experience headache or pain in the skull, shift your centre of concentration to any object outside the body.
EXERCISE TWO-
09 FACTS;-
1-It is easy to concentrate the mind on external objects. The mind has a natural tendency to go outwards.Train the mind in a variety of ways in concentration in the beginning.
2- You can concentrate on the blue sky, light of the sun, the all-pervading air or ether or sun, moon or stars.
3-Concentrate on the Anahata sounds of the heart by closing the ears.
4-Concentrate on the breath with Soham repetition.
5- Concentrate on any concrete image. Concentrate on the blue sky.
6-Concentrate on the all-pervading light of the sun.
7-Concentrate on the various Chakras of the body.
8-Concentrate on the abstract ideas of Truth (Satyam),Wisdom (Jnanam ), Infinity(Anantam), One (Ekam), Eternal Essence (Nityam), etc.
9-Lastly, stick to one thing only.
WHAT ARE THREE REQUISITES OF CONCENTRATION?
1-FAITH
Any clear conception of subtle ultimate truths is almost impossible without proper faith. When there is faith, the mind can be easily concentrated on the subject to be understood; and then the understanding quickly follows.
2-CONTROL OF BREATH
A-Pranayama or control of breath removes the veil of Rajas and Tamas that envelops Sattva. It purifies the nerves (Nadis). It makes the mind firm and steady and thereby renders it fit for concentration. The dross of the mind is cleansed by Pranayama, just as the dross of gold is got rid of by melting.
B-A Hatha Yogi tries to concentrate his mind by having his breath controlled through Pranayama.
C-A Raja Yogi tries to concentrate his mind by "Chitta-Vritti-Nirodha" (restraining the various modifications of the Chitta), by not allowing the mind to assume various shapes of objects. He does not care for control of breath. But, his breath becomes necessarily controlled when his mind is concentrated. Hatha Yoga is a branch of Raja Yoga.
3-ATTENTION;-
05 FACTS;-
1-Attention (Avadhana) plays a very great part in concentration. It is the basis of will. When it is properly guided and directed towards the internal world for purposes of introspection (Antarmukha Vritti), it will analyse the mind and illumine very many astounding facts for you.
2-The force wherewith anything strikes the mind is generally in proportion to the degree of attention bestowed upon it. Moreover, the great art of memory is attention and inattentive people have bad memories. Power of attention becomes weakened in old age.
3-Attention is focussing of consciousness. It is one of the signs of trained will. It is found in men of strong mentality. It is a rare faculty. Brahmacharya wonderfully develops this power. A Yogi who possesses this faculty can even fix the mind on an unpleasant object for a very long time. Attention can be cultivated and developed by persistent practice. All the great men of the world who have achieved greatness have risen up through this faculty.
4-It is through the power of attention that mind carries out all its activities. Attention is the basis of will-force. Therefore cultivate the power of attention.
Attention may be either subjective or internal on an idea or objective or external on any object. Throw your entire attention into whatever you happen to be doing at the moment. It is easy to fasten the mind on an object which the mind likes best.
5-Practise attention on unpleasant tasks, from which you have been shrinking before on account of their unpleasantness. Throw interest upon uninteresting objects and ideas. Hold them on before your mind. Interest will slowly manifest. Many mental weaknesses will vanish. The mind will become stronger and stronger.
THE KEY POINT;-
There was a workman who used to manufacture arrows. Once he was very busy at his work. He was so much absorbed in his work that he did not notice even a big party of a King with his retinue (assistants) passing in front of his shop.
IS CONCENTRATION-THE MASTER-KEY TO SUCCESS?-
11 FACTS;-
1-Those who practise concentration evolve quickly. They can do any work with scientific accuracy and great efficiency. What others do in six hours can be done, by one who has concentration, within half an hour. What others read in six hours can be read, by one who does concentration, within half an hour. Concentration purifies and calms the surging emotions, strengthens the current of thought, and clarifies the ideas.
2-Concentration helps a man in his material progress also. He will have a very good out-turn of work in his office or business house. He who practises concentration will possess very clear mental vision. What was cloudy and hazy before becomes clear and definite now. What was difficult before becomes easy now. And what was complex, bewildering, and confusing before comes easily within the mental grasp. You can achieve anything through concentration. Nothing is impossible to a man who practises regular concentration.
3-It helps the scientists and professors to do great research work. It helps the doctor and the lawyer to do much work and earn more money. It develops will-power and memory; it sharpens and brightens the intellect. Concentration bestows serenity or calmness of mind, inner spiritual strength, patience, great capacity to turn out tremendous work, alacrity(speed and eagerness), acumen (the ability to make good judgements and take quick decisions), agility(ability to think and understand quickly) beautiful complexion, sweet voice, brilliant eyes, powerful voice and speech, power to influence others and attract people, cheerfulness, joy, bliss of soul, supreme peace. It removes restlessness, agitation of mind, laziness. It makes you fearless and unattached. It helps you to attain God- realisation.
4-The more is the mind fixed on God the more is the strength you will acquire. More concentration means more energy. Concentration opens the inner chambers of love or the realm of eternity. Concentration is a source of spiritual strength.Be slow and steady in concentration. By practice of concentration, you can become superhuman.
5-Those who practise concentration off and on will have a steady mind only occasionally. Sometimes the mind will begin to wander and will be quite unfit for application. You must have a mind that will obey you at all times sincerely and carry out all your commands in the best possible manner at any time. Steady and systematic practice of Raja Yoga will make the mind very obedient and faithful. You will be successful in every attempt.
6-How powerful is the searchlight;But When the sun's rays are concentrated through a lens, they can bum(defective) cotton. Even so, when the dissipated
rays of the mind are collected, you can work wonders.You can know all the secrets of nature through the powerful searchlight of mind.
7-All great souls, all master-minds who have done great work in this world, had perfect concentration.In a worldly man,the rays of the mind are scattered in various directions. His mind is jumping like a monkey. It is ever restless.
He thinks of money, wife, children, property, houses, etc.His mind is ever
engaged in earning money and possessing objects of his desires. He has not a bit of concentration. He cannot look within and introspect. His mind is full of outgoing tendencies.
8-The Yogi concentrates on the Chakras, mind, sun, stars, elements, etc., and attain superhuman knowledge. He obtains mastery over the elements. The
power of concentration is the only key to open the treasure-house of knowledge.
9-Concentration cannot come within a week or a month. It takes some time. Regularity in the practice of concentration is of paramount importance.
Brahmacharya, a cool and congenial place, company of saints and Sattvic diet
are auxiliaries in concentration.
10-Concentration and meditation lead to Samadhi or Superconscious Experience, which has several stages of ascent, as attended or not
attended with deliberation (Vitarka), analysis (Vichara), joy (Ananda)
and self-awareness (Asmita). Kaivalya, or Supreme Independence, is, thus, attained.
11-According to Patanjali Yoga Sutras, ''To remove this (tossing and various other obstacles which stand in the way of one-pointedness of mind), the practice of concentration on one thing alone should be made."
2-IS CONCENTRATION, THE KEY TO PEACE?-
06 FACTS;-
1-Worldly pleasures intensify the desire for enjoying greater pleasures. Hence, the mind of worldlings is very restless. There is no satisfaction and mental peace. Mind can never be satisfied, whatever amount of pleasure you may store up for it. The more it enjoys the pleasures, the more it wants them. So, people are exceedingly troubled and bothered by their own minds.
2-They are tired of their minds. Hence, in order to remove these botherations and troubles, the Rishis thought it best to deprive the mind of all sensual pleasures. When the mind has been concentrated or made extinct, it cannot pinch one to seek for further pleasure and all botherations and troubles are removed for ever and the person attains real peace.
3-There is an externalising or objectifying power in the mind. This leads to Bahirmukha Vritti. The mind is drawn towards various objects. There is dissipation of mental energy, the powers of the mind, in various directions. The rays of the mind are like the rays of light, scattered in the case of worldly-minded persons. When the rays of the mind are scattered over diverse objects, you get pain. When the rays are gathered and concentrated by practice, the mind becomes concentrated and you get Ananda (happiness) from within.
4-When you meet your dear ones , the Ananda that you get is not from the person, but from within yourself. The mind becomes concentrated for the time being and you get happiness from within your own self.It is concentration and attention that gives you pleasure in meeting.On the contrary,when you receive some bad news ;your mind will be suddenly upset by shock,There is ejection of attention ;it is depression.
5-For purposes of concentration, you will have to gather the scattered rays of the mind patiently through Vairagya and Abhyasa, through Tyaga (renunciation) and Tapas and then march boldly with indefatigable energy towards God or Brahman. Through constant Sadhana (spiritual practice), the mind must be checked from externalising. It must be made to move towards Brahman, its original home. When the mental rays are concentrated, illumination begins.
6-Mind is compared to quicksilver, because its rays are scattered over various objects. It is compared to a monkey, because it jumps from one object to another object. It is compared to moving air, because it is Chanchala. It is compared to a furious, rutting elephant, because of its passionate impetuosity. Mind is known by the name 'Great Bird,' because it jumps from one object to another object just as a bird jumps from one twig to another, from one tree to another. Raja Yoga teaches us how to concentrate the mind and then how to ransack the innermost recesses of our own mind.
3-WHAT ARE THE FIVE YOGIC MANIFESTATIONS OF MIND?-
05 FACTS;-
Kshipta(Scattering), Mudha(Darkening), Vikshipta(Gathering), Ekagra(One-pointed) and Niruddha (Restraining or concentrating) are the five Yogic Bhumikas(manifestations). The Chitta or mind manifests itself in five different forms.
1-In the Kshipta state, the rays of the mind are scattered on various objects. It is restless and jumps from one object to another.
2-In the Mudha state, the mind is dull and forgetful.
3-Vikshipta is the gathering mind. It is occasionally steady and, at other times, distracted. By practice of concentration, the mind struggles to gather itself.
4-In the Ekagra state, it is one-pointed. There is only one idea present in the mind.
5-The mind is under perfect control in the Niruddha state. Dharana is practised for stopping the modifications of the mind.
NOTE;--
1-By manipulating the mind, you will be able to bring it under your control, make it work as you like and compel it to concentrate its powers as you desire. He who has learnt to manipulate the mind will get the whole of Nature under his control. There is no limit to the power of the human mind. The more concentrated it is, the more power is brought to bear on one point.
2-When you fix your mind on God. You must have the one idea of God and God alone.Such must be the nature of your concentration . No doubt, it takes some time to have a complete Ekagrata of mind. You will have to struggle very hard to have a single-minded concentration. Sri Dattatreya made the above arrow-maker as one of his Gurus.
4-IS CONCENTRATION, MAN'S FOREMOST DUTY?-
05 FACTS;-
Sri Adi Shankara writes in the commentary on Chhandogya Upanishad;-
1-A man's duty consists in the control of the senses and concentration of mind. So long as the thoughts of one are not thoroughly destroyed through persistent practice, he should ever be concentrating his mind on one truth at a time.
2-Through such unremitting /endless practice, one-pointedness will accrue (collect) to the mind and instantly, all the hosts of thoughts will vanish. Concentration is opposed to sensuous desires, bliss to flurry(storm) and worry, sustained thinking to perplexity, applied thinking to sloth to torpor ("sloth" refers to mental states while "torpor" refers to physical state ), rapture(a feeling of intense pleasure to ill-will)
3-You are born to concentrate the mind on God after collecting the mental rays that are dissipated on various objects. That is your important duty. You forget the duty on account of Moha for family, children, money, power, position, respect, name and fame.
4-Concentration of the mind on God after purification can give you real happiness and knowledge. You are born for this purpose only. You are carried away to external objects through attachment and infatuated love ( Raga and Moha).
5-Fix the mind on Atman. Fix the mind on the all-pervading, pure Intelligence and self-luminous effulgence (Svayamjyotis). Stand firm in Brahman. Then will you become 'Brahma-sanstha,' established in Brahman.
HOW TO AVOID A COMMON BLUNDER ?-
05 FACTS;-
1-Some medical students leave the medical college soon after joining it as they find it disgusting to wash the pus in ulcers and dissect the dead bodies. They make a serious blunder. In the beginning, it is loathing. After studying Pathology, Medicine, Operative Surgery, Morbid Anatomy, Bacteriology, the course will be very interesting in the final year.
2-Many spiritual aspirants leave off the practice of concentration of mind after some time as they find it difficult to practise. They also make a grave mistake like the medical students. In the beginning of practice, when you struggle to get over the body-consciousness, it will be disgusting and troublesome. It will be a physical wrestling. The emotions and Sankalpas will be abundant. In the third year of practice, the mind will be cool, pure and strong. You will derive immense joy.
3-The sum total of pleasures of the whole world is nothing when compared to the Ananda derived from the meditation. Do not give up the practice at any cost. Plod on. Persevere. Have patience (Dhriti), cheerfulness and tenacity (Sahasa ). You will succeed eventually. Never despair.
4-Find out by serious introspection the various impediments that act as stumbling blocks in your concentration and remove them with patience and efforts one by one.
5-Do not allow new Commitments & desires( Sankalpas and Vasanas) to crop up. Nip them in the bud through DISCRIMINATION & MEDITATION (Viveka, Vichara and Dhyana).Know that you are progressing in Yoga and that the Sattva is increasing,When you are always cheerful ; the mind is even and concentrated.
.........SHIVOHAM....
SantoshKumar B Pandey at 6.10pm.
DOES THE CONCENTRATION, A KEY TO GET SUCCESS IN FOUR PATHS OF YOGA !
THE FOUR PATHS OF YOGA-01
THE FOUR PATHS OF HINDUISM;-
06 FACTS;-
1-The four main spiritual paths for God-realisation are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga.
2-Karma Yoga is suitable for a man of active temperament, Bhakti Yoga for a man of devotional temperament .Karma Yoga is the way of selfless service. The selfless worker is called the Karma- Yogin. .
3-Bhakti Yoga is the path of exclusive devotion to the Lord. He who seeks union through love or devotion is called the Bhakti- Yogin.
4-Raja Yoga for a man of mystic temperament, and Jnana
Yoga for a man of rational and philosophical temperament, or a man of enquiry.Raja Yoga is the way of self-restraint. He
who seeks to have union with the Lord through mysticism is called the Raja- Yogin.
5-Jnana Yoga is the path of wisdom. He who seeks to unite
himself with the Supreme Self through philosophy and enquiry is called the Jnana- Yogin.
6-Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga or Kundalini Yoga, Lambika Yoga and Hatha Yoga, are other Yogas. Yoga, really, means
union with God. The practice of Yoga leads to communion
with the Lord. Whatever may be the starting point, the end reached is the same.
NOTE;-
To get success in four main spiritual paths;we should be careful for two things given below;-
1-THE OBSTACLE OF SIDDHIS OR SUPERNATURAL POWERS
1-1-Siddhis or supernatural powers manifest themselves when the Yogi advances in his Yogic practices. These Siddhis such as clairvoyance, clairaudience, etc,
are all obstacles in his path.
1-2-He should shun them ruthlessly and maixh forward direct to his goal, viz., Asamprajnata or Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Real spirituality has nothing to do with these powers, which are by-products of concentration. He who runs after
these Siddhis is a big worldly man or big householder. He may have a downfall,if he is not cautious.
2-WHAT IS CONCENTRATION?
ACCORDING TO SAGE PATANJALI,''Concentration is holding the mind to one form or object steadily for a long time"
"Dharana is fixing the mind on an external object or an internal Chakra or one abstract idea as Aham brahmasmi" (Yoga Sutras, III-1).
HOW TO CONCENTRATE?
A-Fix the mind on one object, on one idea. Withdraw the mind, again and again, when it runs away from the target and fix it there. Do not allow the mind to create hundreds of thought-forms. Introspect and watch the mind carefully. Live alone. Avoid company. Do not mix. This is important.
B-Do not allow the mind to dissipate its energy in vain, on vain thoughts, vain worry, vain imagination and vain fear and forebodings(a feeling that something very bad is going to happen soon). Make it hold on to one thought-form for half an hour by incessant practice. Make the mind to shape itself into one shape and try to keep the shape for hours together through constant and incessant practice.
EXERCISE ONE-
ON THE INTERNAL CHAKRAS;-
07 FACTS;-
1-A Raja Yogi concentrates on the Trikuti (Ajna Chakra, the space between the two eyebrows) which is the seat of the mind in the waking state. You can easily control the mind if you can concentrate on this region. Meditation and concentration on the Ajna Chakra lead to control of mind very easily.
2-Light is seen during concentration in this region very quickly, even in a day's practice, by some persons. He who wants to meditate on Virat and he who wants to help the world should select this region for his concentration.
3-A Bhakta or devotee should concentrate on the heart, the seat of emotion and feeling. He who concentrates on the heart gets great Ananda. He who wants to get Ananda should concentrate on the heart.
4-A Hatha Yogi fixes his mind on the Sushumna Nadi, the middle path in the spinal canal and on a specified centre, viz., the Muladhara or the Manipura or the Ajna Chakra. Some Yogis ignore the lower Chakras and fix their mind on the Ajna Chakra only. Their theory is that by controlling the Ajna Chakra, all the lower Chakras can be automatically controlled.
5-When you concentrate on a Chakra, a thread-like connection is formed in the beginning between the mind and the Chakra (centre of spiritual energy). Then the Yogi ascends along the Sushumna from Chakra to Chakra. The ascent is made gradually by patient efforts. Even a mere shaking of the opening of Sushumna causes a great deal of Ananda (bliss). You become intoxicated. You will entirely forget the world.
6-When the opening of Sushumna is shaken a bit, the Kula-Kundalini Shakti tries to enter Sushumna. Great Vairagya comes in. You will become fearless. You will behold various visions. You will witness the splendid "Antarjyotis." This is termed "Unmani Avastha." You will get different Siddhis, different types of Ananda and you will get different kinds of knowledge by controlling and operating on different Chakras.
7- If you have conquered the Muladhara Chakra, you have conquered the earth-plane already. If you have conquered the Manipura Chakra, you have already conquered fire. Fire will not burn you. Panchadharana (five kinds of Dharana) will help you to conquer the five elements.
THE KEY POINT;-
If you get headache or pain by concentrating on the Trikuti (the space between the two eyebrows) by turning the eyes upward, give up the practice at once. Concentrate on the heart. If you find it difficult to concentrate on your heart or the space between the two eyebrows (Trikuti) or top of the head, if you experience headache or pain in the skull, shift your centre of concentration to any object outside the body.
EXERCISE TWO-
09 FACTS;-
1-It is easy to concentrate the mind on external objects. The mind has a natural tendency to go outwards.Train the mind in a variety of ways in concentration in the beginning.
2- You can concentrate on the blue sky, light of the sun, the all-pervading air or ether or sun, moon or stars.
3-Concentrate on the Anahata sounds of the heart by closing the ears.
4-Concentrate on the breath with Soham repetition.
5- Concentrate on any concrete image. Concentrate on the blue sky.
6-Concentrate on the all-pervading light of the sun.
7-Concentrate on the various Chakras of the body.
8-Concentrate on the abstract ideas of Truth (Satyam),Wisdom (Jnanam ), Infinity(Anantam), One (Ekam), Eternal Essence (Nityam), etc.
9-Lastly, stick to one thing only.
WHAT ARE THREE REQUISITES OF CONCENTRATION?
1-FAITH
Any clear conception of subtle ultimate truths is almost impossible without proper faith. When there is faith, the mind can be easily concentrated on the subject to be understood; and then the understanding quickly follows.
2-CONTROL OF BREATH
A-Pranayama or control of breath removes the veil of Rajas and Tamas that envelops Sattva. It purifies the nerves (Nadis). It makes the mind firm and steady and thereby renders it fit for concentration. The dross of the mind is cleansed by Pranayama, just as the dross of gold is got rid of by melting.
B-A Hatha Yogi tries to concentrate his mind by having his breath controlled through Pranayama.
C-A Raja Yogi tries to concentrate his mind by "Chitta-Vritti-Nirodha" (restraining the various modifications of the Chitta), by not allowing the mind to assume various shapes of objects. He does not care for control of breath. But, his breath becomes necessarily controlled when his mind is concentrated. Hatha Yoga is a branch of Raja Yoga.
3-ATTENTION;-
05 FACTS;-
1-Attention (Avadhana) plays a very great part in concentration. It is the basis of will. When it is properly guided and directed towards the internal world for purposes of introspection (Antarmukha Vritti), it will analyse the mind and illumine very many astounding facts for you.
2-The force wherewith anything strikes the mind is generally in proportion to the degree of attention bestowed upon it. Moreover, the great art of memory is attention and inattentive people have bad memories. Power of attention becomes weakened in old age.
3-Attention is focussing of consciousness. It is one of the signs of trained will. It is found in men of strong mentality. It is a rare faculty. Brahmacharya wonderfully develops this power. A Yogi who possesses this faculty can even fix the mind on an unpleasant object for a very long time. Attention can be cultivated and developed by persistent practice. All the great men of the world who have achieved greatness have risen up through this faculty.
4-It is through the power of attention that mind carries out all its activities. Attention is the basis of will-force. Therefore cultivate the power of attention.
Attention may be either subjective or internal on an idea or objective or external on any object. Throw your entire attention into whatever you happen to be doing at the moment. It is easy to fasten the mind on an object which the mind likes best.
5-Practise attention on unpleasant tasks, from which you have been shrinking before on account of their unpleasantness. Throw interest upon uninteresting objects and ideas. Hold them on before your mind. Interest will slowly manifest. Many mental weaknesses will vanish. The mind will become stronger and stronger.
THE KEY POINT;-
There was a workman who used to manufacture arrows. Once he was very busy at his work. He was so much absorbed in his work that he did not notice even a big party of a King with his retinue (assistants) passing in front of his shop.
IS CONCENTRATION-THE MASTER-KEY TO SUCCESS?-
11 FACTS;-
1-Those who practise concentration evolve quickly. They can do any work with scientific accuracy and great efficiency. What others do in six hours can be done, by one who has concentration, within half an hour. What others read in six hours can be read, by one who does concentration, within half an hour. Concentration purifies and calms the surging emotions, strengthens the current of thought, and clarifies the ideas.
2-Concentration helps a man in his material progress also. He will have a very good out-turn of work in his office or business house. He who practises concentration will possess very clear mental vision. What was cloudy and hazy before becomes clear and definite now. What was difficult before becomes easy now. And what was complex, bewildering, and confusing before comes easily within the mental grasp. You can achieve anything through concentration. Nothing is impossible to a man who practises regular concentration.
3-It helps the scientists and professors to do great research work. It helps the doctor and the lawyer to do much work and earn more money. It develops will-power and memory; it sharpens and brightens the intellect. Concentration bestows serenity or calmness of mind, inner spiritual strength, patience, great capacity to turn out tremendous work, alacrity(speed and eagerness), acumen (the ability to make good judgements and take quick decisions), agility(ability to think and understand quickly) beautiful complexion, sweet voice, brilliant eyes, powerful voice and speech, power to influence others and attract people, cheerfulness, joy, bliss of soul, supreme peace. It removes restlessness, agitation of mind, laziness. It makes you fearless and unattached. It helps you to attain God- realisation.
4-The more is the mind fixed on God the more is the strength you will acquire. More concentration means more energy. Concentration opens the inner chambers of love or the realm of eternity. Concentration is a source of spiritual strength.Be slow and steady in concentration. By practice of concentration, you can become superhuman.
5-Those who practise concentration off and on will have a steady mind only occasionally. Sometimes the mind will begin to wander and will be quite unfit for application. You must have a mind that will obey you at all times sincerely and carry out all your commands in the best possible manner at any time. Steady and systematic practice of Raja Yoga will make the mind very obedient and faithful. You will be successful in every attempt.
6-How powerful is the searchlight;But When the sun's rays are concentrated through a lens, they can bum(defective) cotton. Even so, when the dissipated
rays of the mind are collected, you can work wonders.You can know all the secrets of nature through the powerful searchlight of mind.
7-All great souls, all master-minds who have done great work in this world, had perfect concentration.In a worldly man,the rays of the mind are scattered in various directions. His mind is jumping like a monkey. It is ever restless.
He thinks of money, wife, children, property, houses, etc.His mind is ever
engaged in earning money and possessing objects of his desires. He has not a bit of concentration. He cannot look within and introspect. His mind is full of outgoing tendencies.
8-The Yogi concentrates on the Chakras, mind, sun, stars, elements, etc., and attain superhuman knowledge. He obtains mastery over the elements. The
power of concentration is the only key to open the treasure-house of knowledge.
9-Concentration cannot come within a week or a month. It takes some time. Regularity in the practice of concentration is of paramount importance.
Brahmacharya, a cool and congenial place, company of saints and Sattvic diet
are auxiliaries in concentration.
10-Concentration and meditation lead to Samadhi or Superconscious Experience, which has several stages of ascent, as attended or not
attended with deliberation (Vitarka), analysis (Vichara), joy (Ananda)
and self-awareness (Asmita). Kaivalya, or Supreme Independence, is, thus, attained.
11-According to Patanjali Yoga Sutras, ''To remove this (tossing and various other obstacles which stand in the way of one-pointedness of mind), the practice of concentration on one thing alone should be made."
2-IS CONCENTRATION, THE KEY TO PEACE?-
06 FACTS;-
1-Worldly pleasures intensify the desire for enjoying greater pleasures. Hence, the mind of worldlings is very restless. There is no satisfaction and mental peace. Mind can never be satisfied, whatever amount of pleasure you may store up for it. The more it enjoys the pleasures, the more it wants them. So, people are exceedingly troubled and bothered by their own minds.
2-They are tired of their minds. Hence, in order to remove these botherations and troubles, the Rishis thought it best to deprive the mind of all sensual pleasures. When the mind has been concentrated or made extinct, it cannot pinch one to seek for further pleasure and all botherations and troubles are removed for ever and the person attains real peace.
3-There is an externalising or objectifying power in the mind. This leads to Bahirmukha Vritti. The mind is drawn towards various objects. There is dissipation of mental energy, the powers of the mind, in various directions. The rays of the mind are like the rays of light, scattered in the case of worldly-minded persons. When the rays of the mind are scattered over diverse objects, you get pain. When the rays are gathered and concentrated by practice, the mind becomes concentrated and you get Ananda (happiness) from within.
4-When you meet your dear ones , the Ananda that you get is not from the person, but from within yourself. The mind becomes concentrated for the time being and you get happiness from within your own self.It is concentration and attention that gives you pleasure in meeting.On the contrary,when you receive some bad news ;your mind will be suddenly upset by shock,There is ejection of attention ;it is depression.
5-For purposes of concentration, you will have to gather the scattered rays of the mind patiently through Vairagya and Abhyasa, through Tyaga (renunciation) and Tapas and then march boldly with indefatigable energy towards God or Brahman. Through constant Sadhana (spiritual practice), the mind must be checked from externalising. It must be made to move towards Brahman, its original home. When the mental rays are concentrated, illumination begins.
6-Mind is compared to quicksilver, because its rays are scattered over various objects. It is compared to a monkey, because it jumps from one object to another object. It is compared to moving air, because it is Chanchala. It is compared to a furious, rutting elephant, because of its passionate impetuosity. Mind is known by the name 'Great Bird,' because it jumps from one object to another object just as a bird jumps from one twig to another, from one tree to another. Raja Yoga teaches us how to concentrate the mind and then how to ransack the innermost recesses of our own mind.
3-WHAT ARE THE FIVE YOGIC MANIFESTATIONS OF MIND?-
05 FACTS;-
Kshipta(Scattering), Mudha(Darkening), Vikshipta(Gathering), Ekagra(One-pointed) and Niruddha (Restraining or concentrating) are the five Yogic Bhumikas(manifestations). The Chitta or mind manifests itself in five different forms.
1-In the Kshipta state, the rays of the mind are scattered on various objects. It is restless and jumps from one object to another.
2-In the Mudha state, the mind is dull and forgetful.
3-Vikshipta is the gathering mind. It is occasionally steady and, at other times, distracted. By practice of concentration, the mind struggles to gather itself.
4-In the Ekagra state, it is one-pointed. There is only one idea present in the mind.
5-The mind is under perfect control in the Niruddha state. Dharana is practised for stopping the modifications of the mind.
NOTE;--
1-By manipulating the mind, you will be able to bring it under your control, make it work as you like and compel it to concentrate its powers as you desire. He who has learnt to manipulate the mind will get the whole of Nature under his control. There is no limit to the power of the human mind. The more concentrated it is, the more power is brought to bear on one point.
2-When you fix your mind on God. You must have the one idea of God and God alone.Such must be the nature of your concentration . No doubt, it takes some time to have a complete Ekagrata of mind. You will have to struggle very hard to have a single-minded concentration. Sri Dattatreya made the above arrow-maker as one of his Gurus.
4-IS CONCENTRATION, MAN'S FOREMOST DUTY?-
05 FACTS;-
Sri Adi Shankara writes in the commentary on Chhandogya Upanishad;-
1-A man's duty consists in the control of the senses and concentration of mind. So long as the thoughts of one are not thoroughly destroyed through persistent practice, he should ever be concentrating his mind on one truth at a time.
2-Through such unremitting /endless practice, one-pointedness will accrue (collect) to the mind and instantly, all the hosts of thoughts will vanish. Concentration is opposed to sensuous desires, bliss to flurry(storm) and worry, sustained thinking to perplexity, applied thinking to sloth to torpor ("sloth" refers to mental states while "torpor" refers to physical state ), rapture(a feeling of intense pleasure to ill-will)
3-You are born to concentrate the mind on God after collecting the mental rays that are dissipated on various objects. That is your important duty. You forget the duty on account of Moha for family, children, money, power, position, respect, name and fame.
4-Concentration of the mind on God after purification can give you real happiness and knowledge. You are born for this purpose only. You are carried away to external objects through attachment and infatuated love ( Raga and Moha).
5-Fix the mind on Atman. Fix the mind on the all-pervading, pure Intelligence and self-luminous effulgence (Svayamjyotis). Stand firm in Brahman. Then will you become 'Brahma-sanstha,' established in Brahman.
HOW TO AVOID A COMMON BLUNDER ?-
05 FACTS;-
1-Some medical students leave the medical college soon after joining it as they find it disgusting to wash the pus in ulcers and dissect the dead bodies. They make a serious blunder. In the beginning, it is loathing. After studying Pathology, Medicine, Operative Surgery, Morbid Anatomy, Bacteriology, the course will be very interesting in the final year.
2-Many spiritual aspirants leave off the practice of concentration of mind after some time as they find it difficult to practise. They also make a grave mistake like the medical students. In the beginning of practice, when you struggle to get over the body-consciousness, it will be disgusting and troublesome. It will be a physical wrestling. The emotions and Sankalpas will be abundant. In the third year of practice, the mind will be cool, pure and strong. You will derive immense joy.
3-The sum total of pleasures of the whole world is nothing when compared to the Ananda derived from the meditation. Do not give up the practice at any cost. Plod on. Persevere. Have patience (Dhriti), cheerfulness and tenacity (Sahasa ). You will succeed eventually. Never despair.
4-Find out by serious introspection the various impediments that act as stumbling blocks in your concentration and remove them with patience and efforts one by one.
5-Do not allow new Commitments & desires( Sankalpas and Vasanas) to crop up. Nip them in the bud through DISCRIMINATION & MEDITATION (Viveka, Vichara and Dhyana).Know that you are progressing in Yoga and that the Sattva is increasing,When you are always cheerful ; the mind is even and concentrated.
.........SHIVOHAM....
SantoshKumar B Pandey at 6.10pm.
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