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The greatest impediment to concentration is restlessness and tossing of the mind. When a beginner sits for practice, the thoughts, unaccustomed to this new game and freed from their usual grooves, leap about in an uncontrolled way. To remove tossing and other obstacles to one-pointedness, adamantly fix the mind on one object alone. When it runs away, as it naturally will, pull it back again and again. It will want to create hundreds of alternate thought forms. But if not disciplined no progress can be made.
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It is necessary to introspect and watch the mind carefully. Bubbling thoughts must be silenced and emotions calmed; the purpose of concentration is the stilling of mental waves. One should not allow the mind to dissipate energy uselessly—on vain thoughts, worries, imagination and fears. The mind is attracted towards pleasing or favorite ideas. Therefore, concentrate on something that is appealing. Because of its natural externalizing bent, in the beginning concentrate on gross objects. A flame, the moon or a concrete spiritual symbol can be concentrated upon with open eyes. |
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By manipulating the mind, one is able to bring it under control and compel it to concentrate. However, don't wrestle with it. Struggle only sets more mental waves into motion. Many beginning commit this grave error in their impatience to succeed. The more concentrated the mind is, the more power is brought to bear o one point. The purpose of life is to fix the mind on the Absolute. When it is so fixed, one becomes calm, serene, steady and strong. In concentration the senses cease to function, and there is no longer awareness of the body and surroundings. Concentration opens the inner chambers of love and, as it leads to meditation, is the sole key to the realm of Eternity.
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