To establish a regular practice of
concentration, the beginner should choose a pleasing object
or symbol and stay with it. Sit in a comfortable cross-legged
position, close the eyes and make the breathing regular. Three
seconds inhalation and three seconds exhalation is recommended.
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Once the
breathing pattern is established, withdraw the mind from it;
the body will automatically carry on that rhythm. The object
of focus is visualized in the space between the eyebrows or
in the heart. Generally speaking, the ajna chakra is best
for those of an intellectual nature, while the heart area
is better for emotional types. Once the center of concentration
is chosen, it should not be changed. |
| The aim of concentration is to
bring the mind to the same point or object again by limiting
its movements in the beginning to a small circle. Do not allow
thoughts related to any other subject to enter the mind. There
should be one line of thought. There may be several ideas connected
with the one subject. |
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A time will come
when the mind will stick to one point alone, like the continuous
sound of a church bell. This is meditation, the fruit of constant
and protracted practice of concentration. The practice of
concentration may seem tedious in the beginning, while new
grooves are being formed in the mind. Yet after a period of
practice, real interest develops. As the aspirant advances
and realizes some of the benefits, he finds he does not want
to abandon the practice. If he neglects it even for a day,
he becomes restless. Concentration brings supreme joy, inner
spiritual strength and infinite eternal bliss. |
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