Dr Bodh Sharma
The success in life depends upon the ability and magnitude to concentrate on regular basis. The deviation in the individuals is mainly due to the degree of concentration. In fact, we learn so many things in life but inability to concentrate perfectly becomes the sole reason for imperfection, stress, disorders and failure in life. Concentration is indispensable to move forward in the journey towards success in terms of material gains as well as spiritual upliftment.
Concentration creaes difference in personality, perception, learning, attitude and outlook towards others. High degree of cocnentration can be cultivated with regular practice just like one develops the physical vigour. Concentration means the single minded attention on a particular object, thought, image, breath or chanting of mantra. It is constant dwelling or gazing on a particular object, subsequently, leading to complete unification of object and subject. In this context, Maharishi Sri Aurobindo whispers, ‘there must be concentration on thought, idea, perception, the vision, the awakening touch, the soul’s realisation of the one Divine. There must be a flaming concentration of the heart on the All and Eternal and when once we have found him, a deep plunging and immersion in the possession and ecstasy of the All beautiful. The Mother narrates, ‘concentration is bringing back all the scattered threads of consciousness to a single point, a single idea and those who can attain perfect attention succeed in everything they undertake and always make a rapid progress’. Concentration is must for all in bringing perfection in the actions and conduct. Materially, for studies, sports, all physical or mental development, it is absolutely necessaity and the value of an individual is proportionate to the value of his attention. From the spiritual obstacle which can resist a penetrating power of concentration i.e the discovery of the psyche being, union with the inner Divine, opening to the higher realms, all can be obtained by an intense and obstinate power of concentration. In fact, there is nothing in the human or even in the superhuman field, to which the power of concentration is not the key. The external concentration should be practiced before internal concentration.
External Concentration
* Concentration on sound of a Clock : To begin one can listen to the tik-tik sound of a clock for five minutes. For this, sit quietly in a peaceful atmosphere and close your eyes. Now listen the tik-tik sound and start counting mentally. Open your eyes when the counting reaches to three hundred. You will experience that your mind focuses on the counting as there is deviation in time if it moves here and there. It also resists the rush of disturbing thoughts, ideas and suggestions. In this regard sitting in the same spot and time may help to increase the ability to concentrate as body and mind start associating this area and it becomes a habit as well.
* Concentration on Candle light : One can concentrate on the light of a candle in the dark room. Keep the candle at a small distance and gaze the light without blinking your eyes for two minutes and then close your eyes with palms without touching eyeballs and turn off the light. Then, take your attention on the place between eyebrows (Anjna Chakra) and you will see the lgiht or feel some sensation. Keep it up for three minutes and then open your eyes.
* Concentration on Image : Another technique of concentration is focusing attention on the Image: Om Chart, Swastic, Image or idol of God, or simply a coloured spot on a white sheet. Look at the image with benevolent smile without blinking the eyes for a few mental ability, reasoning and intellectual capacity. Students can enhance the learning and retention power.
* Concentration on Natural Objects: One can focus the attention on a flower, moon, stars, or other natural objects nature has beauty and peace in its creation and that attracts our mind swiftly. But we must gaze a particular natural object at a time and should not shift our attention on multiple objects.
Inner Concentration
After practicing external concentration, one must proceed to inner concentration for unveiling the subtle realms of the being.
Concentration on Breath : We can focus our attention on breath. Just witness the inhale and exhale of breath and don’t make any conscious effort. Before starting one can take five deep breaths for making the mind serene. Eyes must be closed and the spine must be straight. Practice for few minutes on daily basis at a particular time and place. Breath is a rope by which we can plunge deep within for unveiling the psyche and soul for the transformation of the body, mind and life.
* Concentration on the Subtle Centers : There are several spiritual centers within the subtle being such as, Muladhara, Syadisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishudha, Ayga or Anjana and Sahsrara or Crown Center. These are the tangled knots which can’t be cut abruptly but gradually loosened and Kundlini Skakti passes from these centers with the spiritual awakening and realisiation. These centers have unique qualities reflected with their openings through intense and deep concentration.
* Concentrate on Divine in Heart: One can concentrate on The inner Divine within the subtle heart. As ain Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna repeatedly whispers, ‘O Arjuna, I reside in the heart of all beings. Purify your mind and dwell in the heart, surely you will find me there.
* Concentration on Inner Sounds : We can fix our attention on the inner sounds within us like Anahta sound of Om. We can also experience the sound of a bell, flute or other sounds but this requires advance level of concentration.
* Concentration on the Peace and Light above the crown center : We can focus our attention on the descending peace and light from above and feel the descent of peace and eternal light in our being from head to feet.
Thus, concentration is the master key or opening all the treasure outside and within. One must make it a routine and move forward towards the success in terms of mental and intellectual capacities which open us in the higher realms of wisdom and Truth. It requires time, effort and strong will to nurture and preserve the power and concentration and those who will practice it will surely become the docile instruments of Eternity for the evolution and transformation of Earth from ignorance, falsehood and darkness to the Wisdom, Truth and Light.
(The author is Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, University of Jammu, Jammu)
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