The key to meditation

After one becomes aware of all activities of the mind, then the mind can be focussed on any one point. Focussing the mind energy on any one object, thought or action is a component of the process of meditation. Concentrated focus yields maximum results in any endeavour in minimum time.

This rule applies to all aspects of human life. A surgeon performs a surgery with full concentration of the mind. All activities which demand perfection, like drawings, maps etc, the technicians, engineers or architects involved can be distinguished by their prime quality of concentration. The workers involved in making watches and other scientific instruments in Switzerland also have the same ability of concentration.

The power of energy focussed on one point needs no further elaboration. The steam in a boiler, or the rays of the sun passing through a lens all become causes of extreme power. Similarly, practise of meditation helps in focussing the mind. Mind is attracted by three things – sound (physical or mental), shape and thought. A yogi concentrates on the deep sound of his internal self and enters a state of deep meditation. This is anaahat naad, which can be heard when all internal holds are completely purified and synchronized. This sound can also be heard when a yogi chants a mantra in an even timbre and concentrates the mind on the sound of these mantras. He can select any aspect of his deity - physical, or Om. The learned vedanti practitioner continuously focuses his mind on some elevated thought or the sutra.

The mind becomes peaceful and stable in a state of meditation. The instincts of the mind are focussed on the object. In other words the mind gets focussed on the target. Wandering of the mind ceases. The senses relax and almost stop working. In a state of deep meditation one loses the consciousness of physical body and the spiritual being. The sadhak who perfects the skill of meditation can be one with his deity in his mind at any time.

Brooding, fantasising or aimless wandering in the realm of imagination is not meditation. This is not even concentration. This is a mere leap of the mind in thin air. Introspection and self profiling helps one become aware of this habit, and is essential to control it.