On every level of mental activity,concentration is the key to success.The student is taking an exam, but is distracted by a popular song running through his head.The businessman trying to write an important contract is worried over an argument he had with his wife.The judge is distracted by a teenager appearing before him as he resembles his own son.Lack of concentration means inefficiency.But what is not generally known is that a concentrated mind succeeds not only because it can solve problems with greater dispatch,but also because problems have a way of somehow vanishing before its focused energies,without even requiring to be solved.
A concentrated mind often attracts opportunities for success that,to less focused individuals,appear to come by sheer luck.The one who concentrates receives inspiration and this may often be thought of as a divine favor by others.But such seeming “favors” are due simply to the power of concentration.
Concentration awakens our powers and channels them,dissolving obstacles in our path,attracting opportunities insights and inspirations.In many ways,concentration is the single most important key to success.
This is particularly true in yoga practice.The mind,in meditation,must be so perfectly still that not a ripple of thought enters it.Much of the teaching of yoga,therefore centers on technique designed especially for developing concentration.
Concentration implies,first,an ability to release one’s mental and emotional energies from all other interests,involvements and gives an ability to focus them on a single object or state of awareness.Concentration may assume various manifestations from a dynamic outpouring of energy,to perfectly quiescent perceptions.In its higher stages,concentration becomes so deep that there is no longer any question of its remaining merely a practice.We are the infinite light,love,joy and wisdom of God.Our concentration should be so deep that the consciousness of diligent practice is refined into an effortless process of divine becoming.Once the mind is so perfectly focused,its concentrated power may be applied to any object one wishes.
Once your mind has become focused and quiet,it is time to forego the practice of techniques and offer your entire awareness calmly to where ever you want.Concentration leads naturally to that state in which the will no longer busily engaged in outward planning,can be uplifted in a pure act of becoming.
