[Quick links] [Pause] Having a focused mind is definitely an advantage in many ways. Such a mind not only minimizes stress but also helps you in achieving greater success in life.

[Quick links] [Pause] Many of us are good at ‘physical’ activities than at intellectual tasks. Anything that involves action, appeals to us and we can do that easily. If I ask you to sit in one place and concentrate, probably you will find it very difficult. But you may be good at sports, may be good runners, good musicians, good cooks, and what not. But merely sitting and thinking is not your cup of tea. You just can’t keep your mental focus.

[Quick links] [Pause] Many of us may not be good listeners. But we are good talkers. I mean, may not be proficient talkers but profusive talkers

[Quick links] [Pause] In my younger student days, I was such a good listener that I could reproduce whatever the teacher said in the class just by listening once! Later I extended this to ‘easy reading’ or ‘lazy reading’ if you wish - where I used to loudly read a chapter from my book, record it on a tape – I am talking about those good old days – and play the tape back.  Just listening to the tape once, I could remember the entire chapter for a long time without ever having to re-read it again! If you are a good listener like me, then the focusing technique I am going to narrate next, is for you.

[Quick links] [Pause] There is a legend that once two warring brothers Bharata and Bahubali engaged themselves in a ‘staring war’!. They were two princes who ruled India more than 2000 years ago. They wanted to settle a succession dispute among themselves by engaging in a ‘war of staring’ or DrShti Yuddha.  They did not want to indulge in bloodshed. They kept staring at each other without batting an eye lid. Whoever winked first, is the loser. A completely nonviolent way of settling a dispute!

[Quick links] [Pause] In the previous episode we were discussing the Pranayama technique of Yoga that helps us in honing our focusing skills.  Towards the end of that episode, I also made a passing reference to methods that also go by the same name, but come from a different source and have an altogether different purpose.

[Quick links] [Pause] Many modern Gurus interpret the word Pranayama to mean controlling of the life force or Prana. They are right if they are talking about the air we breathe in and out. That is definitely something that keeps us alive.

[Quick links] [Pause] Let me start with a nice little story. This story may be a bit out of context. But let me narrate it in a new way. This is a story from Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the Guru of Swami Vivekananda.

[Quick links] [Pause] Though I don't wish to add the prefix ‘Yoga’ to this exercise, I will add it to satisfy the masses who think that it is part of Yoga

[Quick links] [Pause] A sanyasi is a recluse who is supposed to keep aloof from worldly matters. He is not supposed to have any processions of his own, nor he is supposed to entertain any desires for pleasures. But come on, he is also a human being!  Once there was a sanyasi who had a desire to drink soup! But he has no resources. Nor he can ask anyone to make some soup for him.