THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 31. CONCENTRATION - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.

Concentration, The Key to Peace
Swami Sivananda begins by highlighting the restless nature of the mind that arises from worldly desires. Worldly pleasures, far from providing lasting satisfaction, only intensify the craving for more. This endless pursuit causes mental agitation, depriving individuals of true peace. The more the mind indulges in sensual pleasures, the more turbulent it becomes, leading to frustration and weariness. Sages realized that to attain lasting peace, the mind must be stripped of its attachment to sensual pleasures and external distractions. The externalizing power of the mind scatters its energy across various objects, much like light that is diffused in all directions. This dissipation of mental energy results in suffering and instability. By contrast, concentration gathers the mental rays, focuses them on a single point, and turns the mind inward. This inward focus brings immense bliss and happiness. Swami Sivananda offers an example: the joy of seeing a dear friend after a long time does not arise from the friend, but from the mind's temporary state of concentration, which produces happiness from within. Even in seemingly beautiful experiences, such as sightseeing in nature, the power of concentration is evident. A beautiful scene can lose its charm if the mind is disturbed by external news or shock, illustrating that attention and mental focus determine one’s ability to experience pleasure. To achieve concentration, the scattered mental rays must be patiently gathered. This requires dispassion, renunciation, austerity, and unwavering spiritual practice. Only by turning the mind away from external distractions and directing it toward the Supreme Cosmic Spirit (Brahman) can one experience true illumination and inner peace.
Illustrations of the Nature of Mind
Swami Sivananda poetically illustrates the restless and volatile nature of the mind by comparing it to several elements:

• Quicksilver: Scattered and difficult to gather.
• A monkey: Always jumping from one object to another.
• Moving air: Constantly restless.
• A rutting elephant: Impetuous and driven by passion.
• A great bird: Hopping from tree to tree, representing its inability to settle on one thought or object.

Through Raja Yoga, one learns to control the restless mind, ransack its depths, and direct its energies toward higher spiritual goals.
Different Degrees of Concentration
The mind manifests in five distinct states:

1. Distracted: The rays of the mind are scattered, jumping from object to object.
2. Dull: The mind is forgetful and inactive.
3. Partially Focused: The mind occasionally becomes steady but is prone to distraction.
4. Focused: The mind attains one-pointedness, holding a single idea or object.
5. Controlled: The mind is fully under control, free from distraction.

The practice of concentration aims to eliminate the mind’s modifications (thought-waves) and bring it to a controlled, one-pointed state.
The Power of Concentration
The immense potential of the human mind can only be harnessed through concentration. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that a concentrated mind has unlimited power. By manipulating and controlling the mind, individuals can achieve extraordinary results. Scientists, for instance, use concentration to unlock profound knowledge and inventions by directing all their mental energy to a single focus. The more concentrated the mind, the more powerful and effective it becomes. By turning the mind inward and stilling its fluctuations, an individual gains mastery over the forces of nature and the secrets of the universe.
Concentration, Man’s Foremost Duty
Drawing on the teachings of Sri Sankaracharya, Swami Sivananda reiterates that the primary duty of man is to control the senses and focus the mind on one truth at a time. Persistent and unremitting concentration destroys distracting thoughts and fosters one-pointedness. Concentration brings clarity, peace, and inner bliss, which are impossible in a restless, distracted mind. The purpose of human life is to concentrate the mind on God and realize the Atman (Self). However, delusion, attachment to family, wealth, power, and fame distract the mind and divert it toward external objects. True happiness lies in concentrating the purified mind on the Atman or the Supreme Cosmic Spirit. By fixing the mind on the all-pervading, self-luminous Brahman, one achieves liberation and eternal bliss.
How to Concentrate
Swami Sivananda provides practical guidance for developing concentration:

• Fix the Mind: Focus on a single object, idea, or thought.
• Withdraw and Refocus: Repeatedly draw the mind back whenever it wanders.
• Avoid Dissipation: Introspect and curb distractions such as idle thoughts, worries, and fears.
• Solitude: Live alone and minimize external company to avoid scattering the mind’s energy.
• Practice Regularly: Hold the mind on one thought or object for increasing periods until stability is achieved.

Concentration on the Internal Chakras
Swami Sivananda discusses the practice of concentration on internal spiritual centers or Chakras:

1. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Concentration on the space between the eyebrows enables quick control of the mind. It leads to inner light, visions, bliss, and spiritual awakening.
2. Heart Chakra: Concentration on the heart, the seat of emotions and feelings, brings great bliss and joy.
3. Central Energy Channel (Sushumna): Hatha Yogis focus on the central energy pathway within the spine, ascending through various Chakras. This practice awakens the Kundalini energy, leading to spiritual powers, bliss, and visions.

Swami Sivananda advises caution, warning aspirants to stop if they experience headaches or discomfort. In such cases, concentration should be shifted to external objects or the heart.
Concentration on External Objects
Concentration on external objects is easier initially since the mind naturally tends to externalize. Swami Sivananda recommends focusing on elements such as the blue sky, sunlight, stars, or a chosen concrete image to train the mind in steadiness.
Training and Aids to Concentration
Swami Sivananda outlines techniques and aids to strengthen concentration:

• Faith: Faith makes subtle truths easier to grasp and enables understanding.
• Breath Control: Regulated breathing (Pranayama) removes restlessness and inertia, purifying the mind and making it fit for concentration.
• Attention: Attention, the foundation of willpower, must be cultivated and directed toward introspection and focus. It strengthens the mind and enhances memory.
• Celibacy: Celibacy greatly improves the power of attention and willpower.

Illustration of Single-Minded Concentration
Swami Sivananda shares the story of an arrow-maker so absorbed in his work that he failed to notice a king’s procession passing by. Such one-pointedness, free from distraction, must be cultivated to fix the mind on God. Success in concentration requires persistent effort, patience, and dedication.
Overcoming Initial Struggles
Swami Sivananda compares the initial struggles of concentration to the experiences of medical students who find dissection loathsome but later enjoy their studies. Similarly, spiritual aspirants may initially struggle with concentration, but perseverance yields immense joy and bliss. The cumulative pleasures of the world pale in comparison to the joy derived from meditation. He urges aspirants not to give up, regardless of the difficulties encountered. Obstacles must be identified and removed through introspection, discrimination, and self-inquiry.
Conclusion
Swami Sivananda concludes by emphasizing that mastery of concentration leads to purity, peace, and ultimate self-realization. By cultivating one-pointedness, individuals can transcend distractions, experience the bliss of Brahman, and fulfill the true purpose of life. Perseverance, discipline, and unwavering focus on the goal are essential for success.  

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