An extract from the book
“Glimpses of the Divine Vision” by Swami Ramdas – Section “Concentration”
·
For concentration it is essential that the
mind should fix itself on one thought to the exclusion of every other. So, one
sound ringing in the ear and the heart, and one ideal or Ishta meditated upon
in the mind-both representing or symbolizing the great ultimate Reality-must be
adopted for practice. If this is not done, concentration, which itself denotes
one-pointedness of mind, will be impossible. This does not mean that one should
dislike other Ishtas or names standing for God.
·
Faith and practice combined can enable an
aspirant to overcome any and every difficulty that confronts him in his
struggle for control of mind. Surely, the Kripa or grace of a saint is
essential. Under his guidance and influence, the Sadhaka progresses rapidly
towards the goal. But your own effort is also as essential. Tamasic inactivity
or Rajasic activity are obstacles. A selfless and one-pointed endeavour is
alone conducive to real concentration and the ultimate attainment. Your life is
in your hands: elevate it, purify it and fill it with the bliss of immortality.
May God within you be your guide.
·
By practice or Abhyas you can attain
everything you aspire to. What is needed is determination and perseverance.
Don’t feel weak. The infinite power of God is within you. In all practices draw
strength from this source. Nothing can be achieved without struggle and effort.
To control the mind you require indomitable energy. This you can gain by a
steady practice. If at first you cannot fix your mind by Japa, don’t be
disheartened; continue Japa with persistence and you will gradually find that
the restless nature of the mind is quelled. Court solitude during off hours,
and the society of the devotees of God. You need not keep account of Japa. This
will distract your mind. Have the Name of God always on your lips. Don’t read
literature that disturbs your mind. Have system, regularity, and discipline in
your life. Have meditation or silent mental repetition in a place free from
noise. Rise early. Don’t fritter away your mental and physical energies. Be
moderate in all things that you do. Your progress depends on yourself. Truth
cannot be handed over by one to the other. Each has to work for it by his own
initiative and strength; because Truth is nowhere else, but in each one of you.
Believe God’s blessings are ever on you.March forward and reach the goal of
immortality and peace-a state which is your own real being.
·
Any symbol of God that you place before you
for adoration should, through a gradual process, awaken within you a sense of
immortality; and when the ultimate state of sustained God consciousness is
attained, there should not be any need for an external symbol to hang on. God
as teacher from outside can only awaken you to the Reality; but the necessary
condition for such an awakening has to be created by your own aspiration,
struggle and discipline. The teachers point to the path that leads to the
highest goal of human life. But it lies in the aspirant to walk the path. A
discipline of self-control can alone grant you the necessary strength for
moving boldly on this path.
·
Through a discipline of concentration alone
the mind regains its lost powers. You must strictly regulate your life and give
up all dissipating activities of both the mind and the body. The uncontrolled
and ill-used faculties are responsible for the confusion that besets life. Make
it a rule to get up early in the morning, and devote some time for the
contemplation of the great and immortal Truth who is all power, knowledge,
peace and bliss dwelling within you. By a practice of such a meditation, you
will recover the fading powers of your intellect. You may depend upon it that
your memory will become keen, and the assimilating strength of your mind will
be marvellously increased. Lead a pure and simple life filled with an activity
which is beneficial to the people around you. Let your heart cherish noble
ideals. The teachings and lives of great and selfless souls infuse energy and
enthusiasm in your life. In short, be a power for good in the world.
·
Solitude is an invaluable help to keep the
mind ever in tune with the indwelling infinite Reality. It is something like
recharging the exhausted battery of life, so that life's mission in the world
may bear ampler and more glorious fruit. May the Lord make you a supreme
instrument in His hands for the magnificent service to humanity. In fact,
service is the keynote of a selfless and dedicated life. The spirit of love and
service daunts every danger and boldly faces and endures hard toil and great suffering
which it meets in the path towards its fulfilment. Trials and obstacles are
only to steel the will for the purpose.
·
For concentration of mind and control of
senses, a steady and uninterrupted course of meditation and utterance of the
divine Name is prescribed. This is an unfailing Sadhana.
Swami Ramdas Web Site - anandashram.org
