Concentration has the quality of fixing in the mind the impressions received, and thereby securing their retention as thought patterns. This obviously explains why memory is so much dependent upon the correct observation of an image, as well as upon willpower, with regard to highlighting a given thought. Furthermore, thoughts may be steadily retained in the mind by the magnetic power of the feeling heart, like a magnet, which holds pieces of metal together by the magic of attraction.
Concentration may have positive or negative results according to whether it is willingly directed or whether it is an obsession of one’s own thinking. Therefore, if one is not able to delete disturbing thoughts, when wanted, there is some risk in becoming a slave to one’s own thinking. For this reason, holding and deleting are to be considered as the two main applications related to concentration, and should therefore be developed with equal emphasis.
Concentration can be developed through intensifying one’s observation of chosen shapes, colors, sounds or an association of these, such as a symbol or scenery. Thoughts and feelings could be seen as waves in the mind world, and when these no longer occupy one’s attention, one assumes that the waves have ceased to flush, but in realty there has only been a reduction in the intensity of their motions, which may stir up again and again through stormy waters each time that one ventures to retrace them from within the storehouse of the memory. Concentration can be practiced in five stages, each being a step further on the path of mental discipline.
- Observation of a chosen object of concentration.
- Visualizing the chosen object with eyes closed.
- Creative concentration on the chosen object, with eyes closed.
- Visualizing with eyes closed, the object of concentration, projected at a distance.
- De-Concentration, meaning erasing with eyes closed the chosen object of concentration.
Observation
When choosing an object of concentration, one starts by being aware of the impression made upon one by that chosen object. This can be very different from one person to another. For instance, the image of a candle may make a religious impression upon one person, and a decorative impression on another. The next step is to focus on the details, such as size, shape and colors.
Visualization
One visualizes with closed eyes all details previously observed, thereby reconstructing in the mind the entire picture of the object, including impression made, size, shape and colors.
Creative Concentration
A further stage of concentration is reached, altering in thought, with eyes closed, the picture which one is visualizing. One can imagine changes of details, such as size, shape and colors of the chosen object.
For example, one tries to see the object of observation as blue or yellow or green, or any other color. One could also imagine seeing new parts added to the object. For instance, the object could be seen as having a change in decorative details and shape, as well as many other imaginary alterations could be added to the visualized scenery. Another aspect of creative concentration is to multiply the object in numbers. For instance, instead of visualizing just the one object, one could imagine four of them placed side by side, creating thereby a more complex picture. One could also imagine, the candlestick placed upon an altar, adding the details of the altar seen in imagination.
Projective Concentration
This means visualizing the candlestick at a different location. For instance, one might imagine it being in the next room, or even seen placed in a far distant country.
De-Concentration
The holding of a thought is constructive inasmuch as it helps to bring about inner strength and steadiness of mind, whereas the other power, the ability to delete unwanted entangled thoughts, helps to free the mind of worries and fears.
Finally, after having experienced the holding of an impression and altering it with the help of imagination, the fifth step is so important to experience.
One starts erasing in one’s mind all the details of the visualized picture piece by piece. For example, if concentrating on a candle stick and holder, one begins by erasing the holder, then the candle, and finally the burning flame, leaving only the deep impression that one had of that object during the observation phase. Even the impression left, can be erased, so that the mind is perfectly cleared by the whole process. De-Concentration, is seen as the means of purifying the mind from useless thoughts, and the more one develops this ability, the more one discovers the secret of channeling one’s will-power appropriately.
CONTEMPLATION
this deeper stage of concentration can have an inspiring effect, inasmuch as the mind and heart are attuned to the chosen ideal. Great achievements experienced through contemplation are certainly seen in the lives of famous men and women whose deeds and accomplishments have been profoundly motivated by the admiration that they themselves had for great ideals, which obviously inspired their own historical actions.
MEDITATION
This level of consciousness is an escape from outer impressions, and at this stage the importance of thoughts and feelings fades away, offering repose to the mind world, as well as to the illusion of the self. The real self, the seer from within (Purusha) is all intelligence, yet it is only through the ability to see (Prakriti) that the seer sees. The very nature of the seer from within is to experience its own reality. This ability gives rise to the experience of being both the seer and the seen – the observer and the observed – the witness and that which is witnessed.
When drawing closer to inner awakening, one profoundly hopes to probe the depth of life, to discover the source of all things; to unfold the mystery of time and space, of matter and spirit; and at this stage one realizes that what one thought to be oneself, was paradoxically, at the same time, the All-Pervading Consciousness, just like a drop of sea water is an individualized entity, and yet it is at the same time the sea itself, seen in another dimension.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
