Science of Focus
“What we think, we become. Where we put our attention, we allow that to grow.” The Art and Science of Attention
Importance of attention, we all know very well. Your success entirely depends on it. – Objective science is there already. But have we studied ourselves? – If we get a hold over our mind, our success is ensured. – Patanjali Yoga Sutras is the most comprehensive resource for attention and concentration.
How to build up our attention spans? – In Yoga Psychology, it's said you are capable of five natural states of mind: – Mudha State: Dull tamasic state when mind is dull and lazy. Occasionally it's okay. – Shipta State: Mind is extremely restless and distracted. Thoughts are just happening. – Vikshipta State: Being preoccupied with something. All scientists and philosophers remain in this state. – Ekaghra State: Mind doesn't budge from your subject. Also called as flow in modern psychology. – Niruddha State: Mind is completely mastered and restrained. No external agent is required for you to achieve the highest state of awareness and concentration.
Attention is a property of the human mind. We need to take care of it. – The mind must be without negativity. If the mind is balanced, you can muster attention to do anything. – Swami Vivekananda had gained complete mastery over mind and attention as he has a photographic memory. – Success is first created in the mind, then it gets manifested in this world. Every object in this world was somebody's idea in someone's mind.
Heart of Attention and Mind Management
Mundaka Upanishad Verse 2.24
प्रणवो धनुः शारो ह्यात्मा ब्रह्म तल्लक्ष्यमुच्यते ।
अप्रमत्तेन वेद्धव्यं शरवत्तन्मयो भवेत ॥ ४ ॥The Pranava is the bow, the Atman is the arrow and the Brahman is said to be its mark. It should be hit by one who is self-collected and that which hits becomes, like the arrow, one with the mark, i.e., Brahman.
Control is central to development
- Instinct controlled becomes reason.
- Reason under control becomes inspiration.
- Inspiration under control becomes Realization.
Your five senses take in information. Whatever you do throughout the day, there is a mental impression in your mind.
Conscious control of senses is the first step. – Control of your activity is the second step. – Control of your intake of information and what you think is the third step.
Vritti: Fluctuation of thoughts in your mind. Your mind warps around your thoughts.
Pratyaya: It is the thinking itself.
If your thinking and the pratyaya are deliberate and conscious, you will have a wonderful life.
Summary:
- Basic stability of mind – Muster the power of attention.
- You wilfully direct your attention.
- You are the awareness which is mustering your attention.
- You are the controller of your body and mind. Use it for your purposes.
- All knowledge is within you. All concentration is within you.
Questions:
- Will: Iccha Shakti
- Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama, and Yoga Nidra – Sadhana for a mandala
- Limit your social media and phones
- Wake up during Brahmamuhurtha – Mind is naturally calm
- Aum Chanting – If the mind is sensitive enough, it will take you to the state of pure awareness
- Source of ADHD: Overexposure.
- You must get used to calmness
- Every intelligent mind corrects itself
- When you still your mind, you become aware. Most Refreshing feeling.
- Habit forming – Good habits will pave the way to the truth.