This is the first issue in a new series titled ‘Streams of Sādhanā’, and focuses on the theme – Concentration and Focus. As is the practice at Renaissance, the current issue explores the theme in a multi-dimensional manner, since Integral Yoga does not leave out any aspect of life. Readers will find here explorations into the topic from the perspectives of spiritual sādhanā, study and mental development, overall well-being, and more.
Given that concentration is such an important aspect of all spiritual pursuit and life, in various works of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother we find a great body of deep insights and detailed explanations on this. We present here a small selection of practical advice and guidance given by Sri Aurobindo.
In these passages by the Mother, we learn not only what is concentration but also how to cultivate it. She also emphasises the need to become conscious of the way we receive and spend our energies as well as the role of perseverance.
These selections speak not only of the difference between meditation and concentration, but also on the significance of concentration for one’s spiritual growth.
The Mother explains that whether it is finding solutions to mathematical problems, doing scientific work or artistic work, it all depends on the degree of concentration and the orientation of concentration.
This transcript of a lecture given by Swami Vivekananda at San Francisco on March 16, 1900 is available in Volume 4 of his complete works.
The author, who is deeply interested in applying the Mother’s teachings of Integral Education in her classroom setting, shares a few insights.
The author, our regular contributor, points our attention to the the epidemic that Attention Deficit Disorder has become in today’s age with its social media and other internet based stimuli that have severely impacted our capability to concentrate.
The author reminds us of the immense significance of one’s capacity of concentrated attention in the overall well-being and shares some practical guidance.
In presenting a reflective account of his personal journey, the author shares that patience, acceptance, appreciation, perseverance, determination and self-awareness are some of the qualities essential to cultivate if one aspires for developing greater concentration.
Narendra Murty speaks to Chirasree Mitra, a psycho-social counsellor who shares some insights on the topic from a scientific point of view.
