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CHAPTER VIII.
MOKSHA. In dealing with the subject of dhyana, it is necessary to bear in mind the fact that it is the one most difficult thing to practise, and that all kinds of mental and bodily distractions have to be overcome before anything approaching steadiness can be acquired by the beginner. It is, therefore, necessary to know the nature of the causes which interfere with the fixity of concentration, and lead to unsteadiness of mind. These causes naturally fall under three different heads, viz.,
(a) those that concern belief, or faith, (b) those which spring from the activity of an
uncontrolled mind, and (c) those that arise from bodily unsteadiness.
In respect of the first kind of these causes of obstruction to dhyâna, it is sufficient to point out that no one is likely to apply himself to the practising of holy concentration who is not convinced of the truth. It is, therefore, the first duty of the aspirant after emancipation to acquire the knowledge of truth, which can be done by study and meditation.
For this purpose one should cultivate the habit of thinking for oneself on lines of cause and effect, that is scientifically. Naturally, those whose early training has given them a scientific turn of mind would find it.
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