________________
Patanjali's Eight Stages of Yoga and Meditation
Art & Science of Meditation
enough, the same desires will follow the mind even in the most secluded of spots. The path of a Buddha or Shankara must be taken only when the seeker has developed intense vairagya, a state of total disregard for all material things, not merely momentary disenchantment.
Vedanta states that the mind itself must be used as an enquiring tool, to probe deeper into the purpose of life, journeying beyond the visual-auditory sensory matrix of impressions. What is required is a discriminating mind that is able to distinguish between the essential and the perishable, even as one goes about one's duties in life.”
6. Concentration - Concentrate on the present moment, present work, with a peaceful, relaxed and cheerful mind. Give your total attention to the present moment. Do not worry about the past or future or results, but do your duties & responsibilities & actions without any attachment to them. Whatever you are doing, do it with full concentration and enjoy it, without worrying about the result. Do your duties and carry out your responsibilities with pleasure, full ability and full concentration. This will greatly improve any activity, for example, your performance in sports, like cricket or karate.
Concentration is most important phase of meditation. After achieving high concentration level you can go to any
(19)
