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THE MAXIMUM TIME LIMIT OF CONCENTRATION
is the purpose of these five types of study? The objects are extraordinary knowledge, incessant exertion in the right direction, wholesome fear of worldly existence, progress of austerities and freedom from transgressions. The penance of giving up attachment is described next.
बाह्याभ्यन्तरोपध्योः Bahyābhyantaropadhyoḥ
(26) 26. Giving up external and internal attachments.
'Vyutsarga' means giving up. It is of two kinds, giving up external objects of attachment and internal attachments. House, riches, grain, etc., which do not become one with the self, are external attachments. The passions etc., which are the dispositions of the self, are internal attachments. Similarly, renouncing attachment for the body for a particular period or for one's lifetime is also considered as giving up of internal attachment. What is the purpose of this penance? The object is to cultivate detachment and fearlessness and to dispel desire for living.
Concentration was set apart for elaborate treatment. It is now time to discuss it. But, passing it over, the agent, the nature and the duration of concentration are described.
उत्तमसंहननस्यैकाग्रचिन्तानिरोधो ध्यानमान्तर्मुहूर्तात् ॥ २७ ॥ Uttamasamhananasyai kāgracintānirodho dhyānamāntarmuhurtāt
(27) 27. Concentration of thought on one particular object is meditation. In the case of a person with the best physical structure or constitution it extends up to one muhurta.
The first three physical structures are included here. Meditation is possible for the individuals possessing these three physical structures. But salvation is possible only for the ascetic with the first physical structure. He who has the best physical structure is the agent. 'Ekagra' means having one point, edge or object. Thought is characterized by throbbing or quivering, as it embraces several objects. Concentration is turning the thought away from several objects and fixing it on one. By this the nature of meditation has been described.
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