________________
because of the wandering thoughts. Where is the mind to find a point of equilibrium?
Ans. The mind is capable of two actions--to think and - to perceive. Thinking creates resolves and counter-resolves; perception inhibits thought. If, instead of thinking, the mind starts observing, its wandering ceases of itself. The question arises as to what it is that the mind should observe. The first thing to perceive is one's breathing. For dhyana-sadhana, it is most important to regulate one's breath. Without regulating our breathing, there can be no progress because most of the time an individual takes short breaths. From the point of view of sadhana, it is necessary to practise deep breathing. Both inhalation and exhalation must be silent, slow, continuous and easy. Of course, it is not merely pranayama. Pranayama by itself is not necessary for meditation. The practice of deep breathing, the experiencing of each incoming and outgoing breath from moment to moment with full awareness, is the simplest and infallible method of learning mental concentration.
Q. What is the difference between deep breathing and
pranayama?
Ans. Deep breathing in itself and pranayama are not - two different things. The exhalation, the inhalation and the kumbhak (holding the breath) have the same role in both. But, to concentrate the mind on each breath and be conscious of it, is meditation, and not part of pranayama. To observe the movement of the breath, its coming and going, is meditation. Pranayama alone may have some utility from the point of view of bodily health, but from the psychological point of view it is of little use, whereas meditation greatly increases the possibilities of mental development.
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