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SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA
L.M.: Is a mantra employed in the meditation?
S. SATCH: Yes, at that time we also give a mantra so that the mind has something to hold onto; and you keep repeating that mantra.
L.M.: Continuosly, even if you don't have any
distractions?
S. SATCH: In the beginning you forcefully try to repeat it, continuously. And then gradually, the mind will repeat by itself without even your awareness of that.
L.M.: Automatically?
S. SATCH: Automatically-s --so that one part of the mind is always with the mantra; even though you allow the mind to do various things.
L.M.: The so-called worldly, external activities.
S. SATCH: Yes, you do some activities, but part of the mind will always be there on the mantra. When you finish a job outside, you go back to the mantra; then another work comes along and you take part of the mind to the other job. So the mantra remains constantly in the mind. That way you slowly begin to tame the mind to stay in one place.
L.M.: It seems to be a very slow and gradual process for most of us.
S. SATCH: When the concentration becomes firm, then you begin to meditate. It is at that point that your practice is called meditation.
L.M.: And before that?
S. SATCH: Nobody meditates right away. The mind runs around, and slowly you bring it back, back, back again. And then you begin to meditate. Then the mind will be there, at least for half an hour, or fifteen, or ten minutes. Then you have gained some mastery over your own mind.
L.M.: I know that with my own meditation practice, even after many years the mind still runs out.
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