Karmayoga, bhaktiyoga, layayoga, nadayoga, dhyanadharna, japayoga, etc., whatever sadhanas exist, they are all meant to achieve refinement and purity of the inner self and the concentration of the mind. Any Sadhana done with a fickle mind cannot be yoga.
Meaning: Mercury and the mind are habitually unstable. If mercury is bound (or consolidated) or the mind is bound (or controlled), what then cannot be accomplished on this earth? The image cannot be seen properly in unstable water. In the same way, so long as the mind is unstable, the inner self cannot be felt. Therefore, with the help of sadhana, one should try to concentrate the mind. Sadhana will purify the inner self, and with an increase in purity, concentration will also increase. Doing and undoing is the religion of mind. Therefore, patiently, one should engage the mind in sadhana and try to win it gradually. Without controlling the mind, a sadhaka does not succeed in sadhana.
Psychologists say that the control of the mind produces great subtle power. It is very difficult for ordinary people to get acquainted with this power. A disciplined mind helps in physical, mental, and spiritual progress. Among various types of yogas, such as, karmayoga, bhaktiyoga, layayoga, hathayoga, ragayoga, tapayoga, etc., only japayoga is simple and practical. Japa (recitation) of a mantra helps in achieving concentration.
The goal of sadhaka is to make himself introversive. Therefore, closing the eyes, the mind should be fixed on the syllables of a mantra and do recitation along with meditation. A japa done in this way faithfully and without fail helps control the tendencies of the mind and make the thoughts introversive.
The scattered sun rays cannot burn a thread, but when the same rays are focused with the help of a convex lens, fire is produced, which is sufficient for burning anything. Similarly, when five karmendriyas and five gyanendriyas are not attracted to their objects of desire, the mind becomes stable. In meditation, when the external world and the self are forgotten, it should be considered that the mind is getting concentrated. In this way, a daily sadhana of concentration will make the sadhaka achieve siddhi. With this achievement, the inner self becomes fully enthusiastic, and the happiness goes on augmenting day by day, and one also goes on succeeding in the set goals. There are several unique mystical powers of the mind. But they remain in the dormant state, and a person is deprived of its benefits. If the gun powder is spread on the ground and lit, it will burn like ordinary things, and nothing special happens. But if the same gun powder is properly used through the gun’s barrel, it can even pierce through the distant object upon firing. In the same way, if the mental powers remain scattered, it will not be possible to take any specific benefit from them.
Several times we come to know about the siddhis of saints and great men. They can often do some such things that ordinary people cannot do. These siddhis depend on their inner concentration. There are infinite centers of power hidden within the human body. These are made to appear with the help of the sadhana of concentration. Extroverts engage themselves in many useless talks and in the process, get deprived of the invaluable storehouse of power. But the people who become introversive and achieve concentration with the help of japa, dhyana, etc., can realize those spiritual powers and achieve the realization of self. The acrobats of a circus demonstrate unique acts with their concentration and practice. In the same way, siddha purushas, after concentrating their spiritual and mental powers, become the master of several siddhis. Most important among these is achieving self-realization.
Akhand Jyoti Magazine 2022 May-June
