In today’s world of distractions, concentration and discipline is difficult to achieve. Professionals and students both struggle to stay disciplined in their respective fields. Everyone wants to build a happy and satisfied life; however, without discipline achieving our goal becomes an uphill task. When we try to figure out the underlying issue, it is the constantly distracted mind, which leads to this difficult situation. This is where yoga comes in aid offering a comprehensive solution.
The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, a foundational text of yoga philosophy, identifies the root cause of our scattered attention. The first sutra states: "Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah," expressed as "Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind." To truly comprehend this concept, we need to deeply understand the different states of the human mind.
Concentration and different stages of mind ( Dharana )
Sage Vyasa, categorizes the mind into five distinct stages according to the concentration level. These are:
Kshipta (Agitated/Scattered): This is the agitated state of mind, jumping from one thought to another. Imagine a turbulent river with a muddy bed – where one cannot see clearly. A Kshipta mind lacks the focus and balance needed for concentration.
Mudha (Dull/Lethargic): The mind is inactive and lacks the energy required for productive work. While less agitated than Kshipta, a Mudha mind still lacks clarity, like a river with murky water.
Vikshipta (Partially Focused): In this state, from time-to-time, the mind seems to be clear and distracted. Imagine a river occasionally clear and muddy – you can sometimes focus, making it suitable for beginning meditation practices. However, a Vikshipta mind lacks consistency and struggles to maintain focus for long periods.
Ekagra (One-Pointed): This is the state we should strive for. Here, your complete attention is on a single point, undisturbed by external distractions. Imagine a river with crystal-clear water – your mind is lucid and focused on one thought.
Niruddha (Fully Arrested): In this state, the mind achieves complete stillness, like a calm river with no current. Just as the river becomes still, the mind becomes peaceful and serene. This state allows for the highest levels of concentration.
We can raise our consciousness and bring about good changes in our lives by consciously observing these states.
Attaining concentration through Hatha Yogic methods
Hatha Yoga practices, such as Asanas (postures), Kumbhaka (breath retention), Mudras (hand and body positions), and Nadanusandhana (sound meditation), all play a role in systematically moving our consciousness from the physical body (gross level) to the subtle level (mind).
Vinyasa, the flow of movement into and out of an Asana with complete awareness, and Shwasa, the synchronization of breath with body movements, can be seen as a form of Pratyahara, where we consciously withdraw our senses from the external world. Holding the final posture (Stithi) for a specific duration maximizes the benefits of the asana. Dhrishti, the practice of focusing on specific internal or external points during a pose, is called Dhyana (meditation). Finally, achieving a state of relaxation (Vishranti) while performing an asana allows the mind to experience a state closer to Samadhi or Niruddha.
Kumbhaka, Mudra, and Nadanusandhana are some other yogic practices, which can bring about significant positive transformations.
Analyzing properly, one can realize how carefully each yoga practice is crafted and the benefits they offer are multiple. If practiced under proper mentorship, these practices can transform our entire life.
-- Dharana
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