Practice of Concentration

by Swami Sivananda

Fix the mind on some object either within the body or without. Keep it there steadily for some time. This is concentration. You will have to practise this daily.

Purify the mind first through the practice of right conduct and then take to the practice of concentration. Concentration without purity of mind is of no avail. There are some occultists who have concentration. But they have no good character; that is the reason why they do not make any progress in the spiritual life.

He who has a steady posture and has purified his nerves and the vital sheath by the constant practice of control of breath will be able to concentrate easily. Concentration will be intense if you remove all distractions. A true celibate who has preserved his energy will have wonderful concentration.

Some foolish, impatient students take to concentration at once without undergoing, in any manner, any preliminary training in ethics. This is a serious blunder. Ethical perfection is a matter of paramount importance.

You can concentrate internally on any of the seven centres of spiritual energy. Attention plays a very prominent part in concentration. He who has developed his powers of attention will have good concentration. A man who is filled with passion and all sorts of fantastic desires can hardly concentrate on any subject or object even for a second. His mind will be jumping like an old monkey.

He who has gained abstraction (withdrawing the senses from the objects) will have good concentration. You will have to march on in the spiritual path step by step and stage by stage. Lay the foundation of right conduct, postures, regulation of breath and abstraction to start with. The superstructure of concentration and meditation will be successful then only.

You should be able to visualise the object of concentration very clearly even in its absence. You will have to call up the mental picture at a moment’s notice. If you have concentration you can do this without much difficulty. In the beginning stage of practice, you can concentrate on the ‘tic-tic’ sound of a watch or on the flame of a candle or any other object that is pleasing to the mind. This is concrete concentration. There is no concentration without something to rest the mind upon. The mind can be fixed on any object in the beginning which is pleasant. It is very difficult to fix the mind, in the beginning, on an object which the mind dislikes.

Sit in lotus-pose (Padmasana) with crossed legs. Fix the gaze on the tip of the nose. This is called the nasal gaze. Do not make any violent effort. Gently look at the tip of the nose. Practise for one minute in the beginning. Gradually increase the time to half an hour or more. This practice steadies the mind. It develops the power of concentration. Even when you walk, you can keep up this practice. Sit on lotus-pose and practise fixing the mind between the two eyebrows. Do this gently for half a minute. Then gradually increase the time to half an hour or more. There must not be the least violence in the practice. This removes tossing of mind and develops concentration. This is known as frontal gaze. The eyes are directed towards the frontal bone of the forehead. You can select either the nasal gaze or the frontal gaze according to your taste, temperament and capacity.

If you want to increase your power of concentration you will have to reduce your worldly activities. You will have to observe the vow of silence every day for two hours or more.

Practise concentration till the mind is well established on the object of concentration. When the mind runs away from the object bring it back again.When concentration is deep and intense all other senses cannot operate. He who practises concentration for three hours daily will have tremendous psychic power. He will have a strong will-power.

Practice of Concentration

The Practice of Concentration is one of the most valuable disciplines for anyone seeking inner peace, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. In today’s fast-paced world, the mind is constantly distracted by countless thoughts, notifications, and responsibilities. Learning to focus on one idea, one task, or one spiritual goal helps develop stability and confidence. A concentrated mind performs better in every aspect of life, whether in studies, work, meditation, or daily responsibilities. Through consistent effort, anyone can cultivate this important quality and enjoy a calmer, more balanced life.

A regular Practice of Concentration strengthens the mind just as physical exercise strengthens the body. When attention is repeatedly directed toward a single object or thought, mental energy becomes organized instead of scattered. This allows individuals to think more clearly and make better decisions. Spiritual seekers often discover that concentration deepens prayer and meditation, bringing greater awareness of the inner self. Readers of Devotional India often appreciate how ancient spiritual teachings continue to provide practical guidance for improving focus and mindfulness in everyday life.

Many simple methods can improve the Practice of Concentration without requiring complicated techniques. Sitting quietly for a few minutes each day while observing the breath is an excellent beginning. Reading uplifting scriptures with full attention, chanting sacred mantras, or focusing on the image of a chosen deity can also help train the mind. These practices gradually reduce unnecessary mental distractions and encourage greater emotional balance. Consistency matters far more than long hours of practice, making even short daily sessions highly beneficial.

The Practice of Concentration also enhances productivity in ordinary life. Students absorb lessons more effectively, professionals complete tasks with fewer mistakes, and creative individuals generate better ideas when their attention is undivided. Instead of constantly switching between activities, focusing on one task at a time improves efficiency and reduces mental fatigue. Over time, this disciplined approach builds confidence because every completed task reinforces the ability to remain attentive despite external distractions.

For spiritual aspirants, the Practice of Concentration serves as a bridge between ordinary awareness and deeper meditation. A restless mind finds it difficult to remain absorbed in divine contemplation. However, as concentration develops, meditation naturally becomes more peaceful and meaningful. Thoughts gradually slow down, allowing moments of silence and inner joy to arise. These experiences inspire practitioners to continue their spiritual journey with greater enthusiasm and unwavering faith.

Developing the Practice of Concentration requires patience because the mind naturally wanders. Instead of becoming discouraged, practitioners should gently return their attention to the chosen object whenever distractions appear. Every effort strengthens mental discipline. Creating a peaceful environment, maintaining a regular schedule, and limiting unnecessary digital interruptions also support better focus. Over time, these simple habits become part of daily life, making concentration easier and more natural.

The Practice of Concentration is closely connected with positive living. Healthy food, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced lifestyle all contribute to a calmer mind. Negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, and excessive worry weaken mental focus, while kindness, gratitude, and self-control strengthen it. Many spiritual traditions teach that a pure heart naturally supports a focused mind. Articles on Devotional India often highlight these timeless principles, encouraging readers to combine spiritual values with practical daily habits for lasting inner harmony.

Ultimately, the Practice of Concentration is a lifelong discipline that benefits both worldly success and spiritual realization. Every sincere effort to train the mind brings greater clarity, peace, and self-awareness. As concentration deepens, distractions lose their power, allowing wisdom and inner strength to shine naturally. By practicing regularly with patience and determination, anyone can experience the transformative effects of a focused mind and move steadily toward a more purposeful, peaceful, and spiritually fulfilling life.