The mind is its own worst enemy as well as its own best friend. According to yogic thought, the mind has five different types of behavior. In the shiplap state, it is fragmented, distracted and scattered on various objects. It is restless and jumps from one thing to another. In the mocha state it is dull and forgetful. Vikshipta is the gathering mind, it is occasionally steady and at other times distracted. This is its condition during practice as it struggles to become focused. In the karate or one-pointed state there is only one idea present. In the niruddha state full control is achieved. The greatest impediment to concentration is restlessness and tossing of the mind. When a beginner sits for practice, the thoughts, unaccustomed to this new game and freed from their usual grooves, leap about in an uncontrolled way. To remove tossing and other obstacles to one-pointed ness, adamantly fix the mind on one object alone. If the mind runs with its natural process, pull it back again and again. It will want to create hundreds of alternate thought forms. But if not disciplined no progress can be made.

It is necessary to introspect and watch the mind carefully. Bubbling thoughts must be silenced and emotions should be calmed. The purpose of concentration is the stilling of mental waves. One should not allow the mind to dissipate energy uselessly on vain thoughts, worries, imagination and fears. Through constant practice it will hold to one thought form for half an hour, and then it is possible to increase the time to several hours. When the mental vibrations are collected and focused in concentration, one experiences blissfulness from within. The mind is attracted to pleasing or favorite ideas. Therefore, concentrating on something that is appealing can become beneficial. Because of its natural externalizing bent, in the beginning concentration can be done on gross objects. A flame, the moon or a concrete spiritual symbol can be concentrated upon with open eyes. Later use subtle objects and abstract ideas. With the eyes closed, the aspirant concentrates on the space between the eyebrows, the heart, or any of the chakras, or centers of spiritual energy.

By manipulating the mind, one is able to bring it under control and compel it to concentrate. But there is no chance to wrestle with it. Struggle only sets more mental waves into motion. Many beginners commit this grave error in their impatience to succeed. They may develop headaches or sometimes feel the need to urinate, because of irritation set up in the spinal cord. Sometimes spiritual aspirants leave off the practice of concentration, as they find it difficult. They make a great mistake. In the initial struggle to overcome body consciousness, practice may well be troublesome. There is physical restlessness attended by an overabundance of emotions and thoughts. In due time, often after many years, the mind becomes cool, pure and strong, and immense joy is derived from it. But it really takes a long period. The sum total of all the pleasures in the world is nothing compared to the bliss derived from meditation. The practice should not be left at any cost. Proper patience is required. Cheerfulness and tenacity is also important. Success will eventually come. By serious introspection, it is possible to discover the various impediments to concentration. They may be removed with patience and effort. They can be nipped in the bud through discrimination, right inquiry and meditation as well.

When the mind is more concentrated, the more power is brought to bear on one point. The purpose of life is to fix the mind on the Absolute. When it is so fixed, one becomes calm, serene, steady and strong. In concentration the senses cease to function, and there is no longer awareness of the body and surroundings. As it deepens, one experiences great joy and spiritual intoxication. Concentration opens the inner chambers of love and the way to meditation is the sole key to the realm of Eternity.