Process of Concentrating on God: Difference between revisions
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=== Controlling Mind and Senses === | === Controlling Mind and Senses === | ||
The primary obstacle to concentration is the restless mind. The yoga system prescribes stopping the senses from external engagement so the mind can be fixed within. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while mechanical yoga is difficult for the masses, the path of devotion allows one to achieve this concentration by fixing the mind on the Deity or the holy name. | The primary obstacle to concentration is the restless mind. The ''yoga'' system prescribes stopping the senses from external engagement so the mind can be fixed within. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while mechanical ''yoga'' is difficult for the masses, the path of devotion allows one to achieve this concentration by fixing the mind on the Deity or the holy name. | ||
* [[Vaniquotes:All the senses have to be stopped in their external activities, and the mind must be concentrated on visnu-murti, the form of Lord Visnu. That is the perfection of yoga. The mind is very turbulent, so it has to be fixed upon the heart|All the senses have to be stopped in their external activities, and the mind must be concentrated on visnu-murti, the form of Lord Visnu. That is the perfection of yoga. The mind is very turbulent, so it has to be fixed upon the heart.]] | * [[Vaniquotes:All the senses have to be stopped in their external activities, and the mind must be concentrated on visnu-murti, the form of Lord Visnu. That is the perfection of yoga. The mind is very turbulent, so it has to be fixed upon the heart|All the senses have to be stopped in their external activities, and the mind must be concentrated on visnu-murti, the form of Lord Visnu. That is the perfection of yoga. The mind is very turbulent, so it has to be fixed upon the heart.]] | ||
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=== Perfection: Samādhi === | === Perfection: Samādhi === | ||
When concentration becomes continuous and unbroken, it is called ''samādhi'', or trance. In this state, the yogi is unaffected by external circumstances and enjoys unlimited spiritual bliss. This is the goal of human life—to cross the ocean of material existence by holding onto the lotus feet of the Lord. | When concentration becomes continuous and unbroken, it is called ''samādhi'', or trance. In this state, the ''yogi'' is unaffected by external circumstances and enjoys unlimited spiritual bliss. This is the goal of human life—to cross the ocean of material existence by holding onto the lotus feet of the Lord. | ||
* [[Vaniquotes:Ultimate yoga process is to be situated in samadhi. Samadhi means forgetting everything external, simply concentrating on the form of Visnu|Ultimate yoga process is to be situated in samadhi. Samadhi means forgetting everything external, simply concentrating on the form of Visnu.]] | * [[Vaniquotes:Ultimate yoga process is to be situated in samadhi. Samadhi means forgetting everything external, simply concentrating on the form of Visnu|Ultimate yoga process is to be situated in samadhi. Samadhi means forgetting everything external, simply concentrating on the form of Visnu.]] | ||
Revision as of 16:50, 15 January 2026
In the Vedic tradition, the perfection of yoga and meditation is defined as the ability to fix the mind completely on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this is not a vague or abstract mental exercise but a specific, scientific process of concentrating on the form of the Lord. This article outlines the practical steps of this process, the specific object of meditation, and the ultimate goal known as samādhi.
Object of Concentration
True concentration requires a tangible object. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that the yogi does not meditate on a void or something impersonal, but on the viṣṇu-mūrti, the form of Lord Viṣṇu situated within the heart. This personal form is the ultimate target of all Vedic knowledge.
- All the senses have to be stopped in their external activities and concentrated on the form of visnu-murti, the form of God. The mind is very turbulent, but it has to be fixed on the Lord in the heart.
- Here (in SB 2.1.19) it is indicated that the Visnu form is the ultimate goal of meditation, and as such it is better to concentrate upon the forms of Visnu than on impersonal omkara. The latter process is also more difficult than the former.
- One should concentrate his mind upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who alone distributes Himself in so many manifestations just as ordinary persons create thousands of manifestations in dreams.
Step-by-Step Method
The process of concentrating on the Lord's form is systematic. One should not immediately try to see the face of the Lord. Instead, the devotee is advised to begin meditation at the lotus feet and gradually progress upwards. This gradual focus purifies the mind and stabilizes the intelligence.
- The process of meditation should begin from the lotus feet of the Lord and progress to His smiling face. The meditation should be concentrated upon the lotus feet, then the calves, then the thighs, and in this way higher and higher.
- The devotee should first concentrate his mind on the Lord's lotus feet, which are adorned with the marks of a thunderbolt, a goad, a banner and a lotus.
- This process of concentrating on the different bodily parts of the Lord will gradually diminish the demoniac challenge of godlessness and bring about gradual development of devotional service to the Lord.
Controlling Mind and Senses
The primary obstacle to concentration is the restless mind. The yoga system prescribes stopping the senses from external engagement so the mind can be fixed within. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that while mechanical yoga is difficult for the masses, the path of devotion allows one to achieve this concentration by fixing the mind on the Deity or the holy name.
- All the senses have to be stopped in their external activities, and the mind must be concentrated on visnu-murti, the form of Lord Visnu. That is the perfection of yoga. The mind is very turbulent, so it has to be fixed upon the heart.
- Our senses are very restless, and by practicing the different asanas, or sitting postures, one must control the mind and senses so that one can concentrate upon the form of Visnu within the heart.
Perfection: Samādhi
When concentration becomes continuous and unbroken, it is called samādhi, or trance. In this state, the yogi is unaffected by external circumstances and enjoys unlimited spiritual bliss. This is the goal of human life—to cross the ocean of material existence by holding onto the lotus feet of the Lord.
- Ultimate yoga process is to be situated in samadhi. Samadhi means forgetting everything external, simply concentrating on the form of Visnu.
- By this simple process (of concentrating one's meditation on Visnu's lotus feet), one can cross the ocean of nescience as easily as one steps over the hoofprint of a calf.
Conclusion
The process of concentrating on God is the practical application of spiritual knowledge. Whether through the mechanical yoga system or the path of devotional service, the objective remains the same: to fix the mind on Vāsudeva. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that anyone who concentrates on the Lord with faith and attention will attain the highest perfectional stage.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Concentrating on God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.