Steadiness, or stability of attention, supports the clarity of mind necessary for superconscious meditation. When we are able to intentionally focus our awareness on a single point of attention for a period of time, the wave-like motions of thought activity in the mental field subside and we can experience the peaceful radiance of our essential nature. Repeated intentional flowing of attention to a single point until clarity prevails is concentration. Think of it as “flexing our attention muscle.” We choose a point of focus, such as our breath or a mantra. We focus on this for awhile and then notice when our attention has wandered. When this occurs, we gently return our attention to the mantra or the breath. When we stick with it, these intentional, persistent acts of concentration ultimately bring stillness to the mental field. Steady concentration naturally flows into meditation. When concentration is stabilized, it becomes meditation—a steady flow of our attention and awareness to a single point. This practice is preliminary to the experience of superconsciousness or samadhi.
In order to experience superconsciousness, (clarified awareness, that is “super” or beyond ordinary states of consciousness) the mental field must be purified. Steady practice of focused attention is a primary way to achieve this purification. When attention and awareness become one-pointed, the qualities of restless and inertia in the mental field that stimulate thought activity settle of their own accord. Once that occurs, the mental field becomes peaceful and transparent; we are ready for the direct perception of higher states of consciousness.
For this practice to be successful, it must be comprehensive. It is difficult to sit for meditation and experience steady attention if our practice is not consistent. Irregular practice usually indicates mental unrest and further exacerbates it. The steadiness of a regular time, place, system, and duration of practice contribute to calmness and clarity. All that we do affects the mind and is affected by mind. The consistent practice of superconscious meditation over a long period of time contributes to positive changes in the body and mind. Stress is released from the physical body, contributing to greater health and well-being. Subconscious patterns are cleared from the mind facilitating clear awareness and freedom of choice.
If we seek clarity then we must cultivate steadiness in all areas of our life. We do this principally by maintaining Self- and God-realization as our primary focus and life goal. Meditation is then not separate from other aspects of our life but a tool that is supportive of achieving our highest aim. Our devotion becomes full and steady, not something limited to a particular meditation technique but rather our persistent commitment to spiritually conscious living and full liberation of consciousness. This means that we will persevere until we reach the goal. The great sage Lahiri Mahasaya encouraged spiritual seekers to prevail in their divinely inspired quest for complete realization: Keeping on, keeping on; one day behold! The divine realization.
Think About It: Whatever you may want to do in life, one thing is absolutely indispensable and at the basis of everything, the capacity of concentrating the attention. If you are able to gather together the rays of attention and consciousness on one point and can maintain this concentration with a persistent will, nothing can resist it - whatever it may be, from the most material physical development to the highest spiritual one. But this discipline must be followed in a constant and, it may be said, imperturbable way; not that you should always be concentrated on the same thing - that's not what I mean, I mean learning to concentrate.
–The Mother, (Mirra Alfassa)
Be Inspired: When the activating power of the mind is stilled by concentration, restlessness ceases and we become absorbed in the transcendental Bliss of the soul.
—Paramahansa Yogananda
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