From the Editor’s Desk

Concentration is the key-note in the Divine Harmony. We are a constant prey to all sorts of disturbances, distractions and divertisements of the world. We are, willy nilly, rushing headlong into the swirling waters of life and are being recklessly carried away by the endless stream of time. We are, no doubt, gathering a rich mass of matter around us in the form of earthly possessions, riches and powers; all of which, however good, do not allow us a moment’s respite to pause, to ponder over and to penetrate within so as to evaluate things in their proper perspective.

The path of Truth is arduous, tortuous and steep. It is hard as granite and sharp as razor’s edge. But if we have the will and the patience to trudge along this weary path and open ourselves to the nobler impulses of enlightened souls, we can, with all the inconveniences and hardships which terrify us so much, safely move out to fields fresh and pastures new, gaining new and thrilling experiences unknown and unheard of before.

We can know the unknowable lying unknown in the deepest depths of our soul,

says Plotinus.

He is more inward than our inmost being,

Augustine affirms.

He is nearer to us than our jugular vein,

says Mohammed.

He is the secret essence of the soul, the soul being mysteriously and intimately related to the Great Essence, the Supreme Being. With all our scientific knowledge and technological skill, we are feeling lost like babes in the wilderness. The more we advance in controlling the forces of nature and press them to our use the more we seem to be enwrapped in the meshes of our show making. And why so? Because we have not known to control the ‘self’ in us.

Concentration is the easiest way to know oneself. It is the highest form of action in non-action. To receive the Divinity already in us is receptivity. To achieve this we have to enter into the sanctuary and that is possible only when ‘one dies to his animal impulses and desires,’ says Hartman.

We have, therefore, to rid ourselves of nervousness, pre-occupations, conflicting interests, interruptions and a host of fears and scares. Concentration comes by withdrawal of the sensory currents from the body and more this withdrawal, the more we grow in conscious receptivity. The mind and attention are to be put on to the job at the spot between and behind the eyes at the eye-focus. Intense concentration makes us rise above body consciousness and that opens the way for receptivity.

Attention is defined by Arnold Bennet as the ‘power to dictate to the brain its task and to ensure brain’s obedience to the task.’ The power to so direct one’s self – attention – comes by constant practice which requires patience and persistent effort to bring back the wandering wits again and again to the spot and point of interest lying within us. All this requires a labour of loving service and sacrifice, but the results are beyond all expectations. Unless we open the bud of our being, we cannot have the heavenly dew. The process to develop this power of receptivity is hastened by the active guidance and help of a Godman in Whom the Godpower is working in fullness provided one has loving devotion and burning faith in Him and His instructions.