According to Buddhagosa a philosopher sage from ancient India -attention has four characteristics :

" First, attention makes the range of consciousness narrow , laser like , and one pointed .

" Second, attention makes the object - situation clear, distinct and into focus by bringing it to the threshold of the aroused consciousness.

" Third, when attention deepens your consciousness transforms as it integrates with the object, and the subject -object divide disappears making you one with the issue at hand.

" Lastly, attention leads to serenity because there is no distraction and the mind is still and full. It now that wisdom dawns and solutions to problems revealed. .

The Bhagavad-Gita says that attention is the essence of meditation and akin to yoga; and Shankara has equated attention with penance ( tapas). With deepening attention we can accomplish the most complex tasks. In Draupadi's swayamvara when Arjuna pierced the eye of the rotating fish above his head, even while he was looking at its reflection in the water below, he was in a state of deepened attention. The eye of the fish, bow and arrow, and Arjun were a unified whole.

Involuntary attention is distraction

Involuntary attention occurs when the mind is drawn towards the object by its strong stimulus properties- like loud sound, brightness, color, novelty and so on. Old habits and conditioning also force our attention involuntarily to certain objects and situations. Our interests and desires too have the power to direct attention. So when we cannot take our eyes away from a titillating visual; or reach out automatically for the toothpaste we always use when in a store, we are demonstrating involuntary attention. Involuntary attention does not have creative power, and is distraction.

Barriers to Attention

Most of us find it difficult to pay attention, let alone deepen attention, because we are easily distracted!

There are several causes for distraction:

" Lethargy the inertia of an untrained mind is the most important cause of distraction. When parents routinely discipline children to study ,they are teaching children to overcome lethargy. As adults we can train our mind through different practices ( abhyasa)

" Mental impressions ( vasanas) caused by past repetitive experiences , (even those from previous birth ) and which involuntarily lead the mind to a conditioned stimuli is distraction-e.g. Addictions . We can get rid of vasanas either by complete indulgence and thereby their dissipation; or by abstinence and meditation. The latter method is superior to former.

" Strong attachment to stimuli that give sensory gratification is a common cause of distraction; especially in those who cannot exercise self control and are habituated to easy gratification.

" Disease of both body and mind temporarily inhibits attentiveness.

" Possessing a skeptical or doubting attitude inhibits the ability to concentrate on anything.

" Strong emotions both positive and negative, cause agitation of the mind making it incapable of concentration.

" Old habits make us turn towards familiar, and we cannot focus on new situations, which may be more relevant.

" Disturbing environment caused by noise, excessive heat, cold, pollution, crowding, and other environmental hazards make us distractible.

Develop your Power of Attention

By developing the Power of Attention you can unlock the fountainhead of creative energy inside the self. By practicing some of the techniques outlined any one can reach this state:

" Introspect, reflect and contemplate on the advantages and disadvantages of the power of attention and clear your doubts regarding its importance; only then will faith arise and real effort towards mastery is possible.

" Pranayama is yogic breathing exercises, which can be learned from any teacher of yoga. The synchronized, deep breathing stabilizes the mind and increases its power of attention.

" Meditation is the most effective means of increasing the power of attention. For beginners a gross object like a flower, a candle, or the picture of a deity can be the point of concentration. From meditation on the gross , you can move to sound meditation where the word Om, or name of a God or mantra is repeated mentally. At an advanced level you can meditate on an idea and this is called dharana- a state of deepened attention.

" Mind Exercises- Exercises like Centering, Being a Witness and Shedding Baggage help in developing an attitude of equanimity, and balancing emotions which are necessary conditions for deepened attention.

" Watch your company - Control your environment by surrounding yourself by people who are more evolved and mature than you are.

Get advice on any professional, personal, social, spiritual issues... Every Sunday we will ask our experts to give answers to your queries. Send your queries to vivek@kamyabology.com