Inner Focus – The Difference Between Meditation and Concentration

2011-06-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

To understand the difference between meditation and concentration, it is necessary to know what both words mean. The normal state of the mind is one of fast-paced, fragmented thoughts, feelings, and actions. With constant stimulation from a diverse array of sources, it bounces from one idea, or reaction to another, with little rational reason.

Within the Yoga Sutras, Maharishi Patanjali points out the difference between meditation and concentration. When we consider the path described by Patanjali, we often refer to it as: “The Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga.” To eliminate confusion in one’s meditation practice, Patanjali points out two critical limbs.

The sixth limb is dharana, which is, in fact, concentration for the purpose of developing complete perception (awareness). It is believed by many that concentration is a fundamental building block toward meditation. The seventh limb is dhyana, which is referred to as profound meditation or meditation on the “Divine,” depending upon your point of view and religious beliefs.

Although concentration is usually thought of as sustained attention to a given purpose, it can just as easily apply to an unintentional one. Anyone who has ever tried to concentrate on a boring lecture, while thinking of lunch, can appreciate the effort required for one to focus the mind on the task at hand.

In order to concentrate at will, however, it is necessary to train the brain to center around one thought, task, or object – for an extended period of time, without becoming distracted. When this mission is accomplished, the brain enters a state of flow and becomes quiet. At this point, the higher task of inner focus becomes possible.

Although there are many styles of meditation, the ability to concentrate is a pre-requisite for all. More difficult to define than concentration, meditation – unlike concentration – takes the emphasis from the head into the heart or soul.

A person, who has reached a state of meditation, loses track of time and place, and becomes totally present to universal consciousness. No effort is required, no thoughts are necessary, and concentration changes into “being.” The frustration of distracting thoughts no longer exists, and there is no resistance.

While concentration is a step used to initiate a meditative state, the focus, during meditation, moves from a sense of separation, to a feeling of connection, with all that is. In a state of oneness with a higher power, the person doing the meditation feels a taste of bliss and peace.

Incidences of wisdom, intuition, and synchronicity increase; heart rate slows down; brain waves change; and there is a greater connection to the higher power. In addition, there is a positive effect on physical and mental health during the intervals between meditation sessions.

It might be said that concentration quiets the scattered mind (monkey mind). There is a belief that during meditation sessions, the soul manages to make a connection with the Divine. With that said, meditation is a much deeper experience, in comparison to concentration.

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The Five Koshas of Yoga Vedanta

2011-06-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

By Faye Martins

The five koshas (sheaths) are alluded to in metaphysical theory, Yogic psychology, and tantric theory. These are layers of the self (atman). The "Pure Self" or consciousness is encompassed by the five koshas or layers. In simplistic terms, we could view each kosha as a separate layer of the individual's unique personality.

Annamaya kosha means food sheath in the literal sense. It is the first level of the being. It is the physical body of matter and is what one can see, hear, smell and touch of another person. It is dependent upon the sheath of life force and will dissipate once the life force has left the body. It is also related to the mineral stage of evolution.

Pranamaya kosha is the second layer of being associated with energy. It is the layer of prana or life force which makes an otherwise dead body to come alive. It is related to breath, digestion and growth. It is connected to the plant stage of evolution.

Manomaya kosha is the third layer of being, is associated with the mind. It is made up of feelings, thoughts and emotions. Memory and imagination are also part of this kosha, comprising both faculties of mana or the mind and chitta or the subconscious mind and memory. The manomaya kosha is connected to the animal stage of evolution.

Vignanamaya kosha is the fourth layer of being and represents the higher mind. It is associated with knowledge and wisdom. This sheath is what separates humans from animals. Animals have emotions, thoughts and memory like humans. However, unlike animals, humans have the ability to discern between right and wrong. This sheath is associated with having an ego or self-identity.

Anandamaya kosha is the fifth and final layer of being. It is the sheath made of bliss. It is considered the most spiritual of the five koshas. It is also called the level of the soul. This level provokes a strong awareness of the individual and the Absolute. At this level, however, there is still some amount of separation. Unless this sheath is transcended, there is still individual existence and rebirth continues. This kosha is also referred to as the casual body and is said to contain lifetimes of a soul's experiences and stage of evolution. It is the stage where the mind is at rest and connected to its source.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Inner Focus – The Difference Between Meditation and Concentration

The Five Koshas of Yoga Vedanta