Template:Hinduism Ekāgratā (Template:Lang-sa, "one-pointedness"; Pali: ekaggatā) is intent pursuit of one object, close and undisturbed attention. [1] Yoga emphasises regular practice (Abhyasa) of meditation and self-imposed discipline to acquire Template:IAST.Template:Cn
Overview
The faculty called Template:IAST may be increased by integrating the psycho-mental flux (Template:IAST or variously-directed, discontinuous, and diffuse attention) so that one gains genuine will[2] and a happiness different from the experience of pleasure from sense-objects.[3] It is harder to achieve if the body is in a tiring or uncomfortable posture or if the breathing is improper.[4]
Austerity (tapas) is allied to this conception of Template:IAST.[5]
Badarayana's Brahma Sutras (chapter 3) uses the term to mean concentration: it is held to be a quality resulting from practices discussed in the previous chapter, which are briefly mentioned in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and Chandogya Upanishad.[6]
According to the Bhagavad Gita the seeker after Truth should meditate with his mind fixed on the Lord (Template:IAST) and absorbed in Him (Template:IAST). This is ekagrata. The term nityayuktāh refers to devotees who keep their mind fixed on God uninterruptedly.[7]
Patanjali highlights the importance of continuous practice of prescribed methods to gain ekagrata, the state of the meditative mind free of diverted attention etc.; and thereafter explains that: Template:Quote
Attention on a single point (Template:IAST) of the mind (citta) gives rise to equilibrium of placid states (previously accumulated impressions) and aroused states (present eagerness to gain more knowledge), which are modifications (of the mind). These two states of mind remain unchanged and are brought to the state of stillness.[8] Template:IAST and dhāraṇā do not differ from each other, or else Template:IAST is achieving and maintaining Template:IAST.[9] Template:IAST converges on a particular concept or object. In the state of Template:IAST there is clarity and right direction: yoga begins with ekagrata and culminates in nirodha, a stillness of consciousness.[10] Template:IAST gives the ability to see one’s own mind, one starts looking inwards deeply.[11] If Template:IAST is lost the full power of intention to achieve goals to be achieved is lost. Intentions afflicted by doubts, fears and reactive thoughts break and diffuse the energy of intentions.[12] The mind which is the cause of Sankalpa ('notion')-Vikalpa ('alternative') must be controlled, it must be bound. Template:IAST assists in keeping one’s own mind bound and still.
See also
References
- ↑ Sanskrit Dictionary. Spokensanskrit.de.
- ↑ From Medicine Men to Muhammad{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Harper and Row(October 1974). ISBN 9780060621384
- ↑ The Sivananda companion to Meditation{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Sivananda Yoga Center(2010-06-15). ISBN 9781451603866
- ↑ Suggestopedia and Language{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Routledge(2005-06-27). ISBN 9781135300173
- ↑ The Illumination of Knowledge{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. GBD Books
- ↑ Brahma Sutra Bhasya{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Advaita Ashrama
- ↑ Srimadbhagavadagita Tattvavivecani{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Gita Press, Gorakhpur
- ↑ The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: A Scientific Exposition{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Clarion Books(1996). ISBN 9788185120522
- ↑ The Philosophy of Classical Yoga{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Inner Traditions(June 1996). ISBN 9780892816033
- ↑ Religiousness in Yoga{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. University Press of America(1980). ISBN 9780819109675
- ↑ Yoga: ANatural Way of Being{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Gayatri Books(April 2006). ISBN 9788190172226
- ↑ The Secret Spiritual World of Children{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. New World Library(2010-10-06). ISBN 9781577318590