We can consider meditation to be like any other skill that we seek to learn. Sometimes, we think that to become more determined, we need more determination. And while that is true in terms of being ready to refocus our mind whenever it wanders, as stated in Bhagavad-gita (6.26), simultaneously and significantly, the Gita (6.25) asserts that we sustain our determination with our intelligence, which in turn needs to be educated.

Intelligence is not just about knowing that meditation is beneficial and worth pursuing despite the challenges, but also about knowing that meditation needs to be sustained by understanding the inner dynamics—the forces that propel us forward in meditation and the forces that trip us up and trap us. Maintaining Focus During Meditation

Understanding our own mind and how it works, what factors make it work against us, and what factors make it work for or with us, is valuable—even vital and indispensable. To the extent that we recognize and identify the patterns along which our mind tends to function, to that extent, we can better direct our efforts and our determination more effectively, just as an army fighting a war against a formidable enemy needs to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy, as well as its own strengths and weaknesses.

That’s why the quality of our meditation will be determined by the efforts we put into educating ourselves through introspection guided by Gita wisdom. The deeper our self-understanding becomes, the greater and faster will be the transformation that meditation can bring into our consciousness, leading us to a life that is more meaningful, wholesome, and joyful.

Summary:

  • The Bhagavad-gita declares that in the practice of meditation, we need not just determination, but also intelligence to sustain that determination.
  • Intelligence can be strengthened and sharpened by education, helping us understand the inner dynamics of our mind.
  • This education enables us to recognize when our mind works for us and when it works against us, allowing us to direct our efforts more effectively.

Think it over:

  • How can education help us in our meditation?
  • Can you recall any incident when greater self-understanding about your inner dynamics improved your meditation?
  • What kind of education can help improve our meditation?

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06.25: Gradually, step by step, one should become situated in trance by means of intelligence sustained by full conviction, and thus the mind should be fixed on the Self alone and should think of nothing else.

Maintaining Focus During Meditation