One-pointedness of mind

(1) one-pointedness of mind,

(2) setting bounds to one's life, to help achieve this, and

(3) a state of equanimity or evenness of vision. Without these no true progress is possible.

One-pointedness of mind means controlling its movements. Setting bounds to one's life means doing actions after weighing and measuring them. Evenness of vision means having the nobility to think in terms of the whole world. These three together mark up dhyana-yoga. To achieve these three, one needs the help of abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (detachment). Let us now consider these five.

5. First, one-pointedness of mind. Whatever one may be doing, the mind should concentrate on it. Even in worldly affairs, such concentration is essential. It is not as if the qualities needed for worldly success are different from those needed for spiritual progress. The attempt to purify one's daily activities is spiritual life. Whatever one does, trade or research or politics, its success or failure depends on one's concentration on it. It is said of Napoleon that, after completing his arrangements for battle, he would lose himself in mathematical theories right on the field.

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