Concentration & The world gets in the way

[SpiritImage]

I figure I can only concentrate, really concentrate, on one thing at a time. When I do multiple tasks at work, sure I can, but there's no real concentration going on, almost mindless endeavours.

This idea of multitasking has probably made it even harder to concentrate, simply because you're not concentrating at all anymore; no practice of it.

Might also be part of the cause of the mind wandering that goes on during meditation when you should be concentrating, since in this world we're supposed to do many things at once, then the mind becomes this whirling of thoughts that sometimes is very hard to bring back under control.

[mccoy]

Spirit image, concentration by definition means to focus on one single item, thought, idea, duty at a time, so multitasking and concentration cannot exist together.

What happens, I believe, if we acquire much familiarity with some duties we can develop the habit to achieve some efficiency in automatically or semi-automatically processing them while doing other things.

Some things can not be multitasked of course, or they can at a large risk of errors.

But I wonder about some example of multitasking you may be referring to.

[SpiritImage]

Basically it's living and working in this material world every day as an example.

I have conveniences but even those require maintenance and administration, so right away I'm tasked to remember that, and carry it out if need be. Driving to work I have to pay attention, watch for others, observe traffic rules, etc., sure it's all easy, but it does not allow concentration on spiritual matters, so right there my mind now falls in the mode of many thoughts together, trying to hold it all together and of course which leads to thinking about other things as you're driving.

That's just one example of many that I do every day, just to get through the day.

So I guess my point was, because of the way I have to use my mind all day, when I do sit down to meditate, that conditioning of the mind I have to break every day. It's a bummer but part of the path, just sayin.

[mccoy]

Well to me it's worse, it's daily concerns or just random thoughts which continuosly creep into the meditation concsiousness. They do their best to destroy the routine or just to make me quit. Of course, the more such restlessness tries to discourage me, the more I become obstinate in my purpose, even out of spite.
There are demons whose purpose is to reinforce restlessness in meditating devotees. Restlessness is one kind of demonic suggestion.

[SpiritImage]

Interesting, I don't usually think in demonic terms, for example in this case I just chalk it up to not having enough will power, control, experience, etc., to just sit down and click right into meditation, sure the underlying cause might be demonic, but those thoughts seem to be demolished as soon as I realize it's me that needs to improve with God's help. In other words, I know it's possible and I should be able to do it, regardless of the reason.

[mccoy]

Interesting, I don't usually think in demonic terms, for example in this case I just chalk it up to not having enough will power, control, experience, etc., to just sit down and click right into meditation, sure the underlying cause might be demonic, but those thoughts seem to be demolished as soon as I realize it's me that needs to improve with God's help. In other words, I know it's possible and I should be able to do it, regardless of the reason.

Spirit image, I agree with what you say but I have been looking back often, I've been meditating for 36 years now sometimes imposing upon my self a harsh and continuos discipline, but restlessness has never left me. The only explanation I find is that a demon is trying his best to frustrate my effort. Of course the demon makes use of karma and enhances the negative karmic influences which in my case would enhance the natural  restlessness. of the mind. I can feel the malevolent intelligence behind it.

The advantage of noticing this is that it becomes a personal issue. That is, not giving satisfaction to that demon becomes a priority, so meditation becomes a double priority.

[SpiritImage]

36 years. Does this follow you everywhere?

[Jitendra Hydonus]

I have to often remind myself that much of my 'meditation' is day dreaming. Although I must say-without a doubt-meditation has improved my ability to pray for others and myself enormously.

[mccoy]

36 years. Does this follow you everywhere?

Yes, both  meditation and the demon

[guest88]

Hi SpiritImage, the hustle and bustle of life described from a 21st century perspective...

life is full of distractions if that's what you decide to call them. some of which demand your attention

it's inescapable, just evolving as we are.

[SpiritImage]

Yes, both  meditation and the demon

I thought maybe it was environment, that's why I asked.

I had a bout of seasickness the other day, never ever happened to me before, tried to focus and meditate and ask for help, (it got pretty bad) and it seemed for a few seconds here and there, I beat it. But I couldn't hold onto it. But I knew it was me, the level of my inner strength is not enough--yet. But for me there is nothing else causing it. I suppose I could reason that there is some kind of demon obstructing me, but to me that's the same thing as not having enough inner strength. I see no benefit to labeling it any other way. Sorry if I sound preachy, but I've always had this little interest perk up whenever I hear someone talk about angels or demons like this.

[mccoy]

Spiritimage (I'll shorten that to SI if you don't mind), of course the environment has an influence but in my case it's not so, unless it's overwhelmingly spiritual. The mental environment governs but up to a certain point.

I myself am not totally convinced that restlessness is supported by a demon. According to Yogananda, that's an habit that or mental pattern which, similarly to a rut on a road, costraints the mind along determined actions.

Since such an habit is so die-hard I have this suspicion, without hard evidence, that there is an intelligence, conscious or unconsious, behind it. It must be a malevolent intelligence, since the result is against spiritual evolution. It may be acting consciously, trying his best to keep the mind restless. Or it might be some automatic astral energy, which reinforces karmic tendencies.

If you are interested about the influence of demons on everyday life, I've been ruminating on that. There is a relevant thread on the other forum, which I would suggest you to read before furthering the discussion, there or here as you wish.

http://www.yoganandaji.org/board/showthread.php?t=8792

[SpiritImage]

I know things will get better.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Spiritimage (I'll shorten that to SI if you don't mind), of course the environment has an influence but in my case it's not so, unless it's overwhelmingly spiritual. The mental environment governs but up to a certain point.

I myself am not totally convinced that restlessness is supported by a demon. According to Yogananda, that's an habit that or mental pattern which, similarly to a rut on a road, costraints the mind along determined actions.

Since such an habit is so die-hard I have this suspicion, without hard evidence, that there is an intelligence, conscious or unconsious, behind it. It must be a malevolent intelligence, since the result is against spiritual evolution. It may be acting consciously, trying his best to keep the mind restless. Or it might be some automatic astral energy, which reinforces karmic tendencies.

What i have noticed is that unless someone has experienced something personally they will not want to spend a lot of time thinking about it..... even though it may be true... and especially if it is something that will not help us or give happiness.

[SpiritImage]

What i have noticed is that unless someone has experienced something personally they will not want to spend a lot of time thinking about it..... even though it may be true... and especially if it is something that will not help us or give happiness.

Hmm yes apologies mccoy for bringing it up.