Concentration is the foundation of all practices in our tradition.
Without it, neither meditation, nor mantra yoga, nor steady sadhana, nor internal changes in daily life are possible.
This retreat is dedicated to gross concentration—a basic but crucial skill of attention management.
It is the first step on the path to meditation and the foundation of a strong, focused mind.
Gross concentration:
- stabilizes the mind;
- reduces distractibility;
- develops the will (Iccha-shakti);
- creates a solid foundation for dhyana and samadhi.
The Karma Purana states: if the mind is focused on a single thought for 12 seconds—
that is dharana (concentration).
12 dharanas form dhyana—meditation (144 seconds).
12 dhyanas lead to samadhi (25 minutes 28 seconds).
Concentration is essential in both spiritual and daily life. One who knows how to concentrate achieves success in everything.
“Dharana, or concentration, keeps the mind on a single thought. During concentration, the mind becomes calm, serene, and steady.”
Swami Sivananda
Over 3 days of intensive practice:
• study methods of gross concentration;
• master techniques of clarity and one-pointedness of mind;
• strengthen the will and inner discipline;
• obtain tools for independent practice;
• feel focused, stable, and internally supported.
