advice on "dhyAna" for a novice?

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhaktas,

 

These days, the only time I seem to have for any

sustained contemplation is during my morning

and evening sandhyAvandana. Even these are

limited to a few minutes, the period during

which I do the gAyatri or ashTAkshara japa.

 

In such a short time, how can I successfully

calm my mind and concentrate on the paramAtmA?

All too often, my mind wanders and thinks about

something completely unrelated to nArAyaNa.

It is easier to focus on the last funny episode

of Seinfeld or the next meal than to think about

God! This is my practical experience.

 

I would like those among you who engage in

any kind of contemplation, no matter how "simple",

to give me suggestions on (a) how to concentrate,

and on (b) what to concentrate.

 

I am _not_ looking merely for quotations from

the maharshis and acAryas on what to think

about during mantra japa. I am familiar with

many of these recommendations, but their words

often are very formal and do not shed light

(to me) on a practical method for settling the

mind and on concentrating on the Highest Self.

 

I am also not satisfied with advice that recommends

reciting one stotra or another. While the mind

may be focussed during the recitation of the stotra,

such focus is easily lost during mantra japa or

during pure contemplation.

 

I would like for any and all to give a practical

means that has worked in their experience.

 

Suggestions are welcome from all, particularly

from those who try to contemplate during their

nityakarma-anushTAnam or nityAnusandhAnam.

Concentration techniques learnt elsewhere are

also welcome.

 

If the question I have posed is vague, please

request public clarification, and I will gladly

comply.

 

your servant,

Mani