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Q: Is the practice of concentration between the eyebrows advisable?

 

Maharshi: The final result of the practice of any kind of dhyana is that the

object, on which the sadhaka fixes his mind, ceases to exist as distinct and

separate from the subject. They (the subject and object) become the one Self,

and that is the heart.

 

The practice of concentration on the center between the eyebrows is one of the

methods of sadhana, and thereby thoughts are effectively controlled for the

time being. The reason is this: All thought is an extroverted activity of the

mind; and thought, in the first instance, follows "sight" - physical or mental.

 

It should, however, be noted that this sadhana of fixing one's attention between

the eyebrows must be accompanied by japa. Because next in importance to the

physical eye is the physical ear, either for controlling or distracting the

mind. Next in importance of the eye of the mind (that is, mental visualization

of the object) is the ear of the mind (that is, mental articulation of speech),

either to control and thereby strengthen the mind, or to distract and thereby

dissipate it.

 

Therefore, while fixing the mind's eye on a center, as for instance between the

eyebrows, you should also practice the mental articulation of a nama (name) or

mantra (sacred syllable or syllables). Otherwise you will soon lose you hold on

the object of concentration.

 

Sadhana, as described above leads to identification of the Name, Word, or Self -

whatever you may call it - with the center selected for purposes of dhyana. Pure

Consciousness, the Self, or the Heart is the final Realization.

 

The Spiritual Teachings of Ramana Maharshi