The One-Pointed Mind

All enlightenment practice begins with the one-pointed mind. Where the mind is undisciplined, it wanders and accumulates needless habit energies (vashanas). Patanjali often called the “Father of Yoga”, defines Yoga as “the supression of mental modifications” (vrittis, which lead to habit energies and bondage). If one is not willing to train the mind, spiritual practice is impossible.

The Buddha said that there were seven factors of Enlightenment, and the first of these is “Mindfulness”. Obviously, Mindfulness cannot be achieved without mental discipline and highly-motivated practice. The four Mindfulnesses of the Satipatthana Meditation make it a great vehicle for the really serious seeker, making it, perhaps, the King of Meditations (though real Raja Yoga, with all its eight steps, is often given that title). This Meditation, that greatly strengthens the resolve of the practitioner, is one I have often taught in the past. However, to get full results while leading a worldly life is almost impossible, though such practice performed occasionally can lead to a greatly strengthened mind.

Concentrating on a problem with full attention can temporarily cause the mind to be one-pointed, at which time the breath seems to be held. I have no doubt that Einstein had such a faculty.

In my opinion, there is a step that follows the one-pointed mind, and that is the no-pointed mind that is without image (this is really what the Japanese mean by “Mu Shin”, often translated as “no-mind”). The mind is in this condition when it reaches the Turiya state of consciousness. This is a condition of great Peace, though there is ‘no-one’ who enjoys the peace. By that is meant that there is no-one who enters Meditation, though there is always meditation.

If the, one is led to live with and thru Prajna, the inherant Wisdom, almost nothing is truly impossible.