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A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga548
muscle by some simple exercise, and in both cases one loses sight of the
unimportance of the exercise itself, in view of the end to be gained.
(b) Concentrate the attention upon some part of the body—the hand
for instance, and fixing your entire attention upon it, shut off or inhibit all
sensation from the other parts of the body. A little practice will enable you
to do this. In addition to the mental training, this exercise will stimulate the
part of the body concentrated upon, for reasons that will appear in future
lessons. Change the parts of the body concentrated upon, and thus give the
mind a variety of exercises, and the body the effect of a general stimulation.
(c) These exercises may be extended indefinitely upon familiar objects
about you. Remember always, that the thing in itself is of no importance, the
whole idea being to train the mind to obey the Will, so that when you really
wish to use the mental forces upon some important object, you may find
them well trained and obedient. Do not be tempted to slight this part of the
work because it is “dry” and uninteresting, for it leads up to things that are
most interesting, and opens a door to a fascinating subject.
(d) Practice focusing the attention upon some abstract subject—that is
upon some subject of interest that may offer a field for mental exploration.
Think about the subject in all its phases and branches, following up one bypath,
and then another, until you feel that you know all about the subject
that your mind has acquired. You will be surprised to find how much more
you know about any one thing or subject than you had believed possible.
In hidden corners of your mind you will find some useful or interesting
information about the thing in question, and when you are through you
will feel well posted upon it, and upon the things connected with it. This
exercise will not only help to develop your intellectual powers, but will
strengthen your memory, and broaden your mind, and give you more
confidence in yourself. And, in addition, you will have taken a valuable
exercise in Concentration or Dharana.