Concentration and Prayer
The power of concentration is within every living creature. Among animals we see the tiger gathering its strength by a moment of stillness before its springs upon its prey. Likewise man achieves his goal by absolute concentration. When light is dispersed we cannot see well. But when the scattered rays are brought together with the help of a shade or a reflector, then everything becomes distinct. In the same way when our scattered mental forces are gathered up and focused.
Once, in ancient India there was a tournament held to test marksmanship in archery. A wooden bird was set upon a tree and the eye of the bird was the target. One by one, many valiant princes came and tried their skill but in vain. Before each one shot his arrow, the teacher asked him what he saw. Invariably all replied that they saw a bird on the tree at a great height with head, eyes, etc. The teacher was not satisfied. At last Arjuna, the great hero, as he took his aim said, "I see only the eye of the bird" and he it was, who succeeded in hitting the mark.
Concentration helps us to grasp lessons firmly. If our attention is diverted we shall not be able to learn anything. So we should try to develop the power of concentration by which we can master any subject. Prayer helps to develop the power of concentration. Prayer is the remembrance of God, the almighty power behind all creation. It is remembering our relationship with God. By prayer our mind becomes calm and peaceful, because God is the source of all peace and joy. We must pray to God to help us to keep our mind clean and pure. We must understand that ultimately there is only one God. He takes different forms in order to please the devotees. Through prayer, we can try to see God present in everything. It is his power that makes the sun shine and trees and plants grow. Everything we see around us is only an outward expression of his Divine Power. God's power also works through us, controlling all that we think, feel, speak and act. We can pray in whichever way that pleases us best. Even if we pray in a low voice, God will hear us. He hears the movement of even the tiny ants. We must pray for the good of our country, for our friends and relatives, for our parents and ultimately for the good of entire humanity.
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