Significance of Mental concentration
Mental concentration, as defined across various spiritual traditions, encompasses a focused mental state essential for achieving higher spiritual insight and effective meditation. In Buddhism, Jainism, and Hindu practices, it is characterized by undistracted attention necessary for rituals and meditative states, enabling practitioners to connect deeply with the divine or spiritual truths. This focused state is crucial for performing religious rites, enhancing clarity, and achieving spiritual goals. Scientific perspectives also emphasize concentration in accurately interpreting related phenomena.
Synonyms: Attentiveness, Concentration, Awareness, Alertness, Mindfulness, Absorption, Engagement, Attention
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mental concentration'
Mental concentration in Buddhism encompasses a focused state of mind essential for meditation and spiritual development. It includes various practices and teachings that enhance insight, clarity, and the ability to transcend distractions, ultimately leading to higher meditative states.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The focused state of mind that Revata prepared for after taking a meditation subject from the Buddha.[1] (2) A key teaching of Gotama, referring to the cultivation of focused and undistracted mind states essential for spiritual development.[2] (3) The focus and dedication Culiapanthaka engaged in which led to his eventual attainment of arahatship.[3] (4) The focused state of mind that the Bodhisatta aimed to strengthen through meditation.[4]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The focused state of mind attained through meditation that allows for suppression of hindrances and clearer awareness of the object of meditation.[5] (2) A meditator practicing loving-kindness finds it easier to focus and enter deeper meditative states.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) An essential practice in meditation that allows one to see reality as it is, improving clarity and understanding.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) a natural state produced in rgyal ba yang dgon pa's mother during her pregnancy, characterized by focused awareness.[8] (2) The focus Zhan Ston maintained on the Bhaishajyaguru and Tara during his practices and spiritual development.[9] (3) The focused state of mind that is cultivated through meditation and practice, underscored in the teachings of various masters.[10]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The focused state of mind that is crucial for achieving higher levels of spiritual insight and meditation.[11] (2) The focused mental state associated with the fourth jhana.[12]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A necessary state leading to the entry into the dhyanas, highlighting the importance of focused mind in attaining higher meditative states.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Mental concentration'
Mental concentration in Hinduism encompasses focused intention during rituals, enabling spiritual efficacy, understanding creation, effective worship, and deep meditation, essential for connecting with the divine and achieving spiritual goals. It fosters devotion and enhances ritual outcomes.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A focused state of mind required for proper worship and adoration of the deities.[14] (2) The state of focused attention required to listen and understand the narrative being shared.[15] (3) A necessary attribute for devotion and worship that enables a man to attain spiritual benefits and redemption.[16] (4) The focused intention required for worship in order to achieve purity and connection with Lumpeshvara.[17] (5) A state of focused thought used by Devas in their prayers to Lord Vishnu, illustrating the importance of intention in worship.[18]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A spiritual practice by Brahma that allows him to understand the nature of creation and the higher truths.[19] (2) The focused state of mind through which spiritual knowledge and realizations regarding the Lotus-navelled Deity can be attained.[20] (3) The engaged focus of the mind that leads to unification with Brahman.[21] (4) A state of focused awareness that allows for deeper insights into spiritual truths.[22] (5) A state of focused thought that allowed Rudra to reflect on his previous actions and decisions.[23]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A focused state of mind essential for performing the installation rites effectively and successfully connecting with the divine.[24]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A state of focused attention that Rama employs while performing penance and meditation.[25]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) Focused thought intended to establish a connection with the divine or achieve clarity in worship.[26]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The ability to focus one's mental faculties on a particular subject, idea, or meditation practice.[27]
Jain concept of 'Mental concentration'
In Jainism, mental concentration embodies a focused and undistracted state of mind attained through meditation, reflecting the Venerable One's pursuit of clarity and spiritual insight, essential for achieving higher consciousness and liberation.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The focused and undistracted state of mind achieved by the Venerable One during meditation.[28]
The concept of Mental concentration in scientific sources
Mental concentration is crucial for accurately interpreting pulse conditions in Nadi examination, as it enables a focused mental state necessary for understanding subtle bodily signals during this traditional diagnostic process.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) The focused mental state required for accurately interpreting pulse conditions during Nadi examination.[29]