Significance of Paying attention

According to Vedanta, paying attention is crucial for comprehension as it involves focusing one's mind on the subject being reflected upon. This act of concentration is fundamental for deep understanding and effective learning, enabling individuals to engage with and absorb information more thoroughly.

Synonyms: Heeding, Mindfulness, Attentive, Heedful, Watchful, Alert

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Paying attention'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, paying attention involves concentrating the mind on a subject of reflection, crucial for deep comprehension and understanding, emphasizing the significance of mental focus in spiritual and philosophical practices.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The act of focusing one's mind on the subject of reflection, which is essential for comprehension.[1]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Engaging in actions or thoughts that focus on someone else's wife, which is viewed as harmful and morally wrong.[2]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.