We all want to learn to meditate for a longer duration. Though, what is better; two minutes of concentrated Focus or two hours of diluted focus? Some say, sitting long hours will help you release the meandering thoughts. While a short focus period cannot be built on.

Arjuna and Bhima’s concentration

In the many tales of Arjuna; this is a lesser know one. Arjuna  would meditate and chant for hours. And his pride was accelerating, as he thought his devotion was the purest.

Every morning Arjuna took two hours to collect a thousand flowers and offer it to the Lord. Whereas, Bhima would put his fingers on his forehead
and concentrate for a couple of minutes before each meal. Then he would eat
voraciously. This was his meditation!

One day, as Krishna and Arjuna were walking; they spotted a man with a cart full of beautiful flowers. Arjuna asked the man, where he was hurrying with the flowers. But, he got no response. Out of curiosity, Krishna and Arjuna followed the man and repeated the question again.

The man told them, that carrying the flowers was his way of meditation and devotion. As, he wanted his Concentration to match Bhima, who was one of the great devotees. Krishna, then explained to Arjuna, that its’ the quality of concentration that matters; not the quantity. Simple or complex, its the quality of focus that matters.

Similarly, we all lean towards complex techniques. But, its the simple techniques that can be more effective. As, the add-ons/distractions are removed. 

Iti Jain

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