Developing Brain Powers

Develop Your Powers Of Concentration & Retention

The one who has developed his powers of concentration can read in minutes what another person could read in eight hours.

Students these days often complain that despite having studied copious notes a number of times, their confidence gets shattered at examination times as they are unable to remember that they studied. They often wonder how to develop their powers of concentration and retention. To achieve concentration powers, three yogic techniques are suggested.

• Oxygenating the brain:For those who are required to sit for long hours at a stretch, their blood tends to get accumulated in the lower half of their bodies which means that sufficient quantity of oxygen is not pushed to the brain. This in turn negatively impacts their power of concentration. To oxygenate the brain, practice "Shirshasana" (Stand on you head with leg upwards) for 5-10 minutes daily in the morning. The brain draws plenty of blood through this which contributes to sharpening memory and concentration power. Also, avoid sitting for long hours at a stretch; take 5 minute brisk walk at regular intervals.
• Combine Meditation with chanting: While meditating, mentally repeat your chosen mantra (any mantra). Then mingle the mantra with incoming and outgoing breaths. The powerful vibrations of mantra will permeate each and every cell of your body, bringing the breath under your control. This in turn will improve blood circulation in your body, reduce stress levels and increase you power of concentration. Practice this technique for about 20 minutes daily, preferably in early morning hours.
• Concentration with Meditation: This technique involves steady gazing. Light a candle and place it so that it is at the level of your eye. Look straight at the flame without blinking the eyes for half a minute or for as long as you are able to keep you eyes open, Concentrate on the flame with the eyes open till tears come. When your eyes get tired, close and visualize the after-image of the flame in front of your (closed) eyes. Do this for 5 minuted before going to sleep and before you begin your studies. This will do wonders to your power of concentration.

Swami Sivanada says,"When you study a book, focus your whole mind on the subject in hand. Do not allow the mind to see any external object or hear any sound. Collect all dissipated rays of mind. When mental rays are concentrated, illumination begins."

-the speaking tree, TIMES OF INDIA