Sri Ramana Maharshi
Q: I did not quite grasp all that Bhagavan said this morning. What am I to do when the mind strays in various directions during dhyana?
Bhagavan: Simply draw the mind back each time it strays and fix it in dhyana. There is no other way. (Bhagavan also quoted Chapter VI, Verse 26 from the Bhagavad Gita which says the same thing).
Q: Then is there no use in pranayama (breath control)? Should I not practise it?
Bhagavan: Pranayama is also a help. It is one of the various methods that are intended to help us attain ekagratha or one-pointedness of mind. Pranayama can also help to control the wandering mind and attain this one-pointedness and therefore it can be used. But one should not stop there. After obtaining control of the mind through pranayama one should not rest content with any experiences which may accrue therefrom but should harness the controlled mind to the question ‘Who am I?’ till the mind merges in the Self.
The visitor further asked whether in his meditation he could use forms and images of God and mantras.
Bhagavan: Yes, of course. All these things can help, or why should they be recommended in the books? Various things are prescribed to suit various natures. Each person must choose what seems easiest and appeals to him most.
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From Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 26
For whatsoever reason this wavering and fickle mind wanders away, it should be curbed and brought to abide in the Self alone.
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