We can suggest, from the description of jhana in the Path of Purification, that concentration is composed of 1) applied thought and 2) sustained thought. In order to develop your skills in concentration, you will need to develop applied and sustained thought on an object.
The nature of the object does not so much matter - in the beginning - but simply that the student have a clear object for their meditation (i.e. exercise in concentration).
Thus, for example, bring before you a lit candle. Place it before you in such a way that you can sit comfortably. Stare at the flame of the candle. Apply your thought to the flame and then sustain your thought on the flame. In this way, you are concentrating. You should try to sustain your thought, concentration, upon the flame for as long as possible. This will get easier over time.
And it is the same for any other object of meditation. Apply thought and sustain thought. Develop your skills of concentration.
Post a Comment