The ability to concentrate

All of us, at some point, get afflicted by the inability to concentrate for long, owing to the mind's monkey nature. The Chinese Taoist text, the Chuang Tzu, refers to the mind as a monkey that needs to be tamed through self-cultivation. Confronted with a similar dilemma, Arjun, in Dhyan Yog, tells Krishn, 'The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate, very strong, and to subdue it is even more difficult than controlling the wind.'

Lack of concentration is the key impediment while practising meditation and in daily work. In his book, Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, psychologist Daniel Goleman recommends strengthening cognitive control through regular routines, reducing distractions, developing meaningful connections, cultivating positive emotions and self-awareness to enhance concentration and focus.

In his book, Hyperfocus, Chris Bailey, a productivity expert, suggests practical techniques such as time blocking, meditation and minimising interruptions to improve productivity. Krishn, in the Bhagwad Gita, Dhyan Yog, advises cultivating a focused mind by turning it into an introvert while meditating.


The concentration of Hanuman, the Monkey God, in the Ramayan enabled him to undertake extraordinary feats and experience God consciousness. Swami Vivekananda, known for his supernatural ability to 'concentrate', believed that the world is ready to give up its secrets if we can give it the necessary blow. The strength and force of the blow come through 'concentration'.