IMPORTANCE OF CONCENTRATION
A Sure Way to Success

THE Mahabharata is a Sanskrit epic of ancient India. It deals with a dynastic battle for power between the related clans of the Pandavas and their cousins, the Kauravas. There are many stories of one of the Pandava princes Arjuna in the Mahabharata. The book narrates that during his formative years, Arjuna along with his four brothers was learning the art of archery from a guru (master), Dronacharya.

After imparting the lessons for a few days, the guru wanted to test his disciples. He made a clay bird and placed it on top of a tree. Then he told them to aim for the bird’s eye. The guru first asked the other brothers, “What do you see above?” The answers included many things such as trees, leaves, branches, sparrows, etc. These answers didn’t impress the master. Arjuna’s brothers were sent back to their place without being allowed to shoot.

He then asked Arjun to take aim. He asked Arjun what he saw above. Arjun said, “The eye of the bird”. The master repeated his question many times, and every time he received the same answer. Thus, Arjun came out with flying colours in the examination. The master imparted some sage advice, he said, “In order to achieve your goal, all your attention should be concentrated on the goal”.

This principle is very important for success in achieving any goal. This is called concentration, i.e., the ability of a person to put all his attention and effort on one target, he should stop thinking about other things.

To achieve a goal, a person must put his mental faculties concentrated on the target with total dedication. Without it, no great success can be achieved in this world as well as in the world Hereafter. This is the only price that is needed to be paid to achieve a goal. A person who is not willing to pay this price should not even aspire to achieve the goal.