All Problems Can Be Solved Through the Power of Concentration

In the yoga sutras of Patanjali, the power of concentration is extolled. In particular, the one-pointed concentration on any particular object unites the seeker with the object such that they become one. At that point, all of the secrets of the object are delivered up to the person undertaking the concentration. The process of unification through one pointed concentration with the object is called samyama. Anything can become the object of such focus, including any particular issue, obstacle, decision, plan, direction or practical skill one wants to choose.

The deeper one explores any issue, the more understanding one can gain. One can look at circumstances from all angles, one can focus on the energetic situation, one can look at the situation according to its source, intensity, trajectory and momentum. One can look at a variety of different potential directions and conduct what we might call “simulations” in our mind to get a sense of how different types of action yield vastly different results. All of this is possible through use of the power of concentration. The process of oneness provides an immediate awareness of these issues. Even short of complete achievement of oneness, however, the process can nevertheless provide significant insights and yield dramatic results.

The Mother observes: “… if your power of concentration is complete, then there is not a problem you cannot solve — I don’t mean arithmetic problems (laughter), I mean problems about leading one’s life, about decisions to be taken, psychological problems which need solving. There is not one that can resist this power of concentration.”

Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Powers Within, Chapter IV Concentration, pg. 39