Suttur, August 21, 2023: On the 6th day of the Shravana month discourse series held at Sattur Srikshetra, Prof. Mr. H. B. Devanna delivered a thought-provoking discourse centered around the theme of concentration and the challenges posed by a restless mind.
In his enlightening talk, Prof. Devanna stressed the pivotal role of concentration in achieving success and personal growth. He highlighted that a restless mind acts as a hindrance to concentration, creating a constant state of turmoil that obstructs the attainment of specific goals. The speaker drew attention to the prevalent issue of restlessness among the modern generation, emphasizing the importance of addressing this volatility to foster improved concentration.
Describing the nature of the mind as akin to a fickle monkey, Prof. Devanna underscored the transitory and wavering nature of our thoughts, making the task of achieving and maintaining concentration an arduous one. He accentuated the need for a stable mind, free from distractions, to harness the full power of concentration. The distinction between concentration and meditation was explored, with the speaker noting that concentration must be coupled with purity of intention for true efficacy.
While acknowledging the value of positive effort in achieving life’s objectives, Prof. Devanna cautioned against excessive striving, which can lead to mental strain. He highlighted the boundless potential of the human mind to shape its reality based on conceived ideas. Meditation was presented as a potent tool for honing focus, simplifying complexities, and achieving desired outcomes.
The discourse encouraged attendees to participate in spiritual gatherings, listen to discourses, and imbibe the wisdom of spiritual leaders (sharanas) as effective methods to enhance concentration. Prof. Devanna emphasized the transformative effects of meditation, which can alleviate worries and enhance overall well-being.
The event also featured a mesmerizing poetry recitation by Mr. D.M. Siddalingaswamy, adding a cultural dimension to the discourse. Smt. V. Geetha and Mr. K.M. Anandamurthy graced the occasion. The program commenced with a collective prayer, underscoring the shared intent for personal and spiritual growth.