Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.20

c16.20

This Meditation as a means and process of self-realization presupposes much preparation. First, the body as the vehicle of mind is to be purified by penances. Then, the mind has to be cleansed by Restraints (*yama*), Observances (*niyama*), and Austerities (*tapas*). For the Mind, the most important discipline is its one-pointedness (*ekāgratā*) or concentration, the best of virtues, to be achieved by overcoming its usual states defined as (1) *Kshipta*, "distraction"; (2) *Vikshipta*, "lack of continuous concentration"; (3) *Mūḍha*, "sluggishness." *Ekāgratā* then leads to the final stage of mental discipline, the stage of *Nirodha* or total suspension of mental activity (*vṛitti*). The Mind is also to be further purged of its notions of "I" and "Mine" as impurities so as to enable it to receive the knowledge of the Self.