What is concentration?
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definition
"Concentration is the mind's attempt to narrow its focus, but true awareness arises not from effort, but from a relaxed, choiceless presence."
According to Osho, concentration is the mind’s effort to narrow attention to a single point by excluding everything else. It is useful for problem‑solving and skill, but it breeds tension and contraction. In contrast to meditation’s relaxed, choiceless awareness, concentration is willful, goal‑oriented focusing. It sharpens the tool of mind, yet cannot reveal the spaciousness of being.
Concentration is squeezing your attention onto one thing by trying hard, while meditation is open, easy noticing.
Why this matters practically
- Know when to use focused effort (work/study) versus open awareness (well‑being/insight).
- Reduce stress by not mistaking tense focusing for meditation.
- Train both appropriately: hone skills with concentration, discover peace with meditation.
- Reduce stress by not mistaking tense focusing for meditation.
- Train both appropriately: hone skills with concentration, discover peace with meditation.
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