But when I consciously try
to recite the prayers, I sometimes miss the link, and have at times to repeat a Stotra from
the beginning. Thus, are there two minds? How to overcome this difficulty?
No. There are no two minds. But the mind gets concentration little by little, and the
portion of the mind which is spiritually inclined - call it the higher mind - engages itself in
Sadhana, whereas that part of the mind which is more aware of its worldly Samskaras runs along
its set grooves. Force of habit makes the repetition of prayers mechanical. But the higher mind
should be made to concentrate on the meaning. Then the attention of the mind will be held and
the lower part of the mind will have less opportunity to detract from the object in view. The
whole trouble with careless Sadhana is that it tends to become mechanical without making an
impression on the life of the aspirant.
From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda
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