Focus! Focus! Focus!

Focus! Focus! Focus!: Sages often draw our attention to an Indian fable wherein it is stated that if it rains at the time when star Svati is in the ascendant, and a drop of rain falls into an oyster, that drop gets transformed into a pearl. The oysters are said to be very much aware of this. That is why they come to the surface when the star shines, and wait patiently to catch the precious drops of rain. As soon as a rain drop falls into it, it close its shells, dives deep down into the bottom of the sea, and begins to concentrate on the task of developing the drop into a pearl. Swami Vivekananda says seekers on the spiritual path should emulate the example of the oyster by shutting their minds to all outside influences and devoting themselves, with one-pointed concentration, to developing the truth within them.  To quote the Swami: “Take up an idea. Make that idea your life, think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone”. Only that person who truly yearns for truth, perceives the Divine Light. People who only take a nibble here and a nibble there, are led astray and they do not reach anywhere. Tremendous perseverance, indomitable will and focus are required to attain success on the spiritual path which is akin to walking on a razor’s edge. The Almighty often tests the patience of seekers by placing them in difficult and trying situations in life. The Swami says rather than being overwhelmed by a deep sense of despair and governed by a defeatist attitude while encountering difficulties, one should make a genuine effort to better oneself and the quality of one’s life every single day, one little step at a time. With each difficult situation that we surmount, we gain inner strength and our confidence level increases. By reposing unwavering trust in the Higher Power, we are able to polish and develop our pearl inside, our precious true self.