All World
Gayatri Pariwar

Karmayoga, bhaktiyoga, layayoga, nadayoga, dhyan-dharna, japayoga, etc. whatever sadhanas exist; they are all meant for achieving the refinement and purity of the innerself and the concentration of mind. Any sadhana done with a fickle mind cannot be yoga.
Rasatva mansashcaiua cancalatvam swabhavatah | Rasbaddho manobaddham kim na siddhyati bhutale | |

- Barahopanishad

Meaning: Mercury and the mind are habitually unstable. If these could be controlled, there would be nothing that cannot be achieved in the three worlds.
The reflection cannot be seen clearly in disturbed and muddled surface of water. In the same way, so long as the mind is unstable, the innerself cannot be felt. Therefore, with the help of sadhana, one should try to steady the mind. Sadhana will purify the innerself and with increase in purity, concentration will also increase. Therefore, patiently, one should engage the mind in sadhana and should try to quiten it gradually. Without controlling the mind, a sadhak cannot succeed in sadhana.
Psychologists say that in a state of calm and quiet mind a great subtle energy field emerges from the deep recesses of the soul. It is very difficult for the ordinary people to get a feel of this energy field. A disciplined mind helps in physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Among the various types of yogas, for example, karmayoga, bhaktiyoga, layayoga, hathayoga, ragayoga, tapayoga, etc., only japayoga is the simplest and most practical. Japa (recitation) of a mantra helps in achieving concentration.

The goal of a sadhak is to become more and more introspective. Therefore, closing the eyes, the mind should be fixed on the import of a mantra. The recitation of mantra should be done along with meditation. A japa done in this awakened manner helps in controlling the waywardness of mind and in making it introspective.
The scattered sunrays cannot burn even a thread, but when the same rays are focused with the help of a convex lens, a spark of fire is produced, capable of burning anything. Similarly "yada pancavatiSHthante gyanam manasa sah." That is, when five karmendriyas and five gyanendriyas are not attracted towards their objects of desire, the mind becomes stable. In meditation, when the external world of objects and the false ego-self are forgotten, it should be assumed that the mind is getting quietened. Thus regular sadhana of concentration will lead the sadhak to higher dimensions of consciousness beyond the ordinary mind, instinct with paranormal ranges of light, life and bliss.
There are several unique occult powers lying dormant in the deeper layers of our consciousness. If the gunpowder is scattered on the ground and is lit, it will burn like ordinary things and nothing special will happen. But if the same gunpowder is fired through the barrel of a gun it can even pierce through the hardest steel. In the same way, if our mind remains shallow and scattered, it will be ineffective in attaining anything worthwhile and we will lead a life without purpose.
The acrobats of a circus perform miraculous feats as a result of their concentration and practice. Siddha purushas with concentration of their spiritual and mental energies are able to become the masters of several siddhis. Therefore one should practice purification and concentration of mind and make it steady, calm and focused. This will help in achieving material and spiritual progress and growth.