The mind is like an ocean. Our attention is like a leaf on the surface that is blown about by the winds of circumstances, constantly being distracted. If we were to still our attention and allow it to sink below the surface waves of thoughts and chatter, we would experience the stillness of deeper levels of the mind. Continuing with the ocean analogy, a tidal wave is more powerful than ordinary surface waves because it originates at the bottom of the ocean from an earthquake or mudslide. It therefore has greater amplitude.
Thoughts originating at deeper levels of the mind are similarly more powerful.
They are not driven by the winds of circumstance but can themselves create any circumstance you desire. Most people think of meditation as an active technique like visualization or contemplation in which you concentrate on a thought, image or mantra or try to empty your mind of thoughts. They also will tell you that with the proper technique their performance can flow effortlessly . First, select a mantra. I will explain how to select a mantra later, but first let s look at the nature and proper use of a mantra.