Good method for achieving concentration in japa

Nityaananda ! Gauraanga ! Hare Krishna !

All glories to Shrila Gurudeva !

Photograph Meditation

To practise photograph meditation, first you need a photograph of your own face (or anything else) with open eyes, not smaller than 12 x 10 cm. The photograph should be placed in front of you at the same height as your eyes, approximately 3 to 6 feet away, so that you can focus clearly on your open eyes in the photograph.
Sitting in a comfortable posture, preferably in padmasana, sidhyasana or gomukasana, making sure that your spine is straight and relaxed, start looking at your two eyes in the photograph. Keep your eyes open and try not to blink, focus all your attention on the two eyes, and begin to calm your mind. Remain staring at the photograph, and do not shift your position. You should try to sit for a minimum of half an hour.
As your concentration develops, the eyes will become more clear and the rest of the face may seem to disappear or become out of focus. This is a good sign. Do not lose your concentration... allow yourself to sink deeper into the experience. Many people at this stage may feel uncomfortable or some fear. Do not worry, this is a sign that you are releasing negativity from a subconscious level. If you continue your concentration, then any negative feelings will disappear.
Once your concentration is fixed on two eyes, shift your focus to a single eye. Concentrating on one eye, continue calming the mind and observe the feelings that may arise in your body. The more calm your mind, the deeper you can go into the experience. At the beginning stage it is likely that many thoughts will enter your mind, disturbing your concentration. Don't worry, bring your attention back to the photograph, and allow your mind to relax and settle. Gradually the thought process will slow down and you will sink deeper into the meditation.
When your concentration is fixed on one eye, then narrow your focus onto just the pupil. Continue the process. Once you have reached a certain level of concentration, you will see a point of bright light on the pupil. This light is a signal that you have achieved a high level of mind control.

Sincerely,
Mihir.

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