Sometimes I first clear my thoughts and this opens the way for good concentration in the chest area, but even still, I am left wondering whether I should remain dwelling in the quieted mind instead of trying to actively mobilize psychological energy (i.e., more effortfully) towards the chest area.
I actually found this problem sort of addressed in the last few pages of the chapter Concentration in the Yoga of Knowledge in Synthesis, where Sri Aurobindo identifies three methods of concentration.
The first is dwell on the essence of an idea, not necessarily in the mind but in the heart and whole being…. specifically Sri Aurobindo says what is needed is a “dwelling so far as possible on the fruitfil essence of the idea which by the insistence of the soul’s will upon it must yield up all the facets of its truth” then the thing attained must be dwelt on more and more until the experience becomes constant
(As an aside. I find it interesting in this chapter that Sri Aurobindo repeatedly refers to advancements of consciousness as “things” attained, as though he can’t find a better word to describe them) So in my case, I would dwell on the idea of God as Truth in order to optimize the fruits of meditation to guide my vital energies towards a higher aim(s) in work.
The third method (last paragraphs of the chapter) is to focus on silencing the mind, achieving a constant, lasting quietude, which ultimately leads to lasting peace and calm that forms the foundation for accessing and realizing divine will effortlessly.
The second method described in the following paragraph is to focus the concentration on the essence of what is expressed in the mind, for illuminations of truth to arise in the mind, with the problem being that they must then be taken up by the lower members. (I believe, I unknowingly used this method years ago when I was a researcher constructing simulation models of complex human behaviors and I would receive some very pleasant illuminations, but only in the mind.)
These methods (as well as others) are not necessarily exclusive of each other. While it is good to practice special concentration in the heart or the head (or above it), depending upon the natural predilection, these should be complemented by a general inwardly concentrated state with or without an idea. The special concentration is a more restricted but specialised state that is somewhat like opening a door by applying the key of concentration. The nature of experiences depends upon the centre of concentration. Very broadly, love awakens through the heart while vision and knowledge pours through the mind. But knowledge and love are not the only truths. There is will, the real leader of our life. That is where the karmayoga, a most important element of the practice that steps in. It is here that a general concentrated state with the help of the Idea becomes important, especially while engaged with the different activities in the world.
Of course later, Sri Aurobindo mostly advised psychically opening to the Mother, during meditation as well as work, as the mainstay of the Sadhana. In fact, as far as Sri Aurobindo’s integral Yoga goes, there is a great stress on Works with meditation or a meditative state and bhakti or love integrated into one’s work done as a service to the Divine.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
