Navigating the Mind in Meditation: How to Handle Persistent Thoughts

Meditation can be a powerful practice for opening to our true nature, but it can also be a challenging journey, especially when thoughts persistently pour over. When we attempt to sit in meditation, a common obstacle is the overpowering influx of thoughts. Yet, with the right guidance, this obstacle can become a stepping stone to a deeper practice. In this article, we explore the lessons from Paramhansa Yogananda and provide insights on how to handle thoughts during meditation.

Understanding Meditation and Its Techniques

Meditation involves more than simply sitting in silence. It is the way of awakening to our true nature, a process that requires a significant amount of patience, perseverance, and time. According to Paramhansa Yogananda, the key to effective meditation lies in the practice of perfect relaxation and stillness. Unlike yoga asanas, which focus on physical postures, meditation emphasizes inner calm and concentration.

To sit effectively for meditation, you must find a comfortable, straight-backed chair or cushion. Sit with your back straight and your eyes gently raised to the point between the eyebrows, the spiritual eye. This 'third eye' serves as the focal point for your attention. You can choose to close your eyes completely or keep them half closed.

The Role of Concentration in Meditation

Concentration is the cornerstone of successful meditation. It is not simply the absence of thoughts; rather, it is the ability to focus one's mind on a single point. This focus allows you to enter a state where your consciousness can be interiorized, in touch with the soul, and ultimately, with the divine.

According to Yogananda, 'Meditation is concentration used to know God.' This means that through focused concentration, we can connect with the divine and uncover our true nature. Concentration also acts as a gateway to latent powers within us, such as intuition and the intuitive faculty, which can reveal the divine and provide direct communication with truth and the cosmos.

Elevating our consciousness through meditation is crucial for spiritual growth. As Yogananda states, 'The purpose of religion is to expand the human consciousness until it becomes one with the universal Christ consciousness.' By doing so, we begin to see the world with a different perspective, one that is more in tune with the cosmos and our true self.

Dealing with Persistent Thoughts

A common perception is that stopping thoughts will lead to success in meditation, but this is a misconception. In truth, the more you try to stop thoughts, the more they tend to resurface. Instead of fighting against thoughts, view them as ephemeral clouds passing through the sky. They are not facts, and they are not who you are. By accepting their presence without judgment, you allow them to pass without drawing your attention.

Yogananda offers wisdom on this matter: 'More you try to stop the thoughts, more they will come. No need to stop the thoughts. Just let them flow. They are not facts. They are not you. So don't worry about negative thoughts.' This insight suggests that acknowleging thoughts as temporary and insignificant can help you maintain a steady, focused state of mind.

Practicing Meditation According to Yogananda

To practice meditation effectively, you should follow these key steps:

Find a comfortable, distraction-free environment. Assume a straight-backed posture, sitting in a chair or on a cushion. Elevate your eyes gently to the spiritual eye between the eyebrows. Close or half-close your eyes, focusing all your attention on the third eye. Allow thoughts to flow without judgment, recognizing them as temporary and not defining you. Consistently return your focus to the spiritual eye, maintaining a sense of calm and concentration. Continue the practice for a set duration, gradually increasing the time as you become more comfortable.

For further guidance, you can explore the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda through the resources available at or

Embracing the process of meditation, even when thoughts persist, can lead to a profound transformation. By understanding and accepting the nature of thoughts, you can begin to unlock the depths of your own consciousness and connect with the divine. Remember, patience, perseverance, and a gentle, non-judgmental approach are key to nurturing a fruitful meditation practice.