It is better to meditate a little bit with depth than to mediate long with the mind running here and there. If you do not make an effort to control the mind it will go on doing as it pleases, no matter how long you sit to meditate.
Interpretation
Quality of meditation is more important than quantity.
This quote emphasizes that the effectiveness of meditation lies in the depth of focus rather than the duration of time spent meditating. Paramahansa Yogananda points out that without effort to control one's thoughts, the mind will wander aimlessly, regardless of how long one tries to meditate, highlighting the importance of mental discipline for meaningful meditation.
In practice
During a mindfulness workshop, this quote can inspire participants to approach their practice with deeper intention.
Man is important in one sense only. He was made in the image of God: That is his importance. He is not important for his body, ego, or personality. His constant affirmation of ego-consciousness is the source of all his problems.
When, by meditation, we withdraw restless thoughts from the lake of the mind, we behold our soul, a perfect reflection of Spirit.
It is wisest to be impartial. If you have health, but are attached to it, you will always be afraid of losing it. And if you fear that loss, but become ill, you will suffer. Why not remain forever joyful in the Self?
From joy people are born; for joy they live; in joy they melt at death. Death is an ecstasy, for it removes the burden of the body and frees the soul of all pain springing from body identification. It is the cessation of pain and sorrow.
Millions of people never analyze themselves. Mentally they are mechanical products of the factory of their environment, preoccupied with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, working and sleeping, and going here and there to be entertained. They don't know what or why they are seeking, nor why they never realize complete happiness and lasting satisfaction. By evading self-analysis, people go on being robots, conditioned by their environment. True self-analysis is the greatest art of progress.
As you find your soul-reservoir of peace, less and less controversy will be able to afflict your life.
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of. _x000D_ _x000D_ Suspect each moment, for it is a thief, tiptoeing away with more than it brings.
In a life and death struggle, we cannot afford to leave our destinies in the hands of failures.
How many times have I laughed at you telling me plainly that I was too lazy to be anything but a lawyer.
Once a week, do a thorough review of all your projects in as much detail as you need to. If you do, your systems will work. If you don't, no system will work.
If these town gods can't detect the thieves who steal from their own temples, it's hardly likely they'll tell me who stole my spade.
Remember you come here having already understood the necessity of struggling with yourself — only with yourself. Therefore thank everyone who gives you the opportunity.
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