Attention is the ability to restrict experience to a specific object or set of objects. It is a fundamental capacity of the mind that determines what is experienced.
Attention and awareness
Attention is different from awareness. Awareness is the knowledge that I am the experiencer a steady light that illuminates all experience. Attention is a mental function that can be directed, shifted, focused or expanded. Awareness is the background knowledge; attention is an activity within it.Control of attention
In an ordinary person, attention is pulled mechanically to the most active layer of the mind. It goes wherever the activity is, automatically, without conscious control. The more aware a person is, the more control they have over attention. They can choose where to place it, and by doing so, influence the activity of the layers of the memory.Attention in experiments
In certain meditative practices, the first experiments begin with attention: learning to observe the workings of the mind in the waking state. By directing attention to the breath, bodily sensations or thoughts, the seeker begins to see the mind as an object rather than being lost in it, thinking the one who is thinking is me, or these thoughts are mine.Attention as a tool
The ability to control attention allows the seeker to:- Observe the activity of the mind without identification.
- Disengage from habitual thought patterns.
- Rest in awareness.
- Explore the deeper layers of experience.
Key Teachings
- Attention has three dimensions: direction (where it is focused), range (how many objects are included), and span (how long it stays).
- Attention is the most important ability to master - attention span determines how much can be learned and how much intelligence can develop.
- The difference between awareness and attention is that awareness includes the knowledge of the experiencer, while attention may not.
- Most people have no control over their attention - it is mechanically pulled by whatever activity dominates the layers of memory.
Practical Aspects
- Practice attention first in a comfortable seated posture, then apply it in daily life.
- There are three kinds of objects: external (physical objects, images), intermediate (body sensations, breath), and internal (emotions, thoughts).
- Inclusive attention includes many objects; exclusive attention narrows down to only one.