In our material life, we possess various abilities that enable us to perform different tasks. All of these are functions of the conscious mind. For example, the ability to touch, feel, listen, smell, see, taste, speak, hold, walk, sleep, or rise—all fall under this category. Various branches of knowledge such as art, music, printing, literature, poetry, history, science, and others also stem from this same conscious faculty.
When someone wants to learn a new skill, the first step is to concentrate on the idea of acquiring that skill. Depending on their enthusiasm and focus, hidden qualities begin to surface. The bottom line is: to set any ability into motion, the primary requirement is focus. No one can acquire any skill or ability without first concentrating on the intention to acquire it. Whether intentional or unintentional, concentration is the foundation of all learning and growth.
This principle also applies to the awakening of spiritual abilities. Since we are unaware of the full extent of our spiritual potential, we often do not even attempt to focus on it. Unless one tries to focus on the inner self, their spiritual abilities will never emerge.
We know for a fact that without full concentration, desired outcomes are not achieved. Whether in education, sports, or spiritual practice, mental concentration is the backbone of success. Learning requires an environment with minimal distractions. When we learn something new with full focus, we usually achieve our goals. Conversely, if we are surrounded by distractions, our ability to learn or achieve is impaired—no matter how capable we are.
Concentration is the act of focusing the mind on a single point or idea. It gathers and directs the scattered forces within the depths of the mind. The reason why so many inner abilities and spiritual potentials remain dormant is because the power of concentration is rarely used to activate these hidden capabilities.
The mind is constantly in flux due to emotions, thoughts, and urges. It shifts from one state to another without pause. Because of this constant stream of mental activity, we fail to perceive the original source of our being.
Example:
Radio stations transmit signals through airwaves, each operating on a specific frequency. Radios are receivers; in order to hear a station clearly, the radio must be tuned to the same frequency. When the receiving and relaying frequencies match, the transmission is heard clearly. If the frequencies do not align—or if there is interference, such as bad weather—the sound becomes distorted or disappears. Similarly, television transmits both sound and picture, and tuning to the right channel allows us to experience both simultaneously.
In the same way, human consciousness is a receiver. Information stored in the depths of the mind transmits itself to our awareness in various forms—images, thoughts, sounds, or imaginative impressions.
We all experience involuntary thoughts. There is not a single moment in life free from thinking. Even our basic needs—hunger, thirst, sleep, wakefulness—are thoughts. Emotions like happiness and sadness are thoughts. Even sensory experiences like vision, hearing, and touch are all forms of information. Life itself revolves around thought—and when this flow of thought ends, it culminates in death.
Law of Inventions:
When a thought deepens, it eventually manifests. If life were something other than thoughts, they would not have such power over us. But happier thoughts bring peace and serenity; fearful ones create anxiety and unrest. Medicine has acknowledged this too—disorders like ulcers, digestive issues, hypertension, and depression are either caused or worsened by stress and thought patterns. When we’re worried, our appetite suffers. A mere thought of a possible accident can elevate our heart rate. Even waking up and going to work is only possible when the thought of it enters the conscious mind.
Take the example of building a house. First comes the idea—the thought of needing shelter. That thought leads to action: planning, seeking funds, hiring builders. Even the architectural design exists first in the mind as a thought. When the forces of thought and action combine, the house manifests in physical form.
Scriptures teach that all thoughts originate from a single source—the Point of Self (Nuqta-e-Zaat)—deep within the human mind. From this source, infinite information flows. However, the conscious mind receives only a fraction of it. This received information forms our memory, knowledge, and what we call consciousness.
To access more information, we need a higher level of concentration. When cognition dives deeply into the Point of Self, layer by layer, it begins to access information beyond the five senses.
The final boundary of this transmitting information is consciousness. To go beyond, one must connect with the subconscious. In the field of science, any new invention or discovery is actually a descent into the subconscious. Scientists may spend months or years contemplating a single problem. This cognitive effort eventually takes them into the realm beyond consciousness—where new ideas arise.
First, the inventor receives the idea. The mind then concentrates on it. As focus deepens, the thought broadens, and begins to take form. Eventually, it becomes an invention. For example, the idea of flying came from observing birds. Human fascination with flight passed through generations. Early attempts to mimic birds failed. But the idea endured. Leonardo Da Vinci came close. Eventually, through deeper understanding of air pressure and aerodynamics, the Wright brothers succeeded.
All branches of knowledge—whether rational or intuitive—follow the same pattern. When the mind fully focuses on an idea, hidden layers of knowledge unfold. If attention is directed outward, physical knowledge arises. If inward, esoteric and spiritual knowledge is revealed.
A child’s consciousness differs from an adult’s. At birth, the child is unaware of their environment. Their vision is unfocused, and they cannot interpret sounds. They do not understand space or time. Slowly, they begin to absorb everything around them. Much of this learning happens involuntarily. A child learns to speak their native language without formal instruction. They understand objects and behaviors simply by observation. Over time, they absorb the knowledge and consciousness of their elders. By adulthood, they have inherited a worldview shaped entirely by their environment.
To better understand consciousness, imagine a mirror. Light falls on it and reflects. In the same way, thoughts—like beams of light—shine on the surface of consciousness. Some are absorbed, others pass through. Those that are absorbed become knowledge, memory, experience.
Example:
If a clear glass panel is placed in front of you and you’re unaware of it, you won’t see it. Because the glass is transparent, light passes through without reflection. Without reflection, the eye sees nothing. Many people have walked into glass walls without realizing it—only becoming aware upon impact.
Consciousness works similarly. When it focuses on something, it begins absorbing information—those beams of light. What was previously unknown becomes known. This is called observation, understanding, or learning.
According to spiritual science, the unseen world contains an infinite number of these beams of light—within which lie galaxies, beings of other planets, spiritual truths, and countless mysteries. When we focus inward, the screen of consciousness starts to display this hidden information in symbolic form. With practice, the consciousness begins to recognize, interpret, and deeply experience it—just as a child grows familiar with their world.
Willpower and intention are key to activating our spiritual senses. When you close your eyes in Muraqaba (meditation), you are aware that things exist beyond the darkness. That awareness helps awaken your esoteric sight. At first, there is frustration. But with consistent practice, intention sets into motion—and soon, you begin to perceive the unseen with your inner vision, just as you perceive the material world with your open eyes.
We all know that belief plays a major role in achieving anything. If you do not believe that New York exists, you’ll never try to reach it. If you don’t believe in chemistry as a science, you’ll never be able to learn it. The same applies to your inner world—until you believe it exists, you’ll never explore it.