This week we offer another simple yet very effective concentration exercise that was recommended by Sri Chinmoy. This is an exercise in identification with a teacher or spiritual Master who inspires you or, if you are fortunate enough to have a spiritual Master, guides your life. If you do not wish to focus a particular individual, no harm — Sri Chinmoy offers other options:

I would like you to focus your attention on a picture. You can look at your Master's picture or you can look at yourself in the mirror. If you concentrate on your own reflection, feel that you are totally one with the physical being that you are seeing. Then try to enter into the image that you are seeing. From there you should try to grow. You will grow with one thought: God wants you and you need God. Repeat: “God wants me, I need God. God wants me, I need God.” Then you will see that slowly, steadily and gradually this divine thought is entering into you and permeating your inner and outer existence, giving you purity in your mind, vital and body.

When you want to practise concentration, you should choose something that gives you immediate joy. If you have a Master, your Master's picture will give you immediate joy. If you don't have a Master, select something that is very beautiful, divine and pure, like a flower, for example.

(Source: Meditation: Man-Perfection In God-Satisfaction)

Why do you have to come
To a spiritual Master?
Because your aspiration-life
Always needs encouragement,
And this is the boon
That you can get
From a spiritual Master.
– Sri Chinmoy