(I did do a search for previous threads about this topic... there were so many hits ((2500+)) that finding the old threads seemed steep time-wise)

People occasionally ask questions along the lines of "I can't seem to concentrate... what can I do...?"

Came across an old classic recently, Ernest Wood's Concentration.

Here is the Amazon on it http://www.amazon.com/Concentration-Pra ... B003DRNJC8

But, happily, here is the book: http://hpb.narod.ru/ConcentrationEW.htm

The first chapter is not so content-dense as the others, but starting with the second, there is some good practical advice and how-to-do-its. Then, just like physical exercise, the path is clear, it remains only to do it.

Montana

Here is some interesting information on concentration vs insite meditation. It explains the 8 stages (jhanas) involved with concentration practice. The 8 altered states have been mentioned on the board many times but I've not seen them discussed all in one place.
http://www.dharmaoverground.org/web/gue ... %20Insight

another link to the Concentration absorbed states of Jhanas....
http://www.dharmaoverground.org/web/gue ... ge/1191517

Mouni Sadhu's book on concentration training can be read here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/14044787/Conc ... ing-Manual

The student is eventually taught how to shut down the physical senses and enter NPMR.