The steady and uninterrupted practice of the concentration at the lord is the spiritual activity recommended for devotees. In the Gita the practice of letting the mind dwell unceasingly on the Lord has been called Abhyasa Yoga. It is also called Dhyanam or meditation. It is the method by which you continuously turn the mind inwards to become united with the Lord. The word Dhyana is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning remembrance of God. Thinking of the Lord now and then cannot be called meditation. Meditation is thinking of the Lord under all circumstances; at all times and at all places. It is a constant and continuous process. Any practice of concentration that you engage in periodically, will usually focus on a chosen object and be associated with a particular place and time. The practice of meditation on the other hand, which goes on continuously, is completely free of all objects and phenomena, and completely transcends the element of place and time. Therefore, in the Gita, the ongoing practice of meditation has been described as superior to any occasional practice. But the development of wisdom is even superior to meditation. Wisdom emerges from Vicharana, the practice of inner inquiry; it is the practice of looking into the essential nature the very heart of all objects. If you faithfully, continue to pursue this, you will gradually reach the supreme state of peace and bliss. This is the unique goal of human life, which all mankind will one day reach. (DBG, p. 19)

The mind has to be educated into the habit, through what is called Abhyasa Yoga, the discipline of constant practice. It has to be trained to avoid other thoughts and concentrate on the Lord only. Then only can you reach the Parama purusha, the Oversoul, the Supreme Spirit. Unless you systematically teach it and train it, it will not remember the Parama purusha at the moment of death. (GV, p. 85)

Krishna said, ‘I mentioned at the very start about Abhyasa Yoga, the value of practice or Abhyasa. Practice, steady practice, will ensure you both results, freedom from sin and Liberation. Probably, you do not realise the importance of practice. O foolish Arjuna, do you not see here how practice makes an animal execute difficult tasks? Look at these horses yoked to the chariot, these elephants ranged on the field. They render the assistance in battle which even man with the superior equipment of reason cannot give! Consider how this was made possible. Where have elephants dwelling in the forest observed the tactics of battle? Or do you hold that fighting on the battlefield is their nature? No, their present skill is proof of the value of practice, Abhyasa.

‘Similarly, practise the withdrawal of the mind from the senses, steadily. Then it will develop skills which will release you from bondage. Let Me tell you, those who repeat with their last breath the sacred Pranava do attain the Lord.’ Krishna said this with emphasis. (GV, p. 92)