Concentration if first stage of Meditation

In YOGA ,as in other spiritual disciplines , concentration is the first stage of meditation ,which in turn leads ultimately to experience of God .What most people think of as meditation is , in fact concentration .The focussing power of the mind is brought to bear on one abstract or uplifting symbol .When all extraneous waves are stilled , one goes straight to the Source like a truly shot arrow .There are many streets leading to the heart of a city .You reach it by following one of them , not by wandering from route to route .

Swami Vishnu devananda, Meditation & Mantras