Once Dattatreya was sitting in meditation when King Yadu passed by and saw this young person sitting unaffected, happy and calm.

King Yadu approached Dattatreya and humbly asked, “ How do you remain unaffected by troubles, happy and calm? Why do you always seem to be floating in bliss (happiness)? What has made this possible?”

Dattatreya replied, “O King Yadu I have observed the world closely and obtained a little knowledge from a number of gurus (teachers). Listen carefully! I will tell you what I have learnt.”

Datta said, “O King Yadu, listen carefully to what I learnt from the Arrow Maker.”

“O Yadu, one is surprised at the concentration of the arrow-maker. While making arrows even if a procession of the King accompanied by musicians and dancers were to pass near him, he would not be aware of it. I learnt to be completely engrossed in the task at hand, no matter how big or small, with one-pointed focus.

Similarly O King, a seeker should gradually develop dispassion (lack of interest in worldly things) and keep his attention fixed on the Supreme Soul.

A person should learn to sit still for any length of time.  

Then he should Practice Control of his Energy through Praanayama (control of energy through breath).

The Mind will then become Still.

 If such a stilled mind is directed towards God, (i) distractions of the world will be eliminated and (ii) habits generated by actions will be burnt to ashes.

Good qualities will arise and subdue desire and ignorance. This will lead to the destruction of agitation and laziness.

When this happens, a person will have the bliss of knowledge. I learnt this from the arrow-maker."

Lesson learned from the Arrow Maker further illustrated