Real success in life depends on how much all-round development one has achieved. All-round development implies how one is developed at both physical and mental levels.

A man of developed thought achieves his goal, overpowering various vicissitudes by the use of his strong will power, resolve and intellect. All big achievements in the world are the result of work done by men with matured and developed minds. This development of man is not the result of a one-day exercise, but it is indeed a continual process of evolution. Development of a society, civilization or even a nation is always on the shoulder of men with matured and developed minds - but it appears that our youth is oblivious to this truth; and it is they who have to shoulder the responsibilities of their family, society and the nation.

Modern youth appear to have lost their aim. Constantly evolving lifestyles and a culture of licentiousness have fully entrapped and confounded the youth of today. They appear to have lost their confidence in decision-making and their aptitude for shouldering responsibilities. They appear to have become victims of confusion and are confounded by the dazzle of the world around them - how they shall take the path of salvation is not very clear to them.

No doubt this is due to the deprivation of proper and all-round development. A large number of youth may be seen rushing into gyms and health clubs for their physical growth and build-up, but examples of youth caring about their mental development are very few. Often we see an element of indifference towards the growth of mental capacity in them. Reckless increase of frustrations, disappointments and a sense of distaste are understood to be the biggest interruptions in their proper development. Lack of patience, growing tendency towards suicide, lack of courage to accept failure, etc. are pointers of underdevelopment in the youth of today.

Because of overexcitement, unwanted enthusiasm and lust for enjoyment, our youth mostly fail to judge what is right and what is wrong. By the force of overexcitement, they may take such recourse at times, which may lead to remorse at a later stage. This so happens when their all-round development does not take place with the growth of their age. A properly developed youth always uses his intellect and prudence in a proper way. He can never be inclined towards a wrongful and destructive decision. He is mature enough to take decisions by his intellect and a sense of right judgment.

All-round development of our youth is the most important task for us. When they are properly developed they shall not only do the best for themselves, but also for a rightful evolution of the society, of the nation, and of the entire world. Societies with a large number of youth with matured and well-developed minds will certainly develop and move on the path of progress.

Meditation for All-round Development:
Meditation has been found to be very effective for the development of a young person. Meditation gives power and balance to the mind. Development of the mind in young people does not simply imply the opportunity of education or even higher education, but it also includes development of thoughts and ideology. It also includes mental strength. Formal education no doubt provides knowledge and information to us, but it is certainly not sufficient for our all-round development. All-round development requires help from other activities also. Meditation is one such type of activity that provides strength to the mind. It provides vigor to the mind. It removes fickleness. Meditation helps in the development of intellect and brings about maturity in judgment.

Meditation is a spiritual way of acquiring mental prowess. The superior benefits of meditation are established beyond question, as all methods of spiritualism recognize it as one of their important activities. Meditation is very important, as not only religious or spiritual followers adopt it, but also those who have no faith in God adopt it. Superiority of meditation is so recognized because it strengthens the mind and protects it from any confusion. It provides peace and power to the mind.

Human mind is full of various strengths. When mental power develops, self-confidence also develops, thus there is growth in one's personality. Will power grows and one never hesitates to take on the most extraordinary tasks. If a youthful mind develops his mental powers, no trouble or problem will seem insurmountable. He will be able to face any challenge easily. With meditation any person can develop his mental powers.

Meditation is the art of concentration of mind. For the practice of meditation various postures of yoga are used. Padma posture or Siddha posture is found to be very useful for meditation. Though meditation is an art that can be practiced anywhere, any time or in any posture, this type of meditation is practiced by enlightened and perfect sages. Their entire routine progresses along with the practice of meditation. This is not possible for a modern man with a modern lifestyle. For him a systematic practice of meditation, even for a few minutes, shall suffice. Even this short duration of meditation will be enough and effective for the all- round development of a youthful mind.

Beginners who are practicing meditation should be careful not to aim for long periods of meditation; start increasing the time period slowly. Remember, you are going to practice meditation, and not sit in meditation. Meditation involves full concentration of the mind and this cannot happen in a day. Therefore, a beginning can be made by practicing meditation for two to five minutes. When a complete meditation of this short duration is attained, its time period may be increased in a progressive manner.

Ascetic or ritual forms of mudras are also considered very useful for strengthening the mental capacity and all-round development. Practice of various mudras is beneficial as it does not require additional time, and the same may be done along with meditation. Pran mudra, Gyan mudra and Prithvi mudra - one can choose one or more of these mudras to practice along with meditation. A combined practice of meditation and mudras may bring about a speedy development of mental strength and an incalculable expansion of self-confidence.

Apart from the practice of meditation and mudras, asceticism and ritual chanting of hymns has also proved to be a powerful method for all-round development. There are various ascetic acts and ritual hymns which are seen to be conducive to the development of mental strength. A systematic devotional chanting of hymns of Lord Shiva in his Dakshinamurti posture is a sure way for all-round development. Devotional adoration of Dakshinamurti yantra is also very beneficial. One-faced Rudraksha, when held on the body, also helps in development of mental strength.

We have various other ways as described in spiritualism that help in the development of mental and spiritual strength. Always remember, it is only by developing mental strength and self-confidence that one can attain all-round development. It is only mental strength and self-confidence that give people the courage to go forward in life in this divisive and confusion-ridden atmosphere. Hence all-round development has become a necessity. Youth standing on the threshold of confusion have to learn about this necessity - today.