How to Achieve Refined and Clear Mentation

Under what circumstances can the function of thought in consciousness be maximized, achieving the best and clearest thinking? Thought is clearest when consciousness focuses on one object, or primarily on one object while engaging with two or three others, as it transitions from scatteredness toward concentration. This is the effect of the power of meditative concentration. When the mind is scattered, the power of conscious thought is weak, and the thought process is unclear. When concentration is too deep, consciousness cannot move, mental activity ceases, and thinking becomes laborious. Only when there is concentration present, yet not excessively deep, can conscious thought become profound, subtle, and clear, with an expansive flow of ideas.