It is absolutely normal for the mind to start thinking when you start mediating, as this is the nature of the mind, mind is the combination of your thoughts (present and past - which we call the memory), it also has the part of decisive process (intellect) and the emotions. When you think about it, you cannot disconnect mind and intellect in the beginning, it is an automated process of whatever that comes to your mind (thought) is processed through intellect (decision making process takes place) and an emotion is developed. This goes on and on for a life time without you being aware of it. But only when you sit for metitation you become aware that mind develops thoughts - and you get disturbed. That means not only when you sit for meditation, but as long as you live your mind acts like a spoiled child, distracting you from your concentration.

First of all, if we can stop the mind completely at a specific time for the desired period, that means we are enlightened! So don't put your expectations that high in the initial steps, it will possibly take many lifetimes to achieve that desired point (that is enlightenment).

Initially when you sit for meditation, you will see there will be gaps (no thoughts, not even breath) for very short intervals, this part of your sitting is called meditation - when you start counting, breathing - this part of your sitting is called concentration, when you start thinking - this part of your sitting is called distraction. Try to increase the concentration part first, which will lead you to have extended periods of meditation part. That means if you sit for meditation for 30 minutes, that does not mean you "meditate" for 30 minutes, but maybe for like 3-4 minutes overall meditation will take place, and the rest of the time you will struggle between concentration and distraction.

So how are you going to increase the meditation part in a sitting?

I don't know your age, but you need to understand that our minds are not trained to be silenced, therefore it will rebel and functions against your wishes - which is absolutely natural. As the scriptures say; "mind runs faster than the wind" and only by regular practice, you can control it. This practice should not be forced upon the mind but the practice should be taken slowly and it should be intensified slowly with the observation of the reaction of the mind. That means do not seek for some quick fixes, take your time and don't put any short term goals, don't compare yourself with anyone else.

Mind control is the aim of Raja Yoga (which is also known as Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga, please read Patanjali's Yoga Sutras) but also other streams of yoga (like karma yoga - read Bhagavad Gita to learn the details) can help a lot.

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