Dhyana: Meditation

Sutra 3:2"Dhyana is the continuous flow of cognition towards an object."

- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Dhyana is the seventh limb of ashtanga yoga, the middle of the inner limbs comprising samyama, and translates to "meditation" or "contemplation." Dhyana is the uninterrupted flow of concentration in which the mind becomes one-pointed and deeply absorbed in the object of meditation. Unlike dharana, which is the practice of focusing the mind on a single point, dhyana is the state where the focus becomes effortless and natural. It's a deeper level of concentration where the meditator becomes fully absorbed in the object of meditation without any distractions. Just as water drips intermittently on a single spot (dharana), honey flows continuously when poured (dhyana).

Dhyana can overcome vrittis, which are mental modifications consisting of patterns that arise and cause fluctuations in the mind. During dhyana there is room for only one object, the current, continuous thought (pratyaya) directed on the focal point. This doesn't eliminate klesas, but blocks afflicting activities from strengthening the klesas further.

In practice, dhyana involves training the mind to let go of distractions and enter a state of deep absorption. This often begins with concentration practices (dharana), gradually leading to a state of dhyana. Meditation techniques such as focusing on the breath, mantra repetition, visualizations, or concentrating on a particular object are common methods.

Here are some specific practices of dhyana:

Breath Awareness Meditation: Practitioners focus their attention on the natural rhythm of their breath, observing the inhalation and exhalation without trying to control it. This helps in calming the mind and developing concentration.

Mantra: This involves repeating a sacred word, phrase, or sound (mantra) silently or aloud. The repetition of the mantra helps in stilling the mind and entering a meditative state.

Mindfulness: Awareness of the present moment is cultivated by observing thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment without judgment. This enhances concentration and leads to a state of dhyana.

Loving-Kindness (Metta): This involves cultivating feelings of love, compassion, and goodwill towards oneself and others. It helps in reducing stress, promoting emotional well-being, and deepening the meditative experience.

Visualization: Visualization of a specific image or scenario (such as a serene landscape or a deity), helps in enhancing focus and concentration, leading to a state of dhyana.

Through cultivation of dhyana, one gradually deepens their concentration and focus to the point where the mind becomes completely absorbed in the object of meditation. In this state, the distinction between the meditator, the act of meditation, and the object of meditation begins to dissolve. The mind becomes increasingly still, calm, and focused. As distractions fade away, the meditator experiences a profound sense of inner peace, clarity, and unity. This deepening of concentration and absorption paves the way for the final stage of samadhi, which we will cover in the next article.