Patanjali Yoga sutra, the richest form of yogic text, has given the sutra on meditation ‘Dhyana’. The sutra is the second yoga sutra of vibhuti paada (3rd chapter) of patanjali yoga sutra. Here it is:
तत्र प्रत्ययैकतानता ध्यानम् |
tatra pratyayaikatānatā dhyānam |
The above yoga sutra defines the meditation, it says ‘an unbroken, continuous flow of knowledge of the object on which one is concentrating is called meditation or dhyana‘. When mind stays in the state of dharana for sometime without any break that itself is called Dhyana. Meditation has got popularity and therefore we need to know the real meaning of this.
Dhyana or Meditation is being witness of ‘self is meditating’ on the object. So being aware of the object and being aware of self is meditating without any interruption is Meditation. One can meditate on any object, sound, smell or anything, there are number of techniques. But when actual meditation happens. Because it is not something to do it is what happens. When, while meditating on the object person is aware of being meditating. In other words when we experience the one who is meditating and that who is me then medition happens. This takes a one pointed concentration and therefore one must master the dharana.
Dharana is the sixth limb of ashtanga yoga, it comes before Dhyana. To know more about dharana see the blog. Dhyana or meditation is the seventh limb of the ashtanga yoga. These eight limbs of yoga are the path to self realisation compiled by Maharishi Patanjali. It is the tool to reach to the goal of yoga which is the last and the eighth limb, Samadhi – the realisation. Samadhi we can say is is the fruit of Dhyana and the ultimate goal.
Patanjali Yoga Sutra – a brief
Patanjali yoga sutra is the compilation by Maharishi Patanjali. It is one of the authentic and sacred text on Yog. Maharishi Patanjali gifted this beautiful compilation to uplift the humankind. Who is the great sage Patanjali? 196 yoga sutras are systemised in total. These sutras tells what is yoga, various ways to start the journey towards self, the mind, vrittis, impurities and much more. Explore the sutras with us, lets walk on the journey!!!
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