Dhyana — deep meditation on the path to samadhi

An uninterrupted flow of the content of consciousness is dhyana.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 3.2, translated by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

The pinnacle of the eightfold path of yoga is the state of samadhi, in which absolute stillness of the mind is attained and one merges entirely with their chosen object of meditation. However, this state is preceded by several preparatory stages, including dhyana — the final step on the path to samadhi. In this article, we will examine in detail the essence, principles, and recommendations for mastering and maintaining the practice of dhyana, as well as its benefits and the effects of regular practice.

Eightfold yoga, or Raja yoga, consists of eight limbs; in Sanskrit it is called Ashtanga yoga. The first four are yama and niyama (ethical principles), asana (physical postures), and pranayama (breathing practices). The following four limbs represent stages of concentration and meditation of varying depths:

• pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses);
• dharana (concentration);
• dhyana (meditation);
• samadhi (deep meditative absorption).

The first five are external stages; the last three are internal stages. Dharana, dhyana, and samadhi together constitute samyama — the process of deep concentration. The spiritual practices of yoga help calm and control the mind through meditative techniques, all undertaken with the aim of attaining liberation (moksha). Dhyana is an intermediate stage on the path to this goal; however, at a certain point, for most practitioners, attaining this level of meditation becomes the primary task — and a very challenging one.

As part of the system of spiritual practices of concentration and meditation, dhyana presupposes the ability to work with the senses and focus on a chosen object. If dharana is one-pointed concentration on an object, and samadhi is complete absorption, then dhyana is the stage of merging with the object over an extended period of time (a duration of 144 seconds is mentioned). The practice requires proper effort and time, but the achieved result and the benefits of dhyana more than compensate for all the effort you invested.

The practice of concentration and meditation has highly valuable effects. These can be felt immediately after practice; however, the greatest value comes from regular daily application.

The effects and benefits of regular dhyana practice:

• Self-knowledge and the development of mindfulness. The state of dhyana helps one discover more about themself (their inner essence, emotions, and reactions), learn to live mindfully, and determine their path in life.
• Relaxation and reduction of stress. Through practice, it becomes possible to pause the flow of thoughts, reduce tension and anxiety, and reach a state of relaxation. Regular meditation helps you effectively manage stress, maintain inner harmony, and preserve emotional balance.
• Calming of the mind and purification of the consciousness. The practice of dhyana not only calms mental activity but also purifies the inner world and consciousness, allowing one to free themself from negative thoughts, oppressive emotions, and "mental clutter."
• Increased concentration and attention. By calming and purifying the mind through practice, one gains the ability to enhance concentration and improve memory. These states are beneficial during work and all other daily activities.
• Improvement of physical health. The practice has a beneficial effect on the body, from harmonizing sleep processes to normalizing blood pressure. It improves the function of the nervous system, which in turn positively influences other tissues and organs.
• Attainment of a state of harmony and happiness. All of the above points lead to an important state of inner happiness and harmony. This state has nothing to do with euphoria or excitement; rather, it represents inner peace, quiet joy, and a sense of well-being independent of external circumstances.

Like any practice, dhyana implies certain preparation and stages of mastery.

"During dharana the mind is moving in one direction like a quiet river— nothing else is happening. In dhyana, one becomes involved with a particular thing— a link is established between self and object. In other words, you perceive a particular object and at the same time continuously communicate with it. Dharana must precede dhyana, because the mind needs focusing on a particular object before a connection can be made. Dharana is the contact, and dhyana is the connection."

T. K. V. Desikachar, "The Heart of Yoga"

Before beginning the practice of dhyana, one should first master dharana. These stages of practice are as follows:

1. Preparation. In the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains to Arjuna the system and practices of yoga, mentioning the proper preparation for practice. For yoga practice, one should find a clean, secluded place and place their meditation cushion just right, neither too high nor too low. Having assumed a comfortable position, one may begin the practice. Suitable meditative postures include Sukhasana, Siddhasana, Ardha Padmasana, and Padmasana. The torso, neck, and head should all be aligned and the facial muscles should be well relaxed. After preparation, one may proceed directly to the practice itself.
2. Types of dhyana. Having calmed and restrained the mind and senses, purified the heart of material impurities, and gained control of bodily activity, one may begin concentration. The Gheranda Samhita mentions three types of dhyana.
   • The first is Sthula-dhyana, which consists of concentration on an external physical object or its reflection in consciousness. This type of dhyana also includes awareness of one's own physical body.
   • The second type is Jyotir-dhyana, or meditation on light; the light may be contemplated in Sushumna (the central channel), in the chakras (energy centers), outside the body, or without any specific location.
   • The third type is Sukshma-dhyana, or subtle meditation — meditation on the subtle point "bindu." This point is located in the area between the eyebrows, i.e. in the Ajna chakra (the third eye), and symbolizes emptiness (shunya).
   Having selected one of these types of dhyana, one should work on it until they've reached perfection.
3. Other recommendations. For successful and sustained practice, it's important to choose the right motivation; for each person this will be different, yet it is best when the goals are virtuous and altruistic. Regular, daily approaches to meditation will help you stand strong on the path to self-discovery and make dhyana a permanent habit. These attempts may be performed after a sequence of asanas and pranayama. You must also remember that overcoming difficulties along the way is an integral part of the process; remembering your goal, showing patience and perseverance, and continuing to push through will make the obstacles subside sooner or later. Learning from an experienced yoga teacher will also help you avoid mistakes and establish yourself on the path more quickly.

This meditation practice is known not only in yoga. Dhyana is also present in other paths of spiritual development. In Buddhism, the eight dhyanas are described in detail; in Hinduism and Jainism, this meditative practice is likewise applied. In all systems of spiritual development, it represents a special concentration of consciousness on the object of contemplation aimed at calming the mind and achieving full control over mental activity.

The apparent complexity of the practice is overcome through study and comprehension of knowledge. A vast amount of literature and educational videos, as well as experienced teachers, will help you not only understand the theoretical foundation but also integrate successful, regular, and sustained practice sessions into your life. Daily meditation significantly transforms the quality of life in all its aspects. May your practice be successful!

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