Tatra pratyaikathanatha Dhyanam [ 3.2 YS – Yoga Sutram of Patanjali Maharishi ]
Dhyana or Dhyanam is a Sanskrit word which means exclusivity of focus there (on the object of Dharana). Based on practice, longer the duration of concentration or Dharana, it turns into Dhyanam.
In Dharana, impulses from thought currents other than those from the object of focus are felt. In Dhyana, there is exclusive flow of focus on the object. Dhyanam being the penultimate step in the eight step ashtaanga yoga is the final state of duality where the observer and the observed are perceived as distinct.
What Happens in Dhyana?
When focus solely rests on the object of Dharana long enough, the result is Dhyanam. As we saw in Dharana, when silence dawns and Consciousness is focused on an object (region), Dharana ensues. The objective of Dharana is to lead us into Dhayanam. Unbiased knowledge of the object is the primary aim of focus.
Usually when we focus on an object, we have opinions and things to say about the object based on our background, upbringing and experience. Rarely do we give space and fall silent and let the object tell its story. What we have to say about the object is from our knowledge thus incomplete as all knowledge is subject to effects of time.
At a gross level, it is easy to see this in the context of conversation between two humans, where each needs to provide space for the other to express and listen for a meaningful dialogue. In the context of Dhyanam, though in principle it is similar, things get far more subtle. Silence forced by will is still noise and does not provide the space needed for a meaningful dialogue with the object. When one focuses on the object, mind tries to move away and with will if one tries to bring it back into the object of focus, it is noise. What is needed is the stillness of space for a meaningful flow of knowledge from the object. This can only happen with Right understanding.
Can a plant or an inanimate object communicate, even if given space with the Yogi? Truths about our material and the subtle worlds have been expounded by the Yogis on functioning of the human body, its anatomy, structure and functioning of nadis, functioning of the Cosmos gives us the basis to begin understanding how a Yogi is able to communicate with “things” seemingly unconscious or semi-conscious and expound details of the object of his focus with great accuracy.
When you focus on an object, are you different from the object? If you answer that question in the affirmative, then you are in Dual Reality. This is where we started in Dharana. Longer the duration of focus in Dharana, the difference between the seer and the seen starts dissolving but still the duality is not completely dispensed with. This is Dhyanam.
How to Increase Your Attention Span Naturally, the Yogic way
We humans are hardwired to believe that we are our body. Instead of trying to change millions of years of patterning of the human brain with slogans such as I am not the body, focusing on energy vortexes called Chakras and observing the pranic flows in them makes it fairly easy for anyone to hold their attention for long periods of time. Since subtle yet powerful forces are involved the need for a Guru, who can unblock pathways and help lighten up the dark recesses of one’s mind is a must.
How to practice successful Dhyana?
Some steps are listed below. Do not apply brute force with any of the steps below. Let them initially become second nature to you through proper understanding. At times mind might refuse to follow them due to the inherent human tamas (inertia) or once your Sadhana (practice) becomes rajasic (active) you might have to constantly keep reminding yourself to follow them. With constant practice, you will gain unconscious competence at which point your nature has transformed into sattvic (self-functioning). As long as one remains in the mortal body, there is still no guarantee that the Yogi won’t fall back to being tamasic unless one’s true nature is not only understood but becomes a living Reality.
What are the prerequisites to Start Meditation?
- First Six steps of Ashtanga yoga (eight-limbed Yoga) namely yama, niyama, Asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana must be regularly followed
- Any activity that is overbearing on the senses must be avoided
- It is best to perform your Sadhana (practice) in the same noise-free room, ideally at the same time everyday
- Though it is said that a Yogi is one who is unmindful of heat and cold, it is best to choose a temperate environment for your Sadhana until you are adept to change your body’s temperature at will. Meditating on cold hilltops (however enchanting) are best avoided in the initial stages.
- Consume food that is from plant sources, unimpactful to the senses and that which does not cause thermal imbalance in the body
- Happiness before you start is vital for your success. Watching or reading depressing news constantly or worries about health, money or relationships can make your journey a non-starter. Resolve these before beginning.
What is Yama and Niyama in Yoga?
Right Conduct (yama) and Right Living (niyama) are the foundations of success in Ashtanga Yoga.
What is Pranayama and How It is Practiced
Pranayama is the practice of Restraining Breath (expression of Prana). It is practiced by holding and releasing breath in specific patterns and must be learnt from an adept Yoga Guru.
What is Pratyahara?
Withdrawing the mind from sense objects and turning it inward is pratyahara.
The Flow of Dharana, Dhyanam and Beyond
Your will to understand the nature of an object made you bring the object to focus. The rapt focus of Consciousness on the object is Dharana, when it stays long enough for the difference between you and the object to start dissolving it is Dhyanam. It must be understood that the states of Dharana and Dhyanam are dynamic with one changing to the next in an unobstructed flow. What happens to the observer with continued focus? This is the topic of the next post on Samadhi.