Dharana vs. Dhyana : What's the Dealio?
Dhyana and Dharana are two closely related stages in the practice of yoga, forming a natural progression in the journey toward deep concentration and meditation. They are the seventh and sixth limbs, respectively, in the eight-fold path of classical yoga, as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Here's how Dhyana and Dharana are related:
Dharana (Concentration):
Dharana is the practice of focused concentration on a single point or object. It involves directing the mind's attention to a specific focal point and maintaining that focus without distraction. The goal of Dharana is to train the mind to become one-pointed, holding its attention steady on the chosen point.
Dhyana (Meditation):
Dhyana, the seventh limb, is a natural evolution from Dharana. While Dharana involves concentrated focus on a single point, Dhyana is the state of meditation where the focused concentration becomes continuous and effortless. In Dhyana, the distinction between the meditator, the act of meditation, and the object of meditation begins to blur, leading to a state of absorption.
Transition from Dharana to Dhyana:
The transition from Dharana to Dhyana is subtle but significant. In Dharana, there is an intentional effort to concentrate the mind on a specific point, and the practitioner may need to repeatedly bring the mind back to the chosen focus. As this concentration deepens, and the mind becomes more absorbed in the chosen point, it naturally leads to the state of Dhyana.
Continuous Flow of Attention:
In Dhyana, the practitioner experiences a continuous flow of attention, where the mind remains absorbed in the object of meditation without the need for deliberate effort. The focused concentration becomes more fluid, and the practitioner enters a state of undisturbed awareness.
Unity and Oneness:
Both Dharana and Dhyana involve a degree of concentration, but Dhyana represents a deeper state where the distinction between the observer, the process of observation, and the observed begins to dissolve. There is a sense of unity and oneness between the meditator and the object of meditation.
Inner Stillness:
While Dharana involves steadying the mind on a single point, Dhyana goes beyond that to create a state of inner stillness. In Dhyana, the practitioner experiences a profound sense of tranquility and calmness as the mind settles into a continuous and effortless flow of awareness.
Preparation for Samadhi:
Dhyana is a preparatory stage for the eighth limb of yoga, Samadhi, which represents the highest state of meditative absorption and union. The deep concentration and inner stillness cultivated in Dhyana set the stage for the practitioner to enter the transcendent state of Samadhi.
In summary, Dharana and Dhyana are interrelated practices, with Dharana serving as the focused concentration that naturally evolves into the continuous and effortless absorption of Dhyana. Together, they form integral steps on the yogic path, leading practitioners toward deeper states of meditation and spiritual realization.