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→परिचयः ॥ Introduction: Adding content - to be edited
The word 'Dhyana' is derived from the root words, 'dhi' meaning ‘receptacle’ or ‘the mind’ and 'yana' meaning ‘moving’ or ‘going’. An alternate etymology is from the root word, 'dhyai' meaning ‘to think of’. Dhyana is usually translated as meditation, implying a state of calm.
The word 'Dhyana' is derived from the root words, 'dhi' meaning ‘receptacle’ or ‘the mind’ and 'yana' meaning ‘moving’ or ‘going’. An alternate etymology is from the root word, 'dhyai' meaning ‘to think of’. Dhyana is usually translated as meditation, implying a state of calm.
The practice of Dhyana follows the practice of the earlier steps of Ashtanga Yoga, namely, Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara and Dharana. In fact, Dhyana is a continuation of Dharana. For, meditation is nothing but a more mature state of concentration. The continuous practice of Dharana on Breath or Omkara eventually leads to Dhyana.<ref name=":0" />
The practice of Dhyana follows the practice of the earlier steps of Ashtanga Yoga, namely, Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara and Dharana. In fact, Dhyana is a continuation of Dharana. For, meditation is nothing but a more mature state of concentration. The continuous practice of Dharana on Breath or Omkara eventually leads to Dhyana.<ref name=":0" /> Psychological research on meditation also suggests that attention is a key component of meditation and that it is crucial for attaining a meditative state.
Concentration or Dharana produces in us a state in which the natural wandering of our thoughts, the fluctuations of the psyche, are brought under control. In a state of concentration, the psyche attends to one thing so that there is intensification of activity of the mind in one particular direction. In a state of concentration the focus of attention is narrowed. This focus is expanded when one goes from concentration to contemplation or Dhyana. Contemplation helps to concentrate longer and to fix one’s attention on any object for a length of time with ease and in an effortless manner.
Concentration or Dharana produces in us a state in which the natural wandering of our thoughts, the fluctuations of the psyche, are brought under control. In a state of concentration, the psyche attends to one thing so that there is intensification of activity of the mind in one particular direction. In a state of concentration the focus of attention is narrowed. This focus is expanded when one goes from concentration to contemplation or Dhyana. Contemplation helps to concentrate longer and to fix one’s attention on any object for a length of time with ease and in an effortless manner.
=== Dharana and Dhyana ===
=== Dharana and Dhyana ===
There is some suggestive evidence from neurophysiological studies of the possible link between meditation and attention. Apart from the fact that almost all meditative techniques involve manipulation of attention in some form, there is emerging evidence from neuroimaging studies that the prefrontal and frontal areas of the brain are relatively more activated during meditation. Since these areas are associated with attention, it seems likely that meditation practices do indeed involve “increased attentional demand.”<ref name=":1" />
There is some suggestive evidence from neurophysiological studies of the possible link between meditation and attention. Apart from the fact that almost all meditative techniques involve manipulation of attention in some form, there is emerging evidence from neuroimaging studies that the prefrontal and frontal areas of the brain are relatively more activated during meditation. Since these areas are associated with attention, it seems likely that meditation practices do indeed involve “increased attentional demand.”
Meditation is a process initiated by focusing attention on an object or mental or body state for a prolonged period resulting in a special state of mind characterized by stability and tranquility, equipoise and quiescence. This process appears to have two important effects.
* First, sustained one-pointed attention would lead to a state of containment/absorption in which one experiences expanded awareness that transcends the limitations imposed by the normal psychobiological processes, an awareness that leads to cognitive excellence and unbiased knowledge. It results in a nonhabitual and unconditioned state of mind, free from distortions and predispositions, which is open to see things the way they truly are.
* The second effect, which is not always appreciated, is that meditative attention seems to lead to a state of the mind where, in addition to cognitive excellence, there is personal transformation made possible by the intrinsic binding of knowing and being in that state. According to classical wisdom, achieving a state of contentless consciousness, i.e., emptying the mind of sensory and cognitive content and making it silent, has the effect of bridging the existential gap between cognition and conduct. Personal transformation is a consequence of this state. In such a state there would be no conflict between beliefs and behavior in the mind.
Thus meditation is a practice involving exercises in focusing attention on a chosen object, mental, or bodily state that results in a special state that has the twin effects of excellence in knowing and being. Such excellence includes
(a) unbiased cognitive awareness,
(b) transcognitive or meta-awareness, and
(c) pure consciousness or awareness as-such. Further,
(d) there is personal transformation which involves closing the gap between knowing and being, and overcoming the dissociation between belief and behavior.<ref name=":1" />
== References ==
== References ==