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Dhyana (Samskrit: ध्यानम्) refers to meditation<ref name=":0" />, the 7th step in the path of Ashtanga Yoga expounded by Maharshi Patanjali. In fact, this path systematically developed and described by Maharshi Patanjali to enable union of the empirical self with the universal transcendental self in the Yoga Sutras is also known as 'Dhyana Yoga'.<ref name=":1">K. Ramakrishna Rao & Anand C. Paranjpe (2016), Psychology in the Indian Tradition, India: Springer.</ref>
Dhyana (Samskrit: ध्यानम्) refers to contemplation<ref name=":1" /> or meditation<ref name=":0" />, the 7th step in the path of Ashtanga Yoga expounded by Maharshi Patanjali. In fact, this path systematically developed and described by Maharshi Patanjali to enable union of the empirical self with the universal transcendental self in the Yoga Sutras is also known as 'Dhyana Yoga'.<ref name=":1">K. Ramakrishna Rao & Anand C. Paranjpe (2016), Psychology in the Indian Tradition, India: Springer.</ref>
== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
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" />
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.
There are two ways of understanding the term meditation.
* a technique to control the wanderings of the mind
* a state of the mind where these wanderings are brought under control<ref name=":1" />
== ध्यानस्य लक्षणानि ॥ Features of Dhyana ==
== ध्यानस्य लक्षणानि ॥ Features of Dhyana ==