Meditation is prolonged concentration without disruption when we are entirely absorbed into activity or the point of focus. It represents the 7th limb of Yoga or Dhyana. The English word ‘to meditate’ literally means to think deeply about (something) or the product of this activity. Therefore, this word is not the most appropriate for what Dhyana truly means, yet it is the best and the closest word we can find in the dictionaries to describe the meaning behind it.
Meditation isn’t something that happens with the effort of the mind. Better said, no one can sit down and meditate. Dhyana is a state of being rather than doing. Although they may appear identical, a thin fine line of distinction between Dharana and Dhyana exists. Where Dharana represents a perfectly uniform flow of thoughts focused on the object of meditation, Dhyana is attained when one becomes completely absorbed in the focus of meditation. Extended periods of Dharana naturally lead to Dhyana. When the mind is one, interrupted, continuous stream of energy, without the need to bring back the attention or make any effort to concentrate, we say the concentration transforms into meditation.
Benefits according to Patanjali:
- Understanding our inner energy
- Cleaning the inner energy
- Increasing the energy
- Realizing soul awareness
- Enlightenment
- Benefits according to Modern Science:
- Enhances empathy
- Improves cognition
- Reduces stress
- Promotes emotional health
- Improves attention
- Other benefits:
- Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
- Building skills to manage your stress
- Increasing self-awareness
- Focusing on the present
- Reducing negative emotions
- Increasing imagination and creativity
- Increasing patience and tolerance
- Roles of Concentration/Meditation:
- Use time effectively
- Select the thoughts towards the object of focus
- Gain control over the mind
- Obstacles in Meditation:
- Iccha – desire
- Dwesha – hatred
- Sukha – happiness because this shall pass too
- Dukha – sadness
Yoga Nidra – Nidra means sleep, which refers to a single-pointed union in a sleep state. It’s being said that one hour of yoga nidra equals 4 hours of sleep. It brings the physical, mental, and emotional body to optimal relaxation and complete awareness. Yoga Nidra, like meditation, involves slowing down and relaxing. While some tend to lump these two practices together, they are different.
Benefits:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves sleep and reduces insomnia
Releases tension and pain
It slows down the brainwaves
Connect with yourself and detach from the thoughts
May reduce symptoms for Diabetes type 2
Sankalpa – intention/resolve specifically made during Yoga Nidra