Technology of Meditation – Patanjali Yoga Sutra

Technology of Meditation

Meditation is all about transforming the mind to live in the moment. Relieving any stress from yesterday or worries for tomorrow. It allows you to see things for what they are when you’re in a peaceful state of mind. You should think of meditation as a workout for your body and mind, without having to leave your house. 

I would like to discuss through Patanjali Yoga Sutra .  In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, the eight fold path is called ashtanga yoga, which literally means “eight limbs”. These eight steps basically act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. They serve as a prescription for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline; they direct attention toward one’s health; and they help us to acknowledge the spiritual aspects of our nature.

These 8 steps are

Yama –

Five Yama are:-

Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-Stealing), BrahamCharya (Continence) Aparigraha (Non-Covetousness)

Niyama –

Niyama are also five – Saucha (cleanliness), Samtosa (contentment), Tapas (heat; spiritual austerities),  

 Svadhyaya (Study of the sacred scriptures and of one’s self), Isvara pranidhana (surrender to God)

Asana – There are more than 84 thousand of Asana

Through the practice of asanas, we develop the habit of discipline and got ability to concentrate, both of which are necessary for meditation.

Pranayaam

Extension of Life Force. Yogis believe that it not only rejuvenates the body but actually extends life itself.

Pratyahara

It means withdrawal or sensory transcendence. Pratyahara is a happening and is the result from first 4 limbs. This is a conscious effort to draw our awareness away from the external world and outside stimuli.

Dharna

Concentration develops here. This is a resulting state of consciousness that comes after practice of 5 limbs.

Dhyana (Meditation)

This is meditation or contemplation and is related to uninterrupted flow of concentration. Normally concentration and meditation externally seems to be one but there is a distinction between these two stages. Where dharana practices one-pointed attention, dhyana is ultimately a state of being keenly aware without focus. At this stage, the mind has been quieted. This is the state of few thoughts or no thoughts.

It means Meditation is a happening and generally happens after Pratyahara. Without Pratayahara one can’t meditate. Meditation is never possible without happening of pratyahara.

Samadhi

This is final stage as told by Maharishi Patanjali. Samadhi is a state of ecstasy. It happens after dhyana. At this stage, the meditator merges with his or her point of focus and transcends the Self altogether. The meditator comes to realize a profound connection with divinity.