Greetings Yogis and
Yoginis,
This week in class
we will be exploring Dhyana, the seventh limb of Yoga - concentration.
The concept of Dhyana is found in verse III.2 of Patanjali’s
Yoga Sutras.
III.1 tatra pratyaya ekatanata dhyanam
A steady, continuous flow of attention directed towards the same point
or region is meditation.
Dhyana is described simply as
meditation. However, unlike the act of meditation that we typically understand,
Dhyana comes as a result of our efforts. Instead of coming to the mat to
meditate, we come to the mat to focus our attention – on asana, on our breath.
Dhyana is achieved when we are completely absorbed in that upon which we have
focused our attention.
Dhyana is described in Hindu
scriptures as pouring oil from one pot to another. The stream of oil does not
bubble or break. It is a continuous steam. In dhyana time and space stand
still. Unaware of the external world, your attention is focused without
distraction. Your mind is steady and open. The awareness of your physical body
falls away.
A quote from BKS Iyengar, “True
meditation leads us to wisdom (jnana) and understanding (prajna), and this
specifically helps in understanding that we are more than our ego.”
Homework:
It is said that meditation removes
stress and brings stability of mind and emotions. In the context of dhyana,
meditation is only possible when stress is already removed and the mind is
still. Consider how your asana practice can bring you closer to this
elimination of stress and stillness of mind.
References:
Light on the Yoga Sutras, by BKS Iyengar, Light on Life, by BKS Iyengar
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal,
and Vancouver Washington
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