“When he is attached neither to the objects of the senses
Nor to actions,
And has renounced all purpose,
He is then said to have attained yoga.”
–Sri Bhagavad Gita Chapter-6
Dhyana Yoga – The Yoga of Meditation is the sixth chapter of Sri Bhagavad Gita in which Lord Krishna instructs mankind through his disciple Arjuna about the philosophy of Yoga. In the yoga of meditation, Krishna teaches him the art of mind control. As the mind is the strongest object of the body and also fickle in nature. The mind is known as manas in the Sanskrit language because it is continually engaged in the process of thinking i.e. manana. The volatile nature of the mind acts as a hindrance to man’s physical, mental & spiritual progress; therefore, it is essential to gains control over the mind to win the nature of human beings. Mind moves like the wind and it is important to keep it under control, meditation is the process to keep its control & pure.
There are three states relating to the mind: 1. Emptiness, also known as soonyathwa, 2. anekagrata – simultaneous pulls of multiple thoughts, and 3. ekagrata – one-pointedness. By these states of mind, the action or Karma of a man decided. Meditation is often misunderstood to be the same as concentration. Concentration is essential for ordinary sensory perceptions and it is something that we have and utilize while performing the most ordinary and routine acts. Concentration is a natural process of perceiving through the five senses and no particular exertion or special practice is required for it.
Meditation is a process that obtains at a much higher plane than human sensory perception. Being a mental process that involves seeing through the senses, the concentration may be regarded as being below or within the realms of the senses, while meditation is beyond or above the world of the senses.
How does one become accomplished in Dhyana-Yoga and attain the state of complete consciousness?
“Those who aspire to the state of Yoga should seek the Self in inner solitude through meditation.” (ref: Easwaran, 1985, p. 105)
In the Dhyana-Yoga, Krishna emphasizes the need for maintaining absolute cleanliness at the place where meditation is practiced. One must find a suitable place to meditate, which is neither too high nor too low. Once seated, one must strive to still one’s thoughts, hold one’s spine, head and neck in one line, and focus one’s gaze at the tip of the nose.
The Gita gives realistic advice on meditation, saying one must be moderate in eating, sleeping, work, and relaxation. Constant practice of self-discipline inaction results in a disciplined mind that is established in the Self. The ego-self that is established in this transcendent Consciousness is like an unfluttering flame in a windless spot. In this state of complete tranquility attained by meditation, the self-perceives itself as the Self and rejoices in the Self.
The Yoga of Meditation severs all pain and suffering. The spiritual seeker is advised to practice meditation with determination and perseverance. With patience and constant practice, the mind will become established in the Self. When the mind wanders, lead it within to rest in the Self.
Arjuna’s question to Sri Krishna is the question that arises in the mind of each aspirant. Perfect equanimity in all challenges and circumstances of life seems admirable, yet difficult to attain given the actualities of life. The question here comes from a true seeker who is honestly trying to understand how to attain the one-pointed concentration.
The Divine Consciousness, Lord Sri Krishna answers: Undoubtedly, the mind is restless and difficult to control. But it can be restrained by constant practice and non-attachment. With self-control and earnest striving, one can attain the goal.
