Dhyana — How to Meditateध्यान

What dhyana is

Patanjali defines dhyana as "an unbroken flow of awareness toward one object" (3.2). It grows out of dharana, concentration: first we hold the mind on a point, bringing it back whenever it wanders; with practice the flow becomes continuous.

The Bhagavad Gita's sixth chapter gives practical instructions: a clean, quiet place; a seat neither too high nor too low; the body, head and neck held erect and still; the gaze resting near the tip of the nose; the mind calm and fearless, fixed on the divine.

A simple practice

1. Same time, same place. Early morning or evening, in a quiet corner, before a lamp or image if you like.
2. Sit steady. Cross-legged or on a chair, spine erect, hands resting in chin mudra.
3. Settle the breath. A few slow breaths, or a few rounds of Nadi Shodhana.
4. Choose an anchor. The breath at the nostrils, a mantra such as Om or Om Namah Shivaya, or the form of your ishta devata.
5. Return, gently. When the mind wanders, notice it and bring it back without frustration — this returning is the practice.
6. Close. After 10 minutes, sit still a moment, offer a prayer and open the eyes.

Helpful habits

• Regularity matters more than duration — 10 minutes daily is better than an hour once a week.
• Light, sattvic food and enough sleep make meditation easier.
• A mala helps if you meditate with a mantra.
• Do not chase experiences; peace grows slowly.

Frequently asked questions