what is this thing that we call as meditation? Generally we assume that people are referring to what is known as dhyan or dhyana. In that context of referring to dhyan as meditation, it is not something that you can do. Nobody can do meditation. The reason why most people who have tried meditation have come to the conclusion that it’s very difficult or impossible is because they are trying to do it.Meditation is a certain quality.
Meditation is almost a buzz word theses days. But when we say “meditation”, what comes to your mind? It is not a fad or buzz word, rather has been in existence for thousands of years. Many people try hard to meditate and master their mind. Whereas the truth is that you cannot meditate, rather you can become meditative. This is a simple concept, wherein you establish your mind, body and energies in such a way that you become meditative. That is Yoga’s Perspective.
Meditation is an incredibly powerful tool that can be difficult and frustrating to learn. When you first start practicing, you discover how easy it is to be distracted by all the other thoughts and emotions that swirl around in your mind. You also discover how much practice and determination to learn how to meditate, especially to practice regularly and consistently in your daily life. The key to meditating effectively is an ancient yogic technique called dharana—the sustained practice of focused concentration. Learning and practicing this mental skill can make your meditation easier, more effective, and much less agonizing.
Dharana in Sanskrit means concentration or single focus. “Dha” means “holding, carrying, or maintaining”, and “ana” means “other, or something else.” It is the sixth limb in the eight-limbed path of Ashtanga Yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras. It is the initial step in attaining a state of meditation.
Dharana is the sustained practice of focused concentration on a single object. This focus is usually the breath, but it can also be the repetition of a mantra, the visualization of a deity, or the contemplation of a deep truth. It’s not so important what this object is that we are focusing on; the purpose is to quiet the mind with this total concentration.
