The Mind: Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi

Cultivating the Mind

The five steps enumerated above are called the “external” means to Raja Yoga. Important and effective as they are, they are just a means towards the final three steps, or the “internal” means to Raja Yoga, which are meant to cultivate and refine the mind to its highest level. These steps are: Dharana or Concentration, Dhyana or Meditation, and Samadhi or Superconsciousness.

6. Dharana

Concentration is the practice of focusing the mind on one object. In order to cultivate concentration, place in front of you an object, such as a candle flame, a flower, a picture of your Deity, you may even focus on a dot on the wall. Sit still and relax, gently gazing at the object of your concentration. Focus your mind only on the object, not allowing any other thought to enter your mind. If the mind strays, gently bring it back. With repeated effort, this powerful technique can be mastered and used to one's advantage in all walks of life, in everything you do.

7. Dhyana

Once the practice of Concentration becomes established, it spontaneously flows into Dhyana or Meditation. In Concentration, effort is required. In Meditation, the one-pointed state of mind flows on without interruption, effortlessly.

8. Samadhi

When Meditation is perfected, you rise beyond your limited consciousness and are led to the transcendental state of Superconsciousness. This is called Samadhi. In this experience, you are no longer aware of your body or individuality, you transcend it.

In Meditation you are conscious, “I am here. I am meditating, and my meditation feels wonderful!” But Samadhi is like plunging into a stream of immense joy, so much so that you lose all awareness of your individuality. This is the state of pure bliss, or Bhuma, and everything else recedes into insignificance.

Through the practice and cultivation of these three “internal” means taught in Raja Yoga, you attain the ultimate goal, which is the individual soul’s union with the Absolute. These last three stages are also collectively termed as Samyama. If they are practiced with a certain objective other than Self-realization in view, then various psychic powers can be attained through them. However, this takes immense patience and persistent practice.

From the book Integral Yoga: The Secret to Enlightenment by Swami Jyotirmayananda, published by the Yoga Research Foundation. © Swami Jyotirmayananda. All rights reserved.