Hour 36 Meditation – Dhyana and Patanjali’s Eightfold Path
Dhyana and Patanjali’s Eightfold Path
1. Overview: Why Start with Patanjali?
The great sage Maharishi Patanjali, who organized the entire science of yoga into the Yoga Sutras, opened the best door when it comes to classical meditation. His Ashtanga Yoga, or Eightfold Path, provides a comprehensive spiritual road map from moral behavior to Samadhi, the ultimate state of union with the divine.
Dhyana, or meditation, is the seventh of the eight limbs, but it is not the first. Dhyana only manifests in Patanjali’s system following the mastery of the art of concentration (Dharana) and the purification of the body, mind, and senses.
As we traverse each limb, let’s pay particular attention to how Dhyana develops organically from the path and turns into a condition of effortless stillness and inner absorption.
An outline of Ashtanga Yoga, Patanjali’s Eightfold Path
| Limb No. | Sanskrit Term | Meaning | Purpose |
| 1 | Yama | Ethical restraints | Social harmony and inner purity |
| 2 | Niyama | Personal observances | Self-discipline and refinement |
| 3 | Asana | Postures | Steady body, inner stillness |
| 4 | Pranayama | Breath control | Pranic mastery, emotional regulation |
| 5 | Pratyahara | Withdrawal of senses | Turning inward |
| 6 | Dharana | Concentration | Cultivating focus |
| 7 | Dhyana | Meditation | Effortless flow of awareness |
| 8 | Samadhi | Absorption or union | Liberation, pure awareness |
2. What is Dhyana?
The continuous flow of awareness in the direction of an object is called dhyana. It is a calm, prolonged witnessing in which mental distractions gradually disappear rather than a forced focus.
“Ekatānatā dhyānam tatra pratyaya.”
(Yoga Sutras, 3.2)
Translation: “Dhyana is the constant flow of cognition toward that object.”
Dhyana’s salient features include:
- Follows Dharana (focused attention).
- Involves fluid continuity
- The witness gets engrossed in the item.
- Duality starts to fade (the observed and the observer begin to blend together).
- leads to the last union, Samadhi
3. The Development of Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi
| Stage | Description |
| Dharana | Focusing attention on a single thing (such as a breath, mantra, form, or flame). |
| Dhyana | Allowing the thoughts to flow toward that thing like a stream |
| Samadhi | Self dissolves into the object, leaving only the object. |
Consider a River:
- Dharana concentrates the flow of water by damming it.
- The water flowing freely in a single direction is called dhyana.
- Samadhi is the point at which the river and the ocean are one and the same.
4. Foundational Activities That Encourage Dhyana
Dhyana has roots in the first six limbs, despite being the seventh. Let’s examine how each of the preceding steps lays the groundwork for meditation to flourish.
| Limb | Contribution to Dhyana |
| Yama | Ethical behavior lessens restlessness and guilt. |
| Niyama | Clarity and purity of thought are enhanced by inner discipline. |
| Asana | Stillness is supported by steady posture. |
| Pranayama | Controlling one’s breathing soothes the nervous system. |
| Pratyahara | Energy is turned inward by withdrawing from the senses. |
| Dharana | Reduces mental dispersion and increases focus. |
The seeker is cleansed, stabilized, and focused by these limbs working together, readying them to dissolve into meditation.
5. Traditional Methods for Entering Dhyana
Classical techniques aid in inviting Dhyana, even though it is ultimately a spontaneous state.
Typical Patanjali Yoga Meditation Items:
- Anapanasati, or breath
- Flame or Light (Trataka)
- Mantra (OM, So-Ham, etc.)
- Chakras, or centers of energy
- Ishta Devata (personal form or deity)
The Dhyana Method Making Use of Breath:
- Choose a comfortable position to sit in, such as Padmasana.
- Make the natural breath more conscious.
- Just pay attention to the inhalation and exhalation without exerting any control.
- The breath gets softer over time.
- Witnessing deepens as the mind begins to calm.
The body is breathing at this point, not you. You’re observing. Dhyana is this witnessing.
6. Dhyana in Everyday Life
Meditation is not restricted to a room’s corner according to Patanjali. When one’s focus is present and undivided, dhyana can extend into life itself.
- Doing the dishes? Give it your whole attention.
- Strolling through the outdoors? Experience every step.
- Talking to someone? Pay close attention without passing judgment.
The distinction between sadhana and life is blurred in these types of living meditation.
7. Characteristics of a Mind Prepared for Dhyana Quality Description
| Quality | Description |
| Ekagrata | One-pointedness |
| Vairagya | Detachment from distractions |
| Shraddha | Faith in the process |
| Santosha | Contentment |
| Titiksha | Endurance and patience |
| Shama | Tranquility |
Dhyana emerges as a flowering rather than an effort when these attributes reach maturity.
8. Dhyana As stated by Other Masters
Many Indian masters elaborated the beauty of Dhyana, while Patanjali codified it.
Osho
- Dhyana is flowing awareness rather than concentration.
- Be meditative, not meditate.
Maharshi Ramana
- Look inward. Find the origin of the “I” thought.
- Abide as Dhyana, the Self.
Sivananda Swami
- The personality is transformed and purified by meditation.
- The only royal route to freedom is this one.
9. Cultivating Dhyana Practice Component of the Daily Practice Plan
| Practice Component | Duration | Purpose |
| Asana + Pranayama | 20 minutes | Physical and energetic readiness |
| Awareness of Breath | 10 minutes | Entry into Dharana |
| Focus on One Object | 20 minutes | Begin flowing into Dhyana |
| Silent Sitting | 10+ minutes | Abide in effortless awareness |
Establish a routine—same time, same place. Dhyana adores rhythm.
Thought-Provoking Questions
- In my meditation, am I letting awareness flow or am I trying too hard?
- What justifies my narrow focus? What diverts it?
- Is it possible for me to be silent, even for a moment, in between thoughts?
- Do I maintain my meditative state throughout my day?
- What impact do Yama and Niyama have on the caliber of my meditation?
Concluding Remark: Meditation Is a Bloom, Not a Factory
Dhyana cannot be produced. Only the proper conditions can be established. You get the soil, the water, and the sunlight by following Patanjali’s path. However, the flower blooms on its own, quietly and shamefully.
“The flame belongs to the divine, but you prepare the lamp, the oil, and the wick.”
–An Old Yogic Proverb
Continue to walk steadily. Let the fire start.