Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses from pursuing material pleasures): This enables us to turn our attention towards the inner world and creates the right conditions for self-realisation. This is the bridge between the external and internal aspects of yoga.

Dharana (fixed attention): It means fixing the mind on a particular object, which could be external, like a symbol or image, or could be internal, like a mantra or a chakra. The most famous example of dharana is from the Mahabharata. When Guru Dronacharya asked his students to take aim at a clay bird put on top of a tree, only Arjuna was able to achieve dharana on the eye of the bird.

Dhyeya (object of meditation): This is the specific point towards which the meditator directs their attention during meditation. It could be a deity or a particular aspect of a deity. It could also be something abstract, like a philosophical idea or some concept of the universe.

Dhyana (contemplation): It is a state of mind in which not only is one’s attention fixed on a particular object, but the meditator tries to become one with the object by removing all other thoughts from the mind.

Samadhi (perfect concentration): In this state, one is not distracted at all. One feels neither hunger nor thirst nor any kind of pain. This is the final stage of yogic achievement, where one experiences supreme happiness greater than any that can be experienced on earth or even in heaven.

Adblock test (Why?)