Dhyaan Yog – Going Beyond the Mind

A lot has been discussed on the topic of meditation in the modern social media world and it has a noteworthy contribution in adding to the confusion. So here, let us take notes from the 6th chapter of Bhagwad Gita, where Lord Krishna himself explains Dhyaan Yoga. Nothing can be more authentic than the Godhood personified instructing about it.

So let’s cut the clutter and make notes. (Shloka numbers are mentioned for reference)

Technique of Meditation:

1. Place and surroundings: (6.11) Clean place – use something to sit on – not too soft – not too hard. Height of aasan – not too high – not too low. 

The important point is to be steady in sitting posture.

2. Mental preparation: (6.12) Sitting in such a place, using the mind to control senses and reach a state of concentration, and practicing meditation for inner purity. 

The important point is a state of concentration and the objective is internal purification.

3. Physiological preparation: ( 6.13) spine, neck, and head straight and aligned – not too stiff – not too loose and limping…stable and straight. Fix your attention on the tip of the nose. 

The important point is the fixity of attention.

4. Internal attunement: (6.14 and 6.15 ) The above process works for the one who has internally attuned to the experience by the way of observing celibacy, fearlessness, inner quietude, and yet very alert (not getting lost in a mental dream world) restrain mind to now fix attention on the larger reality of supreme with the continuation of the flow of attention to one thought of being absorbed in / merge in higher Reality and practice it with consistency. 

The important point is the continuation of the flow of attention for a longer duration and that too very regularly and consistently…

5. Who can practice it?: (6.10, 6.16, 6.17) The one who begins the practice after having a controlled mind, cravings, and possessions and who is comfortable in isolation. This is a preparatory condition, additionally, He suggests, one who doesn’t eat too much or starves, who doesn’t sleep or keeps awake excessively. This means a meditative state is experienced by the one who is moderate and balanced. 

An important point is – to give more importance to internal attitudinal alignment and just aligning the spine and head. and – giving more importance to a balanced state of mind and life routine rather than becoming some show-off exhibitionist.

6. What is the outcome? (6.20) Purified inner self-established in oneness with higher Reality experiencing unwavering peace and contentment.

The important point is understanding that meditative experience is internal and self-verifiable and can’t be subjected to any external world-based short-term parameters.

Some thought-provoking questions for meditation to be understood right…

Can the mind understand it? or is it beyond the mind? Can one with immoral conduct and an unhealthy routine get into a meditative state? Can one or should one do it as forced physical posture only? Can one or should one do it as an easy and quick fix stress buster? 

I think I would want to start with straightening my internal and attitudinal aspects before I force my spine and head to be straight…:-)

See you in the next blog article…