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DYANA (MEDITATION)
The word DHYAN is derived from the root “DHYAI” meaning to think of consider, meditate on. This is concerned with meditation and concentration of mind at a point.
Dhyan means unbroken flow of thought towards object of concentration. Dhyan is merely an extension of dharana.. It arises when one is able to maintain a smooth, unfluctuating flow of concentration towards the inner symbol for a period of time.
The mind becomes moulded around one pattern in the form of the psychic symbol. The flow of awareness is often compared to a “smooth flow of oil.”
Eventually this leads to an elimination of duality; the seer, seen and seeing merge into unity and one’s being fuses into the stage of Samadhi.
TYPES OF MEDITATION
Sometimes you have to try different types of meditation to find the one that’s right for you.
There are so many different types of meditation. How many? Who knows, but enough so that you can find the one that’s right for you. To get your search started, here are types of meditation.
- BREATH WATCHING :- Can meditating be as simple as paying attention to your breath for a few minutes? You bet. Relax in whatever position works best for you, close your eyes and start to pay attention to your breathing. Breathing through your nose gets your diaphragm involved and gets oxygen all the way to the bottom of your lungs. As your mind wanders, just re-focus your attention on the air going in and out of your nose. Just do this for several minutes, or longer as you get used to it.
- AN EMPTY MIND MEDITATION :- Mediation can create a kind of “awareness without object”, an emptying of all thoughts from your mind. The techniques for doing this involve sitting still, often in a “full lotus” or cross-legged position, and letting the mind go silent on its own. It can be difficult, particularly since any effort seems to just cause more business in the mind.
- MINDFULNESS MEDITATION :- A practice Buddhists call vipassana or insight meditation, mindfulness is the art of becoming deeply aware of what is here right now. You focus on what’s happening in and around you at this very moment, and become aware of all the thoughts and feelings that are taking your energy from moment to moment. You can start by watching your breath, and then move your attention to the thoughts going through your mind, the feelings in your body, and even the sounds and sights around you. The key is to watch without judging or analyzing.
- SIMPLE MANTR MEDITATION :- Many people find it easier to keep their mind from wandering if they concentrate on something specific. A mantr can help. This is a word or phrase you repeat as you sit in meditation, and is chosen for you by an experienced master in some traditions. If you are working on this alone, you can use any word or phrase that works for you, and can choose to either repeat it aloud or in your head as you meditate.
- YOG NIDRA :- Yog nidra is also very effect technique to relax your mind and body. It is one such wonderful technique, not only for physical or mental relaxation but also for preparing the mind for yogic discipline. It concerns mainly with Pratyahar (the fifth state of Astang yog) and Dharana(concentration). It is not concentration. It is opening the inner chambers of your mind. In yog nidra, you step down into the internal dimension of your consciousness. Even if you do not understanding anything in yog nidra, it does not matter. The sound of my voice acts as a rope. Just as you take a rope and go in and out of the depths of a cave, so with the help of sound, you will venture in and out of the mind.
MEDITATION BENEFITS
Meditation is one relaxing technique. It is powerful technique, not only for physical or mental relaxation but also for preparing the mind for yogic discipline. Here is the definitive list of benefits of meditation.
PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS :
- It decreases respiratory rate.
- It increases blood flow and shows the heart rate.
- It lowers oxygen consumption.
- Leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation.
- Good for people with high blood pressure.
- Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
- Less energy wasted.
- Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing.
- Decreases muscle tension.
- Harmonizes our endocrine system and relaxes our nervous system.
- Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc.
- Reduction of free radicals, less tissue damage.
- Reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.
- Significant relief from asthma.
- Produce lasting beneficial changes in brain electrical activity.
PSYCHOLGICAL BENEFITS :
- Meditation builds self – confidence.
- Increases serotonin level, influences mood and behaviour.
- Increased emotional stability and control own thoughts.
- Helps with focus and concentration.
- Increased creativity and improved relationships.
- Improved relations at home and at work.
- Increased ability to solve complex problems.
- React more quickly and more effectively to a stressful event.
- Increases one’s perceptual ability and motor performance, higher intelligence growth rate.
- Helps in quitting smoking, alcohol addiction.
- Reduces need and dependency on drugs, pills and pharmaceuticals.
- Need less time to fall asleep, helps cure insomnia.
- Decrease in tendency to worry, increases listening skills and empathy.
- Helps make more accurate judgements and greater tolerance.
- Grows a stable, more balanced personality and develops emotional maturity.
SPIRITUAL BENEFITS :
- Provides peace of mind, happiness and helps keep things in perspective.
- Helps you discover your purpose.
- Increased self – actualization and increased compassion.
- Growing wisdom and deeper understanding of yourself and others.
- Brings body, mind, spirit in harmony.
- Increased acceptance of oneself.
- Creates a deeper relationship with your God.
- Deeper level of spiritual relaxation.
- Helps learn forgiveness.
- Helps living in the present moment.
- Creates a widening, deepening capacity for love.
- Discovery of the power and consciousness beyond the ego.
- Experience an inner sense of “Oneness”.
- Increases the synchronicity in your life.
- Experience an inner sense of “Assurance or knowingness”.
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