Yogi Corner: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The most famous part of the Yoga Sutras is called the "eight limbs." Sometimes referred to as branches, these limbs are to be worked on until the impurities are dwindled away in order to achieve yoga. For September we will discuss the next limb, that of "Dhyana."
"Tatra Pratyayaikatanata Dhyanam"
B.3, V.2
Translation: Dhyana is the continuous flow of cognition toward that object.
Quite simply, Dhyana is Meditation. Many students will often comment to me that they have not "tried" meditation. Well, first of all, there is no trying in meditation. Meditation is an effortless state of being that one simply achieves. Could this state take time? Yes. Could one achieve this state immediately? Yes. And is it possible that one has already achieved Dhyana and simply is unaware that they have? Most likely.
You see, mediation occurs when you have lost sense of time and space. You are not asleep, but you are not conscious to what is happening around you either. It is the in-between space where you are locked in an unbroken flow of consciousness with the object in which you are meditating on.
Those who knit, garden, ski, paint, or enjoy activities such as these, will probably be able to easily say that they have "lost" themselves in that activity and what felt like a minute or so turned out to be an hour or so. Guess what? That is Dhyana! I have achieved this state many times during my home yoga practice. Moving to the breath and flow of the Universe, I am lost into the practice.
Many people still think of meditation as sitting in a traditional seated posture, with the back straight, eyes closed, and trying to concentrate on one thought, image or idea. Guess what? You are trying again. You will probably never achieve mediation this way. Many teachers will guide you to meditation by reminding you to allow any thoughts, at first, become aware of the breath and slowly release the other thoughts. When they flow back in, acknowledge them, then let them go again. This is the "practice" part. But after some time, you may get better at just letting it go. For other people, I usually recommend an activity oriented style of meditation. If you like to do any artistic endeavor, let that be your meditation. Any physical activity can be a source of meditation. Be creative and enjoy the process - that is the key. Not everyone has to sit up quietly in a traditional type way.
We offer Meditation classes on Monday evenings with Robin O'Hagan, a spirit medium & psychic. She has developed her skills of meditation through her own gifts and can show you how to tune into yours. Drop in any Monday evening 7:30 pm in the Meditation Room to explore this avenue with Robin. Or come to any yoga class on our schedule for a more active method of meditation. It's all part of the journey - sometimes we all need to a little guidance in finding our way.
Namaste.
Tracey
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