Dhyana — The Ancient Art of Deep Meditation

Complete guide to Dhyana — the seventh limb of yoga. How to progress from concentration to absorption to samadhi.

What Is Dhyana?

Dhyana is the seventh of Patanjali's eight-limbed path of yoga — the sustained, unbroken flow of attention toward a single object of meditation. Distinguished from Dharana (concentration, which requires effort) and Samadhi (absorption, which is spontaneous), Dhyana is the bridge — concentration sustained until effort dissolves.

The Progression: Dharana to Dhyana to Samadhi

Dharana: Holding attention on an object. The mind wanders; you bring it back. Dhyana: The mind settles into the object more continuously; gaps become shorter. Samadhi: The distinction between meditator and object dissolves. This progression cannot be forced — it is cultivated through consistent practice.

Objects for Dhyana Practice

Traditional objects: a candle flame (Trataka), the breath, a yantra, a mantra sound, or the heart centre. The AUM vibration is considered the supreme object — it is both gross (audible) and subtle (inner nada), making it a bridge between concentration and pure awareness.