Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi
“Sutra 4.31 When the mind is free from the clouds that prevent perception, all is known, there is nothing to be known”
The last 3 limbs of Ashtanga that are internally focused. The Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara require the external world for us to work on them. They do however guide us inwards. Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi require only our inner worlds/states.
Dharana - Concentration. The effort stage. This is what we are doing when we sit down to meditate. It is the ability to direct or minds focus on an object, a mantra, a body scan. Our minds are like a wild animal needing to be tamed and during meditation we spend the majority of the time bringing our mind gently back to our chosen focus. Sri Swami Satchidananda says that this is the thinking/focusing with lots of interruptions stage. Most people give up at this stage or think that they can’t meditate. It is like practicing any new skill. How many times do toddlers fall when learning to walk?
Dhyana - Meditation. The effortless stage. When in true meditation the mind focus is fixed on its chosen focus with no distractions or competing attractions and there is an uninterrupted flow.
Samadhi - Contemplation. I have never experienced this and most don’t. Sri Swami Satchidananda says that this stage is when you become what you think and there is no awareness that you are meditating anymore. The impact of Samadhi is that you become liberated and then can be an active truly good person in the world. Your actions will no longer cause harm. Something to aspire to.
Resources/References
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali , Translation and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, 2019
The Heart of Yoga, Developing a Personal Practice, T.K.V Desikachar, 1995
