Dhyana yoga is a meditative practice that aims to achieve universal consciousness and enlightenment. It is the seventh step in Ashtanga yoga and can be done through physical activity. It is believed to have physical and mental benefits, including stress relief and positive energy. The practice involves uniting the physical, astral, and subtle bodies and can be done in the dhyana mudra position.
Dhyana yoga is a form of meditative yoga. It is meant to bring the practitioner to a state of heightened awareness of his oneness with the universe. This type of consciousness is known as universal consciousness. It is different from the practice of dharana yoga, where the goal is to focus on the meditation itself to enhance specific focus goals.
Dhyana yoga is considered in the practice of ashtanga yoga as the seventh of the eight steps, or sutras, necessary to achieve enlightenment. This state of enlightenment is known in Sanskrit as nirvana, which means “freedom from suffering.” In Ashtanga yoga, it is called samadhi, which means complete unity or balance. The other steps include a commitment to ethical conduct and religious study, as well as physical postures called asanas and breathing practices called pranayama.
Dhyana is Sanskrit for “meditation,” which focuses on the divine. It does not have to be done sitting down or with your eyes closed. Dhyana yoga can also be an active meditation used in physical activity. In addition to its use as a religious meditative practice, dhyana yoga is also believed to calm the mind and emotions.
This yoga is believed to produce physical benefits as well. Some dhyana yoga practitioners claim that meditation helps with digestion and blood circulation. Medical experts in the West have recommended meditation for its reported abilities to relieve stress and enhance feelings of well-being. Traditionally, the practice of dhyana yoga is thought to strengthen the mind by raising positive energy, known in Sanskrit as kundalini, through the spine.
In the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, a person is considered to have three levels of being or bodies. These are called the physical, the astral and the subtle. It is believed that the physical is centered in the navel. The astral resides in the middle of the forehead, and the subtle is in the heart. During dhyana yoga meditation, the intention is to mentally unite the three points in yourself and connect the prana, or life force, you create with the outside world.
When practicing dhyana yoga in a seated position, it is traditional to form the hands in what is known as the dhyana mudra position. This is accomplished by placing your thumbs lightly against your index fingers to form a circle, then resting your hands in your lap. This position can be seen in many statues and paintings of the Buddha.
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