#31: Dhyana
"Dhyana is retaining one's tranquil state of mind in any circumstance, unfavorable as well as favorable, and not being disturbed or frustrated even when adverse conditions present themselves one after another."
~ D.T. Suzuki
Dhyāna is a beautiful Sanskrit word and is one of my favourite yogic limbs.
What’s more, it is also a word with similar meanings in many other ancient wisdom traditions, including Zen, and I love that!
Lying on the ground in Savasana is, perhaps, the place I think I’ve most often slipped into Dhyana.
So, in this sense, Dhyana is a state of being, rather than something that can be done.
It is not an achievement of any kind, and it’s not somewhere that we have to get to.
As I understand, it doesn’t work like that.
This seventh limb, commonly translated as “meditation”, is the second of the three internal limbs according to the sage, Patanjali, and as with all things yoga, there is no one-size-fits-all description because the experience is as unique as the practitioner.
But, essentially, Dhyana is about the removal of the distractions and obstructions to reveal the ever-presence of oneness.
It’s about seeing the truth of who we are and the world around us.
Therefore, it could be said that Dhyana is about living our yoga, in all moments, and not just when we are on our mats.
Because, when we allow ourselves to open up in this way, we get to pull back the screen on reality – and then we realise that all is one and that everything only ever exists within the here and now.
Remembering this when life is happening at full-throttle and when it’s pulling us here, there and everywhere, is, I guess, the real challenge. Well, it is for me anyway.
As always, my gentle invitation involves quiet contemplation, in light of everything we have discussed this far, and may I suggest holding the beautiful Dhyana mudra to further enhance the experience.
Then, if you think you can reach Dhyana, do the real work and try and see how long you can go, operating in the world as we need to, while remaining in the state of Dhyana.
And do not be surprised if/when it gets difficult. We are only human, so, please, be kind to yourself.
The comments are open to everybody, so feel welcome to share any thoughts.
We’re all in this together.
With kindness,
Louisa
Further Resources: