Dhyana is a part of Astanga yoga. It is related to the practice of mind and is the gateway to inner world. One can enter and into dhyana stage after the practice of shatkarma, asana, pranayama. They involve controlling the mind to finally transcend the mind. It helps to improve the concentration and emotional stability and improves the functioning of mental activities.
There are several methods to practice dhyana. All the practices of dhyana are to be focussed on a single point either a mantra or an object.
Process of Dhyana
- Sit in any meditative posture.
- Place hands in Jnana mudra on the knees.
- Spine should be straight and relaxed with closed eyes.
- Now focus on breathing.
- Observe inhalation and exhalation.
- Maintain the process for 5–7 minutes.
- Slowly bring awareness back to the surroundings.
- Gently rub the palms together and place them on eyes.
- After few seconds remove palms and open eyes.
This is the practice of breath awareness. One can practice it by focussing on different things, i.e., any object in between eyebrow center, any sound, etc.
Meditation or Dhyana activates the parasympathetic nervous system which provides the relaxation of body and mind.
- It helps in controlling the blood pressure.
- It normalises the heart rate.
- It helps to calm down all the mental activities.
- It reduces anxiety.
