The Supreme Meditation Formula by Patanjali
Patanjali, the highest authority on the science of yoga, gives us the most transformative definition of meditation in his Yoga Sutras:
तत्र प्रत्ययैकतानता ध्यानम् ॥3.2॥
Tatra pratyayaikatanata dhyanam — Yoga Sutra 3.2
Translation: When the mind stays focused on a single stream of thought for a long duration, that is meditation.
Dhyana: A Simple Yet Powerful Practice
Patanjali’s method of meditation is subtle and profound. Direct all your awareness toward a single object, idea, or mantra—effortlessly and continuously. That steady flow of consciousness is dhyana.
Let Meditation Happen—Don’t Force It
Meditation is not something you do. Effort itself becomes a barrier. You can only create the right inner atmosphere and allow meditation to happen. Just as you open a window to let in sunlight, meditation happens when the doer disappears.
The Path to Samadhi Begins with Discipline
Dhyana is the seventh step in Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga:
Yama (ethical disciplines)
Niyama (personal observances)
Asana (steady posture)
Pranayama (breath control)
Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (meditation)
Samadhi (liberation)
Each step leads naturally to the next. They are not arbitrary—they are a progression of inner refinement.
Preparing the Inner Temple
Begin your meditation by mentally offering reverence to all saints and sages. Their blessings will silently guide your journey inward. Take a few deep, conscious breaths to relax and center yourself.
Create a Sacred Seat
Face east or north. Sit on a woolen blanket covered with silk, as recommended by Paramahansa Yogananda. This insulates you from earth currents. Avoid stitched clothing—traditional yogis believe it restricts energy flow. A Rudraksha mala worn around your neck provides a subtle shield of spiritual energy.
Stillness of the Body Is Key
Sit in a steady posture like padmasana (lotus pose). Keep your spine erect and your entire body motionless. This physical stillness supports inner stillness.
Turn Within
Close your eyes. Withdraw your attention from the external world. Relax your body. Let your mind settle. Be aware of the inner “I.”
Use the Breath as Your Anchor
Focus on your natural breath. Simply watch the incoming and outgoing breath. If you have a mantra, silently repeat it with each breath. Mantra repetition (japa) is a powerful way to center your awareness.
Discover the Witness Within
As you observe your breath, you begin to recognize: you are not the breath. You are the observer—the witness. Meditation deepens when you rest in that witnessing awareness.
The Silent Gap Holds the Secret
Breathing has four steps: inhale, pause, exhale, pause. These pauses are silent windows into stillness. Meditation often arises in these gaps—moments beyond thought and effort.
You Are Not Your Thoughts
When thoughts arise, gently remember: anything that can be observed is not you. You are the sky, and thoughts are just passing clouds. Rest in the open sky of pure awareness.
You Are the Eternal Self
At the deepest level, you are not the body. Not the mind. Not even the breath. You are the unchanging, pure Self—the witness of all experiences.
Witnessing: The Heart of Meditation
Meditation is pure witnessing. It means watching without judgment, reaction, or effort. The more you witness, the more the thoughts dissolve on their own, and inner silence dawns.
Your Awareness Never Sleeps
Even in dreams, something in you is aware. That eternal witness never sleeps. That is the real you—your true identity.
A Practice Beyond Religion
Meditation transcends religious boundaries. It is the essence of all spiritual traditions. Whether Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, or any path—meditation connects you to your innermost being.
Why Meditation Is Essential
Through meditation, you access a part of yourself that is untouched by the outer world. It purifies your mind, strengthens your focus, and awakens deep joy. Meditation empowers you to stay calm even amid chaos.
The Magnetic Power of Faith
Faith draws divine grace. Baba Muktananda, in From the Finite to the Infinite, shared how many readers received spiritual awakening simply by meditating with his earlier book held to their heart. Such is the power of devotion and surrender.
Final Blessing: Discover Your Inner Light
May you find delight in your own being through meditation. Sit silently. Watch. Witness. In this sacred witnessing, the light of your true Self will shine forth.
Thank you for the article Shivji! There is so much written here on meditation each paragraph is like a diamond. I look forward to trying this method of meditation and referring back to this article for support.