Understanding Meditation: A Journey Within
The practice of meditation in yoga is profound and mysterious. It allows the mind to connect with the Spirit within. Simply put, meditation is an experience of delight in one’s own being—a state of inner joy beyond words.
As expressed in Building a Noble World:
“Meditation can transform a person’s character, conduct, and behavior. Through the practice of meditation, lost energy is replenished, memory is improved, intellect is sharpened, and intuition is developed. Meditation removes all worries and tensions of the mind.”
The Eight Limbs of Yoga: Where Does Meditation Fit?
The eight limbs of yoga are not only an organic unity, but they are also progressive steps toward inner transformation. Each step builds upon the previous one, creating a natural journey toward self-realization. these steps must be followed in sequence—one cannot skip ahead.
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, meditation (dhyana) is the seventh limb, meaning one must first establish a strong foundation by mastering the preceding six limbs. Only then can true meditation unfold effortlessly.
Here is the roadmap to inner transformation through the eight limbs of yoga:
1. Yama – Social Discipline (How You Interact with Others)
These are five ethical principles for living harmoniously:
- Ahimsa – Non-violence
- Satya – Truthfulness
- Asteya – Non-stealing
- Brahmacharya – Celibacy
- Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness or non-greed
2. Niyama – Personal Discipline
These five practices cultivate self-purification and spiritual discipline:
- Saucha – Cleanliness (inner and outer)
- Santosha – Contentment
- Tapas – Self-discipline and austerity
- Svadhyaya – Self-study and study of spiritual texts
- Ishvara Pranidhana – Surrender to the Divine
3. Asana – Physical Posture
Practicing steady and comfortable body postures to prepare for meditation.
4. Pranayama – Breath Control
Regulating and expanding the life force (prana) through breathing techniques.
5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the Senses
Turning the senses inward, detaching from external distractions to focus on inner awareness.
6. Dharana – Concentration
Fixing the mind on a single object, thought, or sound, cultivating deep focus.
7. Dhyana – Meditation
Effortless awareness and a continuous flow of focus, leading to inner stillness and peace.
8. Samadhi – The Ultimate Absorption
A state of pure consciousness where the meditator, meditation, and the object of meditation dissolve into one.
Each step naturally leads to the next, guiding the practitioner toward higher states of awareness and self-discovery. By following this structured path, meditation becomes effortless, and the final state of samadhi unfolds spontaneously.
Though the word dhyana is often translated as meditation, it has no exact English equivalent.
Yoga: Science, Not Religion
Yoga is not a religion; it is a science of experience. Just as science relies on experiments, yoga relies on experiences. Experimenting happens outside, while experiencing happens inside.
The Purpose of Meditation
Meditation calms the mind, brings inner peace, and helps you develop love and compassion. Just as deep sleep refreshes the body, meditation rejuvenates the soul.
The ultimate goal of meditation is to realize one’s true Self—the source of profound peace and eternal joy.
What is the True Self?
Swami Muktananda (1908–1982), known as the Guru’s Guru, described the Self as:
“The one who understands the most secret things inside you is the Self. Even in deep sleep, something within you observes everything. That being is the Self, so meditate on the Self.”
Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) illustrated this beautifully in Raja Yoga:
“The bottom of a lake cannot be seen if the surface is covered with ripples. Only when the waves subside does the lake become clear. The lake is the mind, the waves are thoughts, and the bottom is our true Self.”
When you realize your true Self, you no longer identify solely with the body or mind.
Meditation: The Art of Witnessing
Meditation is not about thinking—it is about witnessing.
- Thinking is an action of the mind—like running is an action of the legs. When thinking stops, you are in meditation.
- Witnessing is beyond action—just look, letting the mind think.
- You can either think or witness, but not both at the same time.
Sage Kapil, in Sankhya Darshan, defines meditation as a state devoid of thought. The goal of meditation is absolute silence—to go beyond the mind and its chatter.
Who Am I, truly? The Question That Changes Everything
Are you the mind? No! The mind is simply a tool, just like a microphone is an instrument.
The mind has four parts:
- Manas – Conscious mind
- Chitta – Unconscious mind
- Buddhi – Intellect
- Ahankara – Ego
Just as a surgeon under anesthesia feels no pain, the Self continues to exist even when the mind is unconscious.
Meditation Connects You to the Source
Meditation is not about focusing on the mind—it is about returning to the source of the mind, the innermost Self (Atman).
If you try to chase your thoughts, that is mentation, not meditation.
The Most Natural Meditation Technique
The Hamsa technique, described in Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, is a simple yet powerful method.
The Sanskrit verse states:
“The exhaling breath (prana) ascends, and the inhaling breath (jiva) descends, forming a rhythmic cycle. By focusing on the space between breaths, one enters the state of meditation.”
Your breath is the bridge between the body and the Spirit.
The Four Steps of Breathing Awareness
During meditation, observe these four natural steps:
- Breathing in
- A gap (pause)
- Breathing out
- A gap (pause)
The gap between breaths is the key to deep meditation.
Turiya: The Fourth State Beyond Waking and Dreaming
Meditation takes you beyond:
- Waking state (jagrat)
- Dreaming state (swapna)
- Deep sleep state (sushupti)
The fourth state, Turiya, is pure awareness—like the thread running through a necklace of beads.
Happiness vs. Bliss: The Big Difference
Happiness is temporary—it depends on external objects.
- A song brings joy, but when the music stops, the joy fades.
- A beautiful sight delights you, but once it disappears, so does the happiness.
Bliss, on the other hand, is eternal. It does not depend on anything outside you—it arises from within, just as heat is intrinsic to fire.
Mind vs. Brain: What’s the Difference?
Your mind is not your brain.
- The brain dies with the body.
- The mind carries forward from birth to birth.
- Memories, thoughts, and impressions stay with the eternal “I-awareness” (chetna).
Do I Need to Change My Religion to Meditate?
Not at all! Meditation is not about religion—it is about experiencing your own Spirit.
- Do you give up your religion when you sleep? No.
- Meditation is simply a conscious sleep, beyond waking and dreaming.
No matter your faith, background, or culture, meditation is for everyone.
Meditation: The Path to Your Innermost Self
The “I” or pure awareness is your true nature—whether you call it Self, Being, Consciousness, Guru, or God.
Meditation cannot be understood intellectually—it must be experienced.
When you meditate, you discover your divinity. You realize that you are pure Spirit, eternal, blissful, and divine.
A Final Thought: Your Journey Begins Now
If you truly wish to know yourself, meditate.
“Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
Meditation is the way to experience your deepest essence. It is your birthright.
Through meditation, you’re not only transforming your own life but also contributing to a collective shift in consciousness. Research has shown that such shifts can reduce violence, encourage cooperation, and create a more harmonious world.
May you experience true meditation and the boundless peace within you!