In this fast-paced world of 21st century, the most sought-after things indeed are serenity and peace. Being at peace with ourselves, within ourselves. The more kinetic the world has become, the more has increased the search for peace. Over the years, numerous ways have been discovered and tried by many. And probably, the best among them is Dhyana or Meditation.
Scientific elaboration of the vibration of Prana along 6 Chakras of spinal cord
The obvious questions, now:
- Does dhyana refer to mere sitting down and concentrating on a certain thing?
- Or, calmly sitting down and trying to think about nothing?
And, most importantly:
- Can dhyana be performed explicitly or does it happen on its own?
To realize the answers, it’ll be better to dig deeper-
Dhyana is mentioned In the Sadhana Pada of Yoga sutra by Maharshi Patanjali. Here Maharshi expatiates on the perpetual, most secret and scientific knowledge of Yoga. Yoga is to be attained through eight different stages. Yoga – meaning union. Union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. Where, personal desires cease to exist.
Yoganganushthanadashuddhikshaye jnanadiptiravivekakhyate [28]
With the performance of the eight-fold yoga, impurities will be eliminated, the Radiance of Beatific jnana[Knowledge] beyond the gunas will expand.
With the performance of the eight-fold yoga, impurities will be eliminated, the Radiance of Beatific jnana[Knowledge] beyond the gunas will expand.
yama niyamasana pranayama pratyahara dharanadhyanasamadhayoshtavangani [29]
Yama, niyama,asana,pranayam, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi -- these are the eight limbs of yoga.
Yama, niyama,asana,pranayam, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi -- these are the eight limbs of yoga.
Dhyana is the seventh stage of eightfold yoga. Meditation is undoubtedly the latest craze and it is claimed that it helps in instant self-awakening. However, the truth is, only after succeeding the severely exact six previous stages of yoga discipline, dhyana occurs. Dhyana occurs on its own. It can not be performed as an action point. When, all the sensory faculties and manas[mind] itself become static-as the desire to sit for dhyana even cease to exist. Dhyana is not concentration, rather its realizing the self through Yoga sadhana. Unconditional, endless and selfless LOVE for the eternal flow of Prana prevails. The Sadhana of Prana - Pranayama. This is when Nishkam karma occurs on its own. Karma that doesn’t generate any karmafal [karmic result]. This is the stage where yogi prepares himself for the final stage of Absolute Union (Samadhi).
The eternal Holy knowledge to reach this state is in fact Brahma vidya as described by Sri Bhagavan in Gita. The supreme science of the soul within. But with Yuga decedance, this Prana Sadhana or Atma vidya sank into oblivion.
Advent of Bhagavan at the Kali Yuga - Satya Yuga juncture
But, as promised by Bhagavan in Gita, He again came in the form of Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahasaya on the juncture of Kali Yuga and Satya Yuga. He again revived this Holy knowledge of Brahma Vidya as He imparted the teachings of Kriyayoga. The term ‘Kriyayoga’ is mentioned in Yoga Sutra of Maharshi Patanjali. Although mentioned very often as 'Kriya Yoga', in reality it's a single word - Kriyayoga. This is only Rajayoga and Karmayoga described in Gita. The knowledge of knowing the self.
The Holy Book Purana Purusha
Ref: Purana Purusha authored by Yogacharya Dr. Ashoke Kumar Chatterjee, World Kriyayoga Master. The book is based on the sacred and confidential 26 personal diaries written by Lahiri Mahasaya Himself during His most exalted Yogabastha. It’s also an authentic biography on the life of Lahiri Mahasaya. This book is a remarkable blend of spirituality, literature and philosophy with its part commentary on Bhagavat Gita, Upanishads and other scriptures.The Gita of Satya Yuga.
Yogacharya Dr. Ashoke Kumar Chatterjee, World Kriyayoga Master
A Mahayogi himself, Yogacharya Dr. Chatterjee has penned down several other books on the science of Kriyayoga. He is also the founder-director of Yogiraj Shyamacharan Sanatan Mission (YSSM).
Reach at : contact@yssm.in
Website : http://www.kriyayogashyamacharan.org/
Profile and blogs (excerpts from ‘Purana Purusha‘) in speakingtree :
