Concept of dharana, dhyana, and samadhi in prasthanatrayi and patanjali yoga sutra - An analysis.

Abstract

The concept of meditation is a practice that has been used for a long period of time. However, different people usually carry the concept of meditation for a different purpose. Some form of meditation is just simple and are just used by ordinary people just to attain a moment of relaxation or to reduce stress. However, some concepts of meditation are complex such as Samādhi. Nevertheless, some are religious-oriented while others are secular in nature. However, there is a lot that has been done in the field of science to try and explain the scientific explanation of meditation. But over the years, the aspect of meditation such as Samādhi has remained controversial with no proper scientific explanation. The principles of Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna, and Samādhi hold immense importance within Indian philosophical traditions. These profound practices are extensively discussed in the Prasthānatrayī, which comprises the foundational texts of Vedānta. Dhāraṇā involves directing and focusing the mind on a specific object, while Dhyāna denotes the meditative state that arises from sustained concentration. Samādhi represents the pinnacle of consciousness attained through the practice of Dhyāna, wherein the individual transcends personal identity and attains complete absorption in the object of meditation. These three practices are intricately interconnected and should be cultivated sequentially. The comprehensive exploration of Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna, and Samādhi is expounded in the Prasthānatrayī, encompassing the Yogasūtra, Brahmasūtra, and Upaniṣad, thereby providing a profound understanding of their significance in the Indian philosophical traditions.