Message #17769

[mccoy]

Dhyana

Uninterrupted meditation without an object is called dhyana. Concentration (dharana) leads to the state of meditation. The goal of meditation is not unconsciousness or nothingness. It is heightened awareness and oneness with the universe. How do you tell the difference between concentration and meditation? If there is awareness of distraction, you are only concentrating and not meditating. The calm achieved in meditation spills over into all aspects of your life — during a hectic day at work, shopping for groceries, coordinating the Halloween party at your child's school.

I find more logical and effective the the interpretation of the great Paramhansa Yogananda.

Dharana is concentration, focusing the mind attention (energy) on just one object (physical or non physical) at a time.

Dhyana (meditation) is dharana (concentration) with God as object of focusing. Meditation is simply concentration upon God.