THREE STAGES OF MEDITATION
There are three stages of Meditation. The first is what is called [Dharana], concentrating the mind upon an object. I try to concentrate my mind upon this glass, excluding every other part from my mind except this glass. But the mind is wavering....
when it has become strong and does not waver so much, it is called [Dhyana], Meditation. And then higher state when the differentiation between the glass and myself is lost --[Samadhi or absorption]. The mind and the glass are identical. I do not see any difference.
All the senses stop and all powers that have been working through other channels of other senses [are focused in the mind]. Then this glass is under the power of the mind entirely. This is to be realized. It is a tremendous play played by the Yogis.
Dharana (-dha- “to hold) means being able to
hold attention on an object for
progressively longer periods of time without distraction. For example, you can
hold your attention on the light of a candle, or the rhythm of your breath for
extended period of time
THIRD STEP : SAMADHI
In the state of Samadhi the relationship between the object and the mind becomes very close, as if they have merged. At that point the mind begins to shed its conditioning and the object shines forth as it is. For example, if you meditate on a deity, in the state of Samadhi you take on the qualities of that deity.
At that point, according to Patanjali, instead of being clouded by your baggage, the mind becomes like a transparent crystal, able to reflect the object perceived, the instrument of perception (the mind) and the process of perception.
When you get to that stage, you are no longer bound by your biases and are able to see the realty for what it is (neither good nor bad) and yourself for what you are (unchanging True Self). So ultimately meditation is about cleansing the filter of your perception.
great
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