\n<\/p>\n
Dharana, signifying concentration, involves fixing the mind steadfastly on a chosen focal point, be it a symbol, mantra, deity, or chakra. It\u2019s akin to steadily dripping water, yet interruptions from other thoughts may arise at this stage.<\/p>\n
Transitioning to Dhyana, the stage of meditation, the mind achieves a ceaseless focus on the chosen object. Interruptions dissolve, leaving room for a singular thought to dominate. Picture this as a stream of honey flowing consistently without disruption, differentiating Dharana\u2019s water-like drops from Dhyana\u2019s seamless flow. Here, our concentration is so profound that external disturbances hold no sway. This is true meditation.<\/p>\n
At the summit lies Samadhi or enlightenment, where meditation engulfs us to such an extent that we transcend self-awareness. In this state, the boundary of \u2018I\u2019 dissolves, and we become one with the object of meditation. To illustrate, meditating on the divine erases our identity, merging us with the thought of the divine. Samadhi\u2019s complexities extend further, but I won\u2019t delve into them here.<\/p>\n
Collectively, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi constitute \u2018samyama,\u2019 the core of meditative practice. Patanjali elaborates on various objects of meditation for seekers to initiate their practice. In subsequent sutras, he explores supernatural abilities or siddhis that samyama can unlock, cautioning against their allure as they hinder the path to Samadhi.<\/p>\n