Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and Meditation

The Sanskrit word “Yuj” is the root from where the expression, “Yoga” was originated. “Yuj” literally means, “to integrate.” Though the ultimate goal of Yoga is “Moksha” (Originated from “Mohakshya”: Moha=desires + Kshaya=decay, cession, etc) or “liberation,” the entire “framework” of Yoga “integrates” the mind, body and soul when practiced. Therefore, in a physical sense, it helps the practitioner to integrate his ‘self’ with the world and lead a ‘balanced and harmonious’ life to churn out success in “all spheres” of life. “Karma yogi” is one such example expressions that mean “the one who has” integrated “actions” (work) with his life.”

“Dhyana” or Meditation is an integral part of Yogic “exercises” and it is described as the “7^th limb” or “Anga” of the “Ashtanga” of the total of 8 limbs (steps) prescribed in “Patanjali Yoga Sutras” before one reaches, “Samadhi” which is a “meditative absorption” of life. “Dhyana” originated from the root, “Dhyati” which means, “to think,” or “to contemplate.” In English, the word Meditation is derived out the Latin word “Meditatio” from its verb form “Meditari” which also means the same as “Dhyati” in Sanskrit.

Meditation or Dhyana, when practiced, allows “knowledge and wisdom” to seep into the mind which has become uncluttered after practicing Dhyana. When Dhyana is practiced continuously, it is said to help the practitioner to know “the true nature of things” without illusion, without which, one cannot achieve great successes in life.

There is a general notion that Meditation helps one to ‘focus.’ This is incorrect. What Mediation does is un cluttering the mind to enable the Self within to allow ‘productive thoughts’ and in a modern context for a corporate executive or for that matter a house wife, it comes as a great tool in enhancing productivity. It enables excellent comprehension of even complex things by speeding up the efficiency of the 5 sensory organs to churn out solutions.

Intuition is another priceless benefit Meditation bestows on a person and this is often practiced by successful businessmen and corporate managers alike. When Yoga is practiced properly with its seventh limb of Dhyana, it makes the practitioner “Mindful” of what he is doing and mindfulness is said to be such a power, it helps people to take always right decisions and most importantly help them to be respected, accepted and followed in the society.

– C Devidasan, Wow Factors India