Chapter-3, Sutra 02

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.2

(Dhyana)

तत्र प्रत्ययैकतानता ध्यानम् || ३.२ ||

"Dhāraṇā (concentration) when maintained in an unbroken flow or continuity of mental focus on the object is called Dhyāna (meditation)."

In this Sutra, Patanjali defines "Dhyāna" (meditation) as a state where the mind remains continuously focused on a single object without any distraction. The term "प्रत्ययैकतानता" refers to the uninterrupted flow of consciousness or mental patterns. When the mind achieves a state of such sustained focus, free from interruption, the practice transitions from "Dhāraṇā" (concentration) to "Dhyāna" (meditation). This means that Dhyāna involves not just focusing on an object, but maintaining that focus in a continuous, undisturbed manner, which deepens the meditator's absorption in the object.

Dhyāna is considered an advanced stage of meditation in the path of yoga. It is a link between concentration (Dhāraṇā) and the final state of meditation (Samādhi). The uninterrupted flow of Awareness means that the meditator does not waver between the object and external distractions. Instead, the meditator's Consciousness becomes fully absorbed in the object of focus, moving toward a union between the subject (meditator) and the object of meditation. The mind, in this state, ceases to oscillate and remains in a steady and calm state of observation.

This state of Dhyāna is essential in progressing toward deeper spiritual insight or Samādhi, where the meditator transcends the duality of subject and object entirely. Dhyāna is also mentioned as part of the "Ashtanga Yoga" (eight-limbed path), specifically as the seventh limb. Patanjali emphasizes that mastering Dhyāna is crucial to Realizing the True Self beyond the physical and mental layers.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"The mind tries to think of one object, to hold itself to one particular spot, as the top of the head, the heart, etc., and if the mind succeeds in receiving the sensations only through that part of the body, and through no other part, that would be Dharana, and when the mind succeeds in keeping itself in that state for some time it is called Dhyana 

(meditation)."

Comparison with Similar Verses:

Bhagavad Gita 6.19

"यथा दीपो निवातस्थो नेङ्गते सोपमा स्मृता।

योगिनो यतचित्तस्य युञ्जतो योगमात्मनः॥"

"Just as a lamp, situated in a windless place, does not flicker—this is the comparison used to describe the yogi whose mind is controlled, who practices union with the Self."

Here, Lord Krishna compares the mind in meditation to a flame that does not flicker, symbolizing the steadiness and continuous focus of Dhyāna. Similar to Patanjali's description of unbroken mental flow, this verse emphasizes the need for unwavering attention during meditation.

Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.8

"यदा पश्यः पश्यते रुक्मवर्णं कर्तारमीशं पुरुषं ब्रह्मयोनिम्।

तदा विद्वान् पुण्यपापे विधूय निरञ्जनः परमं साम्यमुपैति॥"

"When one perceives the golden-hued creator, the Lord, the source of Brahman, the wise one shakes off virtue and vice, becoming free from impurities, and attains Supreme Unity."

This Upanishadic verse discusses the deep spiritual vision achieved through meditation. When the meditator’s mind is steady and undistracted, the experience of the Divine Self (Brahman) arises. The description parallels 

Dhyāna's role in leading to the Ultimate Union (Samādhi) 

by transcending dualities.

Yoga Vashishta 5.78.10

"चित्तस्यैकाग्रतायाः फलमुक्तं परं पदम्।

येन चित्तं निरालम्बं निराकारं प्रसन्नधीः॥"

"The fruit of one-pointedness of the mind is said to be the Supreme State, where the mind becomes unsupported, formless, and perfectly tranquil."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta mirrors the teachings of Patanjali, where one-pointed concentration (चित्तस्यैकाग्रता) leads to the highest spiritual attainment. The emphasis here is on achieving a formless, tranquil state of mind, aligning with Dhyāna's continuous and undisturbed focus.

In these comparative verses, the continuity of focus and steadiness of mind are central to meditation practices across different Vedic and Yogic texts. All describe the deepening of meditative states as key to Realizing Higher Truths and attaining Self-Realization.