MODULE – II Dhyana and Mudra

Contemporary Yoga

8
Notes

DHYANA AND MUDRA

In the previous lesson you have learnt the principles of shatkarma, types of shatkarma,
techniques of performing these techniques, benefits of shatkarma and the practice of these
techniques. Human mind never remains idle even for a moment. It remains constantly
engaged, thinking of good or bad things whether necessary or not, and whether they are
of our immediate concern or not. Dhyana or Meditation makes the individual to have
control over his thought process.

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the major treatises on Indian spirituality, states four Marga
(paths) to purify one’s mind and to reach the summit of spirituality – the path of Unselfish
Work, the path of Knowledge, the path of Devotion and the path of Meditation (Dhyana).
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Dhyana is the seventh limb of this path, following
Dharana and preceding Samadhi.

Dhyana is “a refined meditative practice” or a “deeper concentration of the mind”, which

is taken up after preceding exercises such as mastering pranayama (breath control) and
dharana (mental focus). Dhyana is integrally related to Dharana, one leads to other.
Dharana is a state of mind, Dhyana the process of mind. Dhyana is distinct from Dharana
in that the meditator becomes actively engaged with its focus.

In our modern day life, we are immersed in stress, over work, competition, fights, busy
life, technology and many others. All these reasons and many other reasons can make us
unhappy, frustrated and unhealthy. In busy schedules and other priorities, we put
ourselves in a low priority line. We do not get enough time to focus on our happiness and
peace. A simple 5 to 10 minutes meditation twice a day can help us to cheer up, be happy
and focused. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to say to his disciples, ‘Food is necessary
for the body, and so is sleep, because that is the urge of the physical body and Dhyana
fulfills the needs of the spiritual body’.

Meditation is observing inward and outward movements of thoughts that are coming and
going out of the mind, with silence (maunam), stability (dhiram) and detachment
(vairagyam). In yoga, mudras are used in conjunction with pranayama (yogic breathing
exercises), generally while seated in Padmasana, Sukhasana or Vajrasana pose, to

116 Yoga Assistant

Dhyana and Mudra MODULE – II
Contemporary Yoga
stimulate different parts of the body and mind, and to affect the flow of prana in the body.
In this lesson you will learn about the meaning and definition of Dhyana and Mudra, its
importance, its classification and the practice of meditation and mudras.

OBJECTIVES
Notes
After reading this lesson, you will be able to:
z explain the importance of Dhyana and Mudra;
z define Dhyana and Mudra;
z classify and categorize Dhyana and Mudra;
z practice meditation and mudra.

8.1 ETYMOLOGY AND DEFINITION OF DHYANA

Dhyana means “contemplation, reflection” and “profound, abstract meditation”. The
root of the word is Dhi, which in the earliest layer of text of the Vedas refers to
“imaginative vision” and associated with goddess Saraswati with powers of knowledge,
wisdom and poetic eloquence. This term developed into the variant dhya- and dhyana, or
“meditation”.

It is defined thus, “Un-interrupted flow (of the mind) towards the object (chosen for
Meditation) is ‘Dhyana’. Meditation is a state of mind wherein a person reaches out to his
sub conscious self”.

“Dhyanam nirvishyam manah” (Sankhya Sutra-6.25)- “That state of mind wherein there
is no vishaya or sensual thoughts, is known as Dhyana.

According to Maharishi Patanjali, “An incessant flow of attention on the concentrated

object is called Dhyana”.

Vivekananda explains Dhyana in Patanjali’s Yogasutra as, “When the mind has been
trained to remain fixed on a certain internal or external location, there comes to it the
power of flowing in an unbroken current, as it were, towards that point. This state is called
Dhyana”.

8.1.1 Dhyana Yoga

The Bhagavad Gita talks of four branches of yoga
z Karma Yoga: The yoga of work in the world
z Jnana yoga: The yoga of knowledge and intellectual endeavor
z Bhakti Yoga: The yoga of devotion
z Dhyana Yoga: The yoga of meditation (sometimes called Raja yoga or Ashtanga
yoga)

Yoga Assistant 117

 MODULE – II Dhyana and Mudra

Contemporary Yoga
The Dhyana Yoga system is specifically described by Lord Krishna in chapter 8 i.e.,
Dhyana yoga” of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Meditation in the Bhagavad Gita is a
means to one’s spiritual journey, requiring three moral values – Satya (truthfulness),
Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-covetousness).

Notes INTEXT QUESTIONS 8.1

1. The state of mind wherein there is no vishaya or sensual thoughts is known as
.................

2. The yoga of meditation (sometimes called Raja yoga or Ashtanga yoga) is called
Bhakti yoga. (True or False)

3. Match the following:

1. Karma Yoga: A. The yoga of knowledge and intellectual endeavour

2. Jnana yoga: B. The yoga of devotion

3. Bhakti Yoga: C. The yoga of work in the world

4. Dhyana Yoga: D. The yoga of meditation

8.2 TYPES OF MEDITATION

There are different kinds of meditation. A particular kind is best suited to a particular
mind. The kind of meditation varies according to taste, temperament, capacity and type
of mind of the individual. A devotee meditates on his tutelary deity or Ishta Devata. A Raja
Yogi meditates on the special Purusha or Isvara who is not touched by the afflictions,
desires and Karmas. A Hatha Yogi meditates on the Chakras and their presiding deities.
A Jnani meditates on his Self or Atman. One has to find out the kind of meditation that is
suitable for oneself. If one is not able to do this, they may consult a teacher or preceptor
who has attained Self-realisation.

Meditation is of two main kinds, viz., Saguna (concrete) meditation and Nirguna
(abstract) meditation. In concrete meditation the Yogic student concentrates on the form
of the Lord Krishna, Rama, Siva, Hari, Gayatri or Sri Devi. In abstract meditation he
concentrates the whole energy of the mind on one idea of God or Atman and avoids
comparisons of memories and all other ideas. The one idea fills the whole mind.

z Dhyana (meditation) is of two kinds viz., Japa-Sahita Dhyana, i.e., meditation attended
or associated with Japa, and Japa-Rahita Dhyana, i.e., meditation without any Japa
or pure meditation only. If a person repeat “Om Namo Narayanaya” mentally or
verbally, it is mere Japa. If a person repeats the Mantra and at the same time practise
to meditate in the form of Hari with conch, discus, mace, lotus, yellow cloth
(Pitambara), armlets, bracelets, etc., it is Japa-Sahita Dhyana. In this progress of
meditation the Japa will drop by itself. Then one will have meditation only. This will
constitute Japa-Rahita Dhyana.

118 Yoga Assistant

Dhyana and Mudra MODULE – II
Contemporary Yoga
z Dhyana is of three kinds as per Gheranda samhita. They are Sthula, Sukshma and
Jyotirmaya. Contemplating either on murthi (image) of one’s Guru or of God is
known as Sthula Dhyana. It is advised for beginners. Dhayna in which object is
Kundalini (serpent power)is known as Sukshma dhyana. Jyotirmaya or Tejodhyana
is said to be 100 times superior to Sthula dhyana. In this dhyana the meditating yogi
sees inner light and hears inner sounds and fixes his mind on that.
Notes
8.3 PRACTICE OF DHYANA/MEDITATION
z The basic process carries in it four tools viz. Dhyaata (meditating person), Dheya
(what to meditate), Dhyana (function of meditation) and Dhyana ka phal (fruit of
meditation).

z There are three distinct stages in this practice. The first leads to sense withdrawal,
the second to concentration, and the last to meditation, dhyana.

z It is not the mind that we have to tackle first; it is the sensations, the knowledge of the
five senses. If you close your eyes, you are only blocking the sensation of form.
What about the ears? You can still listen to so many sounds. To give a clear example,
if you imagine a little point, and try to concentrate on it, what happens? The senses
continue to feed the mind throughout. The messages keep coming to the brain which,
therefore, remains in an excited condition. In the practice of dhyana yoga the first
thing you have to do is cut the supply routes which carry sensations to the brain
constantly, during wakefulness, sleep, and dreams. That is the first stage in dhyana
yoga.

z In the second stage you have to concentrate on one point. The point can be anything-
a cross, your guru, a black dog, a flower, a light, a star. What is important is that the
object of meditation which you have selected is an absolutely spontaneous choice of
your mind, so that you don’t have to force it. For instance, I find it easy to concentrate
on the form of my guru, because I lived with him for twelve years. It is difficult for
me to concentrate on a form which I have not seen. It is not the divinity of the object
which is important when you are trying to concentrate. It is your fraternity with the
object that is important- how close you feel, how spontaneous you are, how
comprehensive and intimate your relationship is with that object. If you do not feel
these things then you will find concentration very hard. Again and again your mind
will become dissipated.

(Taken from Address by Swami Satyananda Saraswati during the World Yoga Convention
held at Satyananda Ashram, Mangrove Mountain, Australia in October 1978.)

8.4 CONTEMPORARY TRENDS OF MEDITATION

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

TM is one of the most widely practised and researched meditation techniques. Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi (1918–2008) introduced the TM technique and TM movement in India, in

Yoga Assistant 119

 MODULE – II Dhyana and Mudra

Contemporary Yoga
the mid-1950s. He popularized the technique in the U.S. in the 1960s.The meditation
practice involves the use of a mantra and is practised for 15–20 minutes twice per day
while sitting with the eyes closed. Hundreds of scientific research studies have shown that
practising the Transcendental Meditation technique reduces stress, enhances brain
functioning, increases intelligence and creativity, improves memory and learning ability,
improves academic performance, improves health and well-being, develops the personality,
improves interpersonal relationships, enhances athletic performance, and promotes inner
Notes
peace.

Vipassana Meditation
Vipassana means “to see things as they really are”; it is a logical process of mental
purification through self-observation. Vipassana in the Buddhist tradition means insight
into the true nature of reality, namely the three marks of existence: impermanence,
suffering or unsatisfactoriness, and the realisation of non-self. The technique of Vipassana
is a simple, practical way to achieve real peace of mind and to lead a happy, useful life in
which mindfulness of breathing and of thoughts, feelings and actions are being used to
gain insight into the true nature of reality. Vipassana enables us to experience peace and
harmony, it purifies the mind, freeing it from suffering and the deep-seated causes of
suffering. The practice leads step-by-step to the highest spiritual goal of full liberation
from all mental defilements. Vipassana is one of India’s most ancient meditation techniques.
It was rediscovered 2500 years ago by Gautama, the Buddha.

Sahajamarg Meditation
Sahaj Marg (The Natural Path), a form of Raja Yoga, is a heart-based meditation system.
The essential features of Sahaja Marg are Meditation, Cleaning and Prayer. The cleaning
of impressions (called samskaras) is claimed to be unique to this method. Meditation is on
the supposition of divine light in one’s heart. It is done for one hour every morning.
Cleaning is done to remove the accumulated grossness in oneself. It is undertaken in the
evening after the day’s work is over and lasts for 30 minutes. The bed time prayer is for
10-15 minutes.

8.5 IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF DHYANA

Dhyana regulates and controls electrical and chemical activities in the brain, heart
rhythm, blood pressure, skin’s capacity of resistance and many such functions inside the
body. It is an active hypometabolic condition. Psychologists call Dhyana as a state of
“relaxed attention”.

John White has enumerated some special benefits of Dhyana

z A feeling of tranquility and freedom in daily life.
z Reduction in psychological disorders like anxiety, tiredness and depression etc.
z Relief from various pains, such as headache, joint pains etc.
z Very beneficial in insomnia;

120 Yoga Assistant

Dhyana and Mudra MODULE – II
Contemporary Yoga
z Infinite patience, and increase in affection and sympathy for others
z Growth in devotion and belief in the Supreme Being and
z A stronger urge and aptitude for service and cooperation in social life

When we meditate, it has effects on brain in different ways.

z The frontal lobe of brain is the most evolved part and is responsible for planning, Notes
reasoning, emotions and awareness. During meditation the frontal cortex tends to go
offline.

z The parietal lobe is responsible for processing sensory information of the surrounding
world and helps in orientation in the present time and space. During meditation the
parietal lobe activity slows down.

z Thalamus region is the gatekeeper for all senses and it keeps sensory data of the
brain. Meditation helps to reduce the flow of incoming information and focuses mind
only inside of the body.

z Reticular formation receives the incoming stimuli and keeps brain in an alert condition.
Meditation keeps this area calm and quiet. Meditation increases critical thickness in
areas related to paying attention.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 8.2

1. Name the two kinds of meditation.
2. If Dhyaata stands for the meditating person then Dheya stands for ...............
3. Vipassana meditation was rediscovered 2500 years ago by ...............

8.6 ETYMOLOGY AND DEFINITION OF MUDRA

The word Mudra is derived from the root ‘Muda harshane’. Mudras are those yogic
practices which bring joy and bliss, energy and enthusiasm.

Mudras are very simple yogic practices used to evoke the feelings. A large variety of them
is used in dance. When they are used in yoga they evoke the Prana and set it in different
patterns. In Yoga, they increase the sensitivity, evoke and harness emotions through
neuro-mascular co-ordination. Probably they act on the glandular system. The physiology
of Mudras is yet to be understood.

8.6.1 Panchamahabhuta and Yogamudra

Yoga mudra and panchamahabhuta of the body have a close relationship. Mudras can be
used to balance the five vital elements of the body, which are water, earth, space, air, and

Yoga Assistant 121

 MODULE – II Dhyana and Mudra

Contemporary Yoga
fire. Any deficiency or excess of each element can cause a disorder and imbalance in the
mind and body. The thumb represents Agni (fire), the index finger represents Vayu (air),
the middle finger represents Akasha (space), the ring finger represents Prithvi (earth), and
the little finger represents Jala (water).

Notes

8.6.2 Classification of Mudras

1. Hasta mudra

2. Mana mudra

3. Kaya mudra

4. Bandha mudra

5. Adhara mudra

1. Hasta mudras (hand mudras) are conducive for meditation, and help in internalisation.

Name of the Translation(s) in Images

mudra in Sanskrit English

Anjali Mudra Gesture of reverence

Apana Mudra Psychic gesture of life force

122 Yoga Assistant

Dhyana and Mudra MODULE – II
Contemporary Yoga
Name of the Translation(s) in Images
mudra in Sanskrit English

Bhairava Mudra Fierce or terrifying attitude

Notes
Chin Mudra Psychic gesture of consciousness

Chinmaya Mudra Gesture of manifested

consciousness

Dhyana Mudra Psychic gesture of meditation

Gyana Mudra Psychic gesture of knowledge

Hakini Mudra Gesture of goddess Hakini

Hridaya Mudra Heart gesture

Linga Mudra Upright mudra

Yoga Assistant 123

 MODULE – II Dhyana and Mudra

Contemporary Yoga
Name of the Translation(s) in Images
mudra in Sanskrit English

Notes Prana Mudra Invocation of energy

Prithvi Mudra Psychic gesture of earth

Samana mudra

Shakti Mudra Psychic gesture of power

Shunya Mudra Psychic gesture of void or empty

Varuna Mudra Psychic gesture of Rain

124 Yoga Assistant

Dhyana and Mudra MODULE – II
Contemporary Yoga
Name of the Translation(s) in Images
mudra in Sanskrit English

Vishnu Mudra Hand gesture of Lord Vishnu Notes

Vayu Mudra Psychic gesture of air

Vyana mudra

Udana mudra

Yoni Mudra Attitude of the womb or source

Yoga Assistant 125

 MODULE – II Dhyana and Mudra

Contemporary Yoga
2. Mana mudras (head mudras) are an important part of Kundalini yoga.
Name Translation(s) in Images
in Sanskrit English

Notes Shambhavi Mudra Eyebrow centre gazing

Nasikagra Drishti Nosetip gazing

Mudra

Khechari Mudra Tongue lock

Kaki mudra The crow’s beak

Bhoochari Mudra Gazing into nothingness

Akashi mudra Awareness of inner space

126 Yoga Assistant

Dhyana and Mudra MODULE – II
Contemporary Yoga
Name Translation(s) in Images
in Sanskrit English

Shanmukhi mudra Closing the seven gates

Notes

Unmani Mudra The attitude of mindlessness

INTEXT QUESTIONS 8.3

1. Mana mudras (head mudras) are an important part of .................. yoga.
2. The English name for Khechari Mudra is ..................
3. Name any two mana mudras?

3. Kaya mudras (postural mudras) combine physical postures with breathing and
concentration.

Name Translation(s) in Images

in Sanskrit English

Vipareeta Karani Inverted psychic attitude

Mudra

Yoga Mudra Attitude of psychic union

Yoga Assistant 127

 MODULE – II Dhyana and Mudra

Contemporary Yoga
Name Translation(s) in Images
in Sanskrit English

Pashinee Mudra Folded psychic attitude

Notes

Manduki Mudra Gesture of the frog

Tadagi Mudra Barrelled abdomen technique

4. Bandha mudras (lock mudras) combine mudra and bandha.

Name Translation(s) in Images

in Sanskrit English

Maha Mudra Great psychic attitude

Maha Bheda Mudra The great separating attitude

Maha Vedha Mudra The great piercing attitude

128 Yoga Assistant

Dhyana and Mudra MODULE – II
Contemporary Yoga
5. Adhara mudras (perineal mudras) redirect prana from the lower centres to the brain.

Name Translation(s) in Images

in Sanskrit English

Notes

Ashwini Mudra Horse gesture

Vajroli/Sahajoli Thunderbolt/Spontaneous
Mudra psychic attitude

INTEXT QUESTIONS 8.4

1. The Sanskrit name of Barrelled abdomen technique is .....................
2. ..................... mudras (lock mudras) combine mudra and bandha.
3. Ashwini mudra comes under ..................... category of mudra.

8.7 IMPORTANCE & BENEFITS OF MUDRA

The word mudra has a number of different connotations in Yoga which include meditation
practices. However, Mudras are most commonly associated with various hand gestures.
The fingers are related to different types of energies and when they are brought together
in specific ways, they produce subtle effects. Each mudra serves a purpose such as
enhancing energy, concentration, memory, anxiety etc. The purpose of mudras is also to
control the involuntary physiological processes of the body. The practice of Mudra directs
the adjustment of intensity and direction of flow of energy and thereby regulates different
systems of the body. The stimulation and balance of ‘Sushumna’ and the relieving of stress
and anxiety are achieved by practising mudras in daily life. Mudras also lead to
involvement of Prana and development of awareness of the currents of prana which is
vital energy within the subtle body and sometimes steers pranic healing.

Yoga Assistant 129

 MODULE – II Dhyana and Mudra

Contemporary Yoga
Some of the benefits of mudras are as follows:
z The mudras benefit the bio magnetic fields, psyche, body, and mind in many ways.
z The purpose of mudra is to bring about a complete regeneration and transformation
of the body-mind principle and an expansion of the consciousness.
z The mudra clear the psychic centers and subtle channels in the body This allows the
Notes life force to flow freely to the various parts of the body.
z The mudras purify the body’s bio magnetic field and shield it from negative forces.

WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT

In this lesson, you have learnt that
z The Bhagavad Gita, one of the major treatises on Indian spirituality, states four
Margas (paths) to purify one’s mind and to reach the summit of spirituality – the
path of Unselfish Work, the path of Knowledge, the path of Devotion and the path of
Meditation (Dhyana).
z According to Maharishi Patanjali, “ An incessant flow of attention on the concentrated
object is called Dhyana”.
z Meditation in the Bhagavad Gita is a means to one’s spiritual journey, requiring
three moral values – Satya (truthfulness), Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha
(non-covetousness).
z Dhyana is of three kinds as per Gheranda samhita. They are Sthula, Sukshma and
Jyotirmaya. Contemplating either on murthi (image) of one’s Guru or of God is
known as Sthula Dhyana. Dhayna in which the object is Kundalini (serpent power)
it is known as Sukshma dhyana. Jyotirmaya or Tejodhyana is said to be 100 times
superior to Sthula dhyana.
z Dhyana process carries in it four tools viz. Dhyaata (meditating person), Dheya
(what to meditate), Dhyana (function of meditation) and Dhyana ka phala (fruit of
meditation).
z Main contemporary trends of Meditation include Transcendental meditation,
Vipassana meditation and Sahajamarga meditation.
z Dhyana regulates and controls electrical and chemical activities in the brain, heart
rhythm, blood pressure, skin’s capacity of resistance and many such functions inside
the body. It is an active hypometabolic condition.
z The word Mudra is derived from the root ‘Muda harshane’. Mudras are those yogic
practices which bring joy and bliss, energy and enthusiasm.
z In mudra philosophy, thumb represents Agni (fire), the index finger represents Vayu
(air), the middle finger represents Akasha (space), the ring finger represents Prithvi
(earth), and the little finger represents Jala (water).

130 Yoga Assistant

Dhyana and Mudra MODULE – II
Contemporary Yoga
z Mudra classification includes Hasta mudra, Mana mudra, Kaya mudra, Bandha
mudra and Adhara mudra.

z The practice of Mudra directs the adjustment of intensity and direction of flow of
energy and thereby regulates different systems of the body.

Notes
TERMINAL QUESTIONS

Answer the following questions in about 150 words

1. Name the four branches of yoga.
2. Write a short note on any one of the contemporary trends of meditation.
3. Write the importance and benefits of Dhyana.
4. Write the relationship between panchamahabhuta and Yoga mudra.
5. Name five psychic gestures.

Answer the following questions in about 300 words

1. Write the classification of mudra with two examples each.

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS

8.1
1. Dhyana 2. False

3. 1. C 2. A 3. B 4. D

8.2
1. Saguna (concrete) meditation and Nirguna (abstract) meditation.

2. What to meditate 3. The Buddha

8.3
1. Kundalini 2. Tongue lock

3. Khechari Mudra and sambhavi mudra

8.4
1. Tadagi Mudra 2. Bandha 3. Adhara mudras

Yoga Assistant 131