What Is Meditation? A Yogic Perspective
Meditation is one of the most misunderstood yet transformative elements of the yogic path. It's often depicted as a serene practice reserved for the spiritually enlightened, but in truth, meditation is accessible to everyone, no matter your background, beliefs, or current mental state.
What Meditation Is (and Isn't)
Meditation, or dhyana, is the seventh limb of Patanjali's eight-limbed path of yoga. It is not the beginning of the journey, but rather the fruit of sustained effort through ethical living, physical postures (asana), breathwork (pranayama), and focused attention (dharana). It is a state of continuous awareness and connection to self, source, and the present moment.
Many common misconceptions stand in the way of starting or maintaining a meditation practice:
"My mind is too busy." Truthfully, everyone's is. Meditation isn't about stopping your thoughts; it's about witnessing them without attachment.
"I have to sit in silence for an hour." Not at all. Walking, breath-focused, mantra-based, and even cleaning meditations count.
"I'm not spiritual enough." Meditation meets you where you are. It can be secular, devotional, or anything in between.
"I should feel blissful or calm right away." Not necessarily. Often, sitting with our thoughts is uncomfortable. With time, compassion, and consistency, calm follows.
The Yogic Roots of Meditation
In the Yoga Sutras, meditation is preceded by dharana (concentration), where the practitioner focuses intently on a single point such as the breath, a mantra, or a candle flame. Over time, this effortful concentration leads to dhyana, an effortless, flowing state of attention. From there, one may experience samadhi, or liberation.
The Bhagavad Gita describes meditation as a form of devotion and discipline, stating: "When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place."
Incorporating Meditation into Modern Life
Meditation doesn't need to involve a silent retreat. It can be as simple as:
One minute of breath awareness before checking your phone
Repeating a mantra while making tea
A mindful walk without headphones
Sitting quietly after yoga or journaling
Even small moments of presence add up.
The Benefits of Meditation
Increased focus and memory
Reduced stress and anxiety
Greater emotional resilience and self-compassion
A stronger connection to the present moment
Insight and internal clarity
Try This
Journal Prompt #1: What's one belief I've held about meditation that I can let go of?
Journal Prompt #2: How can I make space for even two minutes of presence each day?
If you're interested in bringing more mindfulness into your yoga practice, try the Yoga Practice Journal. You can also learn more about meditation in the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training at True Love Yoga.
For more inspiration, visit the Deepen Your Yoga Practice podcast.
Meditation is not about perfection, but return. Come back again and again with compassion. That is the practice. That is the path.
