Dhyāna (Limb 7)
Part 2 of the Three Part saṃyama
The second of the limbs discussed in Book III of the Yoga Sūtra—the 7th of the 8 limbs—is dhyāna—abstract, transformative reflection. It is the second of the three limbs described in Book III as what one does ‘with yama’ — saṃyama. These last three limbs are sometimes presented as something one does cross legged, with eyes closed. But the actual description of these three limbs together depict them as the activity of power building and research that allow a yogi to be prosperous.
tatra pratyayaika-tānatā dhyānam
tatra = in that (location), there
pratyaya = condition (from the verb root = ‘to go’ + prati ‘against, back’)
eka = one
tānatā = continuous, uninterrupted succession
dhyānam = reflection, especially profound and abstract
In that is the condition for the singular, uninterrupted reflection of a an abstract and transformative character.
(YS III.2)
Translation by Dr. Shyam Ranganathan. All Rights Reserved.
Book III where these three limbs are discussed is often depicted as one of the most confusing portions of the Yoga Sūtra. This has more to do with the assumptions people bring to the topic than the topic itself. If you wish to delve deeply into these three limbs, the practice of power and knowledge building, and the creation of prosperity, join Yoga Philosophy, Level 1, 100 Hour Certification Training.
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